Gamma starting clamp is really good but a bit pricey: https://www.gamma-europe.com/Gamma-Starting-Clamp
The one from MBS seems to be the same OEM clamp. With import tax it’s also equally pricey: https://mybadmintonstore.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25_62_153&products_id=1056 Anyways, I’d recommend to spend a couple of bucks more. I bought a cheap Pros Pro clamp in the beginning and had to buy a proper one later on. The PP clamp couldn’t even hold the string enough to use it as an extension. Another idea would be to simply use a Yonex flying clamp. The work well to tie knots, add extensions and also to fix the string with 1-piece patterns where needed.
https://www.tennisman.de/en/Other/Stringing-Machines/Tools-Supplies/Tennisman-Startingclamp.html I'm using this one, works perfectly fine. Good price and fairly easy to get since the dealer is in EU. Looks pretty identical to the gamma but I can't say for sure since I don't own a gamma clamp.
Yup do not buy the Pro Pros starting clamp. I even had a replacement sent to me and it never held the string.
This one is also very good with diamond coating teeth but it's not the same, dual vs Gamma triple spring. I have one with just one spring but it works fine as well. Starting clamp has some functionalities that flying one does not possess, e.g. pulling/tightening knots (learned from Kwun) or extending short string, which can save a decent amount of main string if you do 4 knots (learned from Kakinami).
You can do all of that with a flying clamp as well. You’ll have to play around how to best use it as an extension, but it works fine once you got the hang of it.
It works well for tying the knots because it slips and doesn't damage the string and less risk of breaking the string in the inner knot portion when pulling too hard. So it works as a substitute for the fingers to avoid cutting and burning them when pulling thin strings with bare hands.
If you are using it just to tie knots then yea, I guess its useful. But it being a starting clamp, it should perform as such and it doesn't.
Wow!! Pretty happy with my new tool. Paid about 6USD ( I bought 3 at 1 time) but I feel a little more useful than my RAB $30USD grommet grinder, that I tend to break the tip every so often. I really like the end where you can push to put pressure on and then the grommet grinder can spin with pressure. I ordered the screw grommet remover, I am still waiting for that, I ordered from AliExpress. A great alternative to the $30 RAB grommet grinder! Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk
I got the same grommet grinder and remover - the remover is very good, the screw head is thin and long, making grommet removal very easy. I find the grinder not as good as the RAB version - the head is not as sharp, and doesn't grip the grommet as well. It still works, you just need more pressure to turn tight grommets.
I got the screw one a few days ago and had a chance to try it, I haven't had a chance to use it on a really damaged grommet yet but worked really well with a flared grommet and a 2.1mm grommet. Pretty satisfied with these cheap tools! Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk
Have you got the link to buy the yellow one? I bought a few already but turns out to be the larger type like the red one on hour photo. Which is good for rotating but not so much for removal.
https://ja.aliexpress.com/item/1005...b16556823196227809ebaa9!12000027087111272!sea I think this is what I bought, I got from Aliexpress, took almost a month to get. =)
I was looking for the HiQua ones because they are wider than the standard flying clamps and little larger for theoretically better grip. I will get the Yonex one in the meantime.
Is it a bad practice to use a grommet grinder (push and rotate) to put grommets in rackets when they are tight?
