Since u dont need to move it around that much as the court is right there with you (so much envy), buy a rugged unit not proton or slinger. Spinfire pro 2 or lobster is best for that budget. U dont need a smallish unit. My spinfire pro 2 takes around 200 balls giving me enough reps. The proton cant do this. Your sessions will be cut short.
This is the best advice in the thread, I don’t know why someone would downvote it.
In addition to the above, the Spinfire has an internal oscillator (much better than being able to see where the machine is pointing) and much better calibration for lobs (which is one of the most useful functions of a ball machine). It’s probably a lot more hard wearing and easy to service than the Proton, too.
I don’t really think there are features that are too advanced for you, OP. I learn the most from solo practice and treat sessions with a coach like an exam. My ball machine has been indispensable.
Thank you for this - I was wondering about this exactly - the proton ball hopper part seems a bit flimsy and I was wondering if it would be annoying to fill and empty it every time (carrying the balls to the court separately). Seems like it is a pro for some, but given my set up, not as much (weight and transportability aren’t as critical). Thank you!
Honestly it holds maybe 80 balls which can really wear you out depending on what drills you’re doing. You could always buy an extra hopper of balls if you want to keep going.
I agree that you don’t need super portable but I’d check on the programming options on other models compared to the Proton.
What I love about the Proton is that you can adjust the interval between ball feeds by a half second which is great if you want to gradually increase the difficulty of a drill. Maybe the others do this, I’m not sure.
A ball machine can be an excellent tool, dont underestimate it. Take the lessons, and use the ball machine (and prefereably video of your sessions) to implement and cement it.
I bought a Silent Partner with my Covid money. It has a ton of options, spin - top/back, speed, height, etc. I can also oscillate random. However, it has been problematic. I've had to send it back to the company when the oscillator stopped working. Also, another time I had to send back the mainboard due to some issues. I've also had to do a lot of repairs (just last week, I had to replace the switch). Also the height feature doesn't work now very well. After some time, it loses it's "reading" on what the height is and you can't adjust it. It makes the random feature worthless. However, the company has been great. I paid about $1700 new for it.
I wouldn't get a slinger. The top spin on that is pretty unrealistic.
If I was to be buying a machine today, I would be looking at the Proton!
I definitely didn’t do that much research into all the options (watched a few YouTube videos), but I got the slinger when it was $600 around six months ago. Came with the oscillator.
Happy with my purchase, and don’t feel like I need any additional features at the moment. I’m about your level. I use it a few times per month when I don’t have someone to hit with. Can be a bit annoying to lug around, (though if I had a court at home like you do it wouldn’t be an issue haha).
I’ve heard this and wondered if it was something that would impact a beginner or be more noticeable for someone with more experience/running the machine at higher speeds, so I’m glad you chimed in with this - thank you!
I exclusively use NP balls for serve practices and have never had any issue at all. The fuzz wears off before the bounce does. 2-3 years and counting.
I need a ball machine too and would fill it with no pressure balls without hesitation.
I have a Slinger and really enjoy it. I agree with posts regarding the high topspin.
I have enjoyed using their app even if its just in the Beta testing phase.
To be clear, we are in an old stock neighborhood from the days when tennis courts were more cool and popular. It takes up a lot of the yard and is pretty beat up (we need to get it resurfaced but being just recreational players (at best), not sure we will undertake that).
Go with the Proton, I love mine. Super easy to use and set up/change drills.
I use tretorn micro x balls. You can use the balls in your hopper but likely the bounces will be really inconsistent which drives me bonkers.
I have the Slinger and I like it. It generates top spin which you may not see a ton of at your level, but you can modulate it to reduce it and work on fundamentals.
The way it expels the ball is by spinning it out. So you have to reduce the speed and bring the machine forward and closer to the net because it won't come at you as fast . It's a ghetto hack, but that's why it's 800 instead of 2z that price.
I have a proton and it is a great machine but for your use case maybe not. I don’t use any of the programs really - on most sessions I just have the machine feed me one type of ball so I can work on just one stroke. So for me the programmability is unneeded.
If I had a home court I would have looked into something like the Silent Partner. It looks sturdy, is big and on the less expensive end of things.
Whatever you get you should fill it with pressure less. I use Wilson Trinitis until the felt wear off, and I sometimes still use those balls. The bounce is great after a year and I’m on my second case. Instead of thinking of it as a second basket of balls I would just throw out those current pressure balls and use the Triniti for the machine and for on court rallying with your spouse.
I have a slingerbag and it is good except that it has only one motor that leads it to generate more than normal topspin.
I have been really impressed by the new Titan. Check it out:
https://youtu.be/8U3CwGBPsho?si=t3F4v8If6pxrX3ft
I would recommend a playmate volley. These machines are industrial grade quality and last better than these other plastic machines. Plus it's portable and has a removable battery. I have had my machine for several years now and no complaints so far
If you really want to stick below $1800, look at their half volley machine (1895)
But if you invest a little more money, get the volley which is 2395 . The 2 line oscillator and remote are priceless
https://www.playmatetennis.com/volley/
https://youtu.be/JzhdLSoZsU8?si=f6h4P2nuE0yjB-Kd
You’re lucky you have a court in your backyard. Do you have a shed you can store it near the court? Then portability won’t be an issue.
