Slinger tennis ball machine

[celito]

Sheesh ... this much fighting about a tennis ball machine ?

Proton looks cool as hell. If you can afford it, why not buy it ? But no, it's does not have AI ... just highly programmable through an app. Looks pretty neat. Not really hard to do.

Slinger is an interesting concept but is just very limited. These 2 machines just aren't in the same category.

 

[BobbyR]

Sheesh ... this much fighting about a tennis ball machine ?

Proton looks cool as hell. If you can afford it, why not buy it ? But no, it's does not have AI ... just highly programmable through an app. Looks pretty neat. Not really hard to do.

Slinger is an interesting concept but is just very limited. These 2 machines just aren't in the same category.

Yup not sure why Nostradamus likes to fight so much and post things which are simply untrue, like Proton having AI which it clearly does not and when that claim has been debunked so many times by different members on here.

Agree with you totally on Proton vs Slinger. As for Proton, the 'November Update Coming Soon' email was sent a week ago and no update since then yet the parts were going through customs then. I was right about how long it takes for that. Hopefully there are not parts problems. Definitely won't be getting the Proton this month as I also predicted. I'm now taking bets on December delivery.

 

[bobleenov1963]

Yup not sure why Nostradamus likes to fight so much and post things which are simply untrue, like Proton having AI which it clearly does not and when that claim has been debunked so many times by different members on here.

Agree with you totally on Proton vs Slinger. As for Proton, the 'November Update Coming Soon' email was sent a week ago and no update since then yet the parts were going through customs then. I was right about how long it takes for that. Hopefully there are not parts problems. Definitely won't be getting the Proton this month as I also predicted. I'm now taking bets on December delivery.

I will be very disappointed that I will not have the Proton with me for a trip to Naples Florida in December because I am really looking forward to it.

 

[celito]

Yup not sure why Nostradamus likes to fight so much and post things which are simply untrue, like Proton having AI which it clearly does not and when that claim has been debunked so many times by different members on here.

Agree with you totally on Proton vs Slinger. As for Proton, the 'November Update Coming Soon' email was sent a week ago and no update since then yet the parts were going through customs then. I was right about how long it takes for that. Hopefully there are not parts problems. Definitely won't be getting the Proton this month as I also predicted. I'm now taking bets on December delivery.

Ended up just buying a used Lobster Elite 2 . Found a good deal and couldn't pass up on it. I will wait and see how the Proton fares. It looks cool but I can't justify the extra $1000 at the moment.

 

[RadicalEdward23]

Proton looks cool as hell. If you can afford it, why not buy it ? But no, it's does not have AI ... just highly programmable through an app. Looks pretty neat. Not really hard to do.

Slinger is an interesting concept but is just very limited. These 2 machines just aren't in the same category.

I think the important takeaway is that these two machines are not meant for the same target audience. It's alright to come into this thread to compare the Slinger vs. Proton but what's the point of continuously dumping on the Slinger over-and-over again? Nothing constructive comes out of that. Maybe someone should tell Nostradamus the Slinger isn't trying to steal sales from the Proton machine? A $550 ball machine just can't compete with a $1600 one, but that's okay because different people have different needs.

On a separate note, is spreading misinformation and false-advertising a reportable offence on the TW forums? I'm getting really tired of this AI machine nonsense that Nostradamus keeps shilling. Nowhere does Hydrogen Sports show proof or even claim that there is any sort of AI involved in the Proton. Does Nostradamus have insider information? Are the pre-orders so low that Nostradamus needs to make up the functions it has to get more?

 

[VaMoose98]

So I know all you ****ers just want to talk about proton but I’m excited that my slinger gets here tomorrow

 

[kayak4water]

I have no skin in the game here for either Slingerbag or Proton. Different machines for different players. For me, the Slingerbag would have been just fine for two or more years before I'd sell it or give it away. The Slingerbag comes with a remote. The slingerbag with oscillator is $675 (pick up tube and phone camera holder included).

My Lobster Elite Liberty cost $949, has topspin/back spin adjustments and a sweep function--A remote for the Lobster costs $169 more--luckily I have diy genes and installed a $15 Amazon kit, for a total $964.

A refurbished Tennis Cube with oscillator (direct from sportstutor.com) costs $639. No topspin. No remote available, delay feed only. Same warranty as new. I completely missed this deal (if it is real)

I love my Lobster, but in my world, any working machine is better than no machine. No one in my town has the same schedule as I do to drill with me and analyze video. Do I miss that $300 that I spent over the Slingerbag or the Tennis Cube? No, these aren't the same machines, and even if they were, it's water under the bridge.

