Since June 2002, Silent Partner launches three assaults on Maxline. Maxline has no choice to response his assault. Obviously his previous two assaults failed. This is his third assault on Maxline. He is going to fail again.
| Silent Partner's assault | Maxline's reponse | Result |
| First assault:June 2002 Silent Partner claimed that any other machines coated with red and gray colors are fake and imitated. (Click here to view his first assault.) | Maxline provided the truth on Answers #1 - #6. | September 2002 Silent Partner removed his message from his website. His first assault failed. |
| Second assault: On August 15, 2002, Silent Partner filed in New York Court and indicated that Maxline's FAQ #41 is false. (Click here to view his second assault.) | Maxline conducted further research, then presented the true evidence (Answer #7) and the true test data (Answer #8) to the court. | This case was dismissed. His second assault failed. |
| Third assault: Since July 2004, Silent Partner put this message on his website. "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?" (Click here to view his third assault.) | Maxline provides the truth on Answers #10 - #25 | November 2009 Silent Partner removed his message from his website. His third assault failed again. |
| Final: | March 2011 Silent Partner is out of stringing machine business. |
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Beware of fakes. A competitor has copied our colors and features to give the impression that one of its machines is the same at the Maestro. This is not the case. No Silent Partner stringing machine is sold in North America under a different name. For more information on the origin of stringing machines, see FAQ#5. |
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Beware of fakes. A competitor has copied our colors and features to give the impression that one of its machines is the same at the Maestro. This is not the case. No Silent Partner stringing machine is sold in North America under a different name. For more information on the origin of stringing machines, see FAQ#5. |
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The importer, Deuce Industries Ltd. in Canada (Silent Partner), claims that the red and gray color machines are as his own colors. Aside from Silent Partner machines, no other machine can use these colors. The Silent Partner also claims that any other machines coated with red and gray colors are fake and imitated. Let us check how many machines are in red and gray colors. In 1984 Winn Inc. imported the Winn Pro stringing machine (two color options: blue and gray, or red and gray). In February 1985 Maxline imported and displayed EAG-700 stringing machine in New York trade show. The EAG-700 has two color options: blue and gray, or red and gray. In 1985 Gamma Sports imported the red and gray 4000 stringing machine. In 1988 Maxline imported the red and gray EAG-960A stringing machine. In 2000 Deuce Industries Ltd. in Canada imported the red and gray DG stringing machine. Actually the stringing machine factory has the typical colors for all the machines. The typical colors are black, navy blue, blue, gray, purple, red, yellow and white. The gray color is the typical color for turntable and tool tray. If the importer does not specify the colors, the factory will ship the machines with the typical colors. The factory will print the importer's trademark and/or logo on the base for portable and table-top machine, on the column and the cover of the crank tension head. Currently Maxline has the following red stringing machines on the market: Eagnas DEN-3600, Eagnas 10, Hawk 20, Hawk 40, Hawk 880, Hyper 320, Hyper 480, Neon 21, Neon CX, Neon CX21 and Neon CXS.
| Time Period | Silent Partner's FAQ#2 |
| From 1999 to December 2000: During this period the Silent Partner just began to import and market the electric stringing machines. The Silent Partner emphasized these type of tensioners were very popular in the past. It implied that the electric tensioners were popular at that time. |
2) What is a "spring and brake" stringing machine? A machine with a spring and brake tensioner relies on a hand operated crank to pull the string. A spring deflects against the tension being applied to the string. When the pre-selected tension is reached, a lever is tripped stopping the tensioning operation, and a brake is engaged to hold the tension in the string. When properly calibrated, spring and brake tensioners are usually very accurate and they have been very popular in the past. Spring tensioners are a definite improvement over drop weights and they usually cost a fair bit more. Stringing machines with these spring and brake tensioners cost in the range of about $400 to $1,000. |
| From January 2001 to December 2001: In order to futher promote the electric tensioners, the Silent Partner needed to further degrade these type of tensioners. |
2) What is a "spring and brake" stringing machine? A machine with a spring and brake tensioner relies on a hand operated crank to pull the string. A spring deflects against the tension being applied to the string. When the pre-selected tension is reached, a lever is tripped stopping the tensioning operation, and a brake is engaged to hold the tension in the string (for this reason, these machines are also known as "lockout" machines). When properly calibrated, spring and brake tensioners are accurate although variations in the speed with which the operator turns the crank cause variations in the final tension of the string. Spring tensioners are an improvement over drop weights and they usually cost a fair bit more. |
| From January 2002 to Present: The Silent Partner began to import and market the "spring and brake" stringing machines. The Silent Partner needs to promote these type of tensioners. |
2) What is a "spring and brake" stringing machine? A machine with a spring and brake tensioner relies on a hand operated crank to pull the string. A spring deflects against the tension being applied to the string. When the pre-selected tension is reached, a lever is tripped stopping the tensioning operation, and a brake is engaged to hold the tension in the string (for this reason, these machines are also known as "lockout" or "instant off" machines). When properly calibrated, spring and brake tensioners are very accurate and allow fast stringing, which is why they are extremely popular in pro shops. Because these machines "lockout" as soon as they reach the reference tension, professional stringers usually set the tension about 10% higher than they do with "constant pull" machines (see FAQ 11 for an explanation of the difference between instant off and constant pull machines). |
In 1997 the stringing machine factory (Lily-Lee & Co., Ltd.), developed a new 6-point suspension mounting system. Then there are two series machines with this mounting system that were introduced into the market, the Neon and the Hyper series. The Neon series machines are electronic machines, such as Neon 21, Neon CX, Neon CX21, Neon CXS and King 3115H. The Hyper series machines are drop-weight and manual crank machines, such as Hyper 50, Hyper 100 and Hyper 500. Basically, the Hyper series machines are made for the European market. In September 2000 the XP series machines were introduced to the market, such as XP-45, XP-46, XP-600, XP-601, XP-650, XP-651, XP-8200S, XP-8201S, XP-8600S and XP-8600T. The XP series machines are designed for the Japanese and south Asian markets. In October 2001 the Hyper 480 was introduced to the market. The Hyper 480 is identical to the XP-650 except the colors. The XP-650 has the gray and light yellow colors; the Hyper 480 has the red and gray colors.