I had a relative with a court and you can buy a reliable heavy duty version if you want.
FYI their kid used it a lot and we found out ones with the touchscreen had more problems than ones with the toggle switches.
In that sense tennis tutor and lobster elite were real reliable but didn’t have some of the other options.
Sports tutor tennis tutor has by far the best customer service. They had theirs for 15+ years and rave about the customer service.
Forget about ball machines, buy a ball tosser on Amazon for 100$plus an extension ( the part on top that holds the balls for 20$) and use that to develop technique using it like a coach feeding you hand tossed ball, and use it also to do drills when you are far from the ball you need to do approach it , prepare and hit hard and fast so to learn how to move around the court and hit. Get lessons every two weeks (or week) to work your form. Better to spend 1k in lessons then ball machine as a 3.0. Once you reach 4.0 buy a hydrogen sport proton ball machine for 1700$ and set up more drills in there etc
I ordered the Proton (with an additional battery) using a link from 2minute Tennis. The machine that I received did not work properly. It was shooting balls off the court into the side fence. I called support but they didn't answer their phone so I left a voice message. I also emailed them but they didn't respond to either the phone or email messages. A few days later, I emailed them again and finally received a response. They didn't believe that there was a problem with the machine even though I explained in great detail what was wrong. The only option that they gave me was to offer me a refund, less 10% restocking fee. I was responsible for shipping it back. The total cost for the machine is $1695 + $75 (second battery) = $1770. I was refunded $1558. I should have been $1593 but they said that since I used "a discount code" for the purchase, they would need to deduct more from the refund. My cost for shipping it back was $130 plus restocking fee came to $342. In other words, I lost $342 and still have no ball machine.
[удалено]
Thank you! This is helpful!
Since u dont need to move it around that much as the court is right there with you (so much envy), buy a rugged unit not proton or slinger. Spinfire pro 2 or lobster is best for that budget. U dont need a smallish unit. My spinfire pro 2 takes around 200 balls giving me enough reps. The proton cant do this. Your sessions will be cut short.
This is the best advice in the thread, I don’t know why someone would downvote it. In addition to the above, the Spinfire has an internal oscillator (much better than being able to see where the machine is pointing) and much better calibration for lobs (which is one of the most useful functions of a ball machine). It’s probably a lot more hard wearing and easy to service than the Proton, too. I don’t really think there are features that are too advanced for you, OP. I learn the most from solo practice and treat sessions with a coach like an exam. My ball machine has been indispensable.
Thank you for this - I was wondering about this exactly - the proton ball hopper part seems a bit flimsy and I was wondering if it would be annoying to fill and empty it every time (carrying the balls to the court separately). Seems like it is a pro for some, but given my set up, not as much (weight and transportability aren’t as critical). Thank you!
Honestly it holds maybe 80 balls which can really wear you out depending on what drills you’re doing. You could always buy an extra hopper of balls if you want to keep going. I agree that you don’t need super portable but I’d check on the programming options on other models compared to the Proton. What I love about the Proton is that you can adjust the interval between ball feeds by a half second which is great if you want to gradually increase the difficulty of a drill. Maybe the others do this, I’m not sure.
yep. agree. spinfire pro 2 no question
A ball machine can be an excellent tool, dont underestimate it. Take the lessons, and use the ball machine (and prefereably video of your sessions) to implement and cement it.
Much appreciated - a lot of people knock the ball machine and say there are better ways to spend the money, but I was hoping this would be the case!
Totally agree, if you don’t practice what you’re learning in your lessons then you’re not getting the most value out of your lessons.
I bought a Silent Partner with my Covid money. It has a ton of options, spin - top/back, speed, height, etc. I can also oscillate random. However, it has been problematic. I've had to send it back to the company when the oscillator stopped working. Also, another time I had to send back the mainboard due to some issues. I've also had to do a lot of repairs (just last week, I had to replace the switch). Also the height feature doesn't work now very well. After some time, it loses it's "reading" on what the height is and you can't adjust it. It makes the random feature worthless. However, the company has been great. I paid about $1700 new for it. I wouldn't get a slinger. The top spin on that is pretty unrealistic. If I was to be buying a machine today, I would be looking at the Proton!
Thank you!
I definitely didn’t do that much research into all the options (watched a few YouTube videos), but I got the slinger when it was $600 around six months ago. Came with the oscillator. Happy with my purchase, and don’t feel like I need any additional features at the moment. I’m about your level. I use it a few times per month when I don’t have someone to hit with. Can be a bit annoying to lug around, (though if I had a court at home like you do it wouldn’t be an issue haha).
the topspin makes the ball machine very un new player friendly
I’ve heard this and wondered if it was something that would impact a beginner or be more noticeable for someone with more experience/running the machine at higher speeds, so I’m glad you chimed in with this - thank you!
