When my old stringer finally died after 5 years of cranking rackets, I started hunting for a replacement. First checked out them manual crank ones cause they’re cheap. Then saw those electric self-pulling machines flashy as hell, but man they cost more than my car payment. Found the Alpha Ghost 2 sitting right in that middle sweet spot.
The Research Phase
Scrolled through forums forever comparing specs. Pulled out my notebook scribbling down numbers like:
- Mounting: Ghost 2’s got 6-point mounts that grip like a pitbull while cheaper ones barely hold with 2 flimsy points
- Pulling: Constant-pull mechanism keeps tension steady as a rock vs. those drop-weight contraptions needing physics PhD to operate
- Weird Bonus: Ghost came with this awesome clamp cleaner tool while competitors nickel-and-dimed for every accessory
Landed on three contenders: the Alpha Ghost 2, some random off-brand from Amazon, and that high-end electronic beast costing $2k.
Hands-On Testing Disaster
Ordered the cheapo one first cause price tag looked tasty. Mistake. When mounting my racket? Sounded like popcorn popping when the mounts slipped. Spent 45 minutes wrestling tension on a single string before returning it.
The electric one arrived next. Smooth like butter pulling strings, but then I saw replacement parts pricing. Flywheel broke and replacement cost 30% of machine value. Felt like highway robbery.
The Alpha Ghost 2 Unboxing
First surprise? Damn thing weighs 25kg. Solid metal frame made my table groan when I set it up. Followed instruction videos while drinking beer:
- Bolted base to my workbench in 10 mins with included hardware
- Calibrated tensioner using suitcase weights (got it perfect third try)
- Strung first racket with weird new hybrid setup – took 45 minutes
The clamping arms bit down so hard I actually needed the pliers to release them. Love that violence.
The Real-World Faceoff
Ran three identical rackets last weekend to compare output:
- Off-brand: Strings felt spongy immediately after stringing
- Electric: Perfect tension… until the flywheel jammed on last mains
- Ghost 2: Consistent ping on every string. Checked calibrator – still dead on
Finished by tension-testing all three rackets. Ghost-made one kept within 1.2 pounds target tension while others drifted 5+ pounds. Case closed.
Wallet Check
Total damage? Ghost 2 cost me $650. Would’ve paid $400 extra for that electric one. Instead bought beer and steaks with difference while stringing my neighbor’s rackets. Already got three customers paying for strings.
Final verdict? Unless you’re stringing rackets for Wimbledon, Ghost 2’s that goldilocks zone where price punches performance in the face. Just save cash for beer to endure calibration learning curve.