The clone history is as follows:
| Eagnas Hyper 500 | Eagnas XP-650 | Eagnas Hyper 480 | Silent Partner Maestro | ||
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1997 | September 2000 | October 2001 | January 2002 |
In 1999 Deuce Industries Ltd. in Canada began to import the stringing machines from the factory (Lily-Lee & Co., Ltd). The Silent Partner imported the base, mounting system, clamps, accessories, and shipping box of the Eagnas Hawk 20 stringing machine from the same factory. Then by attaching an electric tension head, an e.stringer machine is created. See the e.stringer clone history.
In May 2000 an ex-employee of the stringing machine factory (Lily-Lee & Co., Ltd.) began to copy Eagnas Hawk and Hyper series machines. Later on Silent Partner imports stringing machines from this startup company (Xpider Co.).
| Eagnas Hawk 20 | Silent Partner e.stringer | Silent Partner e.stringer | ||
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1999 to December 2000 | January 2001 |
| Eagnas 70 | Silent Partner e.stringer SC | Silent Partner e.stringer SC | ||
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1999 to April 2001 | May 2001 |
| Eagnas Neon CX21 | Silent Partner e.stringer DG | Silent Partner e.stringer DG | Silent Partner e.stringer DG | Silent Partner e.stringer DG | ||||
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Use Neon CX21, 2 PN-1008 clamps | Copy Neon mounting system, copy Hawk 800 swivel clamp base, copy PN-1008 clamp, copy Neon electronic design | Copy Neon mounting system, copy Hawk 800 swivel clamp base, copy PN-1008 clamp, copy Neon electronic design |
Copy Neon mounting system, copy Hyper turntable, copy EAG-90 II swivel clamp base, copy PN-1008 clamp, copy Neon electronic design |
In January 2002 the Silent Partner's supplier (Xpider Co.) copied the stand of the Eagnas XP-650, then copy the turntable and mounting posts of the Eagnas Hawk 700 to create the Jazz model. (Click on picture or model number to view larger image.)
| Eagnas Hawk 700 | Eagnas XP-650 | Eagnas Hyper 320 | Silent Partner Jazz | ||
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1996 | September 2000 | January 2002 |
In January 2002 the Silent Partner's supplier (Xpider Co.) copied the Eagnas XP-650 to create the Maestro model. (Click on picture or model number to view larger image.)
| Eagnas Hyper 500 | Eagnas XP-650 | Silent Partner Maestro | ||
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1997 | September 2000 | January 2002 |
In May 2000 the Silent Partner's supplier (Xpider Co.) copied Eagnas PN-1008 aluminum swivel clamp design. Use the Eagnas PN-1008 aluminum top and bottom parts. Use the Eagnas PN-1008 steel post. Add the steel handle and metal thumbknob.
| 1997 Eagnas PN-1008 Price: $17.95 | May 2000 Silent Partner Swivel Clamp |
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In May 2000 the Silent Partner's supplier (Xpider Co.) copied Eagnas PN-3090P floating clamp design. Use the Eagnas PN-3090P steel top and bottom parts. Use the Eagnas PN-3090P screws and nut. Add the metal handle.
| 1985 Eagnas PN-3090P Price: $12.95 | May 2000 Silent Partner floating Clamp |
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The answer is Eagnas Hawk 800 strining machine. Since 1997 Dr. John Bassili uses the Eagnas Hawk 800 to learn and to string his and his son's racquets. Even in 1999 he imported the stringing machines from this stringing machine factory (Lily-Lee & Co., Ltd.).
But on the Silent Partner FAQ#5 mentions: One supplier of low cost stringing machines has acquired a very bad reputation for poor quality and customer service, and it is wise for customers to limit their shopping to reputable brands.
In October 1997 Dr. John Bassili purchased the Eagnas Hawk 800 stringing machine. It is apparent that Dr. John Bassili likes this low-cost Hawk 800 stringing machine, which now Dr. John Bassili described as poor quality and customer service. But two years later strange enough was he even importing those so-called poor quality stringing machines and marketing to the public.
(Click here to view the Silent Partner's own statement, which filed in New York Court.)
On October 1, 1997 Dr. John Bassili purchased the Eagnas Hawk 800 stringing machine from Maxline. Dr. John Bassili indicated that Maxline provides very bad reputation for poor quality and customer service. The common sense will tell Dr. John Bassili that "never purchase anything from Maxline again". But it is very strange. On October 29, 1997 Dr. John Bassili made another purchase, he puchased one floating clamp PN-3090 from Maxline again. It does not make sense anymore. Dr. John Bassili tells all the customers to limit their shopping to reputable brands. But Dr. John Bassili himself purchased from the bad brand twice. Would you think that Dr. John Bassili owes all the viewers the explanation that why he purchased twice from this bad reputation company?
It is apparent that Dr. John Bassili likes Eagnas low-cost, poor quality and customer service Hawk 800 stringing machine, and also Dr. John Bassili likes to market poor quality stringing machines to the public. It is very ironic. What certifies his critic as a valid statement. See how Dr. John Bassili gets the stringing knowledge from Eagnas Hawk 800 stringing machine as follows.
| Date | Event |
| March 15, 1997 |
I have seen your ad in TENNIS as well as your web page. I am looking to buy a stringer for my 10-year old son and the Hawk 800 looks interesting. Can you snd me more information about the stringer as well as about your company (your location and other products you may carry). |
| September 28, 1997 |
I am interested in buying an upright stringer that I and my 11 year-old son can use. I have looked at your FAQ information and all your models. The Hawk 800 looks like a great deal, but I would like to know what more I will get if I spend more for one of your more expensive non-electronic models. I have to assume that I would be paying more for something.
