What is the best tennis stringing machine on the market today? With the range of options available, it can be difficult to decide.

Your budget will impact the type of stringing machine you can buy, as will your circumstances. A tennis club will be looking for something different from a solo hobbyist for instance.

In this top 6 round-up, we have selected what we believe to be the most superior products across a range of functionality and price point.

For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below. For a dedicated buyer’s guide, plus in-depth reviews on each of our 6 choices, keep on reading.

Best Tennis Stringing Machine – Top 5

Tennis Stringing Machine Reviews

The different types of machines available differ in terms of build quality, durability, range of features, as well as the scope of warranty and of course cost.

Taking all the above and more into account, here’s the low down on 6 of the best currently available.

1. BEST DROP-WEIGHT MACHINE: Gamma X-2 Racquet Stringing Machine

This is a portable tabletop drop-weight machine set that comes fully kitted with 2 floating clamps, and uses a 2-point mounting system.

It also comes with a toolset that has hex wrenches, straight pliers, and 2 awls – the straight and pathfinder awls. The pliers feature a string cutter.

There is also an inbuilt padded tool tray for holding this toolset, while a complementary drawer system allows the user to store adaptors, along with additional non-proprietary stringing accessories.

Moreover, its durable design is a product of more than 2 decades of workmanship that have allowed the manufacturer to produce strong and durable, yet lightweight and portable tabletop machines.

This stringing machine is designed and manufactured by the Pittsburgh-based company, Gamma Sports, as part of its X-stringer series of tabletop restring machines that can be used to install strings in all forms of rackets used for playing badminton, squash, and tennis.

Its model number is MGXS00, while its model code is X2 to indicate that it comes with 2 mount points.

This machine is shipped in a partially-assembled state along with an instruction manual on how the user should assemble the parts to create a fully functional machine.

It is normally shipped in a package that is 35.8inches long, 12.4inches wide, and 9.8inches tall; and weighs about 24.6pounds.

Within this package are 3 different sets of high-quality proprietary tennis strings made by Gamma Sports, and a stringing guide that is approved by the U.S Racquet Stringers Association.

Its extrusion base is made from aluminum that is polished with a durable anodized finish. This base rests on 4 rubber feet which ensure that the machine has a firm grip on the surface where it is mounted.

Likewise, the gripping surfaces of the ratchet gripper is coated with diamond dust which minimizes abrasion and wears, while improving the grip and providing a durable grip surface.

The proprietary patented ratchet gripper is designed as parallel rotating jaws. The 2 composite flying clamps are designed to be used together to improve tension consistency of strings during stringing.

This model also comes with 2 racket support adapters; the thick profile adapter, and the thin profile adapter. The thick profile adapters allow for rackets with a wide head (large rackets) to be mounted, while standard rackets can be mounted onto the machine body using the thin profile adapters.

The drop-weight tensioning mechanism of this machine is fitted on a turntable capable of making a full turn of 360 degrees, while the front and back weights slide along the tension bar to generate string tension.

The use of 2 weights improves the accuracy of tension generation as compared to ordinary drop-weight machines, and this is why this X-2 model stands out among drop-weight machine models.

The tension bar of this model is secured to a tension bar drum which is then bolted to the string gripper drum, and this assembly is then pivoted on the winder stand.

Therefore, raising the tension bar, as well as sliding either the front or back weights (or both) allows the user to easily adjust the amount of string tension created.

This easy-to-use model can generate tension that ranges from 9pounds to 90pounds. Even so, the use of a 2-point mounting system makes it tedious for the user to shift from stringing the mains to stringing the crosses.

The manufacturer provides a limited lifetime guarantee that is restricted to parts repair and equipment replacement (if a defect can be traced to the manufacturing process or shipping).

Bottom-line

Gamma X-2 is a portable tabletop drop-weight machine set that comes fully kitted with 2 floating clamps and uses a 2-point mounting system.

It comes with a toolset that has hex wrenches, straight pliers, and 2 awls. There is also an inbuilt padded tool tray for holding this toolset. Its durable design is complemented with a hard-wearing finish.

Moreover, the use of high-quality materials and superb design technology allows the machine to generate tension that ranges from 9-90pounds.

