ryohazuki222
Professional
Ditto.
Hydrogen Sports PROTON
- Thread starter TagUrIt
- Start date
looking forward to hear once you tested. I can’t order the maintenance right now newts since it’s showing ‘sold out.’
JEDI MASTER
Professional
Did you ship it in? I don't have the box anymore, might have to take mine in personally
just received my updated machine.. and was shipped back in a new Proton Box and padding..
i'll keep the box and padding this time..
when i got home..took the machine out of the box..
dont know about others... looks like the outer case was replaced.. looks practically brand new again...
won't be able to test out the lob and improved drift reduction til friday..
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I still have my box and padding thankfully. Look g forward to your feedback and review.just received my updated machine.. and was shipped back in a new Proton Box and padding..
i'll keep the box and padding this time..
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I had the same problem and reported it to Jonah. He said a fix is in progress and should be out in the next few days.
JEDI MASTER
Professional
new FW just came out today.. 1.2.5
fixes Watch upload bug, Adds new build-in programs to watch.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
eagle
Hall of Fame
Initial round using the lob riser went well.
With settings at 1000 rpm spin, 37mph, and 3.5s delay, it shoots around 11ft height lobs as it says on the screen to the spot just behind the T of the service line.
Increasing the spin to max 3000rpm only adds a few inches of height. Not much gain. With the higher speed, the recoil pushes the machine back and lifts the riser foot momentarily.
Increasing the speed negates the height. At 49mph, the lob height is reduced to 6’ 10”
With the unit tilted back, it is to be expected that a few ball’s won’t drop into the carousel and will sit on the fabric surround.
Still testing it out but I love this new feature so far.
With settings at 1000 rpm spin, 37mph, and 3.5s delay, it shoots around 11ft height lobs as it says on the screen to the spot just behind the T of the service line.
Increasing the spin to max 3000rpm only adds a few inches of height. Not much gain. With the higher speed, the recoil pushes the machine back and lifts the riser foot momentarily.
Increasing the speed negates the height. At 49mph, the lob height is reduced to 6’ 10”
With the unit tilted back, it is to be expected that a few ball’s won’t drop into the carousel and will sit on the fabric surround.
Still testing it out but I love this new feature so far.
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ryohazuki222
Professional
But do the balls not fall out over the back?
eagle
Hall of Fame
I think there is potential for that but that didn’t happen during the session.
I never really understood why some were asking for this feature to be added but now that it does, I appreciate it.
This little machine is far better than the Tennis Tutor Tower I’ve had for so many years. There just isn’t any comparison.
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Have you found a fix?
I’m having same issue and the latest app version that shows available is still 1.2.4
I haven’t been able to find this 1.2.5 version
vadimchick
New User
I recently bought Proton and even before trying a lob I experienced a dropping of balls and sitting some balls on the fabric.
That's happened when machine is rising for big angel. In my case it was when I place a machine on serving line and shot short balls.
For sitting balls I "invent" simple way. I bound back petal with sided petals at bottom where are metal corners. With dropping balls I tried to put some cardboard on the back. It fixed a dropping but during the lob and with full capacity of balls machine rolled over the back. I'm still thinking how to prevent it, maybe put something behind to support or moving more balls on the front of machine.
eagle
Hall of Fame
It has a 100 ball capacity. I use between 80 - 100 balls in the cradle and have never had any fall out from the back.
The Proton app supports 5 feed locations: left corner, middle, a few feet behind the middle, right corner, and at the service line T. I've used the machine at all locations but the service line T. I'll test and see if balls fall out from the back at the steepest angle when feeding to different locations on the other side of the court.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
can it give loopy spinny hard shot into the corners of the service boxy to emulate the serve ?
eagle
Hall of Fame
Honestly, I've only used a few of the standard programs and some I've created for my needs.