Your literature does not make clear what that would be. |
| September 29, 1997 Silent Partner uses this information as FAQ#16. |
The more expensive models, such as EAG-90 II and STAR J312, have the heavy-duty string clamps and the spring-action swivel clamp base. |
| October 1, 1997 |
Thank you for the information. Let me go ahead and place an order for
GROSS UNIT
DESCRIPTION CARTON WEIGHT DIMENSION PRICE
HAWK 800 STRINGING MACHINE 1 61LBS 35X14.5X25.5"
BS-809 TENNIS AWL
DP-507 diagonal cutter
NP-500 needle nose pliers
Utmost gut string 660' (AMBER)
THE MACHINE WILL BE COMING TO CANADA. PLEASE INCLUDE INVOICE AND ANY
OTHER RELEVANT EXPORT DOCUMENTS (CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN OR A STATEMENT
ABOUT WHERE MACHINE IS MADE). |
| October 29, 1997 |
Ordered 1 PN-3090 floating clamp. |
| Time Period | Silent Partner's FAQ#1 |
| From 1999 to December 2000: During this period the Silent Partner just began to import and market the electric stringing machines. In order to promote the electric tensioners, the Silent Partner needed to degrade the drop weight stringing machines. |
1) What is a "drop weight" stringing machine? To achieve correct tension, the lever must come to rest in a perfectly horizontal position against the pull of the string. For a number of reasons, drop weight stringing machines are the least convenient and least accurate machines on the market. The most significant problem is that accurate tensioning is only achieved when the drop weight comes to rest in a perfectly horizontal position against the pull of the tensioned string. Deviations from the horizontal can create substantial deviations in tension (10 lb or 20 lb is not uncommon)... To help with these problems, some drop weight machines are equipped with a ratchet mechanism. Because the ratchet only works in one direction, the problem is only partially solved. All in all, drop weights are accurate in theory, but in practice they are not. The main advantage of drop weight machines is their low cost which is in the range of $100 and $400. |
| From January 2001 to April 2002: |
1) What is a "drop weight" stringing machine? To achieve correct tension, the lever must come to rest in a horizontal position against the pull of the string. For a number of reasons, drop weight stringing machines are the least convenient on the market. The most significant problem is that accurate tensioning is only achieved when the drop weight comes to rest in a horizontal position against the pull of the tensioned string. Deviations from the horizontal create deviations in tension... To help with these problems, some drop weight machines are equipped with a ratchet mechanism. Because the ratchet only works in one direction, the problem is only partially solved. All in all, drop weights are accurate in theory, but in practice they are not. The main advantage of drop weight machines is their low cost. |
| From May 2002 to September 2002: |
1) What is a "drop weight" stringing machine? To help with these problems, some drop weight machines are equipped with a ratchet or clutch mechanism, although some of these systems remain very cumbersome to use. The main advantage of drop weight machines is their low cost. |
| From October 2002 to Present: The Silent Partner began to import and market the "drop weight" stringing machines. The Silent Partner needs to promote his drop weight stringing machine. |
1) What is a "drop weight" stringing machine? The clutch of the Silent Partner swing greatly facilitates tensioning. The main advantage of drop weight machines is their low cost. |
The Silent Partner’s electric tensioner design (U.S. Patent No. 6,162,139) just uses the General Electric universal motor-speed control circuitry. Refer to the Figure 12-18 of the 1993 Small Electric Motors textbook.
Table 1 illustrates the comparison between the Silent Partner’s String Tensioning Device and the General Electric universal motor-speed control circuitry.
| Device | General Electric universal motor-speed control circuitry (Figure 12-18) | Silent Partner' String Tensioning Device (U.S. Patent 6,162,139 Figure 2) |
| Potentiometer R1 | 250K Ohms | 100K Ohms |
| Capacitor C1 | 0.1 Micro Farad | 0.068 Micro Farad |
| Resistor R2 | 100 Ohms | 1500 Ohms |
| Capacitor C2 | 0.1 Micro Farad | 0.068 Micro Farad |
| Control Devices | 1 Diac and 1 Triac | 1 Quadrac: One Quadrac device is one Triac that includes a Diac mounted inside the same package. See the Quadrac data sheet of the Triac manufacturer "Teccor Electronics". |
A professional stringer, Thomas E. Ruddy, tests a Silent Partner 2002 e.stringer.
Tenion pulled to correct tension most of the time, but lost more # than I thought it should. When tension pulled not enough stable or constant pulled to have a even racket strung. I have strung for the US Davis Cup team. I have also strung for school districts in and out California,
Montebello, Whittier, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, New York Germantown middle school district. Also US badminton team 84-88, 92 Olympic teams, to present 2002.
