How often do you play tennis? And how often does your racquet need restringing? Tennis shops take days to do this for you depending on how busy they are. For this reason, it’s time you consider the Gamma Progression II 200.
This is among the most popular tennis racquet stringing machines on the market and the best-selling ones from Gamma. We’re sure you’ve heard of Gamma as their good name is often mentioned in the world of tennis. The quality and detail they put into their machines is something you can clearly see in this one, too.
If you’re on the market for a new stringing machine, you probably know how hard it is to find the right one. There are many things and factors you should consider before choosing one, so the whole search can sometimes become overwhelming.
There are numbers of reasons why the Babolat Pure Aero Play is a great choice. It analyzes your game and allows you to compare your results with other people through the mobile app it’s connected to. We can all agree that technology is quite important in tennis at this point. This racquet’s sensors and mobile app let you know of all the technical aspects, like how hard you’ve hit the ball.
The Gamma Progression II 200 is easy to use, so it’s what we often recommend to beginners who are just learning the skills of stringing. The technology and features it has make this one a safe choice. Plus, it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty and full-time tech support.
In order to know it better, we’ve tested the machine to see how it performs on different frames and strings. Continue reading to learn all about this one, its pros, cons, best features, and why exactly so many people opt for it.
- PERFECT STRING TENSION: Provides drop weight tensioning (8lb to 90lb) with a 360 steel bar turntable
- 2 POINT MOUNTING: Designed for quick, easy stringing, this machine uses a 2 point mounting system
- VERSATILE STRINGER: You can use this machine on tennis, racquetball, squash or badminton racquets
- TOOL TRAY: Keep all your restring tools within easy reach while you work with the built-in tray
- TOOL SET: Includes pathfinder awl, straight awl, hex wrenches, pliers, and diagonal cutter
Features and specifications:
Gamma is known for having many beginners’ machines to choose from that range from tension level to overall quality. However, this is probably their best entry level model so far. The reason why many people recommend it to beginners is its versatility and overall ease of use.
The Progression II 200 has a broad base design that’s spacious enough for all your tools and accessories you might need along the way. Another perk is that it comes with a tool tray and a mounting area that’s wide enough to make the entire process secure and straightforward.
It features a 2-point mounting system that helps keep frames in place during stringing. This isn’t the most secure way of doing as 6-point mounting is far more reliable, but it’s still good enough for at-home stringing. The machine also comes with a straight awl, Pathfinder, straight pliers, and hex wrenches.
This is a drop weight tensioning machine that offers a range of 8 to 90 lb. It has a turntable that rotates 360 degrees for maximum simplicity. This allows you to experiment with different tension levels as you practice until you find the one that works the best for you.
Now, this one isn’t suitable for professional use, and we would recommend it if you have a tennis shop. However, it’s ideal for quick stringing at home when you just don’t feel like waiting for the store to fix your strings. Plus, you can always adjust your friend’s racquets as well.
The great thing is that the machine comes with a United States Racquets Stringers Association tutorial. It’s a very detailed stringing guide that helps beginners learn the process in simple steps. If you’ve never used such a device, it’s recommended you peak at the tutorial. It’s a helpful guide that you’ll learn a lot from.
Another thing people like about this one is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s a limited warranty that covers any errors in craftsmanship and manufacturing. However, it doesn’t back up any problems caused by misuse of any way. You also get full-time technical support to help you should you have any issues with the Progression II 200.
Overall, it’s a durable and sturdy machine made of high-quality materials. It’s built from aluminum and steel, but it’s lightweight enough to allow effortless portability. It’s not one of those heavy machines you’d have to keep on your table at all times. This one can be stored away and brought back out whenever you need it.
Though there aren’t many colors to choose from, you still get to pick between two classics that are black and red. Both options have a shine to the paint job that’s durable and won’t show any signs of wear any time soon.
It’s also important to mention that this one works with more than just tennis racquets. You can string racquetball, squash and badminton racquets with it just as quickly and with the same accuracy. The size of the frames also doesn’t matter as the machine is adjustable.
The good:
- Versatile
- Easy to work with
- Lightweight
- Comes with several tools
The Bad:
- Has only two mounting points
Final verdict:
Stringing a racquet isn’t hard when you’ve got the right machine. If you’re a beginner, it’s essential you choose the one that’s easy to maneuver with before anything. As your skills grow, you can get bigger and better machines to string frames with better accuracy and precision.
However, if you’re at that entry level, you cannot go wrong with the Gamma Progression II 200. This machine is simple, and it comes with detailed instructions that make the process even easier than it seems. The entire thing is lightweight so you won’t have any issues with storing it either.
Get your favorite racquet and strings to experiment with different tensions. This kind of practice will help you gain more confidence in the work you’re doing and achieve more accuracy as you go. Plus, you’ll become quicker at it as you go, so don’t worry if the first time took you a few hours. This is a skill you’ve got to learn like every other.
Overall, it’s a great model for beginners who want to string their racquet from time to time. You’ll notice you’re getting better and better at it and before you know it, you’ll string your frame much quicker than the first time you did it. The tutorial and the tools it comes with will help you with that.
The Gamma Progression II 200 has the brand’s well-known quality and reliability. It’s worth all your attention as it’s one of the best-selling entry-level stringing machines on the market today.
- PERFECT STRING TENSION: Provides drop weight tensioning (8lb to 90lb) with a 360 steel bar turntable
- 2 POINT MOUNTING: Designed for quick, easy stringing, this machine uses a 2 point mounting system
- VERSATILE STRINGER: You can use this machine on tennis, racquetball, squash or badminton racquets
- TOOL TRAY: Keep all your restring tools within easy reach while you work with the built-in tray
- TOOL SET: Includes pathfinder awl, straight awl, hex wrenches, pliers, and diagonal cutter