Reviewing The Slinger Bag Tennis Ball Machine

[@tensaijuusan4653]

I have been working with the Slinger machine for a week and it is good value for money if it lasts 5 years without breaking down. The ball speed control gives a good range of top-spin to hit against and the oscillator gives the necessary variety of angles. However, the feed timing control is not so great. The extreme lowest speed position releases a ball every 2 - 3 seconds which is perfect but all other positions are faster than this and the extreme fastest position fires the balls like bullets from a machine gun which is too fast for meaningful practice value. The Wilson Trinity balls are perfect for the machine and will keep their lively bounce for a long time if kept dry. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase.

[@Rndmrth3]

I have one and since I have no friends, it helps to practice every day

[@genesisnkaidence8519]

Let me have it or sell itn

[@MrJpags]

Aw join a tennis class it helps a lot. Met a good amount of people and now have a weekly group tennis day :)

[@adityacapte]

14:50 when you talk about the maximum settings of slinger bag, I feel that it can be pretty realistic if you were actually hitting the ball harder.

[@gianlucalattanzio1538]

Thank you Thomas for this review. I've always thought that a ball machine could be useful for improving my skill level. I will consider the chance to buy it.

[@arvpreenja3090]

It's not unrealistic as you said, when the next ball comes before the ball you just hit reaches the back. It just simulates a situation where your opponent plays volleys at the net. Nice vid anyway...great Infos if you think bout getting one like me and my tennis training partner.

[@anthonybush6391]

I had my slinger ball machine for 6 months now. I use it daily. I use the top speed/feed functions. I, at this points, am not a happy camper with the slinger ball machine. I’m very disappointed , after 6 months of use, in the performance of this slinger ball machine!!! Balls r constantly getting stuck/jammed somewhere in the machine, which definitely affects the machine’s performance. Each time the machine jams, I’m removing, n e where from 3 -7 balls from the machine. This machine makes funny noises. The machine doesn’t shoot the balls out at n e consistent distance, with many of the balls hitting the net , with the machine at the baseline. Many of the balls land at the service line, with a few making it to the opposite baseline. This never happened when I first started using the slinger a few months ago. Slinger c s blames these issues on the balls I’m using , saying that the machine performance differently with balls that aren’t new. They’re very hesitant about replacing this malfunctioning machine, even though it’s still under warranty. I’ve done everything they’ve suggested to resolve these issues, to no avail. I’m very unhappy with and disappointed in the performance of this slinger ball machine!!!

[@anthonybush6391]

I’m back with an update: Slinger finally sent me a replacement machine. Hopefully, this one will perform better than the one I’m sending back ……..thanks Slinger!!!👍

[@Toxicat_JaJa]

@@anthonybush6391 so what's up ?

[@scottfung7700]

Very unbiased review!

[@joeyham08]

I recently purchased the Slinger Bag and it is great. When I want to receive a ball that has very little spin, I place the machine on the same side of the net that I am hitting from and use lowest spin setting. This can produce a ball that is helpful for working on the contact point or swing technique. It will also give a ball that is good for a beginner. So far the only thing I would like is longer battery life. I am getting only one hour of use before I can see the low battery indicator on the console.

[@cilami]

You should contact the seller since the battery is supposed to last about 5 hours. Check the voltage to see if you are starting with a 100% charge.

[@tensaijuusan4653]

I am using the Slinger for 2 hours at a time and the battery indicator still registers full. I used it for over an hour the next day too without recharging.

[@photobearcmh]

Joseph, I use mine in the same way. It's great when you want to run through your progressions when working on technique. As far as battery life, mine has been great. I get 3 hours and it mostly full. I've considered it one of the strengths of the bag.

[@DizzyDROPZ]

@@photobearcmh do u guys know where to buy a battery for replacement?

[@DizzyDROPZ]

@@cilami do u know where to buy a replacement battery just in case it isn't working anymore?

[@passion830217]

It is great to have a bag-like machine. However, 45 mph maximum is just too slow.

[@vlesmeries]

The speed may sound slow but as soon as it hits the ground, at max settings unless you’re a tennis pro the crazy topspin would overwhelm most players.

[@ernie8117]

At 45mph this thing shoots with a very high spin rate and the balls gets to you very fast after they hit the ground esp on hardcourt. I think a good speed would be at about 30 mph and higher trajectory to practice groundstrokes for advance players. Speed is very sufficient.

[@leviticusspeaks7732]

You're wrong. 45mph and then it hits the ground and comes at you like twice that speed. Twice that speed with fast HEAVY Topspin. Listen to him, too fast! He even chuckled and said unrealistic. . not for beginners or intermediate level. Too fast! 🤦

[@AlbertoBlasi]

Trust me, it's more than enough. I used it yesterday at top speed and the spin is just out of this world, it destroyed my ohbh. I would really like to know how much RPM it produces, as it felt H E A V Y.

