From everything I could find/read, Tutor makes a good machine and has great customer service. Honestly, however, I had to rule them out due to their lack of portability. Time after time I read of people complaining about the Tennis Tutor's poor portability. I think it's partly due to the machines square shape, and more definitely due to it's small wheels and awkward handle.
There were other reasons besides just portability that ultimately led me to purchase a Lobster. But the many posts and complaints regarding Tutor's poor portability, in my view, was sort of a "knock out factor". Here on TW Forum, it was correctly pointed out by many, that if it became too much of a pain in the arse to load, carry, role the machine to and from the car and to the courts.............that you'd end up not using it! I can easily see where they are/were right. Because there are several other things you need to carry and haul with you to the courts besides just the machine. (150 tennis balls, hopper/tubes/etc., rackets, water, etc.). Most people who owned the Tutor admitted needing to enlist a dolly or wagon to assist them in getting their machine to the court. I did not want to worry with also having to load and carry a dolly or wagon. Nor did the prospect of having to strap or bungie cord everything down appeal to me.
Ironically, with portability being a chief concern and one of the main reasons I chose Lobster, my Grand Slam V LE is actually even MORE portable than I anticipated. I hav'nt wieghed my machine, but I could swear it's lighter than advertised. In any event, it is remarkably easy to load, lift, role/wheel, etc. It's shape and molded handgrips underneath make it easy to load/unload. It's larger wheels make a huge difference, and the handle is very ergonomic and comfortable. You can even role the machine to the courts with the hopper full of balls.
I've used my machine for 2 hours on 10 seperate occassions and have not experienced any ball jams or other problems. The multi-function remote works flawlessly. Do some searches for ball machines on this forum. There is alot of good information on other makes/models of ball machines here as well. There is another member/instructor/coach on this forum who has gotten great results and is very happy with her "Playmate" ball machine. Whatever brand, make or model you decide - I would definitely encourage you to get a ball machine. Good Luck.
