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Choosing a lockout tennis stringing machine means deciding how much space you have, how much frame support you want, and whether a spring-based lockout tensioner suits your workflow. Of these five machines, the GLOPTIX GT-210 and GT-160 are the clear lockout options: both use a spring-loaded manual crank with a stated tension range of 9–102 pounds. The other three are drop-weight machines, which may suit you if you prefer that tension system rather than a lockout.
The picks below separate those two types so you can compare them fairly. Features and tradeoffs are based on the supplied product specifications; check the listing for current details before buying.
| Machine | Tension system | Frame support | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLOPTIX GT-210 | Manual spring lockout, 9–102 lb | 6-point | Shoppers seeking a standing lockout machine |
| GLOPTIX GT-160 | Manual spring lockout, 9–102 lb | 6-point | Shoppers seeking a tabletop lockout machine |
| GAMMA Momentum 6 Plus | Drop weight | 6-point | Stringers who want a drop-weight machine with fixed clamps |
| GAMMA Momentum 2 | Drop weight | 2-point | Stringers who want a simpler drop-weight setup |
| GLOPTIX GT-120 | Drop weight, 15–80 lb | 6-point | Shoppers who want a compact tabletop drop-weight option |
Our Picks: Best Lockout Tennis Stringing Machines reviews
GLOPTIX GT-210: Standing lockout machine with six-point support
The GT-210 is the most direct match for this guide’s focus. It is a standing manual stringing machine with a spring-loaded crank lockout tensioner and a stated linear-pull range of 9–102 pounds. Its 360-degree steel swivel base lets you rotate the racket during the stringing process.
A six-point frame support system and K-shaped racket grippers are designed to hold the frame in place and limit stress while you work. The listing also describes high-pound protectors, a lever-speed wrench system, and tension scales marked in both pounds and kilograms. Those features give you more setup information than the simpler GT-120 drop-weight model.
The standing design may suit a dedicated stringing area where you want the machine off a tabletop. The tradeoff is that it is less compact than a desktop machine, and its manual tensioning process takes hands-on work. The specifications do not provide a separate footprint measurement, so check the listing if your available space is tight.
Pros:
- Spring-loaded manual lockout tensioner with a 9–102 lb range
- Six-point frame support system
- 360-degree steel swivel base
- Scale markings in both pounds and kilograms
Cons:
- Standing design may take more room than a tabletop machine
- Manual operation requires you to handle each tension pull
Verdict: Choose the GT-210 if you want a standing machine with a clearly specified lockout tensioner and six-point frame support.
GLOPTIX GT-160: Tabletop lockout machine for a compact work area
The GT-160 offers the same core lockout features as the GT-210 in a desktop format. It uses a spring-loaded manual crank tensioner with a stated 9–102 lb linear-pull range, a six-point frame support system, and K-shaped racket grippers. Its steel swivel base rotates 360 degrees to help you reach different parts of the frame.
Its tabletop design is the key difference. It may work better if you have a sturdy table or bench and do not want a standing machine. The supplied description also specifies a lever-speed wrench system, high-pound protectors, and scales in pounds and kilograms. As with any tabletop stringer, you will need a stable surface that gives you enough room to operate the crank and handle the racket.
The GT-160 is a practical alternative to the GT-210 when floor space is limited, but it does not change the hands-on nature of manual lockout stringing. The product description does not state the machine’s weight or exact dimensions, so confirm those details if you need to move or store it often.
Pros:
- Manual spring lockout tensioner with a 9–102 lb range
- Six-point frame support system with K-shaped grippers
- Tabletop format can suit a dedicated bench or work table
- 360-degree swivel base and dual-unit tension markings
Cons:
- Requires a sturdy surface and adequate working space
- Manual tensioning is not an automated process
Verdict: Pick the GT-160 if you want the GT-210’s described lockout and frame-support features in a tabletop machine.
