I bought this machine several months ago & used it several times. Here is my experience & comments:
Pros:
1. Inexpensive compare to other ball machines.
2. Compact, light & mobile. Add one little hand-carry dolly with bungee cords, you can wheel to anywhere without trouble.
3. Good for retired people who can pick the time that most courts will not be used by working people. You can get exercise in whatever way you like without any complaint from your partners.
1. Inexpensive compare to other ball machines.
2. Compact, light & mobile. Add one little hand-carry dolly with bungee cords, you can wheel to anywhere without trouble.
3. Good for retired people who can pick the time that most courts will not be used by working people. You can get exercise in whatever way you like without any complaint from your partners.
Cons:
1. The remote control is not user-friendly. It is a mechanic type with pressure tube. It is just not convenient to use in any courts. It might be dangerous if you trip over the tube. With additional $100 cost, the user deserves something better, like wireless control with a push button. Wireless gadget is everywhere these days, it shouldn’t be difficult to include it in the design. Please don’t spend extra $100 for this option, just buy the basic unit.
2. The turn-around option is a good feature if you want to get exercise without your partner. However, the level mechanism is not well designed and some screws may become loose after some use. I actually had to remove the base plate & did some handy work to fix it. It will be nice to fire the ball randomly that you can’t predict. But with $600 machine, I just can’t expect that much.
3. In California, tennis courts are abundant & weather is nice. It must be ideal for this type of ball machine. However, most courts have a rule that a single person can not hold the court. In other words, you will be kicked out if some two-some show up & demand the court. I found that most people are polite & hate to run you out the court. But occasionally, you will encounter some people whom you wish will never see them again. If these machine is popular enough, the city may change the rule, such as you can use it 1/2 of the regular time. But not until that time, you just have to aware that you don’t have the right to hold the court.
1. The remote control is not user-friendly. It is a mechanic type with pressure tube. It is just not convenient to use in any courts. It might be dangerous if you trip over the tube. With additional $100 cost, the user deserves something better, like wireless control with a push button. Wireless gadget is everywhere these days, it shouldn’t be difficult to include it in the design. Please don’t spend extra $100 for this option, just buy the basic unit.
2. The turn-around option is a good feature if you want to get exercise without your partner. However, the level mechanism is not well designed and some screws may become loose after some use. I actually had to remove the base plate & did some handy work to fix it. It will be nice to fire the ball randomly that you can’t predict. But with $600 machine, I just can’t expect that much.
3. In California, tennis courts are abundant & weather is nice. It must be ideal for this type of ball machine. However, most courts have a rule that a single person can not hold the court. In other words, you will be kicked out if some two-some show up & demand the court. I found that most people are polite & hate to run you out the court. But occasionally, you will encounter some people whom you wish will never see them again. If these machine is popular enough, the city may change the rule, such as you can use it 1/2 of the regular time. But not until that time, you just have to aware that you don’t have the right to hold the court.
In summary, I like the machine & will use as long as I own it. If you want to buy it, you just have to know the cons that don’t bother you.
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