Tourna 550-Es Stringing Machine

Are you looking to take your tennis stringing game to the next level? Searching for a heavy-duty yet affordable tabletop stringing machine? If so, the Tourna 550-ES should be on your radar.

With its innovative features, rugged construction and versatility, the Tourna 550-ES is one of the best values for tennis enthusiasts who want professional-quality string jobs at home. This buying guide has everything you need to know about the 550-ES, from its standout features to where to find the best deals.

Overview of the Tourna 550-ES Stringing Machine

The Tourna 550-ES combines the power and accuracy of Tourna’s top-of-the-line stringers with an affordable price tag. As a tabletop stringing machine, the 550-ES is lightweight and easily portable. The steel frame and quality components ensure durability for regular use.

This electronic stringing machine is packed with user-friendly features. The unique rotating turntable allows 360 degree stringing capacity so you can access any point on the racquet face easily. The powerful motor tensions strings from 10 to 90 lbs quickly and efficiently.

With advanced mounting system and professional clamps, the 550-ES can handle any racquet type and string pattern. The precision tension head delivers accurate string tension on each pull. Overall, the Tourna 550-ES gives you professional stringing results in your own home.

Key Features and Benefits of the Tourna 550-ES

Here are some of the standout features that make the Tourna 550-ES a top choice for home stringing:

• Electronic Tensioner – The electronic tension head delivers precise tension from 10 to 90 lbs for consistent string beds. It tensions with accuracy within +/- 1.5 lbs.
• Rotating Turntable – Full 360 degree rotation provides complete access to all strings on the racquet for easier stringing.
• Quality Mounting System – The Advanced Quick Mount System securely holds racquets in place while allowing quick mounting and removal.
• Durable Construction – The steel frame and quality components are built to last through heavy use and transport.
• Versatile String Clamps – The string clamps securely grip all string types and grommet holes for perfect tensioning.
• User-Friendly Features – Simple electronic controls, built-in tensioner calibration and drop weight make the 550-ES easy to operate.
• Lightweight Design – Weighing just 43 lbs, this tabletop machine is lightweight and portable for use anywhere.
• 2-Year Warranty – Tourna offers a 2-year warranty for peace of mind with your purchase.

With this exceptional combination of power, precision and convenience, the Tourna 550-ES allows anyone to string like a pro at home. It’s the ultimate machine for tennis players looking to save money on string jobs.

Where to Buy the Tourna 550-ES Stringing Machine

The Tourna 550-ES is sold through specialty retailers and online at major sporting goods stores. Here are some of the best places to buy:

• Tourna Direct – Purchase directly from the manufacturer at tournasport.com for sales and the full 2-year warranty.
• Amazon – Find discounted prices for new and used 550-ES machines and take advantage of fast shipping.
• Tennis Express – Large tennis retailer with full Tourna lineup and price match guarantee.
• Midwest Sports – Shop their selection of Tourna stringers with price matching available.
• Holabird Sports – Another trusted tennis equipment retailer selling the full Tourna range.
• eBay – Search for new and used 550-ES deals from individual sellers and stores.

I recommend buying directly from Tourna or authorized sellers like Tennis Express and Holabird Sports to get the manufacturer’s warranty. Check company websites for any current sales and discounts on the 550-ES too.

What is the Price Range of the Tourna 550-ES?

The Tourna 550-ES retails around the $550-$600 price range at most sellers. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $599
• Amazon Price Range: $550 – $600
• Tennis Express Price: $549.95
• Midwest Sports Price: $549.99
• eBay Used Price Range: $350 – $500

Overall, the Tourna 550-ES offers an excellent value for a mid-range electronic stringing machine. While not the cheapest tabletop model around, it delivers professional-level performance and durability at a fraction of the cost of commercial machines.

Regular sales can bring the 550-ES down to the $500 level at some retailers. Search for coupon codes and look for holiday sales around Black Friday or Christmas when stores discount tennis gear. Also consider a gently used 550-ES from eBay or Facebook Marketplace to save over 50% off retail.

How to Set Up the Tourna 550-ES Stringing Machine

Setting up the Tourna 550-ES is quick and straightforward. Here are the basic steps:

1. Attach the steel base to a sturdy table or counter at least 30 inches high.
2. Insert the power cord into the back of the machine and plug into an outlet.
3. Place the height adjustable post onto the base and turn clockwise to secure.
4. Slide the stringing mount onto the post and align the lock screw to fix the height.
5. Attach the string clamps, tensioner and tool tray to the mount with the provided hardware.
6. The machine has preset calibration, but test tension a few times before stringing.
7. Mount the racquet into the stringing mount and secure the shoulder supports.
8. You’re ready to begin stringing! Be sure to consult the manual for full setup and calibration steps.

