Ball Machines have come a long ways since I was a junior player. They are no longer a "novelty" for the rich and certainly no "toy". As mentioned - the well known major brands "work" (work horses!). They are consistent and reliable. You can't really make a mistake and will not get "stuck" with a machine that sits in your garage collecting dust. Ball machines seem to be "coming of age" and are becoming more accepted as a serious tool for conditioning, stroke/shot refinement and game develpment - even amongst teaching pros.
Therefore - I'm glad I somewhat "splurged" and went with a feature rich machine that can "throw" as many options, choices, nuances, challenges as possible at me. Always wanting to improve my game - I look for and always opt to play and hit against better players. I was'nt sure (certain) or "did'nt really know" at the time I purchased my Lobster Grand Elite V that it would turn out to be "the long term investment and/or valuable tool (partner)" that it is or has in fact become!
For those that can........irregardless of the brand, I encourage you to "spring" or invest the additional $$ for more features, options, etc. The additional "features, options, speed, spin, location, oscillation, programmability, remote, etc. etc." are NOT simply something described on a webpage, owner's manual that just "cost more $$$"..........and these options/abilities are not just located or imbedded within the machine, software or control panel. These features/options/capabilities are REAL and are seen, felt, noticed and realized "across the net - on the other (your) side of the court - beneath and in front of your feet"!!!
My budget is somewhat tight at the moment, however, nothing brings me more joy, happiness, health and fullfillment like playing the best tennis I can. I thus can't wait to send my control panel/board to Lobster for their latest new software "upgrades", programs, drills, etc.
Whether Budget Basic or Feature Rich........don't get bogged down and/or delay too long. Ball Machines are for real.