I don't think a Proton or any ball machine sitting on the ground where balls are launched below the waist can ever simulate a serve. Anything with a launch angle that low doesn't qualify as a serve unless you do the underhand serve ala Michael Chang or Nick Kyrios.
If one were to elevate the machine to a height of around 9 ft or so like the Ace Attack or Playmate Serve Lift, then there is a better chance of sending the ball over the net into the service box with the height and action of a real serve. But buying or building a monstrosity of an accessory like that defeats the purpose of portability, light weight, and ease of use of the Proton as it applies to me. Perhaps others would want to give it a try.
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Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
If you can make the ball shoot out with ton of topspin and make it somehow land in the corner of the service box, that would qualify as sold of Serve like shot if it can have decent enough speed. OK, its not exactly like serve but close enough to practice returns on
I still have the same issue, waiting for a fix
JEDI MASTER
Professional
have you tried to download from TestFlight App?
I have not been using TestFlight app since they release the official proton app in App Store. I thought they removed the testing app?
JEDI MASTER
Professional
yes..TestFlight still active.. that's where i've been able to download the latest FW.
eagle
Hall of Fame
I tried it this weekend and you can set it so that it can hit the service box corners from the opposite side of the court with some adjustments. But again it doesn't really resemble a serve based on the point of origin and the arc the ball travels. It's a crosscourt shot.
Perhaps another owner would be brave enough to place the Proton on one of those elevated umpire chairs and shoot from there. It would be a better attempt at mimicking a serve but it really needs to be around 9 ft or higher though.
One quick note ... with the lob riser accessory, the standard foot is replaced by a ball peg and socket. Since the socket foot needs to be free to move in different directions, it is not super tight. It could get knocked loose and get lost. It happened the first time I took the Proton out with this accessory. I set it up on the court and the socket foot was not there. I retraced my steps and found it in my car. Whew! So, normal procedure for me now is to install it on the court, remove it after practice, and put it in my tennis bag.
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JEDI MASTER
Professional
during the lock down.. i've used 1 battery pack for 500balls for 3 days...
Was that 500 balls total over the 3 days, or each day 500 balls for 1500 total?
JEDI MASTER
Professional
Roughly 450-500 balls each day...
miguelico22
New User
I really want to like the Proton but I’m having some doubts right now. I’ve had the Proton for less than a month and I’ve used it three times. The Proton started to vibrate badly, it almost sounded like a machine gun firing inside the indoor courts. I noticed a screw that had fallen out from underneath. While investigating the problem I noticed the screw that holds in the circular ball feeder on top about ready to fall into the machine as well. On top of this I’ve found the drift to be excessive, having to readjust every time I go through a hopper of balls. I love the new tech, but the connection to my Apple Watch is not great and i bought this bc I didn’t want to have my phone in my pocket. The Bluetooth connection to my iPhone is much better. I want to love it, and support this new company but I have serious doubts about longevity and reliability. Can you talk me out of it? Am I the only one with all these issues?
eagle
Hall of Fame
I’d suggest you send it back for warranty repair.
Once you get it back and it still doesn’t meet your needs and expectations, you may then decide to sell it.
No product is perfect or is a perfect fit for everyone.
Luckily there are other machines available that may be the machine for you.
Once you get it back and it still doesn’t meet your needs and expectations, you may then decide to sell it.
No product is perfect or is a perfect fit for everyone.
Luckily there are other machines available that may be the machine for you.
Erggory
New User
Hi,
I would like to buy the Proton but I don't live in the USA.
I live in France.
I tried to buy the Proton through a website that offers to ship to freight forwarders.
Unfortunately Hydrogen Sports cancelled my order and told me that they do not ship to freight forwarders.
It is unfortunate that they only deliver to the USA
Best Regards.
I would like to buy the Proton but I don't live in the USA.
I live in France.
I tried to buy the Proton through a website that offers to ship to freight forwarders.
Unfortunately Hydrogen Sports cancelled my order and told me that they do not ship to freight forwarders.
