Thiem's 1HB
Rookie
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Slinger tennis ball machine
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TorontoTennis
Rookie
I agree but I'd also include Spinfire as they've been around for more than 10 years now and the reviews are incredible (love love love mine).
I was surprised to see the price of the Slinger has been raised to $755 (on sale now for $675). For that money you are getting very close to the price of the Lobster Elite Freedom which is less than 1/2 the size, has a hard plastic shell and ball hopper vs Slinger's cheap fabric body and zippers all over the place, a top speed more than 50% faster, larger ball hopper, easier to set up, can operate on AC as well as battery and the horizontal oscillation is built in vs having to fiddle with Slingers rotating platform workaround. At $400 one could have argued it was good value, but at $755 it's hardly a bargain for how little it does. Also, as that video complains about, the intense and unchangeable top spin is a real drag (no pun intended).
Slinger has a very aggressive marketing campaign. I laughed when I saw their press release yesterday that stated 'Hands down the best ball machine' and their website which has quotes like "You guys thought of everything!" and '50% of the price of competitors'.
None of that is even remotely true!
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JEDI MASTER
Professional
yea.. I did.. while waiting for the slinger to come out.. the Hydrogen Sports Proton came out.. and i couldn't resist.. and pre-ordered one... so I'll probably sell my my Slinger very soon.
check out the video at: https://www.hydrogensports.com/
af022
New User
How many balls can that hold though? It's so small.
JEDI MASTER
Professional
it's listed at 100 ball capacity.. I've seen this demo first hand on the courts.. very impressive... and very light..
TorontoTennis
Rookie
I think the Proton is really going to disrupt the market. It will do more than what the top end Lobster does for 1/2 the price. The inventor really knows what he is doing. Of course once one scales there will be growing pains and not everyone wants to buy the new kid on the block. Spinfire, Lobster, etc. They've been around a very long time. The Slinger? As far as I am concerned more of a joke with limited shelf life. I'd be surprised if they are in business in a couple years. Just take a look at the SEC filings. The company is bleeding cash, in debt to the tune of over $2 million (and paying 12% interest to boot on the debt!) and losing money every month with no profits on the horizon. Silent Partner is also on it's last legs. The owner died 8 years ago and his widow has someone managing it. They have zero plans to ever come out with anything new or improve the machine. It's pretty good value for the price though I would say but is a bit lacking on some fronts.
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Crazy Finn
Hall of Fame
Woooh.
JEDI MASTER
Professional
Woooh.. indeed. also used the same batteries from electric power tools from Home Depots/Lowes.... don't know which one yet...
I feel the Proton, if it works correctly, is definitely a game changer. I feel a lot of us that use ball machines, use them less because it's such a pain lugging the machine around. There seems to be a lot of issues/complaints with the programmable features on the higher end machines (Lobster Elite 5 and Silent Partner smart).... hopefully the Proton will work as intended. The only thing the Proton doesn't have is internal oscillation but with the small size, I can live with that. The Spinfire Pro 2 is missing the programmable features.. I wish it offered that but otherwise is a great machine.
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TorontoTennis
Rookie
I just want to get out on the court and start hitting, not playing around trying to program the machine. The drills Spinfire has are more than enough, not to mention they are infinitely variable as to speed, spin, interval, ball height, etc. A friend of mine has the Lobster Grand V LE and the only thing that it does more than the Spinfire is that you can program 6 balls then it just repeats the same pattern . Quite predictable plus is warns you of where the shot is going. He said when his balls get flatter and/or there is wind he has to keep changing the programs. Often I'll be out with my Spinfire hitting and he'll be on another court fiddling with the programming for 10 minutes. I'll take the Spinfire's random player mode with internal oscillation for $800 less over the Lobster Grand V LE any day.
Rattler
Hall of Fame
I got a Slinger Bag three weeks ago. It took alittle getting used to. Also unless I’m practicing volley’s of overheads the machine works best if it’s placed the same side of the net you’re on. (There’s a few YouTube videos that show it being used this way.). I’ve set it at advanced feed and have 112 balls loaded. It takes all of one minute to set up and you can start hitting. Fits in the cab of my truck, holds the balls, towel, a few water bottles, grip powder and two racquets. Wheels on the court like luggage.
Works well for me. The Proton is tempting, but I’ll use this Slinger for a year or two and wait for the Proton to be on the market for a while.
I knew what I was buying and even at $600 it’s suits me fine. I grew tired of hitting against the wall.
Works well for me. The Proton is tempting, but I’ll use this Slinger for a year or two and wait for the Proton to be on the market for a while.
I knew what I was buying and even at $600 it’s suits me fine. I grew tired of hitting against the wall.
TorontoTennis
Rookie
When you have to issue press releases like this it shows the company is really struggling: https://sec.report/Document/0001493152-20-014692/. It seems they have no clue about the market. For example, in the press release they say:
'Slinger Bag enables tennis enthusiasts to practice their tennis game at any time whether that be at their local club, local park, on their driveways or in any other open space.