| Machine Under Test: | 2002 September e.Stringer model (purchased in September 2002) |
| Test Equipment: | Silent Partner tension calibrator (purchased in September 2002) Silent Partner Original Syn 16G string (purchased in September 2002) |
| Initial Setup (Calibration): | Follow the HELPFUL HINT FOR CALIBRATION on page 9 of the Owner's manual:
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| Reference Tension | Initial Pull Tension | 3 Second Later Tension | 10 Second Later Tension |
| 30 LBS | 27 LBS | 25 LBS | 21 LBS |
| 30 LBS | 26 LBS | 25 LBS | 24 LBS |
| 30 LBS | 28 LBS | 25 LBS | 23 LBS |
| 30 LBS | 30 LBS | 26 LBS | 25 LBS |
| 30 LBS | 30 LBS | 26 LBS | 22 LBS |
| 35 LBS | 32 LBS | 25 LBS | 20 LBS |
| 35 LBS | 32 LBS | 28 LBS | 24 LBS |
| 35 LBS | 35 LBS | 30 LBS | 18 LBS |
| 35 LBS | 35 LBS | 31 LBS | 28 LBS |
| 35 LBS | 35 LBS | 30 LBS | 26 LBS |
| 40 LBS | 40 LBS | 36 LBS | 35 LBS |
| 40 LBS | 40 LBS | 36 LBS | 36 LBS |
| 40 LBS | 36 LBS | 35 LBS | 34 LBS |
| 40 LBS | 40 LBS | 36 LBS | 35 LBS |
| 40 LBS | 41 LBS | 39 LBS | 36 LBS |
| 45 LBS | 46 LBS | 41 LBS | 40 LBS |
| 45 LBS | 43 LBS | 39 LBS | 36 LBS |
| 45 LBS | 44 LBS | 40 LBS | 36 LBS |
| 45 LBS | 44 LBS | 40 LBS | 37 LBS |
| 45 LBS | 44 LBS | 39 LBS | 36 LBS |
| 50 LBS | 50 LBS | 46 LBS | 45 LBS |
| 50 LBS | 49 LBS | 44 LBS | 43 LBS |
| 50 LBS | 49 LBS | 44 LBS | 41 LBS |
| 50 LBS | 49 LBS | 46 LBS | 41 LBS |
| 50 LBS | 50 LBS | 46 LBS | 41 LBS |
| 55 LBS | 57 LBS | 52 LBS | 51 LBS |
| 55 LBS | 56 LBS | 51 LBS | 50 LBS |
| 55 LBS | 56 LBS | 51 LBS | 49 LBS |
| 55 LBS | 56 LBS | 50 LBS | 49 LBS |
| 55 LBS | 56 LBS | 50 LBS | 48 LBS |
| 60 LBS | 62 LBS | 59 LBS | 55 LBS |
| 60 LBS | 65 LBS | 58 LBS | 56 LBS |
| 60 LBS | 66 LBS | 61 LBS | 60.5 LBS |
| 60 LBS | 66 LBS | 59 LBS | 56 LBS |
| 60 LBS | 66 LBS | 59 LBS | 56 LBS |
| 65 LBS | 70 LBS | 64 LBS | 60.5 LBS |
| 65 LBS | 70 LBS | 64 LBS | 61 LBS |
| 65 LBS | 70 LBS | 62 LBS | 60 LBS |
| 65 LBS | 69 LBS | 61 LBS | 60 LBS |
| 65 LBS | 71 LBS | 62 LBS | 60.25 LBS |
| 70 LBS | 76 LBS | 67 LBS | 66 LBS |
| 70 LBS | 76 LBS | 69 LBS | 66 LBS |
| 70 LBS | 76 LBS | 69 LBS | 65.5 LBS |
| 70 LBS | 77 LBS | 68 LBS | 66 LBS |
| 70 LBS | 79 LBS | 70.5 LBS | 70 LBS |
| Reference Tension | Initial Pull Tension | 3 Second Later Tension | 10 Second Later Tension | Tension Drop to Re-trigger Motor Pull | Motor Pulls Tension |
| 30 LBS | 30 LBS | 24 LBS | 22 LBS | ||
| 30 LBS | 31 LBS | 25 LBS | 24 LBS | 8 LBS | 16 LBS |
| 40 LBS | 40 LBS | 32 LBS | 31 LBS | 16 LBS | 25.5 LBS |
| 40 LBS | 40.5 LBS | 35 LBS | 31 LBS | 16 LBS | 25 LBS |
| 50 LBS | 50 LBS | 41 LBS | 39 LBS | 26 LBS | 39 LBS |
| 50 LBS | 50 LBS | 41 LBS | 40 LBS | 26 LBS | 39 LBS |
| 55 LBS | 56 LBS | 46 LBS | 45 LBS | 25 LBS | 55 LBS |
| 55 LBS | 56 LBS | 45 LBS | 41 LBS | 30 LBS | 45 LBS |
| 60 LBS | 61 LBS | 56 LBS | 55 LBS | 30 LBS | 46 LBS |
| 60 LBS | 61 LBS | 55 LBS | 54 LBS | 36 LBS | 49 LBS |
Test By Thomas E. Ruddy
Date: 10-13-02
If you have the Silent Partner e.Stringer, please let us know how is your e.Stringer performance.
Silent Partner's FAQ#4:
4) Are all electronic machines based on the same technology?
Important differences distinguish the technologies used in various electronic machines. There are three types of technologies. The first consists of electronics for direct torque control of a motor so that the motor cannot pull more than the desired tension. Silent Partner holds a patent for this technology (US Patent #6,162,139) and offers it exclusively on the e.Stringer, the e.Stringer CL and the e.Stringer FL, as well as in retrofit tensioners for other brands of machines. The second type of electronic technology consists of a motor control linked mechanically to a pre-loaded spring. Tension adjustment is effected by turning a knob that compresses the spring to the desired tension so that a limit switch is tripped and the motor is stopped when the tension is reached. This type of control, which is identified by a tension control knob located to the right of the machine (see picture), does not provide constant pull because tension has to drop by more than 15 lbs. for the limit switch to turn the motor on again, and this does not normally happen during stringing...
A professional stringer, Thomas E. Ruddy, tests a Silent Partner 2002 e.stringer.
Tenion pulled to correct tension most of the time, but lost more # than I thought it should. When tension pulled not enough stable or constant pulled to have a even racket strung. I have strung for the US Davis Cup team. I have also strung for school districts in and out California,
Montebello, Whittier, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, San Diego, New York Germantown middle school district. Also US badminton team 84-88, 92 Olympic teams, to present 2002.
| Reference Tension | Initial Pull Tension | 3 Second Later Tension | 10 Second Later Tension | Tension Drop to Re-trigger Motor Pull | Motor Pulls Tension |
| 30 LBS | 30 LBS | 24 LBS | 22 LBS | ||
| 30 LBS | 31 LBS | 25 LBS | 24 LBS | 8 LBS | 16 LBS |
| 40 LBS | 40 LBS | 32 LBS | 31 LBS | 16 LBS | 25.5 LBS |
| 40 LBS | 40.5 LBS | 35 LBS | 31 LBS | 16 LBS | 25 LBS |
| 50 LBS | 50 LBS | 41 LBS | 39 LBS | 26 LBS | 39 LBS |
| 50 LBS | 50 LBS | 41 LBS | 40 LBS | 26 LBS | 39 LBS |
| 55 LBS | 56 LBS | 46 LBS | 45 LBS | 25 LBS | 55 LBS |
| 55 LBS | 56 LBS | 45 LBS | 41 LBS | 30 LBS | 45 LBS |
| 60 LBS | 61 LBS | 56 LBS | 55 LBS | 30 LBS | 46 LBS |
| 60 LBS | 61 LBS | 55 LBS | 54 LBS | 36 LBS | 49 LBS |
Test By Thomas E. Ruddy
Date: 10-13-02
Refer to the complete test report.
