Unsponsored Slingerbag Review - Why you should and should not buy

Here is my unsponsored review of the slingerbag.
I go through why I bought it, why you should and should not buy it.
I also show ground stroke at three different settings and chat about how to use a ball machine to improve your game
Let me know if you agree or disagree in the comments
Easy Slingerbag Drills:
• The best drills using ...
First try and training volleys
• Volley Drills with the...

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

If you are looking to find the right ball machine, check out this free Ball Machine Buyers Guide. I made it to help people find the right machine for them. mailchi.mp/049be703b574/the-ultimate-ball-machine-buyers-guide

[@levidunn4269]

I know you did these videos a few years ago but this is a very thorough review. It has been extremely helpful and based on your review, I’ve decided to purchase one of these for my family. You do really great job of presenting the information and explaining both what it does and doesn’t do. I’ve also watched your 1 year review video and it is also an excellent resource. Thanks for spending the time to share your experience with the slingerbag and making drill videos!

[@sajakupadhyaya]

I'm a beginner and go to group tennis lessons once a week. I just purchased the Slam pack from Slinger that comes with Oscilation - I feel I am improving with my movement and swings with the coaching but I could use something budget friendly like this to keep practicing on my own. Great video and I absolutely loved the review. Will check the drills out as soon as I have my bag.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Thanks for the support Sajak! I think what you described is a PERFECT reason to get a ball machine!

[@vonbraun8051]

Nice job. Best review I've seen of the Slinger Bag. One thing I might add is from someone who commented on a review of the old "Tennis Tutor". Try raising the machine about 20-24 inches. The ball comes from a more natural position and ends up being a better ball to hit.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

thanks Warner I appreciate the feedback!

[@DirkMade]

I recently bought the slinger and I wouldn't have thought to do this. So you are saying to put it up on a box or something to raise the entire machine 20-24" higher?

[@vonbraun8051]

@@DirkMade Someone posted a comment on another video about how some machines like tennis tutor and slinger feed from too low for realistic hitting. His suggestion was to put the machine on a stable platform about 20-24 inches off the ground. that way the topspin and launch angle simulates a more natural ball. We don't hit with many people who's contact point is 8" off the ground. Then again, maybe that's overthinking it. I'm for trying it, though. I've got a spinshot that I'm going to try doing that with---if the machine will ever start working without all its bugs.

[@DirkMade]

Thanks for the great review, I recently bought the slinger bag and unfortunately because of weather have not been able to use it much. I'm looking forward to using it to try and improve my swing mechanics.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Thanks for the feedback Dirk! Glad you like the Slinger. Feel free to reach out if you have questions on how to do certain drills or anything

[@DirkMade]

@@natestenniscomeback1486 I was watching your drills video and I really liked the serve and then hit an approach shot from the machine. Out of the box thinking. I might try that one myself.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

@@DirkMade oh nice! Glad you liked it!

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Glad you liked it! I’ll be posting another video on serve return soon as well.

[@jjrr2273]

Yeah, not sure why but I ran into this similar database of 'top' ball machines a few years back when shopping for a unit, found Lobster pushed hard. FINALLY came across the Silent Partner manufactured by a Canadian firm and possibly not readily advertised in the US. Nonetheless went with their basic system with remote [remote matters]. The Silent Partner machine offers a quality unit top/back spin, speeds up to 95mph, manual elevation adjustments and programmed fore/backhand swing with simply OUTSTANDING customer service, well worth the Google. I managed to save approximately 40% off retail purchasing a demo unit [10hr use/1 yr warranty] off eBay. I have no affiliation w/ Silent Partner simply a happy customer!

[@blakebuchholz8644]

This was very helpful, thanks!

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Good to hear Blake! My sure you check out my buyers guide if you are trying to find the right machine for you.

[@salvatorefilpi3961]

Thanks, I enjoyed this review. About the ball, what do you reccomend?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Thanks Salvatore! I made a video about my thoughts on the type of ball to use. Check it out on my channel

[@JL2LB]

How durable is the bag when you accidentally hit the bag with the tennis balls? Can it take a beating? Thank you

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hi Jarrett, so i have hit the bag a few times on accident with no issues. I havnt tried to hit it on purpose so idk if it can take a beating, but if hit it with overheads and backhand as and it’s been fine

[@LifeIsGoodThankYouGod]

would you buy the lopster elite 2 ball machine ? thanks.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Check out my ball machine buyers guide for where i rank lobster vs other machines. Depending on what your looking to do, yes i would it’s a great machine, but $1500 is no small amount of money