Um, just like any of the other many brands of tennis ball machines.
'For the first time Tennis players are able to play tennis at any time they want to without the need to find a playing partner ' -
For the first time? Really? Ball machines have been available for many decades.
'Slinger Bag is lightweight at 15kg/33 lbs.'
Spinshot, Tennis Tutor and Lobster have machines just as light or lighter.
'and multi-functional'
Actually, it has fewer functions than almost all machines on the market
'Slinger Bag is going a long way in helping to reinvent Tennis as a Sport for all.'
Hardly, Tennis Tutor, Spinshot, Lobster, Spinfire, Silent Partner etc. all beat Slinger by years and decades in terms of reinventing Tennis as a Sport for al.
In other press releases they tout they are the first 'truly portable ball machine'. Huh? The only thing Slinger has going for it is the price. Weight, functionality, portability and speed are not its strong points compared to other machines on the market.
'Slinger Bag enables tennis enthusiasts to practice their tennis game at any time whether that be at their local club, local park, on their driveways or in any other open space.
Um, just like any of the other many brands of tennis ball machines.
'For the first time Tennis players are able to play tennis at any time they want to without the need to find a playing partner ' -
For the first time? Really? Ball machines have been available for many decades.
'Slinger Bag is lightweight at 15kg/33 lbs.'
Spinshot, Tennis Tutor and Lobster have machines just as light or lighter.
'and multi-functional'
Actually, it has fewer functions than almost all machines on the market
'Slinger Bag is going a long way in helping to reinvent Tennis as a Sport for all.'
Hardly, Tennis Tutor, Spinshot, Lobster, Spinfire, Silent Partner etc. all beat Slinger by years and decades in terms of reinventing Tennis as a Sport for al.
In other press releases they tout they are the first 'truly portable ball machine'. Huh? The only thing Slinger has going for it is the price. Weight, functionality, portability and speed are not its strong points compared to other machines on the market.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Are these advanced enough to simulate the Serve ? so i can practice returns. and is it cheap enough for local clubs to have ?
Rattler
Hall of Fame
I heard a rumor that Spinfire is releasing a new model this Fall and will be smaller, with larger wheels and more features. Don’t know if it’s true, but any insiders out there know anything more?
TorontoTennis
Rookie
Haven't heard that rumour and I've had a Spinfire for a few years now. Where did you hear that? I wonder how much it will be better than what I have.
Heard from a reputable source, but don’t want to disclose here as I don’t want them to get in trouble with Spinfire. I want to know the specifics as well (price / featured) as I was only told that they would exceed the Spinfire pro 2.
Challenge Court
Rookie
I was watching the Slinger KS campaign closely back when they first launched it. I missed the order window to be a backer, and honestly, glad I did. The final product isn't what I was hoping for. So that summer (2018) I found a lightly used Lobster Grand Elite V on the auction site that was semi-local. Drove out, met the owner, he let me take it to try out at a local court and I fell in love! Had it now for almost 2 years and been awesome!! Yes I paid a lot more than the KS pricing for a Slinger (I got my machine for $1400) but it does a whole heck of a lot more than a Slinger. All in all, in happy with my decision and glad I didn't jump on it seeing all the disappointed clients.
Rattler
Hall of Fame
let us know what you think.
topspn
Legend
I got mine with the oscillating platform. Only tried it out for around 15 minutes of warm up on a notch above medium speed. It is not a fast ball however the kick is serious. I am looking forward to try on high and see what that’s like. Had a hitting buddy with so we wanted to play some practice sets. I think it will be pretty good for some practice and fitness drills. Quality seems good and functional although it is heavy. Rolling around is not an issue but having to take it up and down three flights of stairs lol its a bit heavy 
JEDI MASTER
Professional
I think speed is adequate.. for basic good hitting.. but it comes as a cost at that speed.. tons! of topspin..!!!
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
It’s not the speed that’s the issue. Because Slinger only has one wheel, it generates a ridiculous amount of topspin. The ball hits the ground and kicks like no opponent you’ve ever played with before.
JEDI MASTER
Professional
Rattler
Hall of Fame
I just kick the feed rate up and hit the oscillator. Moving side to side with faster fed balls is more than enough to develop and maintain good footwork and stroke production. Especially with 140 balls.
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Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
So is the Reviews on Slinger ball machine, all good ?? while being economical ? I am actually thinking about getting one. I have this crazy schedule where my work schedule changes all the time and can't always find a hitting partner when i need one. So maybe on my off day, this machine maybe a good substitute for practice partner ??
Rattler
Hall of Fame
Still happy with mine, I take it out 2 to 3 times a week. Basically everyday I’m not playing.
they need to sell their product.
would you expect them to say something like:
we are not different to any other manufacturer. in fact we are decades late so we decided to undercut them on price?
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
do you think machine helps in buiilding consistency and improving shots you want to improve ?
I see that they indeed offer half of the price of a solid Spin Fire or Lobster machine, but the stats page of Slinger looks quite poor.