Likewise, this affordable, low-maintenance machine is supported by a limited lifetime warranty. These features make the Gamma X-2 the best drop-weight stringing machine in this review.

• Related Content: Best bamboo fly rod for the discerning fisherman

2. BEST BUDGET MACHINE: Klippermate M100 Racket Stringing Machine

This is an affordable, entry-level tabletop drop-weight machine that comes with its own assembly toolkit. It has a 2-point mounting system, and uses floating steel clamps.

Its machine stand can be purchased separately, but this is not usually necessary if one is going to move around a lot with it. Its toolkit has a starter pin, stringer pliers, and stringers awl.

This portable model has a durable design, which is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of its builders. Likewise, it is strong and durable, yet lightweight.

This model is designed and manufactured by the US-based company, Klipper USA. Its model number is M100.

This model is shipped in a partially-assembled state along with an instruction manual. The shipping package weighs about 25 pounds and is 20inches long, 12inches wide, and 12inches tall.

Inside the package are 3 different sets of high-quality strings, along with a string guide.

The steel base of this model features a durable corrosion-resistant finish. Moreover, the gripping surfaces of its ratchet gripper are coated with wear-resistant, anti-abrasion material that improves beam grip, while providing a durable grip surface.

The color scheme of the fully-assembled unit is yellow-black.

The use of flying steel clamps allows this model to generate better tension consistency as compared to the Gamma X-2 model whose floating clamps are made of plastic-dense composite materials.

Relatedly, Klippermate, just like Gamma X-2, has a ratchet gripper that is made up of parallel rotating jaws.  Also, the use of paired steel clamps allowed for optimization of tension consistency, but this is largely dependent on the skillset of the user as this model is primarily a manual machine.

The drop-weight tensioning mechanism in this Klippermate model is fitted on a turntable, and it has a single hollow weight that slides along a tension bar to generate string tension.

This tension bar is secured to a tension bar drum which is then bolted to a proprietary Cam String Gripper.

This tension head assembly is secured on a stand that is fitted into the mount-base. As expected in this machine, raising the tension bar, as well as sliding the weight towards either ends of the bar allows the user to easily adjust the amount of string tension created. Even so, the accuracy of its tension generation does not match that provided by Gamma X-2.

This easy-to-use model can generate tension that ranges from 20pounds to 90pounds. This means that its range of tension is more limited as compared to the Gamma X2 machine. Moreover, the use of a 2-point mounting system makes the string process relatively tedious.

Klipper USA provides a limited lifetime warranty for this model.

Bottom-line

Klippermate M100 is an affordable, entry-level tabletop drop-weight machine that comes with its own assembly toolkit. It has a 2-point mounting system and uses floating steel clamps.

It also comes with a toolset. Its durable design is complemented with a durable finish. Moreover, the use of high-quality materials and superb design technology allows the machine to generate tension that ranges from 20-90pounds.

Additionally, this affordable, low-maintenance machine is supported by a limited lifetime warranty.

3. BEST CRANK MACHINE: Gamma Progression STII

This is a high-performance, tabletop manual crank stringing machine that uses a 6-point mounting system. It has a pair of fixed clamps.

It also comes with a toolset that has a hex wrench set, bent-nose pliers, straight pliers, diagonal cutters, a straight awl, and a pathfinder awl.

Moreover, there are 2 tool trays in the mount-base. As a springhead machine, it comes with a spring tension widener which is manually cranked to generate tension that pulls the strings in the racquet beam.

Another unique construction design feature is that the turntable of the machine body is raised from the mount-base by a column.

The tension headrail that holds the tension head assembly is also attached to this column, just below the turntable. This turntable comes with a locking brake, and the range of rotation is 360 degrees.

Again, this machine model is designed and manufactured by Gamma Sports, as part of the Progression STII series of portable lockout stringing machines. Its model number is MPST2.

A floor stand – which converts this tabletop model into a standalone model – can be purchased separately.

Just like other products made and packaged by Gamma Sports, this model is shipped in a partially-assembled state along with an instruction manual on how to assemble the components to build a functional machine.

It is normally shipped in a package that is 33inches long, 20inches wide, and 20inches tall; and weighs about 61pounds. This package also comes with are 3 different sets of high-quality, high-performance Gamma Sports strings, and an approved stringing guide.

