
Tourna 600-ES Stringing Machine
- The Tourna 600-ES Stringing Machine features a 6 point self leveling quick mount system with load spreaders at tip and throat. This stringing machine has a digital control panel with advanced stringing functions—-Constant pull tension with advanced microprocessor technology.
Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing the Tourna 600-ES
If you’re in the market for a new stringing machine, the Tourna 600-ES is an excellent option to consider. As one of Tourna’s flagship models, the 600-ES offers top-of-the-line features and performance for intermediate to advanced players.
But with so many technical specifications and models available, it can be tricky to determine if the 600-ES is the right fit for your needs. This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing the Tourna 600-ES, from key features to setup and maintenance.
Overview of the Tourna 600-ES Stringing Machine
The Tourna 600-ES is classified as a tabletop electronic stringing machine. It comes equipped with many of Tourna’s most advanced features, including:
- Six-point mounting system – This securely holds the racket in place from six contact points for superior stringing accuracy.
- Electronic tension head – The tension head uses an electronic linear gripper and high-resolution stepper motor to pull strings with extreme precision. The tension head can apply between 10 to 90 lbs of tension.
- Touchscreen display – An easy-to-use touchscreen lets you directly input your desired tension settings and monitor the stringing process.
- Parallel jaw rotator – The unique rotator design keeps the racket parallel to the ground at all times for reduced frame stress.
- Precision string clamps – Diamond-coated string clamps securely grip strings without slipping or marring.
With its combination of power, versatility, and advanced stringing features, the 600-ES is suitable for frequent stringers from hobbyists to coaches to pro shops.
Purchasing the Tourna 600-ES
The Tourna 600-ES is available from a variety of retailers, including specialty tennis shops, online retailers, and directly from Tourna. Expect to pay between $800-$1,000 for a new Tourna 600-ES stringing machine.
When purchasing, opt for an authorized Tourna dealer if possible. Authorized sellers can provide full factory warranty support, may offer bundle deals on accessories, and have staff knowledgeable about Tourna products.
If opting to purchase online, look for reputable retailers that specifically service and sell tennis equipment. Be wary of extremely low pricing from unknown third-party sellers, as the machine may be used, refurbished, or a knock-off model.
Setting Up the Tourna 600-ES
One of the best aspects of the Tourna 600-ES is how quickly it can be set up out of the box. Here are some tips for initial setup:
- Carefully remove the stringing machine and all accessories from the box and remove any packaging material.
- Attach the three legs of the base stand and lock them into place.
- Mount the tension head to the top of the stand using the pre-attached bolts.
- Plug in the AC adapter to provide power to the machine.
- The machine may need to be calibrated before first use. Refer to the manual for simple calibration instructions.
- Install the tool tray, string reel holders, and any other accessories you purchased.
With the stand, head, and accessories installed, your 600-ES will be ready to string in about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to fully read the included manual to learn all the machine’s functions.
Key Features and Performance
Let’s look at some of the Tourna 600-ES’s standout features and how they impact stringing performance:
- Six Point Mounting – The racket is fixed in place from six contact points around the head. This keeps the racket perfectly stationary and string tension consistent across all mains and crosses.
- Diamond Coated String Clamps – The diamond-coated clamps provide an unbeatable grip on strings without causing any marring or damage, even after prolonged use. Slippage is eliminated for precise tensioning.
- Rotational String Gripper – An innovative parallel jaw rotational gripper maintains the racket perpendicular to the ground during the full stringing process. This reduces frame stress compared to traditional rotational grippers.
- Constant Pull Tension – The electronic tension head applies a constant pull tension to each string for superb consistency and accuracy. String tension will match your set parameters throughout the length of the pull.
- Wide Tension Range – With its advanced tension head, the 600-ES can string from 10 lbs all the way up to 90 lbs, accommodating all string types and player preferences.
Together, these features allow the Tourna 600-ES to achieve extremely precise, consistent, and customizable string beds for players at all levels. Even the most demanding tournaments players will be impressed by its performance.