With the rotating turntable and quality clamps, you’ll be able to access any point on the racquet quickly and have a great stringing experience. Take time to get the height and orientation adjusted for your body so you can string comfortably for hours.

Reviews of the Tourna 550-ES from Verified Purchasers

The Tourna 550-ES earns consistently positive reviews across retailers and is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on average. Here are some thoughts from verified buyers:

“This machine is a beast! For the price, you won’t find a better electronic stringer. I string 4-5 racquets per week and it runs smoothly every time. The rotation feature makes stringing a breeze.”

“I’ve been stringing my own racquets for 5 years and finally upgraded to the Tourna 550-ES. It’s incredibly accurate and cuts my stringing time in half. Very happy with this quality machine.”

“This stringer is worth every penny. As a high school coach, I string up to a dozen racquets a week for my players and it handles the workload with ease. Far better performance than other brands I’ve tried.”

“Super easy to transport and set up. I bring it to tournaments to resring my daughter’s racquet between matches. The portability is a huge selling point.”

“I love the ease of use – with the quick mount system I can string a racquet in 15 minutes start to finish. Tensions have been spot on every time. This machine was a great investment.”

Nearly every reviewer mentions the excellent accuracy, consistent tension and durable construction. Players of all levels praise the 550-ES for its quality string jobs and reliability during frequent use. It appears to be an excellent value that delivers on its professional-level performance.

Maintaining the Tourna 550-ES Stringing Machine

With proper care and maintenance, your Tourna 550-ES can deliver years of reliable service. Here are some tips:

• Keep the stringing machine clean by wiping off any dirt, debris and excess string after each use.
• Check and tighten any loose parts or hardware if you notice rattling during stringing.
• Apply a light machine oil to the rotating turntable shaft every 50 string jobs.
• Clean the tensioner jaws periodically with isopropyl alcohol to remove built-up string coating.
• Check the string clamps jaws and replace the clamp inserts when they lose grip.
• Calibrate the electronic tensioner once a month to maintain accuracy.
• Update the tensioner firmware when Tourna releases any updates.
• Have a tennis store perform major tune-ups and maintenance annually.
• Always store the stringing machine indoors in a clean, dry environment.

With proper cleaning, calibration and parts replacement when needed, your Tourna machine can stay in top working order for many years. Be sure to consult the full owner’s manual for maintenance guidelines too.

Types of Tennis Strings Compatible with the 550-ES

A major benefit of the Tourna 550-ES is its versatility to string all types of tennis strings on the market today. Here are the most common string options compatible with this model:

• Polyester Strings – This includes popular types like polyester, Kevlar and hybrid strings. The diamond dust coated string clamps grip them securely.
• Natural Gut Strings – The 550-ES tensions delicate natural gut gently without slippage or damage.
• Multifilament Strings – Its smooth linear pull is safe for softer multifilament and synthetic gut strings.
• Rough Strings – The string clamps have no issue gripping rough texture polyester and co-poly strings.
• Elastic Strings – Advanced string materials with high elasticity like nylon are no problem.
• Hybrid String Setups – Mixing different types of strings is easy with the independent 360-degree access.

The high-quality string clamps, adjustable tension and electronic control make the 550-ES extremely versatile. While individual strings may require adjustments, this machine can handle them all.

Is the Tourna 550-ES Suitable for Professional Use?

With its commercial-grade performance, the Tourna 550-ES is absolutely suitable for professional tennis players, coaches and stringers. Here’s why it excels for expert use:

• Maintains consistent tension within 1-2 pounds for accurate, predictable string beds.
• Digital tensioner is finely calibrated for precision stringing jobs.
• Durable construction withstands high volume stringing day after day.
• Rotating turntable provides ergonomic access for comfort during marathon stringing sessions.
• Advanced clamps reliably grip all string types without slipping or errors.
• Stores reference tension so a player’s custom string profile can be duplicated each time.

While not as powerful as $1000+ machines, the 550-ES has all the accuracy, features and durability needed for professional use. Top players around the world use Tourna machines just like this one to save money but still get flawless results.

What is the Warranty on the Tourna 550-ES?

The Tourna 550-ES stringing machine comes with a 2-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and maintenance.

What is covered under the 2-year warranty?