GAMMA Momentum 6 Plus: Six-point drop-weight alternative
The Momentum 6 Plus is not a lockout machine; it is a drop-weight stringer. It belongs on this list as an alternative for shoppers who are comparing manual machines but are open to a different tension system. Its six-point mounting system is designed to hold the racket securely and reduce frame movement during stringing.
GAMMA lists fixed clamps and a quick-action swivel base, which may appeal if you value firm string holding and quicker adjustments at the base. The die-cast aluminum base has a low-profile design, and the machine includes a large tool tray with a protective pad. Red-marked touchpoints and decals are intended to guide setup and string placement.
Compared with the GLOPTIX lockout models, the main difference is the drop-weight tension method rather than a spring-loaded lockout crank. If you specifically want lockout operation, this is not the right pick. If you are choosing based on frame support and listed workspace features instead, the six-point mount and fixed clamps make it a more fully equipped option than the Momentum 2.
Pros:
- Six-point mounting system
- Fixed clamps and quick-action swivel base
- Die-cast aluminum base with a low-profile design
- Large tool tray with a protective pad and setup decals
Cons:
- Uses a drop-weight system, not a lockout tensioner
- Product details do not state a tension range
Verdict: Consider the Momentum 6 Plus if you want six-point support and fixed clamps and are comfortable choosing a drop-weight machine instead of a lockout model.
GAMMA Momentum 2: Guided drop-weight stringing with a two-point mount
The Momentum 2 is another drop-weight machine, not a lockout stringer. Its standout difference from the Momentum 6 Plus is a two-point mounting system instead of a six-point system. GAMMA says the mount holds the racket firmly during stringing, while composite floating clamps are designed to grip the strings without damaging them.
The machine has a die-cast aluminum base and a compact, low-profile design. A large tool tray with a protective pad gives you a place to keep stringing tools nearby. Red-marked touchpoints and decals identify steps such as string placement, tension application, and weight positioning, which can help make the process easier to follow.
That guidance may be useful if you are learning the sequence of a manual stringing job. Still, the two-point mounting layout is a simpler support arrangement than the six-point systems on the GT-210, GT-160, and Momentum 6 Plus. Choose it for its guided drop-weight approach rather than if your top priority is a lockout tensioner or six-point mounting.
Pros:
- Compact, low-profile design with a die-cast aluminum base
- Floating composite clamps
- Large tool tray with a protective pad
- Marked touchpoints and decals guide key steps
Cons:
- Uses a drop-weight system, not a lockout tensioner
- Two-point mounting differs from the six-point options in this guide
Verdict: Choose the Momentum 2 if you want a guided, compact drop-weight machine and do not require lockout tensioning or a six-point mount.
GLOPTIX GT-120: Compact drop-weight machine with a stated 15–80 lb range
The GT-120 is a manual tabletop drop-weight machine, not a lockout model. Its stated tension range is 15–80 pounds, which is narrower than the 9–102-pound range listed for the GT-160 and GT-210. It uses K-shaped racket grippers and a six-point frame support system, with a 360-degree rotating racket plate for access during stringing.
This is the simplest GLOPTIX option in the supplied lineup. Its compact desktop format may suit a home setup where a full standing machine is not practical. The six-point support and rotating plate are useful features to compare against the Momentum 2, which uses a two-point mount, but the GT-120 does not have the described lockout tensioner found on the GT-160 and GT-210.
Before choosing it, make sure the stated 15–80 lb range covers the tensions you plan to use. The listing calls the machine affordable, but no price is included here; compare the current listing with the features you need rather than relying on that description alone.
Pros:
- Six-point frame support system
- Stated 15–80 lb drop-weight range
- 360-degree rotating racket plate
- Compact tabletop design
Cons:
- Drop-weight system rather than lockout tensioning
- Listed range is narrower than the GT-160 and GT-210 ranges
Verdict: The GT-120 is worth considering if you want a compact six-point drop-weight machine and its 15–80 lb range fits your needs, but it is not the pick for lockout operation.
