The Problem with Electronic Tensioners

I get asked very often why didn't I "upgrade" my stringing machine (link) to an electronic model. Why struggle with manual tensioning, flipping that tension arm up and down dozens of times per racket? 

My answers are dualfold.

First, I am not a commercial stringer and have little interest stringing for other people. In fact, I do not even enjoy stringing rackets except for my own frames.

Second, dropweight machines are incredibly accurate, reliable and consistent. Among the three types of stringing machines (dropweights, cranks and electronics), dropweights are the most reliable and accurate.

Hard to believe? After all, electronic tensioners have been around for decades! Surely the technology is developed, proven and stable? Moreover, all the professional tour players' rackets are tensioned electronically! 

Or I must be comparing the dropweight with some cheapo, DIY home-made electronic tensioner designed by some third world country's technology?

Nope!

Read for yourself:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=394502

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=309117

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=298995

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=201369

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=413893&page=2

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=6930240

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=452572&page=3

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=323567

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=441450


Very few people know about the tension overshoot problem with many electronic tensioners. Since all strings have elasticity, the tensioner would keep adjusting to try to maintain constant tension. 

The repeated over-pulling and over-releasing either "kills" the playability of the string or causes a very loose stringbed, depending on when the strings are clamped.

Observe the stringer when you next pass by his shop. Watch and listen to the electronic tensioner head "zipping" back and forth continuously when the tension button is pressed. The problem is worsened if the pull speed is set to fastest.

So far, I only know of a few electronic machines that does not have the overshoot problem:
1. Wilson Baiardo
2. Babolat Star 4
3. Yonex ES-5

If you have only played with rackets strung electronically, try the exact same string at the same tension strung using the same stringing pattern with a dropweight!

Feel the difference. The strings will play livelier, softer and last much longer too!