Great Thread! This forum was an invaluable, essential resource when I was researching before deciding, purchasing. I love my machine (Lobster Grand V LE with multifunction remote & iPhone software)! And it is obvious, evident that there are many other players, like me, who also love "their" particular/specific brand machine, irregardless of # of features, options, size, price points, etc. I had always dreamed of owning a ball machine, but was skeptical it would break or develop some "simple, minor" problem/issue, yet undiagnosable of/by myself, that would nonetheless render it dead & useless. Or that parts would become obsolete or companies/brands would fold and parts unavailable entirely. This forum & posts sufficiently relieved my concerns enough to continue researching and eventually decide, invest.
I was elated to learn that almost none of the above problems/issues is, are or were the case! Most machines are strong, reliable & dependable. Repairs/Fixes, when or if they occur, are relatively easy, simple and affordable. In 10 years I have experienced practically NONE. The one or two times I called Lobster, they immediately helped, resolved, replaced (free) the part or problem! When I called, it felt like and I was treated "like family".
I'm glad I "splurged" and got the most feature rich, programmable machine I could find. Yes, it cost more, but has proved to possess & offer a seeming "infinite" # of features, options, shot varieties, parameters, court location/placement options that I eventually used, needed as my game evolved, progressed and my abilities improved.....which definitely occurred! The thing I absolutely love about Tennis, is that "the game" and my abilities, God willing, are also "infinite"! I will never finish or perfect it; yet, I can & often do noticeably improve practically every time I practice, play! But you must play, and be challenged. And with a nuanced ball machine, one can dial up these infinite challenges, scenarios and specifically tailor, practice, experiment, refine, compare and then improve & obtain these results BY YOURSELF! Consider the costs of professional lessons vs a ball machine!?!
I love these ball machine threads and hearing/learning of the various companies, brands, features, benefits.....and the ongoing inventions, advancements, improvements, options & price points that will hopefully continue.
My advice is to JUMP, GO, BUY, START! And if you're able, to spend (invest) MORE. I'm sure I would have been happy and even somewhat "amazed" with practically ANY machine. But "you don't know what you don't know"! Yes, I do seem to like & utilize the simple 2-line feature plenty. But, I'm also certain I would not have improved/advanced to the player I am today by training, practicing against a (primarily) a basic 2-line machine. Nor would I have attained the more "well rounded, versatile" game, player & strokes I possess today as QUICKLY!
These are my own thoughts, experiences - given to assist, help anyone researching. For myself, I decided that the additional $300, 500 or 700 dollar investment for a machine that I would likely never "beat" or tire of, "trumped" an original $1,000 - $1,500 investment that might "plateau" or go unused! Again, for myself, I made a wise decision investing in the Grand V LE.
However, knowing what I know now, I realize that any machine is better than none. And that by hook/crook, buying/obtaining ANY machine NOW - from the most simple/basic with no remote - to NONE/NO machine is preferable. The only thing I wonder or worry about, is that had I not invested, purchased & been exposed to the various options, benefits in a feature rich machine like I did, I might not have experienced or known what I was missing, and likely not traded, sold or upgraded latter!?! I thus would not have obtained the broad range of improved strokes, skills, results that I did!
A ball machine offers FREEDOM & CONTROL, and the ability to PLAY when, how & where you want now! And if one loves tennis, craves the knife-edge challenge it uniquely provides, and intensely desires to confront/overcome the infinite range of minute (millimeters) of adjustments needed in order to notice & refine ones strokes; a good, multi-faceted ball machine is invaluable and practically unmatched at providing/feeding the "same, precise, repetitive" balls needed in order to overcome the immense challenge an advanced player must personally confront, overcome. The dilemma is that a good forehand/backhand (2-line) is not enough. There are practically an infinite # of shots, players, styles, spins, speed, etc. And then there is FOOTWORK which is mega/mucho PARAMOUNT and MUST BE executed, performed well and quick! A versatile Ball Machine ALSO provides, challenges, offers this in spades!! If for none/no other reason or purpose, the physical exercise, training, conditioning & health benefits alone are worth the investment!
The above challenges, noticeable improvements to one's game & health are available QUICK/FAST (or at whatever level/pace one prefers) with a good ball machine! They are remarkable, almost miraculous devices!!