How to Choose a Lockout Tennis Stringing Machine
Confirm the tensioning system
A lockout machine and a drop-weight machine use different methods to apply string tension. The GT-210 and GT-160 are described as having spring-loaded manual crank lockout tensioners. The Momentum 2, Momentum 6 Plus, and GT-120 are drop-weight machines. If lockout operation is a requirement, focus on the two GLOPTIX models rather than assuming every manual stringer works the same way.
Choose a frame support layout
Frame mounting affects how the racket is held while you string it. The GT-210, GT-160, Momentum 6 Plus, and GT-120 list six-point support. The Momentum 2 lists a two-point mount. Think about which setup you prefer, and follow the machine’s instructions for mounting your particular racket. A more elaborate support layout is not a substitute for correct setup.
Decide between a standing and tabletop format
The GT-210 is the standing option in this group; the GT-160 and GT-120 are described as tabletop machines. A standing machine may fit a dedicated work area, while a desktop model calls for a sturdy bench or table with enough room around it. Check the listing for dimensions and weight if the machine needs to fit a specific space or be moved often.
Check the working tension range
The GT-210 and GT-160 list a range of 9–102 pounds, while the GT-120 lists 15–80 pounds. The supplied descriptions do not give a tension range for either GAMMA machine. Compare the stated range with the tensions you expect to use, and confirm specifications with the seller if a range is not shown.
Compare clamps and adjustment features
Clamps hold strings as you work, so their style can affect how you prefer to handle the job. The Momentum 6 Plus lists fixed clamps, while the Momentum 2 lists composite floating clamps. The GLOPTIX descriptions focus on their manual tensioner, frame grippers, and mounting system. Compare the clamp details and adjustment method in each product listing before deciding.
Allow for a manual learning curve
These five machines are manual models, so stringing requires hands-on work rather than an automated process. Setup, tensioning, clamping, and moving around the frame all take practice. Marked steps on the GAMMA machines may help you follow the sequence, while the GLOPTIX descriptions specify tension scales in pounds and kilograms on the GT-160 and GT-210.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which machines in this guide are actually lockout models?
The GLOPTIX GT-210 and GT-160 are described as using a spring-loaded manual crank lockout tensioner. The GAMMA Momentum 2, GAMMA Momentum 6 Plus, and GLOPTIX GT-120 are drop-weight machines.
What is the main difference between the GT-210 and GT-160?
The GT-210 is a standing model, while the GT-160 is a tabletop model. Both list a 9–102 lb lockout tension range, six-point frame support, and a 360-degree swivel base.
Is a drop-weight machine the same as a lockout machine?
No. They are different tensioning systems. In this selection, the two GLOPTIX models with spring-loaded manual crank tensioners are the lockout options; the three drop-weight models are alternatives for shoppers open to that system.
Which machine has the broadest stated tension range?
The GT-210 and GT-160 each list a 9–102 lb range. The GT-120 lists 15–80 pounds. The supplied product details do not state a range for the two GAMMA models.
Is a six-point mount necessary?
Not every machine in this guide uses one: the Momentum 2 has a two-point mounting system, while the other four list six-point support. Consider the machine’s instructions, your racket, and the support layout you prefer when comparing models.
Which option is best for a tabletop setup?
The GT-160 and GT-120 are tabletop models. Choose the GT-160 if you want a lockout tensioner; choose the GT-120 if you prefer a drop-weight machine and its stated 15–80 lb range suits your needs.
Final Recommendation
For a true lockout stringer, the GLOPTIX GT-210 is the strongest fit if you have room for a standing machine, while the GT-160 offers the same listed tension range and six-point support in a tabletop format. The GAMMA Momentum machines and GLOPTIX GT-120 are not lockout alternatives; consider them only if you are open to drop-weight tensioning. Match the machine to your workspace, preferred mounting layout, and required tension range before choosing.