From the moment we pulled this machine out of the box we were impressed. The control panel simply looked amazing with LED displays for almost every control possible. No longer do you have to guess your favourite speed level or elevation, you can now set it to the exact same settings time and time again with the help of the LED's.

This Player Model is the same housing as the Tennis Tutor Plus model however the control panel and motherboard are significantly different. Where previously you had to pay extra to get a machine with a 2 line drill, this machine has it as standard! The machine still uses counter rotating wheels to propel the ball and offers perfect topspin and slice. You can set the top speed to 136km/h although the LED displays the speed in miles per hour so the top speed is 85mph.

You can continue to hit balls in one spot over and over again until you get it right or you can oscillate the machine. One of our favourite features of the Tennis Tutor Plus model is the speed at which the machine oscillates from side to side. While this doesn't quite have the same speed, it's certainly faster than the competitors. Just like any other machine you can set it to oscillate while feeding balls at your favourite level of topspin and slice. However, while in this mode it's not possible to vary the depth of the balls, but that's where the Player Mode comes in to the picture.

The Player Mode is what separates this machine from the competitors. The control panel has 3 simple buttons, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Once one of these buttons are pushed the machine takes over. The speed, elevation, spin level & ball feed speed start changing until they've reached their programmed settings. Balls start firing out of the machine as though the machine is at the standard you've selected. What was quite amazing is that the machine became truely random (unlike any other sub $5,000 ball machine we've seen so far). Instead of just fanning from side to side which is predictable to some degree, this machine finds a spot, then shoots a ball (sometimes two). Then it finds another spot, changing the elevation / depth of the ball at the same time and shoots another ball or two. It could go right or left, there is no pattern.

Whilst at Tennis Warehouse Australia our play testers are advanced players, we still tried the machine in beginner and intermediate mode.

Beginner mode was very easy and the balls went very short. We decided to move the machine closer to the net (we had it on the baseline) and this corrected the problem. The balls were simple and varied in depth but kept things pretty simple.

Intermediate mode allowed us move the machine back to the baseline again and the shots had more topspin on them and came with more pace. This level of play would be great for a mid level player. The depth of shot varied allowing us to come in for an approach shot and then returning to the baseline for the deeper balls.

Advanced mode is where it got interesting for us. We really enjoyed hitting with this mode and found the true randomness of the machine a pleasure to use. We were a bit disappointed that the elevation of the machine only varied 1 LED spot between shots which varied the depth of the ball by a metre or two, we would have liked a little bit more. But it was still effective and probably truer to an advanced player who would hit balls with a fairly consistent depth. The variation in width was not as great as when in oscillation mode, but we preferred this as it allowed us to focus on our footwork and shots without getting ridiculously tired quickly. If you want a workout, we'd suggest the oscillation mode.

If we were using this machine regularly, we would never use the Beginner or Intermediate mode so these two buttons would be wasted. Infact for most users this would be the case (only 1 button would be relevant). However, if this was to be used for a family, each different button may suit a different family member.

Another thing we loved about the Advanced mode was that we could increase the speed and spin to suit our level. The machine continued to find spots and depth on the court to fire balls to randomly. This means you don't have to get bored with the one setting.

Being the same housing as the Tennis Tutor Plus, this machine is also very robust and smooth in operation. We find the handle for wheeling the machine to be a little bit too short, but acceptable if you walk beside the machine instead of infront of it.

The flaps on the top of the machine seem flimsy but do the job adequately. We would have liked the front flap to be clear so that we could see through it and determine how many balls are remaining, but this is a small point.

It's a tiny bit bulky and difficult to fit into a sedan boot. Unless you have a 4WD or a large boot, this is most likely going to have to sit on the back seat.

Overall we believe this new model from Tennis Tutor is possibly the best machine on the market. You can purchase this machine with or without a remote control and in either a battery or electric model.

TRUE PORTABILITY:

Tennis Tutor Player Model is truly portable, measuring measuring 30.5cm (H) x 49.5cm (L) x 51cm (W) when the ball hopper is folded down for transport. And with the towing handle extended, it tows just like luggage. When you get to the court, the ball hopper opens in seconds to hold 150 balls, which is more than two standard pick-up baskets full of balls.

Tennis Tutor Player Model's built-in rechargeable battery can deliver up to six hours of playing time, so there's little need for extra batteries. But if you do want more battery life there is an optional External Battery Pack (see accessories).

Tennis Tutor has a built-in battery charge indicator, and it even politely beeps when there is only one-half hour of battery charge left. And of course, Tennis Tutor comes complete with a plug-in charging unit that fully charges the battery.

POPULAR OPTIONS:

Two Function Remote: Tennis Tutor Player Model is available with a built-in, two-function wireless remote control. The remote unit lets you start and stop ball delivery, and control the oscillation function.

Two Line Function: This machine comes standard with the 2 line drill. Normally with other machines this is an additional expense.

Whether you're a competitive player looking to improve your game or just enjoy playing tennis, Tennis Tutor Player Model makes the ideal tennis partner. Get the Tennis Tutor advantage today (before your opponent does).

SMART CHARGER & HEAVY DUTY BATTERIES:

Australian models come standard with the smart charger and a heavy duty battery.

WARRANTY:

Tennis Tutor Player Model ball machines are backed by a one-year warranty covering both parts and labor.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES:

External Battery Pack: The External Battery Pack plugs into the battery charge jack to provide up to four additional hours of playing time. It includes a rugged carrying case with strap, and its own battery charger. Price: $363.00.

AC Power: All Tennis Tutor Player models can be ordered with AC power instead of battery power for a nominal additional charge.

TENNIS TUTOR PLUS SPECIFICATIONS:

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Tennis Tutor (not the Player version) Video:

Watch a video of the Tennis Tutor in Action
By clicking this link you will be taken to a page to view the video. This may take a while to load properly, so unless you have high speed broad band, we suggest you grab a coffee! You will also need to install Quicktime to be able to see the clip.

 

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