On the earth of stringing machines, there are three fundamental sorts that you just’ll see in use. Excessive-end electrical gadgets that you just’ll see in motion at tournaments, crank-operated machines sometimes utilized by house or membership stringers, and drop-weight machines additionally typically reserved for the house stringer.

Nonetheless, in recent times, some alternate options have cropped up designed to make stringing machines extra transportable. First, there was the MiStringer and never lengthy after got here the EasyStringer.

The Easystringer began as a pistol-type tensioner however has undergone a number of iterations because it launched, and the brand new Model 7 mannequin has modified to a tool that sits on a desk and has a deal with that you just pull rigidity with.

Priced at €289 plus delivery, I bought one to see if it’s any good and the way it compares to different stringing machines I’ve used. Do observe: you’ll probably pay import costs for those who’re exterior the EU. 

Let’s have a look.

What’s the EasyStringer?

The EasyStringer is a light-weight, compact, non-electronic stringing machine for tennis or badminton rackets.

It makes use of a singular tensioner the place the top acts as a help mechanism for the racket. The string is held underneath rigidity always, and extra rigidity might be utilized when mandatory.

It will probably pull as much as 30kg (66 lbs) rigidity and can be utilized on any tabletop as you repair the mounting body for the racket with a G clamp.

What’s Included When You Purchase the EasyStringer?

Your buy of the EasyStringer comes with the next:

Whereas this provides you most issues required to string a racket, additionally, you will want a number of different instruments to finish the job, together with a beginning clamp, needle-nosed pliers, and string cutters.

I’d advocate EasyStringer add these to an equipment package which might be bought as an add-on at checkout.

The gadgets arrived well-packaged, and I used to be impressed with the construct high quality after I unpacked them.

The tensioner is tremendous gentle however feels very nicely made and completed with decent-quality nuts and bolts. It additionally seems straightforward to service ought to one thing want tightening, loosening or adjusting.

Utilizing the EasyStringer

Step one when utilizing the EasyStringer is to clamp the mounting body to your desk utilizing the equipped G-Clamp.

The equipped clamp will match most tables, however you probably have one which’s notably thick, you’ll in all probability want a clamp with a bigger jaw.

As soon as the bracket is safe, you’ll be able to mount the racket on the two-point mounting system. When safe, you might be prepared to begin stringing.

EasyStringer bundled in a 12ft piece of string to make use of (unsure which), and that’s the one I made a decision to placed on the Artengo TR960 Precision racket I used to be stringing.

The YouTube movies present the mains being began with a beginning clamp and one aspect of the mains being accomplished earlier than doing the following. I’ve by no means executed that earlier than, as I used to be taught to steadiness the strain throughout the body evenly, however I made a decision to repeat this technique.

On the primary couple of pulls, I assumed I used to be in for a nasty day because it felt just like the tensioner was on ice skates and needed to slip throughout the desk as quickly as any rigidity was utilized. 

Nonetheless, a rubber mat quickly fastened that and from there, stringing was comparatively easy.

Sometimes, I take advantage of fastened clamps when stringing, so utilizing two flying clamps required some getting used to, and I didn’t fairly know whether or not I’d received them tight sufficient.

The earlier variations of the EasyStringer have been designed like a fast clamp, the place you pumped the set off to use rigidity. This requires a number of squeezes of the set off to use the right rigidity, which, whereas a very good grip power exercise, was fairly tiring.

The brand new mannequin is completed with only one pull, and upon getting mastered placing the string within the gripper, it’s a fast course of.

The opposite advantage of the Easystringer is that it’s always holding the string underneath rigidity, and you’ll re-add rigidity ought to it drop.

For instance, for those who pull to 55 lbs however then push right down to take away some slack on the earlier strings, you’ll discover that the strain studying on the strain head drops; you’ll be able to then add some extra rigidity to convey it again as much as 55 lbs.

This provides you a bonus over a lockout machine, which solely holds the string as soon as rigidity is reached; it isn’t always holding rigidity.

The EasyStringer, nonetheless, works like a drop weight machine, so it’s basically a guide fixed pull machine and, when used appropriately, will provide you with a extra constant stringbed rigidity than a crank-operated lockout machine.

Aside from that, there are not any different actual nuances to utilizing the EasyStringer; weaving the crosses is a bit trickier than standard as a result of mounting bracket sitting fairly near the body, however you quickly get used to it.

My first try at stringing with the EasyStringer took me 50 minutes, working leisurely. I selected to string the racket at 40 lbs (18 kg), and about half-hour after completion; I measured 37 lbs on my ERT300 and 37.5 utilizing the Tennis Pressure app 👍 fairly good outcomes.

What Might EasyStringer Do Higher?

There aren’t any complete directions or video guides for utilizing the EasyStringer V7.0. No directions are included within the field both.

Whereas this wasn’t an enormous drawback for me as I’m competent at stringing, for those who’re an entire novice stringer, I believe you might be in for a tough time making an attempt to determine how you can get began.