The fully-assembled, ready-to-use machine weighs about 35pounds, and it is evidently much heavier than Gamma X-2, and can even be considered as a medium-weight portable stringing machine.

This machine uses quick-action swivel clamp bases to preserve string tension. Its extrusion base is made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant metal that is covered by a durable anodized finish.

This base rests on rubber feet which ensure that the machine has a firm grip on a flat work surface where it is mounted.

Moreover, the gripping surfaces of its slim-profile ratchet gripper are coated with diamond dust which minimizes abrasion and wears, while improving the grip and providing a durable grip surface. The color scheme of the fully-assembled unit is red-grey-black.

Just like in the Gamma X-2; the proprietary, patented ratchet gripper of this lockout machine is designed as parallel rotating jaws.

Gamma Progression STII MPST2 is an easy-to-use model that can generate tension that ranges from 9pounds to 90pounds.

This is generated by using the manual crank handle to unwind the spring tension widener which causes the pre-loaded spring to stretch and hold the string in the racket tautly. This string is wound on a proprietary rotational string guide that guides it to the diamond-coated linear string gripper.

On the machine body, the 6 V-shaped contact points of the quick-mount system secure the beam of the racket on the machine.

This ensures that the beam is neither twisted nor distorted when its string meshwork is pulled tightly by the tension body.

Additionally, this model strings faster, and more efficiently than the Gamma X-2 (recall that both are tabletop models made by the same company).

Nonetheless, for this model, Gamma Sports provides a limited 60-month warranty which is a comparatively shorter warranty period when compared to the limited lifetime guarantee of tabletop drop-weight models.

Bottom-line

Gamma Progression STII MPST2 is a high-performance, tabletop manual crank stringing machine that uses a 6-point mounting system and a has a pair of fixed clamps. It also comes with a toolset, and its mount-base holds 2 tool trays.

Its durable design is complemented with a hard-wearing finish. Moreover, use of high-quality materials and superb design technology allows the machine to generate tension that ranges from 9-90pounds. Additionally, it is backed up by a 60-months limited warranty.

4. Tourna 300-CS Stringing Machine

This is a premium-quality, high-performance standalone fully-kitted manual crank stringing machine that uses a self-leveling, 6-point mount system with the taut strings being held in place by double-action fixed clamps. Each clamp has 5 teeth.

This machine stands on 2 feet that rest on leveling pads. Along the column is the height-adjustable tool tray, and directly underneath the tray is a metallic reel holder that holds the racquet strings.

This model also comes with a toolset that has a wrench, a hex wrench set, pliers, a straight awl, and standard stringing tools.

This springhead machine comes with a high-quality spring tension winder which is manually cranked to generate tension.

There is also an accompanying tension scale calibrated in both pounds and kilograms, and it shows the user how much tension the tension system is generating at any time.

Additionally, as a 6-point mounting system, it comes with articulating sidearms. It is clear that this model is well-designed and well-tailored for stringing rackets, and this shows the high level of workmanship of its manufacturer, Tourna. Its model number is 300-CS.

This machine is shipped in a partially-assembled state in a package that weighs about 68.3pounds. This also means that it comes with an assembly and user guide that shows the user how to assemble the components into a functional machine, and how to get the most out of this equipment.

The fully-assembled, ready-to-use machine weighs about 64pounds, and this makes it much heavier than Gamma Progression STII MPST2, while its bulky nature makes it impractical for one or two people to carry from one worktable to the next.

It is for this reason that it has its own dedicated stand.

This model has a unique turntable which is raised off the mount-base by a column that also holds the tension headrail.

This octagonal turntable has a locking mechanism and its range of rotation is 360 degrees. It is made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant metal that is covered by a durable anodized finish.

In this machine, the rotating, dual-action swivel clamps clasp the tightened strings and preserve their tension.

These clamps can be adjusted easily using the proprietary easy finger-tip system that uses a cam-like mechanism to adjust the position of the clamps, as well as how tightly these clamps hold onto strings.

Additionally, the gripping surfaces of its slim-profile ratchet gripper is coated with hard-wearing materials that improve grip and provides a durable grip surface.

Another feature is the ratchet gripper which is designed as parallel rotating jaws. Relatedly the tension gripper uses a linear ball mechanism.