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
| Time Period | Silent Partner's statement |
| On July 14, 2004 |
1. Cheap knock offs.
Most Eagnas machines are low quality knock offs of other brands... |
| From July 18, 2004 to present |
1. Cheap knock offs.
Most Eagnas machines are knock offs of other brands... |
Silent Partner's low quality statement could only be able to last 4 days. Silent Partner has only 4-day guts to indicate that the Eagnas machines are low quality.
From 1999 to 2000 Silent Partner imported the low quality mounting system of the Eagnas Hawk 20 from the factory (Lily-Lee & Co., Ltd) for his e.Stringers. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own statement, which filed in New York Court.) Since Silent Partner utilized the low quality mounting system of the Eagnas Hawk 20 for his e.Stringers, it implies that the Silent Partner's e.Stringers are low quality too.
In October 1997 the Silent Partner's owner (Dr. John Bassili) purchased the low quality Eagnas Hawk 800 stringing machine to learn and to string his and his son's racquets. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own e-mail statement.) It is apparent that the Silent Partner's owner (Dr. John Bassili) likes the low quality Eagnas Hawk 800 stringing machine.
Let us just use Silent Partner's sentence: Is Silent Partner's statement credible? You be the judge!
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
1. Cheap knock offs.
Most Eagnas machines are knock offs of other brands. Every respected brand of stringing machine has a distinctive look and color scheme... Eagnas copies the look of reputable machines...
Let us exam whether this is a valid statement. From 1999 to 2000 Silent Partner imported the red color mounting system of the Eagnas Hawk 20 from the factory (Lily-Lee & Co., Ltd) for his e.Stringer. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own statement, which filed in New York Court.) But later on strange enough was he even importing the copied red color mounting system and design for his e.stringer. From Silent Partner's statement above, Silent Partner has very high business ethics and standard. He will not use the other brands' distinctive look and color scheme. But he imports the copied red color mounting system and design for his e.stringer. This behavior does not match with his standard. It is very ironic. What certifies his critic as a valid statement. His statement shall apply to himself as "Most Silent Partner machines are knock offs of Eagnas brand."
In May 2000 the Silent Partner's supplier (Xpider Co.) copied Eagnas Hawk 20 color and mounting system design.
| Eagnas Hawk 20: red color mounting system | Silent Partner e.stringer: Import Eagnas Hawk 20: red color mounting system. At present (7-17-2004), Silent Partner still uses this picture for the "Mounting the Racquet on the e.Stringer" | Silent Partner current e.stringer: copied red color mounting system from Eagnas Hawk 20 (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own statement, which is in its 2002 user's manual.) |
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Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
1. Cheap knock offs.
Most Eagnas machines are low quality knock offs of other brands. Every respected brand of stringing machine has a distinctive look and color scheme. You should not assume that Eagnas machines are the same as the more expensive originals they copy. Eagnas copies the look of reputable machines without bothering to copy their quality.
Let us exam the pictures below. In December 2008 Silent Partner copied the distinctive look and design of the Lobster Elite ball machine. His statement shall apply to himself as "Silent Partner ball machines are Cheap knock offs of Lobster brand."
Let just use his statement as "Most Silent Partner machines are low quality knock offs of other brands. Every respected brand of ball machine has a distinctive look and color scheme. You should not assume that Silent Partner machines are the same as the more expensive originals they copy. Silent Partner copies the look of reputable machines without bothering to copy their quality."
| Lobster Sports Elite series: | Silent Partner Scoop series: | |
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Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
2. Copying what they criticize!
Maxline is obsessed with criticizing the Silent Partner e.Stringer.
According to Maxline, everything about the e.Stringer tensioner is
terrible. But if Maxline really believes this, why did Eagnas develop a
copy of the e.Stringer (see picture below)? This copy cannot be sold in
the USA because the e.Stringer is patented. Is Maxline's criticism
credible? You be the judge!
From Silent Partner's above statement, it implies that Maxline would like to sell the AC (alternating-current) motor electric tension head to the public. The answer is that Maxline does not want to sell the AC motor electric tension head to the public. The AC motor electric tension head does not provide stable tensioning system; it has the varied tension on every pull. The AC motor electric tension head does not meet the Maxline standard. Maxline will only import and sell the DC (direct-current) motor electronic tension head. The DC motor electronic tension head provides the precise tension on every pull. The Maxline standard is to provide the public with the quality electronic tension head and best value. See the development history below.
Note: Maxline feels that it is not necessory to reveal the development of the electronic tension head. But Silent Partner made this funny conclusion to mislead the viewers. Maxline has no choice to let the viewers know the history and truth.
| Time Period | Picture | Event |
| From 1999 to 2001 |  |
The Silent Partner uses the General Electric AC motor speed control circuitry for his electric tension head.
He uses an AC motor with single coil. With the single coil, the motor can only turn clockwise; it can not turn counterclockwise.
Therefore, The string gripper can only be able to pull the string, it can not release the string. You have to use the hand to re-wind the string gripper counterclockwise to release the string. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own statement, which is in its user's manual.) |
| 2001 |  |
The stringing machine factory (Lily-Lee) designed an electric tension head with two AC motors. This electric tension head uses the General Electric AC motor speed control circuitry.