[@ernie8117]

@@AlbertoBlasi First, what level are you? I am about 5.5 and know pretty much the right technique of all shots, this machine if used improperly will destroy your strokes especially the fh and bh. It does not generate the natural spin. What I have done is to up the trajectory from the baseline where the ball goes over the net a little higher and stand a little farther back at the baseline to hit the ground strokes. Take it on the drop. Taking the ball on the rise from this machine ingrains bad habits. Another thing I have tried is to let the ball bounce twice to naturalize the spin for ground strokes. I find that for groundstrokes, I would rather hit against the wall or a person. Mainly I used this machine to practice volleys, drop volleys and overheads. I put it at the service line, head high trajectory over the net, medium speed and maximum frequency. Not a machine for beginners and intermediate players for sure.

[@gethompson]

Thank you for this review!

[@feralc]

What would be the settings (speed, feed and angle) for Intermediate when placing the bag at the base line??? Slinger instructions contradict each other, because the writing says place it at the base line. It the diagram shows the bag at the serve line.

[@feeltennis]

I will show the settings when publishing the drills video. Stay tuned.

[@princessoftennis5539]

What a wonderful machine! We are a beginner tennis KZbin club working out in Korea, and we are very interested in tennis machines. I'll watch other videos with the members. Thank you for all your help.

[@AtroXAir]

Great, wanted to order... but not available yet in Germany/Europe. Only for Uk and Switzerland :( have to wait

[@DizzyDROPZ]

Is there a battery replacement where we can buy if isn't working anymore...

[@zamsoniteb8306]

So my question is ...how did you get one in Slovenia? I live in Sweden and need to get one here. Where do I buy it?

[@Bavubuka]

Do these ball machines come with the balls? Or is that something you have to buy separately? Thank you for the great videos coach! :-)

[@feeltennis]

You can add balls to the order as your are ordering the Slingerbag. In the cheapest version balls are not included.

[@morriemukoda45]

I always wonder why you don't do more product review.

[@doaparviz6430]

How many and what kind of battery the Slinger machine need to work ?

[@nisargpshah]

How about the weight while travelling? Thanks for the review

[@ernie8117]

I don't think they will allow this for traveling bcos of the battery. Lithium batteries are not allowed with the checked in luggage. Might want to confirm with the airlines prior.

[@jhoc4212]

Nice review.

[@svarodzic]

I played with Lobster and Silent Partner ball machines. And I can speak from my experience. I would say that the biggest drawback of this one is that I couldn't see it capable of feeding a ball to the baseline even with maxed-out settings. All balls were in the middle of the service box or close to the service box line.

[@khale4nia]

My brother got it and your observation is correct ... it does not have the speed/spin/power of other machines

[@mouppe]

@@khale4nia You could place the machine in centre court.

[@Dom-yv4nq]

At max settings, with the machine at the opposite baseline the ball was barely reaching the service line. That's not very powerful. For an advanced player That's not a very challenging drill. I guess the machine position would have to be adjusted closer.

[@NoRoads2AllRoads]

even on max speed the ball is falling way to short in my opinion.

[@DAlan0909]

So move it closer duh

[@chrisf247]

When you consider this is no more expensive than a treadmill or other home gym stuff, this becomes very tempting.

[@vlesmeries]

It’s an excellent gadget to improve your tennis. I finally am using mine extensively and it has done wonders for my consistency. You will tire out before the battery even hits 50%. Shame the crowdfunding price is no longer available.

[@photobearcmh]

I got the Slinger as an early backer. It has been an invaluable tool to my tennis. I've used it all summer and really like it. Thomas does an excellent job evaluating the bag so I won't repeat his comments. Highly recommended.

[@gloriaquintero2063]

No comparison to any of the Tennis Tutor models. With them, you can select different types of spin, speed of ball, speed of feed, wide, narrow or random shot feed on either a beginner, moderate or advanced level. You can also do all of these selections and adjustments with your remote instead of walking back and forth making adjustments. Love Feel Tennis but there is no comparison at all between Tennis Tutor machines and a Slinger. It's like a Benz against a Yugo.

[@feeltennis]

Most people do not drive a Mercedes Benz because it's not affordable, it's a luxury brand. The Slinger Bag is not trying to be the best tennis ball machine ever on the market. The key is in the value - what you offer for money. Hence most cars are middle class brands like Honda, Toyota, Peugeot, etc.

