Best Tennis Stringing Machine

Master the Art of Tennis Stringing: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide to Selecting the Right String Machine for Your Game
Written by Mark Sampson
Last updated on

Owning a tennis stringing machine is crucial for tennis players who want consistent and reliable string jobs on their rackets. A stringing machine enables players to customize the tension, string type, and pattern of their racket strings to enhance their game performance. It also saves time and money by allowing players to string their rackets at home rather than depending on a professional stringer. But what is the best tennis stringing machine for your budget?

When buying a tennis string machine, there are three main attributes to consider: the mounting system, the tensioner, and the type of machine (tabletop or standing).

The mounting system affects stability and safety when stringing the racket, while the tensioner determines the accuracy and speed of the string job. Choosing between a tabletop or standing machine depends on personal needs, budget, and space requirements.

By considering these three attributes, you can select a tennis string machine that meets your needs and helps you achieve a consistent and reliable string job.

The Best Tennis Stringing Machine

Here are our top picks for every budget.

Gamma Progression II ELS

The Gamma ELS Stringer is an electronic constant pull tensioner tennis stringing machine. Electronic machines are better than the more basic stringer models listed below because of their precision. You won’t have to worry about accuracy with this model.

best tennis stringer for racquet

The Progression ELS includes a pathfinder awl, straight awl, hex wrench set, straight pliers, and multiple sets of actual strings. The machine provides from 9 to 90 pounds of constant tension and has 360-degree turntable rotation with a locking brake. Additional features include 9 memory settings, a foot pedal option, and fixed clamps that hold racquet frames securely in place.

Many high-end stringing machines come with stands, but this one does not. You’ll have to set it on a table to use it. The lack of a stand does make the machine a bit cheaper and more portable than standup models. Overall, the ELS offers professional-level stringing quality.

Gamma is one of our favorite tennis equipment brands – they make great ball carts and hoppers too.

Gamma X-6 Stringer

If your budget doesn’t have room for a an expensive stringer, take a long look at the more affordable Gamma X-6 stringer. This one’s actually the best-selling stringer on Amazon, by a mile. And it’s quite a bit cheaper than the Progression ELS.

cheap stringing machine

The Gamma stringing machine has been on the market for more than 15 years, making it an established commodity in the tennis stringing machine field. It features a 6-point Quick Mount system that adjusts easily to any size racquet frame and diamond-coated, swivel string clamps with a self-locking knob.

There are two similar products here, the X-6 and the X-6FC. The difference is that the X-6FC, as its name suggests, has fixed clamps, while the X-6 has floating string clamps. The X-6FC may be superior in terms of ease of use and ability to precisely establish proper string tension. But both are outstanding choices at the mid-point price range that most casual and regular tennis players can afford.

The X-6 will require a bit more effort than the electronic X-ELS model, of course, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better stringer in this price range.

Klippermate Racquet Stringing Machine

You can find a number of cheap or affordable stringing machines, but finding a good one at that price point is a challenge. We’ll make it easy for you: Consider the Klippermate Tennis Racquet Stringer.

klippermate stringing machine review

This machine is durable, affordable, and comes with all the tools you need. As noted above, the clamps are a hugely important part of any tennis stringing machine, and the Klippermate’s clamps are made of steel rather than plastic or aluminum, which is why it has been proven to last several years after repeated use.

Other key points to note: This machine is made in the USA, and it features a 30-day money back guarantee as well as a lifetime warranty for parts and a very detailed set of instructions. Initially, the first couple of string jobs may take some time, but once you get the process down, you’ll be able to restring a racket with this machine in well under an hour.

Choosing the Right Type of Tennis String Machine

Choosing the right type of tennis string machine is essential to achieve a consistent and reliable string job. In this section, we will discuss the factors that you need to consider when selecting the right type of tennis string machine for your needs.

Quality vs. Price

When it comes to choosing a tennis string machine, it’s essential to strike a balance between quality and price. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option available, it’s important to note that extremely cheap machines may not provide the necessary features and durability needed for consistent stringing. On the other hand, high-end machines may have features that are beyond your needs and may be expensive. A balance between quality and price is the key to getting a machine that meets your needs while being affordable.

Choosing a high-quality machine can save you money in the long run. While it may cost more upfront, it will likely last longer and provide better results. Additionally, high-quality machines may come with additional features like a digital tensioner, which can improve accuracy and consistency. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re not paying for features that you don’t need.