This standalone model is built for comfort and ease of use, and it generates tension that ranges from 9pounds to 102pounds.

This is generated by using the manual crank handle to unwind the spring tension widener. Evidently, this model can generate more tension than the 3 afore-reviewed models.

This machine benefits from a 24-month warranty, which is a pretty short duration as compared to the warranty offered to drop-weight machines and tabletop lockout machines.

Bottom-line

Tourna 300-CS is a premium-quality, high-performance standalone fully-kitted manual crank stringing machine that uses a self-leveling, 6-point mount system with the racket beam being held in place by double-action fixed clamps. Its durable construction features a hard-wearing finish.

Moreover, use of high-quality materials and premium design technology allows the machine to generate tension that ranges from 9-102pounds. Additionally, it is backed up by a 24-month limited warranty.

5. BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS: Prince NEOS 1000

This is a premium, high-performance standalone manual crank stringing machine with a 2-point contact system. It has 2 fixed zinc-alloy clamps that glide on parallel bars fitted atop the tool tray of the turntable. These clamps can be locked onto their bars by a single-action locking mechanism.

Its cross-shaped mount base creates 4 feet which rest on leveling pads, with the strong column secured into the base holding the machine body and tension head assembly in place.

Along this column is the height-adjustable tool tray, and the other tool tray is the top part of the turntable. Also, each contact point features a height-adjustable tip retainer which allows for both thick and thin racquet beams to fit into the contact system.

Even so, the use of a 2-point system does not sufficiently protect the racquet beam from twisting during stringing. It is for this reason that this model is recommended only for experienced users.

This compactly-built, well-designed machine is made by Prince, and its model number is NEOS 1000. Its replacement parts can still be scavenged from its upgraded variant, the NEOS 1500 model.

This machine is shipped in a partially-assembled state in a package that weighs about 80pounds. It is shipped alongside its protective cover, and an assembly and user guide.

The fully-assembled, ready-to-use machine weighs less than 80pounds, but it is still much heavier than Tourna 300-CS. It is for this reason that it has its own dedicated stand.

This springhead model comes with a high-quality spring tension winder that is manually cranked to generate tension. This is housed in the tension head assembly. The turntable is made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant metal that is covered by a durable anodized finish.

The ratchet gripper of this model is designed as parallel rotating jaws, and the gripping surfaces of its ratchet gripper is coated with hard-wearing materials that improve grip and provide a durable grip surface.

Relatedly the tension gripper uses a linear ball mechanism. Moreover, the tension head assembly can glide on the tension headrail and can be locked securely onto this rail using the sliding handle of the tension head.

This standalone model is built for comfort and ease of use. Tension is generated by using the manual crank handle to unwind the spring tension widener.

This lockout machine benefits from a 60-month limited warranty, and this warranty period is longer than that of Tourna 300-CS.

Bottom-line

Prince NEOS 1000 is a premium-grade, high-performance standalone manual crank stringing machine with a 2-point contact system.

It has 2 fixed zinc-alloy clamps that glide on parallel bars fitted atop the tool tray of the turntable. Also, its durable construction features a hard-wearing finish.

Moreover, use of high-quality materials and premium design technology allows the machine to be user-friendly and efficient in stringing tennis rackets. It is backed up by a 60-month limited warranty.

6. BEST ELECTRONIC MACHINE: Gamma 6004 Lockout Stringing Machine

This is a high-end, high-performance standalone manual crank stringing machine that uses a 6-point mounting system.

This mounting system uses self-centering suspension which makes the mounting process easy, and the racquet beam is held tightly in place. Its machine body can be raised from the default height of 36inches (above ground) to 48inches, hence making this machine easy to use for tall users.

It also has a pair of fixed clamps. Likewise, it comes with a toolset that has a hex wrench set, bent-nose pliers, straight pliers, diagonal cutters, a straight awl, and a pathfinder awl. There is also a height-adjustable tool-tray fitted along the vertical column.

This column is fitted in the cross-shaped base, which rests on four leveling pads. This machine is designed and manufactured by Gamma Sports. Its model number is 6004.

As a springhead machine, it comes with a spring tension widener which is manually cranked to generate tension that pulls the strings in the racquet beam.

