Tennis Ball Machine Buying Guide Highlights
| November 21, 2011 | Posted by Steve under Buying Guide |
Anyone who wants to improve his or her game can benefit from some additional training. Playing a pro or a skilled partner is not always possible. This is where an automated machine can help. It can serve balls to help improve a backhand, a volley, or improve timing. The tennis ball machine buying guide highlights below discusses the various features and characteristics to consider when choosing the right model.
Price
Various models will range in price from around $500 to $6,000. Price will often depend on the brand and the features. A device that has adjustable intervals and speeds is likely to cost more. It may also depend on capacity or the number of balls the machine is able to store at one time.
When selecting a model to fit a tight budget it is best to look for products that come with only the necessary features. If speed and intervals are not a concern a buyer may be able to purchase a model at the lower end of the price range. At the lower end adjustment for height is likely to be done manually and features like topspin or backspin may not be available. Machines at the lower end of the price range are probably suitable for the average player or amateur who does not see much competition.
Features
Features include height adjustment, ball interval in seconds, maximum ball speed, the ability to serve lobs, and the type of propulsion used. In the lower price range most models use spinning wheel propulsion. Such a mechanism is similar to baseball pitching machines and relies on two spinning wheels to feed the ball. Wheel propulsion may affect the speed at which balls can be served.
Models that serve at faster maximum speeds and those that are higher in price use air propulsion. Air propulsion uses air to shoot balls out of a tube. Most of the higher end models use air propulsion to serve the balls.
Nearly every model available now comes with the capability to serve lobs. Such hits can be tricky to return so hitting lobs is an important part of the game. For intermediate to advanced players learning to hit the ball with various types of spin may also be necessary. Many more expensive models feature both top spin and backspin options, to simulate the various types of serves one might encounter on the court.
The capacity or number of balls the machine can hold may also be important for those who want to put in long hours of practice. The capacity can range from 50 up to 300 balls and capacity often affects price. The 300 ball capacity machines typically cost several thousand though there are some moderately priced models that will hold 150 to 200 balls at one time.
Manual or electronic elevation control is another option that buyers may want to consider. Many of the more expensive models include the electronic elevation control though there are some reasonably prices models available.
Some models come with a rechargeable battery, others come with a power cord. There are few models that come with both. The person who wants portability to play at a local court may prefer the battery option. Those who intend to use the machine at a professional facility may desire the power cord and may have easier access to power outlets.
Brands
There are several brands of machines on the market. Some are geared for the average player and are generally priced around $1,500 or lower. The brands made by well known sports equipment manufacturers tend to cost much more. If getting a specific number of practice hours is important the electronic elevation control feature may be critical. For those who simply want to improve their weekend game manual controls may be suitable.
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