Why Are Tennis Stringing Machines So Expensive? (7 Factors)

When it comes to tennis gear, most of the required equipment is affordable, especially because they last a long time. However, when the subject is stringing machines, the answer is different.

In most cases, a proper stringing machine costs thousands of dollars, but some cheaper ones cost less than a thousand, so they really aren’t cheap! But why is that?

Tennis stringing machines are so expensive because of manufacturing costs, precise design, materials, logistics, advertising, and brand’s profit margins. Whether the stringing machine is a cheaper manual model or an expensive electronic one will drastically impact the price.

That being said, there is a lot to understand about the expensive cost of stringing machines. To fully understand what goes on behind the scenes, stick with me when I explain every aspect that affects the price.

7 factors that affect the expensive cost of stringing machines

Essentially, 7 variables determine the cost of a tennis stringing machine. Regardless of whether the variables would be the cheapest options on all the factors, the price of a stringing machine isn’t low even then.

1. Design

The first reason why stringing machines are so expensive is the design. There are more simple and highly advanced models, but all in all, a stringing machine requires a great deal of accurate design and experimenting.

There are many parts and even electronic things to consider, and everything needs to play well together for the stringing machine to produce quality string jobs. And as you might know, stringing a racket needs focus and time, so the machine needs to be working well.

2. Material

Like all products, they need to be made out of something. Stringing machines are often made out of metal with hard rubber parts. More advanced machines also include mechanical technology, which ups the prices and requires more specific materials.

As for stringing, machines are made out of metal, rubber, and perhaps some electronic parts; the materials aren’t from the most expensive end. However, they do play a role in the price, and when added with the 6 other reasons, the price is high.

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3. Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of tennis stringing machines is an accurate one with no room for mistakes. Stringing machines are made with the stringer in mind, which is why the products need to have great ergonomics, comfort, features, clean looks, proper angles, a secure mounting system, and even an electronic display.

These all need to be successful while constantly having quality control with both human eyes and machines. Employee and running factory costs are also included in the manufacturing fees, making this process up to the final prices of stringing machines.

4. Machine Type

There are three types of stringing machines, and the price differences between them can be thousands of dollars. Drop weight machines are often the least expensive, while electronic ones are by far the most expensive. Below you can find the different machine types.

Different stringing machine types: I have linked, for example, ones, so click the names if you are interested to see them.

1. Drop weight stringing machine: Least expensive machine. The usual cost is between $200-$500. It takes the most time to do a string job.
2. Crank stringing machine: Medium cost. Usually costs around $1000. Faster string job than with a drop weight.
3. Electronic constant pull stringing machine: Most expensive machine. The usual cost is above $2000. Fastest and most accurate string job.

As you can see, if you want the best accuracy, easiest usage, and fastest string job, then you need to pay accordingly. However, a more affordable model is a great option if you are fine with longer stringing time and manual usage.

If you are stringing for yourself and a couple of friends or family members, then a drop weight or a crack machine is great. However, if you string professionally, then an electronic constant pull is highly recommended.

5. Logistics

Logistics is a part of the costs of every product, and stringing machines aren’t an exception.

Every string machine needs to be stored after being manufactured, shipped to the seller even across continents, and then stored again, all done in proper conditions, temperatures, and humidity. This isn’t cheap either, and it reflects in the final price.

6. Advertising

You would be surprised about how expensive advertising and marketing really are.

Whether you see advertisements on websites, search engines, television, magazines, billboards, or hear them on the radio, they all cost money. The prices may get super expensive depending on the ad placements, magazines, billboard locations, and advertisement times.

This, of course, is reflected in the final price as well.

7. Brand Costs & Profit Margin

Finally, the brand where the stringing machine is from has a huge effect as well. People are more willing to pay high prices from a well-known brand they trust and are familiar with, even if the same stringer is on sale with an unknown brand with a lesser price.

Also, this makes the profit margins bigger on well-known brands such as Wilson or Yonex, and they are businesses like the next one, so they will take all the profits they can get.

Read also: Why Are Tennis Rackets Sold Unstrung? (Full String Guide)

Is it worth buying a tennis stringing machine?

All in all, it is worth buying a tennis stringing machine because it will pay itself back over time. If you do string jobs just for yourself, an affordable drop weight machine would be worth the cost. However, if you do string jobs professionally, then an electronic constant pull machine is required.

I have an article about this subject where I go more in-depth to the aspects you should consider before buying a stringing machine of your own. Check out the post here, I think it would be really beneficial for you.

How do you restring a tennis racket?

As a rule of thumb, you should restring your racket as many times per year as you play per week. For example, if you play tennis 4 times/week, you should restring your racket 4 times/year. Depending on the used strings and your willingness to use quality tension strings, you might want to restring more often.

Doing a string job can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time, so below, you can find instructions on how to do it. Let’s start with preparing the racket.

1. Find a stringing machine: You can use your own, one from an acquaintance, or you can ask if you can use one from a tennis shop, club, or court.
2. Measure your strings: Take out your spool of stings and cut 40 feet (12m) of string. Depending on the racket’s head, the required string length varies, but for a regular 95 sq in racket head, you will need approximately 83 feet (11.5m) of string.
3. Prepare your racket: Find a sharp knife, cut, and remove out the old strings, so your racket is ready to be restrung.
4. Mount your racket on the stringing machine: There are drop weight, crank, and electronic constant pull stringing machines. Depending on which kind you are using, mount your racket to the machine using the particular instructions.
5. Choose a string pattern: There are one-piece and two-piece string patterns. One-piece string patterns mean that you use only one piece of string for the vertical and horizontal stringing. In contrast, a two-piece string pattern means that you use one piece of string for the vertical and one piece for the horizontal stringing.
6. Pull the main strings: Place the string through the holes at the top of the racket’s head. Thread the string down through the neck and back to the head. Tighten the string by twisting the rod properly, which is required for your racket. Fix the second string by using the clamp and release the first string. Keep going this way until you have filled all the holes.
7. Knot the string: Your main strings should be filled the holes by now. It’s time to release the tension and tie the string’s end carefully. Cut off the leftover string before moving on.
8. Start cross stringing: If you use the one-piece method, keep the clamp on the last main hole you strung and find the first cross hole. Place the string into the hole, apply the same amount of tension as in the main strings, and clamp the first string. Keep going until you have filled all the holes. If you use the two-piece method, find the hole that is shared with a main and cross. This hole is bigger so that it fits another string through it. Make a starting know so your second string is secure. Thread the string back through the big grommet and proceed as normal.
9. Knot the cross strings: After threading the last cross string through one of the main grommets, tie it carefully to the main string. After this is done, cut off the leftover string, and your string job is done.

Conclusion

Many things affect the price of the stringing machine, as you discovered in this post. The biggest factor is probably what kind of a machine it is because the price difference between drop weight and electronic machines is thousands of dollars.

I hope that you got new knowledge of this post and you now have at least a decent idea of how to restring your racket when the time comes.

All in all, I think a stringing machine is worth it to all tennis players that play multiple times a week because, after all, it will pay itself back. Keep your strings in good condition, and your performance in the court will be maximized!