It is unfortunate that they only deliver to the USA
Best Regards.
I’ve had my Spinfire for 2yrs now. Zero issues….except that I needed to change the battery in the remote because the range was getting worse lol. My sister who is a bit petite is looking to get machine. As much as I like the Spinfire, it’s a bit too bulky and heavy for her. Now that the Proton has been out for a little while.…am I wrong in steering her towards the Proton? Any reliability concerns? Looks like they did some hardware upgrades.
ryohazuki222
Professional
Imo, it would depend on her comfort level with tech. That’s the question I’d ask anyway since proton is so dependent on the app.
For me, that’s a huge value add. For others, it could be a deal breaker. Machine to machine, I struggle to see why there’s be issues.
I don’t think the tech will be the issue….although I do like the Simplicity of the remote on my Spinfire.
Machine to machine. I was looking at the Proton when I got the Spinfire. Spinfire had been out for a while and has the track history. The Proton had just come out and didn’t have the track history. That’s why I mentioned I noticed the upgrades Proton has made since. Updated stirrer peg, stronger version of elevator motor and improved elevator nut design, improved ball ingress protection, improved fit on battery socket, plastic foot on lead screw. I was lazy and wondering if there had been other issues the past two years. I guess I’ll just read through all the posts since the last time I checked in lol.
ryohazuki222
Professional
I think the only thing you’re really missing in your list is that it can lob now (with attachment).
I think there’s someone on this thread complaining about quality for the first time. My guess is it was bad luck and that the proton team will take care of them.
If you want a long term review:
- mine is still doing fantastic,
celito
Professional
Did the drift problem get solved ? Talked to someone who bought an early one and only used it a handful of times before becoming frustrated with the drift.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
I know, Proton isn't a robot yet so that ball landing in the corner of the service box will have to do and i find that practice decent enough to practice return of serve with. I know it isn't like real 5.0 guy serving bombs at me,, i get it but it is a substitute. and with Lob feed, i don't really use it cause my Overhead is great as is,, i really don't need alot of practice with overheads
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
i am not sure how they can fix it other than make it heavier so it doesn't move. its not the machanical issue, its really has to do with weight
celito
Professional
This guy told me the drift was so bad that it affected where he programmed the balls to land midway through one session. I thought the drift was more subtle and you could go more or less go through a round without it being screwy.
Mine has been sent back twice now for repairs, the second time under the $99 extended warranty. Has had moderate, at most, usage. Both times the problem was the elevator motor failing or degrading. This time they are replacing the motor with the improved one, so I'm hoping that problem won't happen again. As has been mentioned, it seems unlikely the drift problem can be fixed without adding weight. If there is a version 2 of the machine, I bet it will be a bit heavier. But for me, the drift is tolerable. Overall, I like the machine for its portability, versatility and programmability. Hydrogen is a good company, so far.
JEDI MASTER
Professional
I have one of the very early 1st batch release.. i've shot over 30K balls so far. and no major issues.
no machine is perfect... yes this machine has it's faults..to me the drift is tolerable.
for it's size, weight, portability and programming.. hands down better
than my previous machines. SlingerBag, Silent Partner and Tennis Tutor
i did the upgrade tune-up a couple months ago.. running like new again.
if V2 is ever release.. i'd probably get one.
the one i have now will find a new home... everyone on my court wants it.
no machine is perfect... yes this machine has it's faults..to me the drift is tolerable.
for it's size, weight, portability and programming.. hands down better
than my previous machines. SlingerBag, Silent Partner and Tennis Tutor
i did the upgrade tune-up a couple months ago.. running like new again.
if V2 is ever release.. i'd probably get one.
the one i have now will find a new home... everyone on my court wants it.
Just got a Proton - any resources for owners to share settings and tips? It doesn't seem like the FB owners group is all that active.