The stringing machine factory (Lily-Lee) applied the Taiwan patent and U.S. patent for this electric tension head. The Silent Partner filed the opposition to the Taiwan patent office. But his opposition was denied by the Taiwan patent office. The Taiwan patent application was approved by the Taiwan patent office. By the mean time the U.S. patent application was approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This patent application covers the tension head with two AC motors, a string gripper and LED display. This electric tension head has a toggle switch, two motors and LED display design. When press the upper portion of the toggle switch, the primary motor is energized. It will turn the string gripper clockwise to pull the string. When press the lower portion of the toggle switch, the second motor is energized. It will turn the string gripper counterclockwise to release the string. This design solves the string gripper re-winding problem. But it will not provide stable tensioning system. Maxline reviewed this design and found out that there are several marketing issues:
|
| From 2002 to present |  |
The Silent Partner saw the stringing machine factory (Lily-Lee) has two motors electric tension head design. He began to improve his electric tension head. He can not use two motors approach due to the Lily-lee's patent. He uses a toggle switch and an AC motor with 2 coils. When the toggle switch flippes to the right, the primary coil is energized. It will turn the AC motor clockwise. When the toggle switch flippes to the left, the second coil is energized. It will turn the AC motor counterclockwise. This approach solves the string gripper re-winding issue. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own statement, which is in its 2002 user's manual.) But it still does not provide stable tensioning system. Since the motor has 2 coils, the cost is increased. The Silent Partner indicates that a heavy duty tensioner introduced, the price is increased from $199 to $249. |
| 2004 |  |
After 2 year development and testing, the stringing machine factory (Lily-Lee) invents a new generation electronic tension head (patent pending).
This new electronic tension head meets Maxline's requirements as follows:
|
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
2. Copying what they criticize!
Maxline is obsessed with criticizing the Silent Partner e.Stringer.
According to Maxline, everything about the e.Stringer tensioner is
terrible... Is Maxline's criticism credible? You be the judge!
Maxline presents the true statement on the FAQ#41. But Silent Partner thought that Maxline is obsessed with criticizing his e.Stringer. On August 15, 2002, Silent Partner filed a case in New York Court and indicated that Maxline's FAQ #41 is false. Maxline presented the true evidence (Answer #7) and the true test data (Answer #8) to the court. This case was dismissed. Is Maxline's FAQ #41 statement credible? The answer is that this FAQ #41 is not criticism, but it is the truth. And this FAQ #41 stands in the United Stated Court.
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
3. De-listed by the USRSA.
The behavior of Maxline has been so unprofessional and objectionable that in 2003 the USRSA stopped listing Eagnas machines
Maxline saw this funny statement. We laugh and joke the Silent Partner for long time. The Silent Partner just uses his funny imagination to make this conclusion. The truth is that Maxline gave the USRSA the statement to remove the Eagnas stringing machines list. See the correspondence below. From this funny imagination, we can see that the behavior of Silent Partner is so unprofessional and objectionable. He conducts his business by imagination.
Note: Maxline feels that it is not necessory to publish the correspondence between USRSA and Maxline. But Silent Partner made this funny imagination to mislead the viewers. Maxline has no choice to publish this correspondence.
| Date | Party | E-mail Contents |
| Dec. 2, 2002 15:47:27 |
USRSA wrote |
The submission deadline is just three days away for the January Super
Show/new tennis product introductions issue of RacquetTECH. I have not
heard anything from you. |
| Dec. 2, 2002 20:25:31 |
Maxline wrote |
Thanks for your e-mail. The USRSA will never introduce our new products.
Therefore, we do not want to waste our time to send you information. |
| Dec. 5, 2002 08:10:11 |
USRSA wrote |
I don't understand what you mean when you say that the USRSA will never introduce your new products. We have been covering your stringing machines in our stringing machine issue for the last several years. If you don't want to participate, fine. But, if you would like your new products introduced, I suggest you send us the information and samples ASAP. |
| Dec. 5, 2002 12:21 PM |
Maxline wrote |
Thanks for your e-mail. Please indicate that which issues you introduced our products. |
| Dec. 5, 2002 13:35:56 |
USRSA wrote |
Just one example is the August 2002 issue. Your stringing machines took up over 2 full pages in that issue. |
| Dec. 6, 2002 6:10 PM |
Maxline wrote |
Thanks for your e-mail. This is the machine lists. It is not the new product introduction... |
| Dec. 8, 2002 09:01:10 |
USRSA wrote |
Frankly, I find your email offensive. It sounds clear to me that you are not interested in having anything to do with the USRSA. You have refused free coverage of your products, which makes absolutely no sense to me. If this is really how you feel about the USRSA, we will remove you from all of our mailing lists and will not bother you with any further requests for product information. |
| Dec. 9, 2002 18:48:19 |
Maxline wrote |
Thanks for your e-mail. |
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
4. Claims that cannot be trusted.
The claims made about Eagnas machines cannot be trusted. For a clear illustration of an incorrect claim made about an electronic machine manufacturer by Lily Lee, watch this video. Maxline claims that the white machine shown in the video provides constant pull!
Let us exam whether this is a valid statement.
 | Silent Partner's video shows one bad stringing machine, which does not provide the constant pull. Let us view the picture on the left side. Is this model of electronic stringing machine shown in his video? Yes, it is Silent Partner's DG model. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own website for this DG model.) So Silent Partner uses his own DG model to indicate that the white machine shown in the video does not provide constant pull! But his website indicates that one of the DG model features is Controlled constant pull with prestretch for unsurpassed tension stability. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own statement for this DG model.) It is very strange now. In his website he indicates that it is Controlled constant pull. But his video shows No constant pull. We just do not know how can we trust Silent Partner.