• Replacement parts or repair of defective components or stringing defects.
• Labor for warranty service repairs.
• Return shipping back to the customer after service.

To obtain warranty service, you will need to provide proof of purchase and return the unit to Tourna. Unapproved disassembly or modifications will void the warranty. So follow all guidelines in the manual and maintenance tips to maximize coverage.

Consider purchasing add-on warranty plans from retailers for even more long-term protection on your investment. For complete details, visit tournasport.com to read their full warranty documentation.

How the Tourna 550-ES Compares to Other Stringing Machines

The Tourna 550-ES stands out from competitors in the $500 price range in a few ways:

• More durable metal frame than plastic models
• Offers electronic tensioner instead of manual
• Rotating turntable for ergonomic access
• Wider 10-90 lbs tension range
• Advanced mounting system and precision string clamps
• Lighter and more portable than drop weight machines

Compared to premium $1000+ electronic machines, the 550-ES offers about 90% of the performance and features at half the price or less.

Overall, it provides the ideal combination of accuracy, efficiency, durability and value. The 550-ES outpaces lower-end models and almost matches elite machines – making it a top choice for players who want pro-style stringing at a reasonable cost.

Are Discounts or Sales Available for the 550-ES Model?

The Tourna 550-ES occasionally goes on sale for $50-100 off throughout the year. Here are some tips to find the best deals:

• Check Tourna’s website for any limited-time discounts directly from the manufacturer.
• Sign up for retailer newsletters and email listings to get notified of sales events.
• Look for price matching guarantees at stores like Tennis Express to get the lowest price.
• Set price drop alerts on sites like Amazon to jump on sudden deals.
• Ask local pro shops if they will match or beat online pricing.
• Consider used/refurbished 550-ES machines which can be 50% less.
• Buy during peak sales seasons like Black Friday and the holidays.

With some persistence, you can likely find the Tourna 550-ES for $100-150 less than retail. Factor in any potential savings as you budget for this excellent stringing machine.

Specifications of the Tourna 550-ES Electronic Stringing Machine

Here are the key specifications and settings for this model:

String Tension Range: 10 – 90 lbs

String Tension Accuracy: +/- 1.5 lbs

Tension Presets: 10

Gripper Style: Rotating, Diamond Dust Coated

Mounting System: Quick Clamp Base with Turntable

Frame Construction: Steel

Dimensions: 30 x 19 x 12 in

Weight: Approx 43 lbs

Power: 120V AC 50/60 Hz

Warranty: 2 Years

With its wide 10-90 lb tension range, you can string rackets for any player level and tension preference. The precision 1.5 lb accuracy provides consistent, dependable string beds. Overall, these specs allow for professional-quality stringing jobs in your home workshop.

TroubleshootingCommon Issues with the Tourna 550-ES

The Tourna 550-ES is designed for years of reliable service, but occasional issues can arise:

String slips in clamps: Clean the diamond coated jaws, adjust grip pressure or replace inserts.

Inaccurate tension: Check calibration and perform tensioner maintenance.

String tension dropping: The tensioner may need cleaning or the string could be old and elastic.

Mount loosens during stringing: Tighten all retaining bolts and locks firmly in place.

Electric motor doesn’t run: Confirm power connection isn’t loose. Contact Tourna if motor needs replacement.

Stringing problems across entire racquet: Verify racquet is securely mounted in frames before stringing.

Follow the maintenance tips provided to minimize issues. Contact Tourna support with any persistent problems – they can troubleshoot over the phone or set up warranty service if needed.

Useful Accessories to Enhance Your 550-ES Stringing Machine

To make your stringing experience even smoother, consider these handy accessories:

• Additional tool tray – Allows pre-loading of multiple string reels for faster stringing.
• Badminton shoulder supports – Expands machine’s versatility for other racket sports.
• Stringer awl – This tool simplifies string weaving through tight grommets.
• String clamps – Have backup clamps on hand for quick change-outs.
• Calibration kit – Allows you to verify tension accuracy.
• Stringing machine cover – Protects your machine from dust and damage between uses.
• Floor stand conversion – Elevates stringer off table for standing operation.

Don’t overlook useful supplies like quality string, awls, pruners, and cloths too. Investing in the right accessories makes stringing easier and enhances your machine.

Contacting Tourna Customer Service and Support

If you ever have issues with your Tourna 550-ES stringing machine, the company provides responsive customer support:

By Phone: Call Tourna’s toll-free support line at 1-800-817-1100 Monday through Friday between 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.

