Buying a good stringing machine is a sizeable investment, but these five models will yield profitable returns.

By David Bone

For anyone who believes that buying a stringing machine is too expensive a proposition, consider this: If you string two racquets per month at a savings of $20 each (a conservative estimate), that’s $480 a year. It’s an investment serious players can’t afford to miss, especially if they don’t have access to a skilled and dependable stringer. To give you a better idea of what to look for in a stringing machine, here are five options in different price ranges.

Silent Partner e.Stringer $279
Rather than turning a hand crank to pull the string to the desired tension, electric stringing machines do the work for you. This is the least expensive option available without compromising in the quality department. Its small size, light weight, and tabletop design make it portable, which comes in handy if you’re traveling to tournaments. The e.Stringer’s biggest weakness is its floating clamps. These devices attach to two strings at a time to hold tension, but they lack the stability of clamps that also attach to the machine. Still, the e.Stringer is an excellent option for someone hoping to test the waters of stringing without having to spend big bucks.
www.sptennis.com

Prince Neos 1000 $1,099
Like a classic racquet, this workhorse has been a popular choice among stringers for about 15 years. It’s a manual machine, so you have to pull the tension yourself, and the four-point mounting system allows you to secure the frame with two quick pulls of a lever. The Neos’ string clamps are unlike the others covered here because they attach to the machine on movable glide bars. This makes them a little quicker to use because you have to lock only one lever (instead of two) on each clamp to hold a string in place. Put all this together and it’s easy to see why the Neos 1000 has been the choice of serious stringers.
www.princetennis.com

Gamma 5003 $999
The 5003 is a versatile machine that comes with a stand and doesn’t require electricity—you pull tension by turning a hand crank—so you can use it anywhere. You have the option of buying either a two- or six-point mounting system (which is $799). More mounts means a more secure hold, but navigating the added obstacles can slow your stringing. If speed is a priority, get the two-point option. This is a great machine to consider if you don’t want to break the bank but are looking for professional-grade results.
www.gammasports.com

Babolat Star 5 $3,000
The Star 5’s tensioning system sets it apart. A built-in prestretch feature allows you to pull strings at a higher tension before dropping down to your desired number. The extra initial stretching can help many types of strings, such as polyester and natural gut, hold their tension better over time. The Star 5 is easy to use, too. Just secure the frame in the six-point mounting system and place your finger on a metal sensor (no button-pushing necessary), and the machine starts pulling the string to the desired tension. If something goes wrong with the tensioning system, it can be removed from the machine (unusual for electric stringers) and sent in for repairs. If you like your toys high-tech, check out the Star 5.
www.babolat.com

Tecnifibre TF-7000 $6,000
This model will satisfy any professional stringer. Besides having the most sophisticated stringing technology of this group, the TF-7000 has an adjustable stand and an optional cabinet for supplies. Instead of turning a knob to set the tension or pushing a single button, there’s a numerical keypad that lets you punch in your desired tension. Another nice feature is the knot-tensioning function: Whenever you tie a knot at the end of a piece of string, there’s a short section at the very end that doesn’t get tension, but this machine has a button that puts extra tension on the last string to compensate for the knot for a more consistent string job. The TF-7000 is a hefty investment, but for finicky stringers or high-volume pro shops, you get a lot for your money.
www.tecnifibre.com