|
 | Silent Partner's FAQ#4 shows This type of control, which is identified by a tension control knob located to the right of the machine (see picture), does not provide constant pull because tension has to drop by more than 15 lbs. Let us view the picture on the left side. Is it Silent Partner's DG model? Yes, it is Silent Partner's DG model. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own website for this FAQ#4.) So Silent Partner uses his own DG model to indicate that the machine shown in the picture does not provide constant pull! But his website indicates that one of the DG model features is Controlled constant pull with prestretch for unsurpassed tension stability. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own statement for this DG model.) In his website he indicates that it is Controlled constant pull. But his FAQ#4 shows No constant pull. We just do not know how can we trust Silent Partner. |
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
5. Bad reputation for quality and service.
The Internet has been filled with negative posts about Maxline and
about Eagnas. In one case a customer wrote: "Do yourself a favor; don't
buy Eagnas." This customer goes on to say that the machine "pulled random
numbers anywhere from –10lbs to +6lbs from the reference tension." Maxline
would not respect the warranty even though the machine had been purchased
only a month earlier. The customer had to dispute the charge with his
credit card company to get his money back. Other people who bought Eagnas
machines report experiences with poor quality and service.
Silent Partner uses one case to indicate that Maxline has bad reputation for quality and service. Now let us exam these cases (below) of Silent Partner's customers.
Actually all his above statement about Maxline shall apply to himself too.
Think Maxline's quality and service? Don't take our word for it. Hear what our customers have to say! so far there are at least 1202 testimonials about Eagnas stringing machnes. (Click here to view these testimonials.) Or Click here to view Maxline's bad service.
| Date | Silent Partner's customer |
| Nov. 14, 2000 |
I do not like the idea that the SP motor when warm lowers tension (increases resistance?) |
| Jun. 1, 2001 |
I just bought a Silent Partner e.stringer FL, 3 months ago. Since then I had to replace the motor twice because the screw striped and it wouldn't tension. I am trying to get my money back by using some legal tactics. |
| Mar. 11, 2002 |
After being dissatisfied with my current racquet stringer (a Silent Partner e.Stringer), |
| July 28, 2002 |
I am coming off a silent partner that I hated so I don't want any of those clone machines. |
| Jan. 29, 2004 |
I have a Silent Partner (electrical) and is not working well, specially the tension. |
| Apr. 12, 2004 |
I explained to you that I purchased a Silent Partner Swing, and am dissatisfied with it because of the difficulty of operation in using the tensioning/string gripper. |
| Aug. 18, 2008 |
I recently purchased and have now received my combo 810 table top stringing machine. It is an excellent machine and I couldn't be more pleased. It is far superior to my silent partner electric machine. |
| Aug. 3, 2009 |
Hi, I am interested in your Hawk 20e model stringing machine. I currently have a Silent Partner eStringer. It works fine, but as your website says, it pulls a different tension each time! I purchased a calibrator to test it and, without changing the tension setting (and after having used it for 1/2hr to string a racquet - ie it is warmed up), it will (according to the calibrator) pull a different tension each time (in my case, anything between 58 and 65 lbs). I am in Australia. I purchased the machine in the US. I use an "isolation transformer" (which I purchased separately) to convert the power supply (input 230/240v AC - output 115v AC), ie I plug the transformer into the wall and plug the machine into the transformer. |
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
5. Bad reputation for quality and service.
Here is another example from a Maxline customer who wrote Silent Partner for help: "I bought a Flex 740 stringing machine from Eagnas a year ago. It was, in retrospect, a big mistake! Approximately four months ago my stringing machine broke down, I send an Email to Maxline with the graphic description of the broken parts. The representative asked me to send him the broken part, which I did. I called him to make sure he got the broken parts and he confirmed receiving them. Since then I am still waiting for the fixed part. The answers I get are:
Don’t pressure us!
Wait awhile!
We are looking into it!
We sent you the fixed parts!
The problem is in the Post office!
Send me again the description of the broken parts!
Give me time!
I don’t know what to do. I don’t have money for a legal demand! Plus they hold the broken parts! But I do have all the correspondence! Can I buy the parts from you? Please advise. I am stuck with a bad stringing machine!
Silent Partner provides this excellent case to indicate that Maxline has bad reputation for quality and service. So Maxline will provide one brand new electronic stringing machine "Plus 8000" (Value $1295.00) and US$1000.00 cash for this unfortunate customer. Maxline will pay for the shipping cost to Canada or other country by UPS express delivery. Since Silent Partner always provides the excellent service to the customers, and also Silent Partner has this customer's information, Silent Partner shall notice this customer immediately to get the new machine and $1000.00. This will prove Silent Partner's excellent customer service. Today is June 5, 2007. Let us see how long Silent Partner will notice this customer to get the his new electronic machine and $1000.00. If Silent Partner does not notice this customer or nobody claims this price, Silent Partner does again. Silent Partner just makes another fake story.
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
7. Conclusion.
Instead of focusing on selling quality stringing machines and providing good customer service, Maxline focuses on saying bad things about the companies that do.
From Silent Partner's statement above, it looks like that Maxline has nothing to do everyday, just to say bad things to kill time. Actually it is the other way around. Since June 2002, Silent Partner launches three assaults on Maxline. Maxline has no choice to response his assault. Obviously his previous two assaults failed. This is his third assault on Maxline. He is going to fail again.
| Silent Partner's assault | Maxline's reponse | Result |
| First assault:June 2002 Silent Partner claimed that any other machines coated with red and gray colors are fake and imitated. (Click here to view his first assault.) | Maxline provided the truth on Answers #1 - #6. | September 2002 Silent Partner removed his message from his website. His first assault failed. |
| Second assault: On August 15, 2002, Silent Partner filed in New York Court and indicated that Maxline's FAQ #41 is false. (Click here to view his second assault.) | Maxline conducted further research, then presented the true evidence (Answer #7) and the true test data (Answer #8) to the court. | This case was dismissed. His second assault failed. |
| Third assault: Since July 2004, Silent Partner put this message on his website. "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?" (Click here to view his third assault.) | Maxline provides the truth on Answers #10 - #25 | November 2009 Silent Partner removed his message from his website. His third assault failed again. |
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
7. Conclusion.
Silent Partner has a very different approach to doing business. Our stringing machines are well built and offer excellent value.