Basically I'm wondering what setting to get a deeper, easy ball. The easy setting has the ball landing at the service line and sort of dying short, the medium setting is my max (as I'm not all that good). Also, how does one store the lob riser within the Proton for an all-in one package?
I'm really impressed with the machine, though the stir stick could work a touch better. My first ball machine and it's been worth it so far.
Basically I'm wondering what setting to get a deeper, easy ball. The easy setting has the ball landing at the service line and sort of dying short, the medium setting is my max (as I'm not all that good). Also, how does one store the lob riser within the Proton for an all-in one package?
I'm really impressed with the machine, though the stir stick could work a touch better. My first ball machine and it's been worth it so far.
!<-_->!
Hall of Fame
Move the machine closer to the service line?
celito
Professional
Can you quantify the drift over a session of 80 balls ?
Areyousure2
New User
I’m wondering if anyone has any favorite custom settings. Especially (though not exclusively) focused on court movement, both side to side and deep-short.
JEDI MASTER
Professional
i did the same.. sold my slinger after 2hrs of use..
Papa Mango
Semi-Pro
Drift will depend on the program/drills you are using. If you are just hitting one or two spots with medium speed/low spin, it will noticeably drift after a couple of hoppers. If you are running an aggressive program/drill it'll start to drift sooner rather then later.
Saitamaxpunch1
Rookie
I find it to be a non issue. After you refill the hopper, if it has deviated far just move it back (I usually don't bother tbh)
eagle
Hall of Fame
For a new company/product, the Proton has delivered on their promise. It works as advertised in terms of features, performance, and reliability.
No product is perfect. All products, especially new and first runs, will have quicks or some issues. The only issue that comes to mind with the Proton is the drift. But that's a function of its light weight. It's almost like a double edged sword. It is a selling point for portability but becomes somewhat of a liability in practice. But for me, the benefit far outweighs the drift and it isn't that bad. For example, shooting straight from the middle of the court to the middle on the other side of the court, the machine may end up shooting balls about 3 ft from middle. It's not that bad. It's not like it starts shooting balls to the side fence after a few balls. LOL. In the overall scheme of things, it is minor and just a mild inconvenience. Not a deal breaker by a long shot for me.
And of course it is not for everyone. Some prefer other machines for their features, capabilities, or price. That's okay. Variety in selection is good. It forces the manufacturers to be more competitive and build better machines that ultimately help us.
No product is perfect. All products, especially new and first runs, will have quicks or some issues. The only issue that comes to mind with the Proton is the drift. But that's a function of its light weight. It's almost like a double edged sword. It is a selling point for portability but becomes somewhat of a liability in practice. But for me, the benefit far outweighs the drift and it isn't that bad. For example, shooting straight from the middle of the court to the middle on the other side of the court, the machine may end up shooting balls about 3 ft from middle. It's not that bad. It's not like it starts shooting balls to the side fence after a few balls. LOL. In the overall scheme of things, it is minor and just a mild inconvenience. Not a deal breaker by a long shot for me.
And of course it is not for everyone. Some prefer other machines for their features, capabilities, or price. That's okay. Variety in selection is good. It forces the manufacturers to be more competitive and build better machines that ultimately help us.
My sister ended up placing an order for the Proton. She prefers the Spinfire (internal oscillation and proven longer term reliability). She was considering getting the external battery option to help her in transporting it…but in the end it’s still too big, bulky for her to transport by herself. My feeling after 2 yrs of owning the Spinfire is that I would still buy it over the Proton. However I recommended her to get the Proton, because the best machine is the one she‘s more willing to use and transport. With her getting the Proton, at least we have the option to play with either one now Lol. Do you guys/gals recommend getting the extra battery?
FrankyRelax
Semi-Pro
I've found that the one battery lasts plenty. I usually hit with the proton for 2 hours at a time and it lasts me a couple outings (4 hours). It could probably last an hour more but i like to charge it after 2 outings.
