Silent Partner Edge Star

[AYone]

So I received my SP Star within 2 days of the order. It was undamaged and almost fully charged. So far, I've been very happy with the service. Steve has been very receptive to my questions and concerns.

I took the machine out for the first time Friday morning. I will say, in terms of set up, it is a process to get the machine into your car and then on the court and then in position and calibrated to launch the balls properly. The machine is definitely not light or easy to lift IMO. So, if you are pressed for time, like I was before work, or you have a windy path to your local courts, I would say you should budget your time. I will definitely enjoy using the machine more when my coop's courts open for the Spring because I can basically roll the machine down the block.

In terms of performance, I was very satisfied. The balls shot out nicely with the desired pace and topspin. I hit a few hundred balls in about an hour and practiced some serves with the balls that I hit into the net.

One other note. Apparently, the owner of the local hard courts I play at said he normally doesn't allow ball machines because they leave a lot of felt/fuzz around the. I guess this is true, but it wasn't that bad. I'll probably use the machine on off peak times to not cause a lot of commotion.

For me, seeking a reliable tennis partner, I have found just that in the SP Star. I hope it continues to run without issues.

[WileyCoyote]

I don't think the Star leaves any more fuzz than what the balls normally lose when you play with them.

Sooner or later, they lose their fuzz in normal play. More aggessive players cause it to depart the ball sooner. So I am not sure what the owner is really complaining about, but keep him/her happy.

At the end of my sessions, I tilt the machine sideways and forward to get the fuzz and dirt to fall out. You might want to do the same, pick up the dirt and fuzz with a dustpan and show the owner that you are a good citizen. Mine makes a lot more dirt than fuzz and I know the dirt comes from the courts.

Glad you like the Star. I love mine. For me it is the same as you--a reliable practice partner that provides me hundreds of balls to hit in less than an hour.

Sooner or later you may have a problem, but Steve will come to your rescue. I have had to make some minor repairs to mine and he sends me the parts and we both turn out winners because we don't pay freight on the whole machine both ways.

Harry

[gmatheis]

Congrats on your ball machine! I had the star about 2 years ago - sold it since I had a game almost every day and never used it.


The fuz - It does produce a fair amount of fuz. That was one of the first things I noticed when I used the machine , but maybe if you brought a broom and cleaned up afterwards they would see that you're responsible and would let you get away with it. (unless it's a clay court then I don't know what to say)

The Machine - I loved the machine, as you said you have to spend a minute or two getting it set up. The machine throws nice heavy balls with plenty of pace if that's what you want, and with the remote you can stop/start the oscilation and therefore hit 50 backhands then 50 forehands then 50 randoms without having to run over to the machine.

If I ever get another machine I will be glad to buy a SP again ... I just think I'll want to go with the one with power elevation controls for convenience as long as I can spend the extra money.

I used to put mine in my trunk on it's side with no problems , and I have a Volvo sedan. so it's not all that big although it's not tiny either.