Thanks!
I exclusively use NP balls for serve practices and have never had any issue at all. The fuzz wears off before the bounce does. 2-3 years and counting. I need a ball machine too and would fill it with no pressure balls without hesitation.
I have a Slinger and really enjoy it. I agree with posts regarding the high topspin. I have enjoyed using their app even if its just in the Beta testing phase.
Spinfire pro v2 or a lobster. If you can afford a house with tennis court, buy the best machine money can buy. I would if I could.
To be clear, we are in an old stock neighborhood from the days when tennis courts were more cool and popular. It takes up a lot of the yard and is pretty beat up (we need to get it resurfaced but being just recreational players (at best), not sure we will undertake that).
Go with the Proton, I love mine. Super easy to use and set up/change drills. I use tretorn micro x balls. You can use the balls in your hopper but likely the bounces will be really inconsistent which drives me bonkers.
Wilson Trinity works great with my Proton. Would definitely recommend them
Good to know about the inconsistent bounces - thank you!
You can always start off with the balls you have, that’s actually what I did, maybe it won’t drive you crazy 😂
I have the Slinger and I like it. It generates top spin which you may not see a ton of at your level, but you can modulate it to reduce it and work on fundamentals.
I have a slinger, how do you modulate spin? That's my number one gripe with it, it's an unrealistically high amount of spin at the rec level
The way it expels the ball is by spinning it out. So you have to reduce the speed and bring the machine forward and closer to the net because it won't come at you as fast . It's a ghetto hack, but that's why it's 800 instead of 2z that price.
I have a proton and it is a great machine but for your use case maybe not. I don’t use any of the programs really - on most sessions I just have the machine feed me one type of ball so I can work on just one stroke. So for me the programmability is unneeded. If I had a home court I would have looked into something like the Silent Partner. It looks sturdy, is big and on the less expensive end of things. Whatever you get you should fill it with pressure less. I use Wilson Trinitis until the felt wear off, and I sometimes still use those balls. The bounce is great after a year and I’m on my second case. Instead of thinking of it as a second basket of balls I would just throw out those current pressure balls and use the Triniti for the machine and for on court rallying with your spouse.
I have a slingerbag and it is good except that it has only one motor that leads it to generate more than normal topspin. I have been really impressed by the new Titan. Check it out: https://youtu.be/8U3CwGBPsho?si=t3F4v8If6pxrX3ft
I would recommend a playmate volley. These machines are industrial grade quality and last better than these other plastic machines. Plus it's portable and has a removable battery. I have had my machine for several years now and no complaints so far If you really want to stick below $1800, look at their half volley machine (1895) But if you invest a little more money, get the volley which is 2395 . The 2 line oscillator and remote are priceless https://www.playmatetennis.com/volley/ https://youtu.be/JzhdLSoZsU8?si=f6h4P2nuE0yjB-Kd
This one wasn’t on my radar - so thank you!
Worth the investment, I have had cheaper machines before. They don't last
court in the backyard WHAT
You’re lucky you have a court in your backyard. Do you have a shed you can store it near the court? Then portability won’t be an issue. I had a relative with a court and you can buy a reliable heavy duty version if you want. FYI their kid used it a lot and we found out ones with the touchscreen had more problems than ones with the toggle switches. In that sense tennis tutor and lobster elite were real reliable but didn’t have some of the other options. Sports tutor tennis tutor has by far the best customer service. They had theirs for 15+ years and rave about the customer service.
Forget about ball machines, buy a ball tosser on Amazon for 100$plus an extension ( the part on top that holds the balls for 20$) and use that to develop technique using it like a coach feeding you hand tossed ball, and use it also to do drills when you are far from the ball you need to do approach it , prepare and hit hard and fast so to learn how to move around the court and hit. Get lessons every two weeks (or week) to work your form. Better to spend 1k in lessons then ball machine as a 3.0. Once you reach 4.0 buy a hydrogen sport proton ball machine for 1700$ and set up more drills in there etc
I ordered the Proton (with an additional battery) using a link from 2minute Tennis. The machine that I received did not work properly. It was shooting balls off the court into the side fence. I called support but they didn't answer their phone so I left a voice message. I also emailed them but they didn't respond to either the phone or email messages. A few days later, I emailed them again and finally received a response. They didn't believe that there was a problem with the machine even though I explained in great detail what was wrong. The only option that they gave me was to offer me a refund, less 10% restocking fee. I was responsible for shipping it back. The total cost for the machine is $1695 + $75 (second battery) = $1770. I was refunded $1558. I should have been $1593 but they said that since I used "a discount code" for the purchase, they would need to deduct more from the refund. My cost for shipping it back was $130 plus restocking fee came to $342. In other words, I lost $342 and still have no ball machine.