 

[Nostradamus]

I have no skin in the game here for either Slingerbag or Proton. Different machines for different players. For me, the Slingerbag would have been just fine for two or more years before I'd sell it or give it away. The Slingerbag comes with a remote. The slingerbag with oscillator is $675 (pick up tube and phone camera holder included).

My Lobster Elite Liberty cost $949, has topspin/back spin adjustments and a sweep function--A remote for the Lobster costs $169 more--luckily I have diy genes and installed a $15 Amazon kit, for a total $964.

A refurbished Tennis Cube with oscillator (direct from sportstutor.com) costs $639. No topspin. No remote available, delay feed only. Same warranty as new. I completely missed this deal (if it is real)

I love my Lobster, but in my world, any working machine is better than no machine. No one in my town has the same schedule as I do to drill with me and analyze video. Do I miss that $300 that I spent over the Slingerbag or the Tennis Cube? No, these aren't the same machines, and even if they were, it's water under the bridge.

lobster elite is way way too big. too heavy too. Proton is light and compact and delivers more faster bigger spin balls like ATP tour players.

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[alexsoin]

I ordered the cheapest basic Slinger (bag-launcher and remote only) for 550$ back in September, finally got it couple days back. I might’ve looked for something else if I knew it’ll take 3 months to get it delivered. Actually liked a couple of practices with it. I need some to work on my one-handed backhand‘s consistency and on my transition game, IMO perfect option for these aspects. impressed how perfectly bag fits in my car’s tiny trunk. I play singles 3-5 times a week so oscillator was kinda redundant. My slice is a killer so practicing against underspin shots is unnecessary. Love how much spin this thing generates Gonna keep hitting and practicing more

 

[megamind]

So I know all you ****ers just want to talk about proton but I’m excited that my slinger gets here tomorrow

how's it going, do you like it?

what do you think of the ball speed?

 

[VaMoose98]

It’s what people say, it feeds a ball that is fine. I can groove my strokes and work on stuff, but it doesn’t really give you pace. I am used to hitting with former college players and the way they drive the ball cannot be replicated by the slinger. However, my favorite setting is full speed, at the opposite service line, with 0.5 elevation. It shoots straight out and kicks forward fast which makes you prepare early and really have to hit through the ball. In short I’m glad I got it -it does what I need it to do. But in a few years a better option comes out I would be tempted to upgrade .

 

[celito]

That's some PR work for Slinger ...

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/slinger-bag-created-product-allows-131539539.html

 

[Nostradamus]

That's some PR work for Slinger ...

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/slinger-bag-created-product-allows-131539539.html

See if this is true, then Proton would allow tennis players so much more just because of its convenient size and more capability

 

[blablavla]

See if this is true, then Proton would allow tennis players so much more just because of its convenient size and more capability

not because of its non-existing AI?

 

[BobbyR]

If Slinger is the most portable, ground-breaking and disruptive ball machine to hit the market in many years, as every Slinger press release boasts, yet is double the weight, permanent high spin, and a bit more than half the top speed and with no fully featured remote control or numerous drills or features compared to the Proton, what does that make the Proton, without or without the non-existent NostradamusAI?

Something from the future!

 

[alexsoin]

If Slinger is the most portable, ground-breaking and disruptive ball machine to hit the market in many years, as every Slinger press release boasts, yet is double the weight, permanent high spin, and a bit more than half the top speed and with no fully featured remote control or numerous drills or features compared to the Proton, what does that make the Proton, without or without the non-existent NostradamusAI?

sorry have I missed something?! you kinda forgot to mention Proton is almost 3 times more expensive 550$ for cheapest Slinger (no tax + free shipping in the US) vs 1600$ Proton, not sure about tax and shipping!

 

[paulorenzo]

If Slinger is the most portable, ground-breaking and disruptive ball machine to hit the market in many years, as every Slinger press release boasts, yet is double the weight, permanent high spin, and a bit more than half the top speed and with no fully featured remote control or numerous drills or features compared to the Proton, what does that make the Proton, without or without the non-existent NostradamusAI?

Something from the future!

Something from the future or stuck in the future?