This mechanism is housed in the tension head assembly which is fitted on a tension headrail. This rail is attached to the column just below the turntable. This turntable comes with a locking brake, and the range of rotation is 360 degrees.

Just like other products packaged by Gamma Sports, this model is shipped in a partially-assembled state along with an instruction manual.

It is normally shipped in a package that is 40inches long, 20inches wide, and 15inches tall; and weighs about 55pounds.

This package also comes with are 6 different sets of high-quality, high-performance Gamma Sports strings, and an approved stringing guide.

This model uses quick-action swivel clamp bases to preserve string tension. Its turntable is made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant metal that is covered by a durable anodized finish.

Additionally, the gripping surfaces of its slim-profile ratchet gripper are coated with diamond dust which minimizes abrasion and wears, while improving the grip and providing a durable grip surface. Moreover, its proprietary ratchet gripper is designed as parallel rotating jaws.

This easy-to-use springhead model can generate tension that ranges from 9pounds to 90pounds. This is generated by using the manual crank handle to unwind the spring tension widener which causes the pre-loaded spring to stretch and hold the string in the racket tautly.

This string is wound on a proprietary rotational string guide that guides it to the diamond-coated linear string gripper.

Gamma Sports provides a limited 60-month warranty which is comparable to that offered by Prince for its NEOS 1000 model.

Bottom-line

Gamma 6004 is a high-end, high-performance standalone manual crank stringing machine that uses a 6-point mounting system.

This mounting system uses self-centering suspension which makes the mounting process easy. It also has a pair of fixed clamps. Turntable height can be raised from 36inches to 48inches. Its durable construction features a hard-wearing finish.

Moreover, the use of high-quality materials and premium design technology allows the machine to generate tension that ranges from 9-90pounds. Additionally, it is backed up by a 60-month limited warranty.

Tennis Stringing Machine Buyer’s Guide

This machine aids in installing strings to the racket by performing 2 principal functions. To begin with, it holds the racket head in a mounted static (motionless) position so that strings can be installed through its grommets; and secondly, it tensions the installed strings while maintaining them (strings) in their proper conformational positions in the frame.

This means that strings are fitted to the frame in the right pattern and tensioned well so that the string meshwork is neither lax nor too tight to cause the beam to crack or fracture.

The process of stringing the racket using this machine is tedious and time-consuming at the beginning as one learns how to use the machine properly; but as one gains experience, then the stringing time shortens considerably while the quality of stringing increases significantly.

Therefore, the learning curve associated with using this machine is worthwhile, as it adds value to the skillset of the player who can now easily string his/her own rackets to professional standards. Even so, this is possible if a high-quality, well-designed stringing machine is used.

It is for this reason that one needs to consider the build quality, performance features, and price when choosing the best tennis stringing machine for his/her needs.

There are different types and models of stringing machines. Each is built to cater to specific stringing needs, as well as provide unique features at a particular price range.

Of these, the premium stringing machine usually offers a range of customization features that allow the user to string different types of rackets, including customized and branded ergonomic rackets.

Nonetheless, all machines share a number of basic features, and these are the basic parts that form a functional stringing machine.

Basically, a functional machine allows the user to string the mains first before stringing the crosses so as to create the tightly interlaced string meshwork. Expectedly, its parts must allow for this process to be done in an efficient manner.

Parts of a Tennis Stringing Machine

There are 3 main parts:

1. Tension head assembly.
2. Machine body.
3. Mount or floor stand.

Machine Body

The machine body holds the racquet frame in place. Its main components are the tennis clamp, side support, mounting stock, and the clamp base that is connected to paired mount-table tracks.

These components are fitted onto the mount-table (usually a turntable) that allows the racket frame to be turned around during stringing.

The most critical component in this machine body is the mounting system. This is made up of a number of contact mounts that securely hold the frame of the racket in place.

These contact points are located at the head and throat of the machine body in 4-point machines, while additional points are located in the paired arms of the 6-point machine.

Usually, the more contact points, the more securely the frame is held in place. Even so, an experienced user can still string a racket on a 2-point machine.

Expectedly, the most common number of contact points are 2, 4, and 6. The finish of these contact points is covered with protective plastic or rubber that limits wear and tear, as well as protect them from abrasion during use.