On the other hand, choosing a low-quality machine can be a waste of money. It may not provide accurate tensioning, be difficult to use, and break easily. Replacing a low-quality machine can end up costing more in the long run.

Tabletop vs Standing Machine

You’ll have to decide whether to go for a tabletop or standing machine. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on your needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each option.

Tabletop Machines

Pros:

  • Cheaper than standing machines.
  • Ideal for home use or beginners.
  • Easy to move and store due to their compact size.

Cons:

  • Require a stable surface to place them on.
  • Can be less stable and sturdy than standing machines.

Standing Machines

Pros:

  • More professional and durable than tabletop machines.
  • Provide a more stable base for stringing the racket.
  • Save space by eliminating the need for a separate surface.

Cons:

  • More expensive than tabletop machines.
  • May have a steeper learning curve for beginners.

Ultimately, the choice between a tabletop or standing machine will come down to your needs and budget. Tabletop machines are an excellent option for home users or beginners who are looking for a more affordable and portable option. However, they require a stable surface to place them on, which can be a limiting factor.

Standing machines, on the other hand, are more professional and provide a more stable base for stringing the racket. They save space by eliminating the need for a separate surface, making them an ideal choice for professional stringers or those with limited space. However, they tend to be more expensive than tabletop machines, and their larger size may be a limiting factor for some.

Mounting System

The mounting system is an essential factor to consider. You have the option of choosing between a two-point or six-point mounting system. The choice between these two systems will depend on your needs and preferences.

A two-point mounting system is the most common type of mounting system found in lower-end tennis string machines. This system involves securing the racket using two clamps located at opposite ends of the machine. While two-point systems are often less expensive than six-point systems, they can be less stable and secure, particularly when stringing thicker gauges of string.

On the other hand, a six-point mounting system offers greater stability and safety when stringing a racket. This system involves using six clamps to secure the racket to the machine, providing a more even distribution of tension throughout the racket frame. Six-point systems are ideal for stringing thicker gauges of string, as they offer a more secure grip on the racket.

However, six-point mounting systems tend to be more expensive than two-point systems. If you’re a beginner or stringing rackets for personal use, a two-point mounting system may be sufficient for your needs. But, if you’re a professional stringer or frequently string rackets with thicker gauges of string, investing in a six-point mounting system may be a worthwhile investment.

Tensioner

The tensioner is a critical component of a tennis string machine. It’s responsible for setting and maintaining the correct string tension of the racket. When choosing a tennis string machine, you’ll need to decide between three types of tensioners: drop weight, crank, and electric.

Drop weight tensioners are the most basic and inexpensive type of tensioner. They operate by attaching weights to a lever that pulls on the string, setting the desired tension. Drop weight tensioners are slow and require manual adjustment, making them the least accurate option. However, they are an excellent choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.

Crank tensioners are a step up from drop weight tensioners. They are faster and more accurate, with a gear system that allows for more precise tensioning. Crank tensioners are more expensive than drop weight tensioners but are still within a reasonable price range for most users. They are a good choice for intermediate users who are looking for more accuracy and speed.

Electric tensioners are the most advanced and expensive type of tensioner. They use an electronic motor to adjust and maintain the correct tension, making them the most accurate and fastest option. Electric tensioners are ideal for professional stringers or those who frequently string rackets and need a high level of accuracy and efficiency.

The Importance of the Operator in Tennis Stringing

While selecting the right tennis string machine is important, the person operating the machine is equally crucial to the quality of the string job. No matter how advanced or expensive the machine is, if the person operating it doesn’t have the necessary skills and experience, the results will be subpar.

Stringing a tennis racket requires a certain level of knowledge and technique, which can only be acquired through practice and experience. As you gain experience, you’ll develop a better understanding of how the machine works, the proper techniques for setting the tension, and how to properly string the racket. This will enable you to achieve better and more consistent results, regardless of the type of machine you’re using.

It’s also essential to pay attention to the details when stringing a racket. Even minor errors in tension, string placement, or knot tying can affect the performance of the racket. By taking the time to do the job correctly and paying attention to detail, you can ensure that the racket is strung correctly and performs at its best.

To help beginners get started, we’ve shared a basic stringing video below to provide an overview of the process and tips for achieving a quality string job. With the right equipment, techniques, and practice, you can take your tennis game to the next level!