 

[BobbyR]

sorry have I missed something?! you kinda forgot to mention Proton is almost 3 times more expensive 550$ for cheapest Slinger (no tax + free shipping in the US) vs 1600$ Proton, not sure about tax and shipping!

Oh wow. You sure did! I guess you've never heard of the old adage "You get what your pay for". You might want to compare the features. Proton has at least 20x times the features at 1/3rd the size, 1/2 the weight yet only costa less than a mere 3x the price.

But if your budget only allows you to buy the Slinger yes that is better than nothing. You will tire of it quickly if you have any skill at tennis at all.

 

[paulorenzo]

Oh wow. You sure did! I guess you've never heard of the old adage "You get what your pay for". You might want to compare the features. Proton has at least 20x times the features at 1/3rd the size, 1/2 the weight yet only costa less than a mere 3x the price.

But if your budget only allows you to buy the Slinger yes that is better than nothing. You will tire of it quickly if you have any skill at tennis at all.

You seem really insecure about your purchase for your son.

 

[bobleenov1963]

You seem really insecure about your purchase for your son.

I bought the Slinger and used it just one time and gave it away for free after. The product is horrendous and I was a sucker for purchasing the Slinger. Even the tennis lite tutor ball machine is better than Slinger.

 

[alexsoin]

I bought the Slinger and used it just one time and gave it away for free after. The product is horrendous and I was a sucker for purchasing the Slinger. Even the tennis lite tutor ball machine is better than Slinger.

Slinger works just fine for me and my practices. I work on consistency for my one-handed backhands and that requires heavy topspin ball. I’m strong 4.5 player working hard and trying to get to 5.0 league. 5-6 practices I got with Slinger and I already see the results in my match play. I also work on transition game and volleying. And yes, 1600$ was way out of my budget...

 

[bertrevert]

I bought the Slinger and used it just one time and gave it away for free after. The product is horrendous and I was a sucker for purchasing the Slinger. Even the tennis lite tutor ball machine is better than Slinger.

I admire this no-nonsense approach, life too short to waste on item adjudged not fit for purpose. And move on to whatever is! Salute that.

 

[bertrevert]

Slinger works just fine for me and my practices. I work on consistency for my one-handed backhands and that requires heavy topspin ball. I’m strong 4.5 player working hard and trying to get to 5.0 league. 5-6 practices I got with Slinger and I already see the results in my match play. I also work on transition game and volleying. And yes, 1600$ was way out of my budget...

SO really using it for quite precise things. Sounds good. So really can you dial it in to the point where say it spits out a ball like you might get in a match fairly precisely in a spot such that you can really practice and develop a shot that will work? I just wonder if the ball produced is life-like? (Just my own bias, but totally agree ball machine aids in repetition, which would drive any coach nuts having to feed same ball) Because really would hope that a ball machine can fastrack development...............???

 

[celito]

If Slinger is the most portable, ground-breaking and disruptive ball machine to hit the market in many years, as every Slinger press release boasts, yet is double the weight, permanent high spin, and a bit more than half the top speed and with no fully featured remote control or numerous drills or features compared to the Proton, what does that make the Proton, without or without the non-existent NostradamusAI?

Something from the future!

Proton will eradicate COVID19 without need for vaccine ... and cure cancer.

 

[VaMoose98]

People crap on slingers high topspin but it’s not that realistic. I set mine on high speed with very low elevation and it’s fine. It is a very heavy ball and excellent to train against. I have been working on all my shots and don’t miss anything. One thing I’ll say is that the oscillator is dumb. It had a small range and doesn’t really seem with the extra $. I just do cones to keep feet moving when drilling and it’s fine

 

[alexsoin]

SO really using it for quite precise things. Sounds good. So really can you dial it in to the point where say it spits out a ball like you might get in a match fairly precisely in a spot such that you can really practice and develop a shot that will work? I just wonder if the ball produced is life-like?

Producing life-like ball is kinda individual thing, isn’t it? I have a dozens of players I hit with on constant basis and al of them play quite differently. I know that high-bouncing heavy topspin balls landing deep into my OHBH corner is something I hate the most (while heavy flat hitting I have no problem with redirecting as these balls are generally in the striking zone of waist/hip area)! You have to either move back to hit around your shoulder or step up and drive half volleys. So I setup Slinger at 20 degree angle in the middle of serving box and fastest feed just gives me exactly kind of ball which is challenging for me. Same type of ball is quite difficult to volley against too, great practice as well!