[@gloriaquintero2063]

@@feeltennis I actually did a demo on the Slinger in Atlanta. To me, this machine is only of value to very entry level players. For example, return of serve is half the game but you can't practice that with this machine. It tops out at 45 mph and most 3.0 level players will hit serves that exceed that. I can crank my Tennis Tutor up to 90 mph, select flat or kick serve, and that is a real learning experience on body rotation and racquet take back at that speed ! I went from a 3.0 to 4.0 in 7 months hitting about 1,300 balls a week on a Tennis Tutor. If you are really serious about wanting to move up, a Slinger will not provide a challenge to all parts of your game like a Tennis Tutor. Thomas, I do not deny that the Tennis Tutor is expensive in comparison to the Slinger but like the cars you referenced, you get what you pay for.

[@donkey3187]

@@gloriaquintero2063 Thing is the price makes it affordable to some who would otherwise never spend thousands for a ball machine. It opens the market up to a lot more people.

[@n.d.y.5568]

@@gloriaquintero2063 Which Tennis Tutor do you have? Given the Slinger might get you to a 3.0 level at best, what is the max level you think the Tennis Tutor can get one to?

[@timmark4190]

Tennis tutor has ver bad reviews. Which model do you have?

[@Wben113]

Nice idea having the bag all in one. Having balls there, the tube ( even though it only holds about 25 balls) still more convenient than carrying around 2 hoppers like I do now with mine. Like the big wheels, phone charger good idea, oscillater clever, especially the magnet. The pouches for tennis stuff like the remote, can put other items too. Like the hight adjustment on this, easy to remember where you had it for different drills, my machine is a pain that way.. Can put a couple of racquets in there too. Going from what was shown to us here, the drawbacks are the lack of rate of ball ejection and speed of balls. Having only topspin can be an issue, but to be honest I rarely change the spin from topspin on mine. My machine is twice the amount, made like a tank, has a battery you just take off and bring in the house to charge, just did that a couple hrs ago. I wanted to keep the machine in my car. Rapid speed for reflex drills at the net. I have a 2 line setting to hit with 2 people which is nice and you can regulate oscillation width wise with it. Plus random oscilation. It also oscillates internally, so you can't tell where the balls are going too. This machine is a really good value for someone learning tennis, up through intermediate. Really innovative, easy to take in and out of the car, very well thought out. To me the main con is the lack of speed, if what he said was true, that it was set at the highest setting. If your new to tennis or a 3.0- 4 player, this machine is for you and to teach people to play for sure. Good review, nice machine.

[@jianhuiluo]

As always, great and honest review. My favorite channel.

[@xizhuocao6541]

Hi Thomas! Which model did you review with?

[@rdg1244]

Great review, I use the slinger bag for practicing technique and use the lobster grand elite V le for match simulation.

[@olilupin4605]

Very interesting and well made review ! I am a beginner and indeed the top spin effect makes balls rather difficult to play unless setting a very slow speed. But a very practical tool to practice and make some progress (hopefully !).

[@iamsetset]

So even at maximum speed it doesn't shot the balls deep into the court - they still are landing well inside the service line. That doesn't seem right, does it?

[@madhavdeshpande5127]

Thanks a lot for sharing the review. One question though, any idea if this machine can be sued on the clay courts? Would the clay or dust affect the machine performance / life? Would the machine require more maintenance ?

[@sobelgar9289]

Tomaž - Firstly, let me say I have been watching thousands of tennis videos for years to go from a total beginner up to level 5.5 now (my best ever!!!) - I'm fully addicted!!! I want to congratulate you by saying, in all honesty, that your instruction is head and shoulders above all others in terms of isolating and properly describing the most important concepts, mechanics and methods. You are literally the best tennis instructor I have found on the internet so this is amazing. Thank you!! Regarding ball machines, I've been looking for a while and have used one of the very best which was amazing. Since all reviews are of only one machine, it is impossible to find any objective / comparative information. Would you please consider reviewing a bunch of different ball machines across basic categories including: cost, portability, build quality, manufacturer support and warranty, ball capacity, speeds and spins, remotes and patterns?? THis would be AMAZING!!!!!

[@feeltennis]

Thanks for the kind feedback! I don't really want to become a review channel so I rarely review anything. This Slinger Bag is just so different than anything else and cleverly designed so I decided to do this review.

[@ZorroNumber1]

Could you share the name of this great machine you have been using for a while? I am also looking. Thank You.

[@ericfevre]

Fully agree !!!!

[@nijiak]

as an early backer, the kickstarter price was good, but the wait was too long, and they ended up reneging on some promises given. Currently, at the revised prices, i'd say it's not worth it at all because the specs are barely decent if players are looking to improve beyond recreational level (3.5-ish), and especially if the wait is not shortened at all (for people not staying in europe, US, UK). I read that Japan has their own separate distributor so maybe they might have better luck than the rest of the asian countries.

[@EliGassert]

Agreed. I'm also an early backer. It's still brand new. All the reviews I see, I'm not impressed by the speed and performance. I'm keeping mine new because I want to sell it and at least get my kickstarter money back.