Stringing with the Tourna 600-ES
Thanks to the intuitive touchscreen controls, stringing a racket with the Tourna 600-ES is quick and straightforward. Here’s an overview of the stringing process:
- Mount the racket securely using the six-point mounting system.
- Input your desired string tension into the touchscreen. You can set different tensions for mains and crosses if needed.
- Insert the string through the tension head and use the string clamps to secure it in place. Lock the string clamp lever to grip the string.
- Press “Pull” on the screen to initiate auto-pulling that tensions the string. The machine will stop pulling once the set tension is reached.
- Use the parallel jaw rotator to rotate the racket and line up the next string. Repeat the pulling process.
- Continue feeding strings through alternating main and cross string holes until the full string bed is installed.
- Finish by tying off the final main strings and securing with a starting clamp.
The Tourna 600-ES includes multiple useful functions like pre-stretching, tension matching, and more. Refer to the manual for all capabilities. With practice, you’ll be stringing quickly and expertly.
Maintenance Tips for the Tourna 600-ES
Basic maintenance will keep your Tourna 600-ES stringing machine in peak operating condition for years to come. Follow these tips:
- Keep the machine clean – Wipe off any dirt, debris, and excess string after each use. Keep string scrapers nearby for easy cleanup.
- Check tension yearly – Use a tension calibration tool once a year to verify pull tension remains accurate. Adjust if needed.
- Lubricate moving parts – Apply a small amount of machine oil to the track, tensioner, and other moving components every 6 months.
- Inspect string clamps – Replace any string clamps that lose their grip or have excessive wear.
- Check power cord – Avoid crimping the power cord. Check for any cracks or damage. Replace cord if compromised.
- Update software – Install any software updates from Tourna to maintain optimal performance.
With routine cleaning and maintenance checks, your 600-ES will continue operating like new for many years and thousands of string jobs.
Compatible String Types
The advanced pulling power of the Tourna 600-ES makes it compatible with all common string types and gauges, including:
- Polyester strings – Such as Luxilon, Solinco, Tourna Poly
- Multifilament strings – Such as Wilson Sensation, Head RIP Control
- Natural gut strings – Such as Babolat VS Touch, Luxilon Natural Gut
- Hybrid string sets – Any combination of poly, multi, and gut strings
The 600-ES’s 10-90 lbs tension range can handle ultra-stiff polys all the way to soft natural guts. So you can string with your favorite string types.
Pre-stretching and tension matching capabilities ensure even hard-to-String polyester strings maintain precision tension throughout the string bed. The Tourna 600-ES is an excellent choice for stringers working with the latest types of co-poly strings.
Use for Intermediate & Advanced Players
With its $800-$1,000 price point and advanced stringing capabilities, the Tourna 600-ES is ideally suited for frequent stringers from strong club players up to competitive tournament players and pros.
Features like the precision constant pull tensioner, full 360-degree rotation, and diamond coated clamps offer the elite-level performance needed for competitive players who want flawless accuracy and consistency in their string jobs.
The Tourna 600-ES is powerful enough for use in pro shops, retail stores, coaching programs, and other high volume stringing applications. Yet it remains approachable and easy to use for dedicated hobbyists who want professional-quality results.
Tourna 600-ES Warranty & Customer Support
The Tourna 600-ES comes with Tourna’s limited 2 year warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer. This covers defects in materials and workmanship.
Wear items like string clamps, gripper jaws, awl, etc. are warranted for 45 days from purchase. Be sure to register your warranty with Tourna online.
For technical support and service, you can contact Tourna’s customer support team:
- By phone at 1-800-847-3715
- Via email at [email protected]
- Through their website contact form
Tourna representatives are very knowledgeable about their products and can help troubleshoot any issues. They can also assist with ordering replacement parts and accessories.
Consider purchasing an extended warranty plan for extra coverage beyond the 2 year period. Quick turnaround service repairs are available at Tourna’s California headquarters if needed.