 

[alexsoin]

Proton will eradicate COVID19 without need for vaccine ... and cure cancer.

Proton will also cure malaria, hiv/aids, reduce population’s obesity and heal heart disease!

 

[paulorenzo]

I bought the Slinger and used it just one time and gave it away for free after. The product is horrendous and I was a sucker for purchasing the Slinger. Even the tennis lite tutor ball machine is better than Slinger.

I have no skin in the game here. Sorry you were suckered. Perhaps you should have found another sucker to buy it off of you.

 

[BobbyR]

Producing life-like ball is kinda individual thing, isn’t it? I have a dozens of players I hit with on constant basis and al of them play quite differently. I know that high-bouncing heavy topspin balls landing deep into my OHBH corner is something I hate the most (while heavy flat hitting I have no problem with redirecting as these balls are generally in the striking zone of waist/hip area)! You have to either move back to hit around your shoulder or step up and drive half volleys. So I setup Slinger at 20 degree angle in the middle of serving box and fastest feed just gives me exactly kind of ball which is challenging for me. Same type of ball is quite difficult to volley against too, great practice as well!

The universal criticism of the Slinga is that it only produces high spin balls, the one drill they have if you pony up the extra coin moves like a snail, its one of the heavier ball machines out there especially compared to the Proton and its the largest portable ball machine on the market. I think if they had stuck to the 80mph/6kg machine that could be carried like a backpack which they raised all their Kickstarter/Indiegogo financing on instead of what they ultimately shipped they would have had a winner.

But, hey, each to it's own and it's cheap.

 

[ThirdEye]

Does anyone know the max rpm of the slinger? I tried it today and balls were jumping so high my ohbh was in serious trouble.

 

[alexsoin]

Does anyone know the max rpm of the slinger? I tried it today and balls were jumping so high my ohbh was in serious trouble.

You can reduce the spin rate a little (via main panel) and also set launch angle to 10 degrees on lower right side of slinger. Besides practicing high heavy spinned shots on your ohbh is very useful thing to do

 

[JEDI MASTER]

The universal criticism of the Slinga is that it only produces high spin balls, the one drill they have if you pony up the extra coin moves like a snail, its one of the heavier ball machines out there especially compared to the Proton and its the largest portable ball machine on the market. I think if they had stuck to the 80mph/6kg machine that could be carried like a backpack which they raised all their Kickstarter/Indiegogo financing on instead of what they ultimately shipped they would have had a winner.

But, hey, each to it's own and it's cheap.

getting it at $220 kickstarter price is cheap..
selling it 2hrs later for $900 and getting the Proton.. Priceless...

 

[Rattler]

getting it at $220 kickstarter price is cheap..
selling it 2hrs later for $900 and getting the Proton.. Priceless...

Not a bad deal...but then again you happen to be one of the dozen or so people to date who’ve actually received their Proton.

 

[ThirdEye]

You can reduce the spin rate a little (via main panel) and also set launch angle to 10 degrees on lower right side of slinger. Besides practicing high heavy spinned shots on your ohbh is very useful thing to do

That's for sure, but do you know what the max rpm count is?

 

[Nostradamus]

That's for sure, but do you know what the max rpm count is?

max spin rate on this is like very small 1000 RPM. not the best simulation of advanced pro shot

 

[taylor15]

max spin rate on this is like very small 1000 RPM. not the best simulation of advanced pro shot

Not true. You can’t adjust since it’s one wheel, and at max speed it’s crazy how much too spin. I’ve seen some folks hitting at my courts and the acceleration of the ball after bounce is pretty crazy

 

[smboogie]

Wow, quite the argument going on here over personal ball machines, what is essentially a luxury that many don't have. I think both machines are great and I hope they push the market to actually innovate. Without these new kids coming in there was no reason for the big guys to really innovate.

I've seen some people using the Slinger bag and I was disappointed at what was shown and what was produced but overall it's a great machine/bag to practice with. No it doesn't produce an ATP/WTA level of ball, but then again I'm sure none of us are playing on the ATP/WTA.

Proton I have not seen yet but looks like a great high end device but honestly these are two different machines. If you have them, enjoy them for what they are and let's all hope further innovation is on the horizon.

 

[bobleenov1963]

Wow, quite the argument going on here over personal ball machines, what is essentially a luxury that many don't have. I think both machines are great and I hope they push the market to actually innovate. Without these new kids coming in there was no reason for the big guys to really innovate.