In addition, these contact mounts are adjustable and can be repositioned so that they can firmly lock onto the inner rim of the frame/beam.

Another important part of the machine body is the tennis clamp which holds the tensioned strings in place. In fact, stringing machine models are identified based on the type and orientation of their clamps.

Tension Head Assembly

This is the tensioning device of the stringing machine. A tension headrail connects it to the machine body. This rail has a stopper that prevents the tension head housing from sliding off the rail.

This (tension head) housing holds in place the string gripper, tension setting knob, locking lever, and head handle/crank as well as the tension display if available.

The string gripper clasps the string and allows for it to be pulled and tensed by the tension head up-to a specified tension level as set by the tension setting knob.

The mechanism of creating this tension is what categorizes stringing machines into different types which are described below. Right now, it can be mentioned that there are 3 tension options: drop-weight, manual cranking, and electronic mechanisms.

Mount/Stand

The tennis stringing machine stand or mount determines the nature of mobility and portability of the stringing machine. There are two types of mount:

Tabletop mount

This is fitted in portable machines that can be used on stable flat surfaces, including the countertop, tabletop, and desktop. In high-quality models, a tool tray drawer is fitted into the mount-base, and it can be drawn out during use, and thereafter be slid into the base.

Standalone mount

This is a sturdy mount that features a column and a mount base (or feet). At the top of the column is fitted the machine body and tension head assembly.

Also, a height-adjustable tool tray is fitted onto this column. Standalone models are pricier, yet more comfortable and easier to use as compared to tabletop models.

Moreover, standalone models allow for faster and more professional stringing as compared to tabletop models.

Types of Stringing Machines

The machine type is determined by its mechanism of creating tension in the tension head assembly. There are 3 types of machines:

Drop Weight Machine

These are the most inexpensive of the three types, and it uses a moveable weighted bar (or rod) to create tension. This weighted bar can be glided along the tension headrail, or it can be suspended from the tension head assembly by a cord.

For glided weights, the tension head needs to be moved away from, or towards the machine body; and thereafter clamped onto its rail when the desired tension has been achieved.

Drop weight models are usually low-maintenance machines, but the task of clamping and unclamping the weights when changing from the main stringing to cross stringing makes the process tedious and time-consuming.

Manual Crank Machine

This machine is also called a lockout or spring head machine. Its tension head assembly features a spring-loaded crank.

When the crank is turned, a pre-loaded spring is stretched or its tension eased depending on whether one wants to increase or decrease the string tension.

Once the desired string tension is achieved; a locking mechanism is engaged. Even though this machine requires more manual effort as compared to the drop weight model, it allows for faster and more accurate stringing. We’ll now look at the manual crank against the electronic machine.

Electronic Machine

The electronic machine uses a computerized electrical motor to generate string tension. It features a tension display that shows how much tension the machine is generating at any particular time, while control buttons allow one to set the required tension.

As expected, this machine allows for the fastest and most accurate stringing as compared to the other 2 types described above.

• Related Content: Best croquet set for both children and adults in 2021

How to Choose the Best Tennis Stringing Machine

There are many things to consider when choosing a tennis stringing machine. One of the first is the intended use.

For instance, is this machine for personal use in which case a drop weight machine would suffice, or is it for commercial stringing in tennis tournaments in which case the constant-pull electronic machine is recommended.

Basically, the intended use determines the type of machine that you need.

The next factor to consider is the allocated budget, which would narrow the search to machines priced within your budget limits.

You can further narrow down the search by choosing those machines with quality build designs. Thereafter, you can check the durability and range of customization that these machines offer.

This allows you to further narrow down your choice to a set of machines that are best suited for your needs without compromising on performance and product quality.

The next consideration regards the degree of portability that you need. This allows you to choose between a standalone and a tabletop model.

You can also check the clamps. Thereafter, you need to choose a model whose mounting system best suits your needs.

Another important consideration is the warranty. These machines are prone to malfunction, and it is prudent to have a warranty that covers you in such a case.

Likewise, you should check what your warranty covers, with your goal set on choosing a machine whose warranty covers part replacements, repairs, and replacement of the whole machine if it is damaged beyond repair during the warranty period.

This also mandates you to purchase your machine from an authorized distributor, which also protects you from purchasing counterfeit or cheap knock-off machines.