Speed of Stringing with the 600-ES
Thanks to features like auto-pulling, rotating gripper, and simple two-step clamps, the Tourna 600-ES significantly speeds up the stringing process versus basic tabletop machines.
Most intermediate to advanced stringers will be able to complete a basic synthetic gut string job in around 15-20 minutes start to finish. Polyester string jobs may take 20-25 minutes depending on string tension and complexity.
Stringers with more experience using Tourna machines can complete pro-quality stringing even faster, some in well under 15 minutes. The machine’s speed and efficiency make the 600-ES excellent for handling multiple rackets in busy shops or for frequent stringers.
Safety Features
Stringing machines utilize high tensions so safety should always be considered. The Tourna 600-ES includes several useful safety features:
- Sliding racquet supports – Adjustable pads support the racket for safe mounting/dismounting.
- String clamps – Advanced composite clamps reliably grip strings without slippage during pulling.
- Safety cap – A cap covers the tension head when not in use for protection.
- Emergency stop – Immediately stops pull tension in case of issues like string breakage.
- String clamps – Clamps securely anchor terminal ends of strung mains for added safety.
With practice, common sense, and use of its safety features, the Tourna 600-ES provides safe, injury-free operation even with heavy use. As with any machine, be careful during setup, string mounting, and tensioning.
Portability of the 600-ES
At around 50 lbs assembled, the Tourna 600-ES is light and compact enough for portability but still provides a stable platform for stringing.
The machine’s tabletop footprint is quite compact at 30” L x 19” W. It can fit on any table or counter large enough to mount a racket on.
Legs fold down for storage and transport. While not as portable as mini travel machines, the 600-ES can be moved between locations or transported to tournaments fairly easily. This makes it a good option for coaches, club pros, or players who need mobility.
Tennis & Other Racket Sports
The Tourna 600-ES can string all modern tennis racket frames thanks to features like 360 degree rotation and its quick action clamps.
Its six-point mounting system can also accommodate wider body racquets for other racket sports like badminton, racquetball, and squash. An optional badminton frame support allows the 600-ES to string shorter badminton rackets.
So whether you string tennis rackets, badminton racquets, or a combination, the Tourna 600-ES can handle them all with its adjustable, universal mounting. Expanded versatility makes it ideal for multi-sport shops and coaches.
Helpful Resources for Learning to Use the 600-ES
Tourna provides great instructions and tutorials that will quickly get you up and running with your new 600-ES. Resources include:
- Setup video – A YouTube video walking through initial setup of the machine. Very helpful visual guide.
- Manual – A comprehensive printed manual covers machine operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Critical to read.
- Online info – Extra support materials available at Tourna’s website including articles, videos, tips, and FAQs.
- Tourna app – The Tourna Stringer app provides stringing info, instructions, and tension calculator.
- One-on-one training – Many Tourna dealers offer personalized training sessions on using and maintaining the machines.
In just a few hours of practice, you’ll be stringing like a pro thanks to Tourna’s wide range of instructional resources.
Key Takeaways on the Tourna 600-ES Stringing Machine
Hopefully this guide provided a comprehensive overview of what makes the Tourna 600-ES an exceptional stringing machine for intermediate to advanced players. Here are some key takeaways:
- Packed with Tourna’s latest features like 6-point mounting, electronic tensioner, and rotational gripper
- Capable of extremely precise string jobs from 10 – 90 lbs tension
- Intuitive touchscreen control center makes stringing fast and straightforward
- Suitable for polyester strings, multifilaments, natural gut, and hybrid setups
- Smooth 360 degree rotation reduces frame stress
- Diamond coated clamps provide unmatched grip and durability
- Compact tabletop design can be transported or moved fairly easily
- Accommodates tennis racquets as well as other racket sports
- Covered by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty and support from Tourna
The Tourna 600-ES requires a sizable investment but delivers professional-caliber performance for years to come. For players and coaches who demand top quality stringing and features, it’s an excellent all-around choice.