I've seen some people using the Slinger bag and I was disappointed at what was shown and what was produced but overall it's a great machine/bag to practice with. No it doesn't produce an ATP/WTA level of ball, but then again I'm sure none of us are playing on the ATP/WTA.

Proton I have not seen yet but looks like a great high end device but honestly these are two different machines. If you have them, enjoy them for what they are and let's all hope further innovation is on the horizon.

Those fancy tennis ball machines are for recreational players (myself included). You don't need a tennis ball machine to become an ATP/WTA level tennis player. Proton is not a high end device but most people like it because it is light weight and very portable, less than 20 lbs. You will not hurt your back by lifting up/down from the car, like other heavier tennis ball machine.

I will be rooting for Kamaiu Johnson at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This guy came from nothing and today he is competing among the big boys like Brooks Koepka, Speith, Thomas, etc... He is playing in the big league now: https://www.npr.org/2021/02/11/9666...t-finally-realized-at-the-games-highest-level

 

[Bolivian10s]

Does anyone know the max rpm of the slinger? I tried it today and balls were jumping so high my ohbh was in serious trouble.

40 something mph and shoots only topspin shots because there is only one throwing wheel inside.

 

[Raul_SJ]

Except the price has a built on complete loss factor. The product nay never ship and you are out the price with nothing to use for practice.

What kind of ninnyhammer buys a product that might never ship?

 

[alexsoin]

Does anyone know the max rpm of the slinger? I tried it today and balls were jumping so high my ohbh was in serious trouble.

I personally like my ohbh to be in serious trouble when I practice with Slingo, better chances I’ll have cleaner game at the league the next day

 

[Ryebread]

People crap on slingers high topspin but it’s not that realistic. I set mine on high speed with very low elevation and it’s fine. It is a very heavy ball and excellent to train against. I have been working on all my shots and don’t miss anything. One thing I’ll say is that the oscillator is dumb. It had a small range and doesn’t really seem with the extra $. I just do cones to keep feet moving when drilling and it’s fine

Where do you put your machine that causes the oscillator to be worthless to you?

I put it just behind the service line. It sprays balls from corner to corner.

 

[VaMoose98]

Where do you put your machine that causes the oscillator to be worthless to you?

I put it just behind the service line. It sprays balls from corner to corner.

I put it around the service line

 

[2nd-srv-ace]

I have been using my slinger for about two months and I am loving it. I knew before buying that it only throws up to 45mph top spin, but I am ok with it; it gives me a great workout.

 

[2nd-srv-ace]

The top spin generated when i set the speed at 'advanced' its crazy. I am not sure what RPM or level that is, but it is a heavy ball despite only being about 40-45mph; its more than enough for me...i have broken two sets of strings already hitting back with topspin.

 

[alexsoin]

The top spin generated when i set the speed at 'advanced' its crazy. I am not sure what RPM or level that is, but it is a heavy ball despite only being about 40-45mph; its more than enough for me...i have broken two sets of strings already hitting back with topspin.

I've seen that it's around 3000 rpm on one of the threads here. Yes, it's a great amount of spin and always gives quite a physical workout (on every hitting sesh)!

 

[NMTennis]

I have seen some videos where people put the slinger in front of the net...Does this reduce the topspin by changing the settings to hit this way? What settings do people use if they place the machine on the same side of the court as them?
Thanks in advance!

 

[paulorenzo]

I have seen some videos where people put the slinger in front of the net...Does this reduce the topspin by changing the settings to hit this way? What settings do people use if they place the machine on the same side of the court as them?
Thanks in advance!

Sounds like a drop feed. Or sitter. I could see it being effective for grooving a new technique. I imagine the slower the ball the less topspin in slinger’s case

 

[2nd-srv-ace]

I have seen some videos where people put the slinger in front of the net...Does this reduce the topspin by changing the settings to hit this way? What settings do people use if they place the machine on the same side of the court as them?
Thanks in advance!

That would be like a hand tossed ball. And yes, the slower the throw, the less top spin.

 

[Bolivian10s]

lobster elite is way way too big. too heavy too. Proton is light and compact and delivers more faster bigger spin balls like ATP tour players.

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The Proton is TOO LIGHT and the machine will jump every time a ball is shot out. If you set a program on your preferred setting after a few balls have shot out those setting will not be where you want to the ball to go, be warned. Proton needs to be heavier so the machine does not drift while launching balls out.