[@vsomashekar3757]

It's a very nice video, though it looks simple, it's difficult and rear to get such equipments . it's very useful also. Thanks

[@vsomashekar3757]

It's really a feel of tennis

[@tennisguru6739]

Slinger Bag Tennis Ball Machine is a piece of shit.

[@pranavsreedhar1402]

Thank you so much for the demo!

[@abh2cool1]

I have tried this model.. the topspin is crazy, even on slower speed setting.. nice if you want to practice high topspin shots

[@leviticusspeaks7732]

Correct. Unreasonable amount of heavy Topspin. Even on low speed setting. Because of the construction and configuration of this machine only having one spinning wheel to deliver the ball, the ball comes out with HEAVY Backspin then upon first bounce onto the court that Backspin is reversed into HEAVY Topspin! Only skill level 4.5 and above can handle this Rafael Nadal like pace and HEAVY Topspin. Way way way too fast. 🤦

[@ravikirantangirala7377]

Happy to see an Indian here and having it... Am from HYDERABAD..

[@ernie8117]

I have this ball machine and used it for the first time today to practice overheads. Works well. What settings would you recommend to set the machine to, to practice the return of serve? Thanks.

[@Toxicat_JaJa]

What settings do you use for return of serve ?

[@ernie8117]

I would do high ball setting and place the machine behind the baseline and elevate the trajectory so the ball will bounce around the service line. Can move the machine way back behind the baseline if needed for higher kick. If you have the oscillating attachment, can make it hit the service line at different angles to practice different return the serves. I hope it helps.

[@Toxicat_JaJa]

@@ernie8117 Thanks for your answer ! I'll try that

[@herryhahaz6595]

Thank you for the perfect and very helpfull video, and your time for making it. Well done!!!

[@jojob285]

why woukd you put the controls infront? shouldn't it make more practical and safe to put them on the side of the machine.

[@denniskaparunakis3155]

Hi. How much time it took to arrive?

[@dodgehemi5045]

top speed ?

[@PeterBruner]

Great review. thx

[@anthonyevans6396]

Can you use while plugged in?

[@akiratam5623]

Thanks for reviewing this. Very helpful!

[@ruggierojerolli]

Excellent!

[@mattwaler]

Best review I've seen for this thing yet, definitely going to purchase this next summer in part because of your review!

[@michaelpacini1332]

Thanks for your review . I like that you touched upon applications of use to the level of player . A question I have for you is how was the transport ability of the Slinger ? I see that it has wheels but was it or is it easy to load into a vehicle? Is it heavy ? Thank you

[@walterhayley7252]

I saw another review that said it wasn't very heavy, but it is bulky and a bit awkward when putting it in a vehicle. There are straps at both the top and bottom to aid in loading...

[@thiagosmmm]

Love your videos! A question I have watching this video is what kind of surface is the court you are playing in?

[@leonidkostitsyn6525]

Thiago Moraes looks like carpet

[@robertjohnsilvaiii]

Great review. I’m def gonna buy the product now. One question that’s not related to slinger bag. What microphone are you using for the audio of this video? Sounds very clean. Would love the Amazon link.

[@feeltennis]

Hi, that was my older microphone, now I am using RODE Wireless GO II: www.amazon.com/Rode-Microphones-Wireless-Channel-Microphone/dp/B08XFQ6KP9/

[@robertjohnsilvaiii]

@@feeltennis awesome. Thank you!

[@andrewwulfking4566]

Hey just got mine yesterday

[@johntesoriero3382]

How do you like it?

[@bsinghgill]

Great review, will purchase next summer and will sell my Tennis Tutor Prolite machine.

[@n.d.y.5568]

I looked your ball machine up and it has a max speed of 60 mph, whereas the slinger has a max speed of 45 mph. Do you think that will be undesirable? I'm wondering if the 45mph max speed for the Slinger is too slow.

[@leviticusspeaks7732]

Big mistake. Keep your Tennis Tutor.🤪

[@bsinghgill]

@@n.d.y.5568 In hindsight, I’ll probably keep the Tennis Tutor. 👍

[@bsinghgill]

@@leviticusspeaks7732 point noted. I’m keeping my Tennis Tutor. 👍

[@SomeoneYouKnow2671]

Some years ago, a trainer told me that many of the newer ball machines were pretty good, but that almost all of them would fail after a few years, with usually no spare parts available anywhere. What do you think, how long will this machine last? I haven't checked out their website yet, about wether or not spare parts are available, I might update this post if I find anything.

[@vintageoutboard1]

SomeoneYouKnow It looks and works great. Long term reliability? Don’t ask, lol

[@feeltennis]

Here's their warranty policy: slingerwarranty.com/warranty.htm