The EasyStringer staff have some movies on YouTube, however these are brief and poorly edited, so they don’t seem to be one thing you’ll be able to observe.

For instance, the video reveals a beginning clamp is required (which isn’t included in your buy) and stringing all the aspect of the mains earlier than the opposite, which is usually not beneficial because of all the strain being on one half of the racket.

They should make a full-length video exhibiting organising the EasyStringer, mounting the racket, adjusting the floating clamps after which stringing a racket with it from begin to end, not doing one fundamental, then slicing to a different clip the place the racket is sort of executed.

Full-length, with working commentary or subtitles to indicate the nuances of this machine, can be much more useful.

I additionally suppose utilizing a rubber mat (or making the toes rubber) on the tabletop can be a very good addition. It made the machine far safer for me, and with out it, I felt just like the plastic toes have been too slippy straight on varnished wooden or laminate.

One other thought I assumed might be useful when stringing was including some weaving software for the crosses; one thing just like the Stringway MK2 Cross stringing software can be useful.

I additionally suppose the flying clamp high quality might be improved. I’d like two triple clamps for tensioning the mains symmetrically and a double clamp for the crosses.

Are Transportable Stringing Machines Just like the EasyStringer Value It?

For me, the EasyStringer is sensible for the next eventualities:

Purely on dimension and weight, the EasyStringer might be a sensible choice for travelling tennis gamers.

You possibly can’t beat this feature for those who go overseas for a month and wish to restring your rackets on the transfer. It’s sufficiently small to suit underneath the entrance seat of an aeroplane and also will slip right into a checked bag. Simply bear in mind you’ll be able to’t take instruments in a carry-on.

It’s additionally a wonderful alternative for gamers on the decrease ranges who select to string their rackets moderately than pay the on-site stringers.

Stringing prices mount up rapidly, and outdoors flights and lodging might be one in every of a participant’s most vital bills over a yr, particularly in the event that they break strings or require a number of rackets per match.

When you develop into au fait with this machine, you’ll be capable to full a string job in half-hour, so it’s one thing you could possibly do in a lodge room on a night with out problem.

Exterior of the portability angle, the EasyStringer can also be a very good purchase for individuals who don’t have a ton of house to maintain a full-size stringing machine completely in situ.

With the EasyStringer, you’ll be able to pack it within the carry bag and maintain it in a drawer. So it’s a wonderful resolution if house is at a premium otherwise you don’t need your front room internet hosting a Wilson Baiardo.

What Different Stringing Machines Ought to I Contemplate?

Beforehand, I used to be a fan of the MiStringer, which I nonetheless use with zero issues, however their customer support fell off a cliff, so I can’t advocate them anymore. I’m not even certain if they’re fulfilling orders.

I’m advised that the US a part of the enterprise needed to take care of well being issues, and the EU aspect is getting all of it sorted. Whether or not this materialises is one other matter, however I maintain checking because the product is nice if they’ll help it.

Now, EasyStringer successfully has the market cornered in terms of transportable stringing machines, as there aren’t many different choices, so for me, that is presently your best option.

Relating to non-portable alternate options, I believe a tabletop drop-weight machine with fastened clamps for many beginner stringers is barely higher for studying the approach and a bit simpler to make use of total.

If somebody requested me the next, “I’m new to stringing and wish to study to string for myself + others, what machine ought to I get?” they usually had a flexible-ish price range with no house constraints, I’d level them within the course of a Gamma Development II 602FC or a Stringway MS140. The Stringway can also be semi-portable because it solely weighs 7kg.

Model new, the Progressions II 6-2FC prices €800, nearly 3 times the EasyStringer worth making it a lot much less engaging. Nonetheless, I believe it’s an honest purchase if you will discover one used.

Should you plan to simply string for your self and are in search of a stable stringing machine at an honest worth, then the EasyStringer can be one on my shortlist.

Closing Ideas

After stringing two rackets on the EasyStringer, I believe it’s an honest little bit of package, and I’ll be utilizing it once more sooner or later.

The tensioner is an effective design and works nicely. I like that the tensioner pushes up in opposition to the body, appearing as a mounting level however straight over the place you might be pulling rigidity.

I wasn’t stringing excessive, however I didn’t discover any deformation as you successfully reapply the drive you pull on the string again in opposition to the body like an equal and reverse action-reaction pair of forces.

I’d say having earlier stringing expertise is a pre-requisite. Nonetheless, hopefully, EasyStringer can produce extra movies that may assist somebody with out prior information familiarize yourself with it.

One different good factor from what I can see is that EasyStringer is continually making an attempt new issues; that is the seventh model of their stringer over a comparatively brief time, so it wouldn’t shock me if they’ll enhance this product much more.

Relating to help, guarantee, customer support, and so forth., I can’t remark as I’ve not wanted any help.

Nonetheless, the ordering and supply course of was easy, and the machine arrived through UPS every week after I positioned the order.

Execs

Cons

Have you ever used the EasyStringer? Do you may have any questions or opinions concerning the product? Let me know within the feedback.