starting clamps

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Any good source for a starting clamp?   I see a lot from China, but not sure I want to go there.

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Bill,

I’ve used the Alpha starting clamp for a number of years. (New Tech Tennis) It’s a little wider than my other clamps and quite strong so I use it mostly on poly string but I’ve never had a problem when I’ve used it with syn gut. My favorite is the clamp that the GSS store sold but I’m not sure where or if they are available.

  • Tim Strawn
    You’re right Eldon, the GSS/IART clamps were great clamps. They were sourced from China and once the store closed that was the end of that source. I’m not sure if anyone else has that same clamp for sale
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Hi Bill,

I am fortunate to have older Babolat starting clamps.  I also have one that came with a Wilson stringing machine that I mostly use for a string extender.  This Wilson one is nothing fancy but it has worked just fine.  Looking at the photo of the Alpha version, it looks very good.  The Pros Pro version looks good too.  Gamma sells them as well which looks better now than the one they had many years ago.  You can’t go wrong with a Babolat starting clamp.  Babolat clamps usually have a higher price.

Here are some links including the Alpha clamp at New Tech.

https://newtechtennis.com/alpha-starting-clamp-asc-tennis-accessories-clamps.html

https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Alpha_Starting_Clamp/descpageALPHA-ASTC.html

https://www.racquetdepot.co.uk/babolat-starting-clamp/

https://www.wdstrings.com/pros-pro-starting-clamp/

  • Albert Murata
    Great references Roger. I heard that the Gamma clamp has a weaker spring than the Alpha. The Gamma has two textured plates inserted in each side of its jaws and the Alpha is all one-piece. I haven’t tried the Pros Pro, String Lab, or Kimony clamps but I do have the original Babolat clamps that are still going strong after 29 years. Might be worth it if you plan to string racquets for a while! :) Also, you should consider investing in two clamps. You can use one for overall stringing and the other one dedicated as a bridge when needed. It’s also useful to have two clamps when you manually pre-stretch strings.
  • Roger Gough
    Albert… you need a Yonex starting clamp….you’re missing out. Actually those are very good for hand pre-stretching. Actually…. hand pre-stretch vs machine pre-stretch which is better or preferred? I like hand better than machine. More consistent end result.
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Thanks Roger for the leads. I’ll check those out today.

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Thanks Eldon,

Looks like China might be the main source. I’ll look up Alpha and Gamma. I appreciate it.

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Forgot about these….

This one sold by G&G is a new one.  Call John at G&G for more info.

https://www.gutsandglorytennis.com/pro-stringer

The Kimony starting clamp is another option.  Yonex has a similar version.

http://kimonyusa.com/tools.html

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Hi Bill

One further option could be the starting clamps supplied by Stringlab in Italy, see link below,

String Accessories – Page 2 – StringLab

I’ve been using them for many years they are very good!

David

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I’ve used quite a few different ones in my life, and I find the following:

Yonex/Kimony are undoubtedly the best, but by far the most expensive;

Alpha is very reasonably priced, covers the largest area, and grips quite well;

Babolat and Tecnifibre are outstanding;

I had an Eagnas one that was horrible: didn’t grip well at all.

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