A ball machine is a valuable asset for players of any level. Here are ?ve models worth checking out.
By David Bone
1. PLAYMATE GRAND SLAM PC
Price: $8,995
Weight: 110 pounds
Capacity: 300 balls
Warranty: 3 years
Topspin/Underspin feeding: Yes (also sidespin)
Dimensions (in.): 35 x 21 x 38
Quick take: The Playmate won’t ?t in your car, but it does just about everything (as it should for the price). The programmable oscillation allows you to store countless feeding combinations with adjustable depth, spin, and height intervals. Options include a tower to lift the machine to simulate serves.
www.playmatetennismachines.com
2. SILENT PARTNER PRO
Price: $1,199
Weight: 48 pounds
Capacity: 200 balls
Warranty: 1 year
Topspin/Underspin feeding: Yes
Dimensions (in.): 22 x 18 x 14
Quick take: The Silent Partner Pro offers a wide range of speeds and time between feeds. It has electronic elevation control for feeding lobs and comes standard with a wireless remote to control the power and oscillation.
www.sptennis.com
3. TENNIS TUTOR
Price: $989
Weight: 42 pounds
Capacity: 150 balls
Warranty: 1 year
Topspin/Underspin feeding: No
Dimensions (in.): 12 x 19.5 x 20
Quick take: Wheels make this machine easy to move around, and it feeds in four shot locations. An electronic elevation control allows for lobs without the need to tilt the machine.
www.sportstutor.com
4. LOBSTER SPORTS ELITE 2
Price: $1,349
Weight: 44 pounds
Capacity: 150 balls
Warranty: 2 years
Topspin/Underspin feeding: Yes
Dimensions (in.): 24 x 16 x 19
Quick take: It’s the least expensive machine that offers adjustable depth and height within its random oscillation, which makes you feel like you’re in real points.
www.lobsterinc.com
5. iSAM MODEL 1
Price: $625
Weight: 29 pounds
Capacity: 250 balls
Warranty: 1 year
Topspin/Underspin feeding: No
Dimensions (in.): 19 x 17.5 x 18
Quick take: Small enough to ?t in the trunk of your car, the iSAM Model 1 offers random oscillation, so it feeds in different directions. You can get it either with a rechargeable battery with the option of a power converter so you can plug it in, or electric only.
www.mastersports.com