Let us exam whether this is a valid statement.
 | On the front panel of his AC motor electric tension head, it indicates that "RUN FREE FOR 5 MIN TO WARM UP". All the rest of stringing machines (from drop weight, manual crank, or electronic) do not need this special requirement. You just need to turn on the power and do the stringing job immediately for all other stringing machines. Around the world, only this well built electric machine needs 5 minutes warm up time. What is the reason? Just because the AC motor gets warm, it lowers tension. Silent Partner uses this statement to cover up this fact. | |
 | Silent Partner's user's manual indicates that it is permissible to assist the unwinding of the string gripper by gripping it like a door knob and turning it counterclockwise until it releasees the string. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own statement, which is in his user's manual.) Around the world, only this well built electric machine needs the hand-assisted unwinding string gripper. It is increditable. |
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
7. Conclusion.
Silent Partner has a very different approach to doing business. Our stringing machines are well built and offer excellent value.
Let us exam whether this is a valid statement. Let us just compare the Eagnas Hawk 20e electronic stringing machne with Silent Partner's e.Stringer. From this comparison table, we could just use Silent Partner's sentence: Is Silent Partner's statement credible? You be the judge!
| Model | Eagnas: Hawk 20e |
Silent Partner: e.Stringer |
| Picture |  |
|
| Price | $249.00 | |
| Two-point, hold-down mounting system |  Yes |
Yes |
| 2 head and throat mounting posts |  Yes |
Yes |
| Oversized tennis clamp |  1 PN-3089 |
No |
| Tennis clamp |  1 PN-3090 |
2 |
| 2 badminton floating clamps | No | No |
| Tension head |  DC motor, electronic |
AC motor, electric need 5 minutes warm up |
| Tension range |  10-90 pounds 4.5-40.9 kilograms |
30-80 pounds |
| Input power selection |  Yes, 110V or 220V power input. Easy to switch |
No, can not switch power input |
| Fuse protection |  Yes, fuse protection with On/Off power switch. Easy to turn on/off |
 No, and no On/Off power switch |
| Rotatioanl string gripper |  Metal, diamond-coated: Much better and easier. |
 Plastic using sandpaper as gripping surface |
| 360 degree swivel bar |  Yes |
Yes |
| Swivel bar brake |  Screw brake system |
Screw brake system |
| Machine base |  Metal |
Yes |
| Stringing tools |  1 DP-507 diagonal cutter,1 NP-500 needle nose pliers, 1 BS-809 tennis awl, and 1 PN-3092 string mover |
1 Needle nose pliers, and 1 awl |
| Free string | Free 1 reel, 660 feet string ($75 value) | No string |
| Other special deal | Accessories, ball pickers and strings deal | No special deal |
| Status | Much better and offer excellent value | Discontinued |
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
7. Conclusion.
We offer a 30-day satisfaction warranty with no questions asked and quick refund if a customer decides to return a machine. We also honour our long-term warranty and have acquired an oustanding reputation for our products and customer service.
Silent Partner uses one case to indicate that Maxline has bad reputation for quality and service. Let us just use his method to exam his products, refund and service.
On Jun. 1, 2001 one Silent Partner's customer indicated that I just bought a Silent Partner e.stringer FL, 3 months ago. Since then I had to replace the motor twice because the screw striped and it wouldn't tension. I am trying to get my money back by using some legal tactics.
Now where is Silent Partner's oustanding reputation for his products, refund, and service?
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
7. Conclusion.
We offer a 30-day satisfaction warranty with no questions asked and quick refund if a customer decides to return a machine. We also honour our long-term warranty and have acquired an oustanding reputation for our products and customer service.
The price of the Silent Partner's Opus stringing machine is $2799.00. The factory export price is less than $1000.00. Silent Partner's profit is over $1600.00. It is 2 times over the factory export price.
Let us just use Silent Partner's sentence: Does Silent Partner provide an oustanding customer service or oustanding ripoff? You be the judge!
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
7. Conclusion.
If you are in the market for a stringing machine, here is our advice: Do yourself a favor and deal with reputable companies.
On October 1, 1997 Dr. John Bassili (Silent Partner's owner) purchased the Eagnas Hawk 800 stringing machine from Maxline. Dr. John Bassili indicated that Maxline provides very bad reputation for poor quality and customer service. The common sense will tell Dr. John Bassili that "never purchase anything from Maxline again". But it is very strange. On October 29, 1997 Dr. John Bassili made another purchase, he puchased one floating clamp PN-3090 from Maxline again. (Click here to view the Silent Partner's own e-mail statement.)
It does not make sense anymore. Dr. John Bassili tells all the customers that here is our advice: Do yourself a favor and deal with reputable companies. But Dr. John Bassili himself purchased from this bad reputation company twice. It looks like that Maxline is qualified for Dr. John Bassili's reputable company standard. Does Dr. John Bassili think that Maxline is a reputable company?
Silent Partner's "Wondering about Eagnas - Maxline?"
7. Conclusion.
If you are in the market for a stringing machine, here is our advice: Do yourself a favor and deal with reputable companies.
Let us exam whether Silent Partner is a reputable company.
| Time Period | Silent Partner's FAQ#2 |
| From 1999 to December 2000 | usually very accurate and they have been very popular in the past. |
| From January 2001 to December 2001 | accurate although variations in the speed with which the operator turns the crank cause variations in the final tension of the string. |
| From January 2002 to Present | very accurate and allow fast stringing, which is why they are extremely popular in pro shops. |
From the Silent Partner's statement above, everyone could figure out that Silent Partner's standard is:
Silent Partner does not sell the "lockout" machines; the "lockout" machines are accurate although variations...
Silent Partner begins to sell the "lockout" machines; suddenly the "lockout" machines are very accurate and allow fast stringing...
Is Silent Partner credible?
Let us just use Silent Partner's sentence: Is Silent Partner a reputable company? You be the judge!
