In the world of stringing machines, there are three main types that you’ll see in use. High-end electric devices that you’ll see in action at tournaments, crank-operated machines typically used by home or club stringers, and drop-weight machines also generally reserved for the home stringer.
However, in recent years, some alternatives have cropped up designed to make stringing machines more portable. First, there was the MiStringer and not long after came the EasyStringer. Channel To Beam Strut Clamp
The Easystringer started as a pistol-type tensioner but has undergone several iterations since it launched, and the new Version 7 model has changed to a device that sits on a table and has a handle that you pull tension with.
Priced at €289 plus shipping, I purchased one to see if it’s any good and how it compares to other stringing machines I have used. Do note: you will most likely pay import charges if you’re outside the EU.
Let’s take a look.
The EasyStringer is a lightweight, compact, non-electronic stringing machine for tennis or badminton rackets.
It uses a unique tensioner where the end acts as a support mechanism for the racket. The string is held under tension constantly, and additional tension can be applied when necessary.
It can pull up to 30kg (66 lbs) tension and can be used on any tabletop as you fix the mounting frame for the racket with a G clamp.
Your purchase of the EasyStringer comes with the following:
While this gives you most things required to string a racket, you will also need a few other tools to complete the job, including a starting clamp, needle-nosed pliers, and string cutters.
I would recommend EasyStringer add these to an accessories kit which can be purchased as an add-on at checkout.
The items arrived well-packaged, and I was impressed with the build quality when I unpacked them.
The tensioner is super light but feels very well made and finished with decent-quality nuts and bolts. It also looks easy to service should something need tightening, loosening or adjusting.
The first step when using the EasyStringer is to clamp the mounting frame to your table using the supplied G-Clamp.
The supplied clamp will fit most tables, but if you have one that’s particularly thick, you’ll probably need a clamp with a larger jaw.
Once the bracket is secure, you can mount the racket on the two-point mounting system. When secure, you are ready to start stringing.
EasyStringer bundled in a 40ft/12m piece of string to use (not sure which), and that’s the one I decided to put on the Artengo TR960 Precision racket I was stringing.
The YouTube videos show the mains being started with a starting clamp and one side of the mains being completed before doing the next. I’ve never done that before, as I was taught to balance the tension across the frame evenly, but I decided to copy this method.
On the first couple of pulls, I thought I was in for a bad day as it felt like the tensioner was on ice skates and wanted to slide across the table as soon as any tension was applied.
However, a rubber mat soon fixed that and from there, stringing was relatively straightforward.
Typically, I use fixed clamps when stringing, so using two flying clamps required some getting used to, and I didn’t quite know whether I’d got them tight enough.
The previous versions of the EasyStringer were designed like a quick clamp, where you pumped the trigger to apply tension. This requires multiple squeezes of the trigger to apply the correct tension, which, while a good grip strength workout, was quite tiring.
The new model is done with just one pull, and once you have mastered putting the string in the gripper, it’s a quick process.
The other benefit of the Easystringer is that it’s constantly holding the string under tension, and you can re-add tension should it drop.
For example, if you pull to 55 lbs but then push down to remove some slack on the previous strings, you’ll notice that the tension reading on the tension head drops; you can then add some more tension to bring it back up to 55 lbs.
This gives you an advantage over a lockout machine, which only holds the string once tension is reached; it isn’t constantly holding tension.
The EasyStringer, however, works like a drop weight machine, so it is essentially a manual constant pull machine and, when used correctly, will give you a more consistent stringbed tension than a crank-operated lockout machine.
Other than that, there are no other real nuances to using the EasyStringer; weaving the crosses is a bit trickier than usual due to the mounting bracket sitting pretty close to the frame, but you soon get used to it.
My first attempt at stringing with the EasyStringer took me 50 minutes, working leisurely. I chose to string the racket at 40 lbs (18 kg), and about 30 minutes after completion; I measured 37 lbs on my ERT300 and 37.5 using the Tennis Tension app 👍 pretty good results.
There aren’t any comprehensive instructions or video guides for using the EasyStringer V7.0. No instructions are included in the box either.
While this wasn’t a massive problem for me as I’m competent at stringing, if you’re a complete novice stringer, I think you are in for a hard time trying to figure out how to get started.
The EasyStringer team have some videos on YouTube, but these are short and poorly edited, so they are not something you can follow.
For example, the video shows a starting clamp is required (which is not included in your purchase) and stringing the entire side of the mains before the other, which is generally not recommended due to all the tension being on one half of the racket.
They need to make a full-length video showing setting up the EasyStringer, mounting the racket, adjusting the floating clamps and then stringing a racket with it from start to finish, not doing one main, then cutting to another clip where the racket is almost done.
Full-length, with running commentary or subtitles to show the nuances of this machine, would be far more helpful.