1. the max pace of the ball is 45 mph, uncomparable with Spin Fire for example, where max pace is 80 mph
With my Spin Fire my typical training includes 70% / 80% of pace potential, and gradually I am moving up
2. not a word mentioned about vertical oscillation, horizontal oscillation, top spin, slice
The Top Spin / Slice on Spin Fire can produce really heavy top spin / slice shots, which do help in preparation for clay tennis for example
3. what is the maximum elevation?
can you train overheads?
can this be combined with horizontal oscillation? vertical oscillation? different spin type?
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Well i mean, if you want to pay premium dollars like $1500 then you get much better machine that can do many more things and options. I think Slinger is just a Affordable Portable machine that many people can afford and use since we can't always get a Human partner that is about Equal level as us at anytime we need to get one. I am one of those busy people and i don't always know when i can play. When i can play, guy that is about my level isn't always available, and tough to find.
What is really good more expensive portable machine that you can just take out to the local court when you feel like playing anytime ?? It has to be portable since it has to fit into my Car trunk....LOL
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
so you are saying Proton is better than any Lobster machine or Slinger ?? and its affordable ? Sounds too good to be true ?
you just described the Spin Fire Pro 2.
it's true that it is more expensive than Slinger, but honestly, it's worth the difference.
when I factor the price of coaches where I live, you recover the money quite fast.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
is that lobster machine ? and this Proton isn't cheap at all. its like $1600. lol
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
What are you talking about cheap ??? this is $2000
Spinfire Pro 2 Ball Machine | SpinfireSport.com
Introducing Spinfire Pro 2 We’ve taken the best all-round ball machine and made it even better. Tennis ball machines are a fantastic way to practice and improve your game, regardless of your skill level. The Spinfire Pro 2 makes it easy to practice a wide range of shots, test yourself with a...
www.spinfiresport.com
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
WOW,, after watching this video Demo, i am now willing to pay this price. hope they have payment plans. but this is insanely versatile machine. and it is so small, it can fit into your trunk easy. and Speed and variety and Spin it can make is Insane at this price point. I only hope it is reliable and doesn't break down.....................
This machine looks like the GOAT of all tennis machines. Federer of ball machines if you will. Do you have to plug it in or work on battery ??
JEDI MASTER
Professional
WOW,, after watching this video Demo, i am now willing to pay this price. hope they have payment plans. but this is insanely versatile machine. and it is so small, it can fit into your trunk easy. and Speed and variety and Spin it can make is Insane at this price point. I only hope it is reliable and doesn't break down.....................
This machine looks like the GOAT of all tennis machines. Federer of ball machines if you will. Do you have to plug it in or work on battery ??
I was able to get in at the pre-order price of under $1k!! saw the Proton Demo first hand on court.. so light weight. so kool how the machine occallates and raises up and down.
it's all battery powered.. and you can purchase spare batteries from Lowes or Home Depot.
they are shooting for a End of October delivery. and if you really want to get one.. one of my email updates says they might have another pre-sale sometime in October/Nov.
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
I also like the Proton because of the way it looks. It looks so modern and so much lighter than both the Spinfire Pro 2 and Lobster Elite V Grandslam.
I also purchased the Slinger and used it once and donated it after using it one time. You get what you pay for.
topspn
Legend
Yes, that is stated speed and i have no way of measuring it and there is a speed adjustment. On the highest setting, the kick on the ball is very heavy. In fact i have never met a anyone all the up to 5.0 who could hit a kick like that. No backspin, or side spin just top spin. Height seems very versatile and yes easily practice overheads.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
it states 3000 RPM, that is similar to Nadal topspin and better than most ATP tour pros. if you want to feel the ATP pro tour level Topspins, you buy this machine, or otherwise you have to pay $10,000 in some auction to hit with the ATP pro for 30 minutes...LOL i say this is better deal.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
oh man,, i must buy this Machine.... this is the BEST i have ever seen since the Robot ACE which costs 30,000 dollars, this proton is a bargain. only thing proton can't do is serve. I think even serves you can kind of simulate it by making the ball bounce High and with lots of spin... Maybe.
Anyway, another reason why this is the BEST and GOAT is the fact that it can be carried around like a tennis bag. you can even put it on your bike and take it to the tennis court.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
When they are able to mass produce this machine, it will be Hottest selling machine in history of tennis. It could make them Billions in sales.
What are you talking about cheap ??? this is $2000
Spinfire Pro 2 Ball Machine | SpinfireSport.com
Introducing Spinfire Pro 2 We’ve taken the best all-round ball machine and made it even better. Tennis ball machines are a fantastic way to practice and improve your game, regardless of your skill level. The Spinfire Pro 2 makes it easy to practice a wide range of shots, test yourself with a...
yes, it's this one.
if you consider all you can train with it, and transform this into hours with a hitting partner that can feed you these balls, then it's certainly not expensive.
Especially if you have an issue with your schedule.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
i think Proton machine is better and cheaper and more portable. any advantage of spitfire ?? i don't see one