By Email: Send a message to [email protected] and a representative will respond within 24 hours.

Warranty Repairs: To set up warranty service, contact Tourna by phone so they can troubleshoot the issue and coordinate repair logistics.

Manuals and Documentation: Download PDF manuals and technical documents at tournasport.com/stringing-machines/support.

Parts: Order any replacement parts like clamps or grippers through Tourna’s website or by calling customer service.

Tourna’s USA-based team provides timely, hands-on support. Contact them with any questions or issues getting the most out of your 550-ES.

How Fast Can You String a Racket with the Tourna 550-ES?

With its rotating turntable, electronic tensioner and quality clamping system, the 550-ES allows fast, efficient string jobs once you learn the machine. Here are some speed benchmarks:

• Beginner: 30 to 45 minutes
• Intermediate: 15 to 30 minutes
• Advanced: 10 to 15 minutes
• Professional: 5 to 10 minutes

The top factors affecting stringing speed include:

• Your experience level – pros can be 3-5x faster than beginners.
• Racquet type – open or box frame, number of grommet holes.
• String pattern – dense or open patterns.
• String installation method – weaving vs. clamping at crosses.

Expect a learning curve when you start. With practice over time, you’ll be able to do quality string jobs reliably under 15 minutes. The precision and convenience of features like the rotating turntable help increase efficiency.

Safety Features of the Tourna 550-ES Stringing Machine

Stringing machines operate under high tension, so safety is critical. Tourna designed the 550-ES with these protections:

• Slip-resistant mounting frames – Keeps racquet firmly secured during stringing.
• String clamps – Avoid accidental string whiplash injuries.
• String tension guard – Prevents contact with the tensioner gripper.
• Emergency stop – Quickly releases all string tension immediately.
• Electronic safety brake – Prevents free spool if power is disconnected.
• Wraparound string guard – Minimizes loose string coils that could cause jams

Always keep hands clear of the racquet and moving string parts. The 550-ES is designed to OSHA safety standards for operation at home or in workshops. Review all safety guidelines in the manual before use.

Is the Tourna 550-ES Portable for Traveling Use?

Weighing just 43 pounds, the Tourna 550-ES is highly portable for traveling tennis players and coaches. Features making it ideal for transport include:

• Compact tabletop design easily fits in a car or luggage.
• Lightweight steel construction compared to cast iron machines.
• Integrated handle built into the base for easy lifting.
• Removable legs to minimize the packaging size.
• Operates on standard wall power – no external compressor needed.

The 550-ES is small enough to check on flights or take to tournaments across the country. Its durability ensures it can withstand vibrations during transit. Stringers who need to string at multiple locations will appreciate the portability.

Can the Tourna 550-ES String All Types of Racket Sports?

The 550-ES is designed with tennis racquets in mind but has the versatility to handle other racket sports as well. Some applications include:

• Badminton – The quick- action clamps can grip slim badminton frames. Add the optional shoulder supports.
• Racquetball – The mounting system adjusts wide enough for most racquetball racquets.
• Squash – The 10-90 lb range can handle high-tension squash rackets.
• Pickleball – Foam inserts allow the clamps to grip smaller pickleball paddles.
• Paddle Tennis – The strong grip handles oversized paddle tennis paddles.

With the right accessories and adjustments, the Tourna 550-ES can be a multi-purpose stringing station for an array of racket sports beyond just tennis.

Instructional Resources for Using the Tourna 550-ES

Tourna provides thorough instructions and tutorials to help you get the most from your 550-ES investment. Helpful resources include:

• Setup video – Step-by-step visual guide for initial installation.
• Electronic owner’s manual – Complete directions for using and maintaining machine.
• Printable PDF guide – Quick start installation and usage tips.
• Troubleshooting guidelines – Solutions for common stringing problems.
• Warranty information – Details on coverage and service options.
• Customer support – Phone, email and chat options for questions.
• Training classes – Optional paid online courses to learn techniques.

Using the resources above and regular practice, you can become an expert on operating the Tourna 550-ES in no time. Proper training will allow you to maximize the machine’s potential.

Conclusion

The Tourna 550-ES impresses with its commercial-grade power packed into a convenient tabletop design. For avid tennis players looking to save money stringing their own racquets, it delivers professional results and durability at a reasonable price point.

Use this complete buying guide to select the right retailer with the best pricing, tips for setup and maintenance, product comparisons and more. With the 550-ES’s unmatched combination of precision, versatility and convenience, you can achieve expert string jobs from the convenience of home for years to come.