I also think using a rubber mat (or making the feet rubber) on the tabletop would be a good addition. It made the machine far more secure for me, and without it, I felt like the plastic feet were too slippy directly on varnished wood or laminate.
Another idea I thought could be helpful when stringing was adding some weaving tool for the crosses; something like the Stringway MK2 Cross stringing tool would be helpful.
I also think the flying clamp quality could be improved. I’d like two triple clamps for tensioning the mains symmetrically and a double clamp for the crosses.
For me, the EasyStringer makes sense for the following scenarios:
Purely on size and weight, the EasyStringer will be a good choice for travelling tennis players.
You can’t beat this option if you go abroad for a month and want to restring your rackets on the move. It’s small enough to fit under the front seat of an aeroplane and will also slip into a checked bag. Just remember you can’t take tools in a carry-on.
It’s also an excellent choice for players at the lower levels who choose to string their rackets rather than pay the on-site stringers.
Stringing costs mount up quickly, and outside flights and accommodation can be one of a player’s most significant expenses over a year, especially if they break strings or require multiple rackets per match.
Once you become au fait with this machine, you’ll be able to complete a string job in 30 minutes, so it’s something you could do in a hotel room on an evening without issue.
Outside of the portability angle, the EasyStringer is also a good buy for those who don’t have a ton of space to keep a full-size stringing machine permanently in situ.
With the EasyStringer, you can pack it in the carry bag and keep it in a drawer. So it’s an excellent solution if space is at a premium or you don’t want your living room hosting a Wilson Baiardo.
Previously, I was a fan of the MiStringer, which I still use with zero problems, but their customer service fell off a cliff, so I can’t recommend them anymore. I am not even sure if they are fulfilling orders.
I’m told that the US part of the business had to deal with health problems, and the EU side is getting it all sorted. Whether this materialises is another matter, but I keep checking as the product is good if they can support it.
Now, EasyStringer effectively has the market cornered when it comes to portable stringing machines, as there aren’t many other options, so for me, this is currently the best choice.
Regarding non-portable alternatives, I think a tabletop drop-weight machine with fixed clamps for most newbie stringers is slightly better for learning the technique and a bit easier to use overall.
If someone asked me the following, “I am new to stringing and want to learn to string for myself + others, what machine should I get?” and they had a flexible-ish budget with no space constraints, I would point them in the direction of a Gamma Progression II 602FC or a Stringway MS140. The Stringway is also semi-portable as it only weighs 7kg.
Brand new, the Progressions II 6-2FC costs €800, almost three times the EasyStringer price making it much less attractive. However, I think it’s a decent buy if you can find one used.
If you plan to just string for yourself and are looking for a solid stringing machine at a decent price, then the EasyStringer would be one on my shortlist.
After stringing two rackets on the EasyStringer, I think it’s a decent bit of kit, and I’ll be using it again in the future.
The tensioner is a good design and works well. I like that the tensioner pushes up against the frame, acting as a mounting point but directly over where you are pulling tension.
I wasn’t stringing high, but I didn’t notice any deformation as you effectively reapply the force you pull on the string back against the frame like an equal and opposite action-reaction pair of forces.
I’d say having previous stringing experience is a pre-requisite. Still, hopefully, EasyStringer can produce more videos that will help someone without prior knowledge get to grips with it.
One other good thing from what I can see is that EasyStringer is constantly trying new things; this is the 7th version of their stringer over a relatively short time, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they can improve this product even more.
Regarding support, warranty, customer service, etc., I cannot comment as I’ve not needed any assistance.
However, the ordering and delivery process was smooth, and the machine arrived via UPS a week after I placed the order.
Have you used the EasyStringer? Do you have any questions or opinions about the product? Let me know in the comments.
A well made portable stringing machine. Lightweight and packs into a small carry bag. It also pulls accurate tension and does a comparable job to any dropweight or crank stringing machine.
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I have never used stringing machine myself but it’s maybe 10 years now since I’m regularly getting impulses to try. But the only argument is the ambition to be independent. If I was 50 years younger and playing at least 4 sessions a weak the whole year, I would probably buy the best and most comfortable available device, no matter the price. But I think, the most important factor is just like in tennis “practice, practice, practice” 🙂 Which is not realistic if you string only your own rackets and don’t break the strings too often. My first-choice solution is to buy strings&stringing in an online shop and the only complication is, I need to end them the racket to be strung via DHL or competition. So it takes extra 2 days and of course I need to have 2 or more identical frames to not be forced to make a pause. If I buy my frames and strings and all accessories in the same shop, I can also get some fixed discount on every purchase. For more sophisticated solution I’m waiting for … self-stringing frames 😉
Very detailed review. Good job. Impressed that (at the time of reading) it states you strung a tennis racket with 12ft of string! Either that’s really elastic string… or it was in fact 12 metres.
Haha thanks, good spot. Corrected.
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