[@jcancook1]

Thanks for the response. You don't need to do a video. I guess what you're saying is that the charging cable goes to the bag but not the battery so even though the battery can be removed, the charging port is a part of the bag not the battery. That's something they should think about improving. and maybe you can say that in your con section of the bag. Taking the bag out of the car each time to charge is not as good as just taking the battery out to charge.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Yes I believe you are correct. Unless there are other chargers out there that would be able to connect to the batter idk how else to charge it. In your experience, do other ball machines make it easy to take the battery out and charge our side of the machine? In my experience its not even possible. I could make it a con, but I guess I am not sure how other bags handle it. Also, it is very easy to take in and out of the car (I have a chevy cruze) and maneuvers great so I guess that's never been an issue for me. I would focus on other areas as cons, personally.

[@jcancook1]

This ball machine has many features that are better than other ball machines. when not in use, the Ability to keep balls in the machine without a separate carrier is a nice touch, soft exterior so it doesn't scratch the car interior, light weight, etc. my battery suggestion is not looking at other ball machines but at powered portable push golf carts. even though these carts are portable, they all come with lithium batteries that can be removed from the cart so all you need is to take the battery out then charge. I live in a high rise. Its a pain to wheel this cart into the elevator then into my unit. I much prefer just carry the battery. I'm going to write to them and suggest that maybe its something they can think about. Since they're so innovative, maybe they can come up with a ball retriever like Roomba where they can pick up the balls and bring them back to the machine and feed it. Imagine how great that would be!

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

@@jcancook1 love that roomba idea for sure!! and I can see why that would be helpful with where you live 100% let me know if Slinger gets back to you.

[@PhilippedeHerte]

The frequent jamming is not a drawback for you?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

So i have only had one ball jam ever. And it cus i put a super flat ball in by accident. Also that is a problem that all ball machines face. Balls jamming, balls not going into the feeder ect. Are drawbacks of any ball machine.

[@PhilippedeHerte]

@@natestenniscomeback1486 What I meant is that the feeds stop all too frequently and you have to walk up to the machine and move balls around to re-start the feed. I find that very annoying. There is too much space in the area where balls are held and this provokes stops in the feed because the balls are often stuck on the sides, etc. It's an issue with Slingerbag. I'm surprised you don't address it.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

@@PhilippedeHerte ahh i see. Yes this is a good point. It is very annoying when balls get stuck like that. I had a Silent Partner ball machine before the Slingerbag, it was a box shape with no netting like the SB, I still had this issue. I plan on doing an updated review and I should address this in that video.

[@jcancook1]

Hi, Thanks for the review. Is the battery detachable from the bag so you can just leave the bag in the car and just carry the battery into the house for charging?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hey Martavius, I am looking to get some feedback, 1. what is one of the main reasons you want to get a ball machine? 2. How do you expect to use it to make your self a better player?

[@jcancook1]

1. To practice whenever I want and as long as I want without having to find a partner. Sometimes I can practice during the week but my friends can't. 2. To get more reps. and try different shots. especially drop shots and lobs.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

@@jcancook1 I like the focus on drop shots and lobs. Those are hard shots to practice against a friend since the rally is always over after you try it! thanks for the feedback

[@studfinderball]

I leave the remote tethered to the machine with a lanyard. Plenty of time to walk to my hitting position. And I leave the machine ON for the entire hitting session. Remember, the remote controls on and off for the launcher mechanism ( but for safety, remote only works with the machine turned on.) This machine will make you a beast at the high school or recreational level and prime you for college just using the stripped down version. Don't buy it. I might have to play against you.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

interesting approach! you will for sure have enough time to get to your hitting position. I like to have the remote with me because I will stop before all the balls are gone. I normally do sets of 5,10, or 15 shots depending on what Im working on. I also keep the machine on the whole time.

[@rolsguitars]

I bought one and its a nogo , great idea but needs 2 wheels , heavy topspin till you turn it down so slow its laughable , this is a topspin only machine and it's a one trick pony .

[@pencilmug]

Too bad they don’t ship to Hawai’i...😔

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Oh man really?? That’s a bummer! I wonder when that will change

[@trinah2o]

Loved this review so much!! Yay! And great watching your smooth strokes 🙌🎉🙏thank you for sharing this!!

[@leob4645]

I love the Slingerbag but you must do the following to really enjoy it. For the ball feeding from the Slinger machine to not get stuck I applied the "Professional-Grade Moldable Plastic Pellets by Polly Plastics" from amazon. I applied it on top of the rotating cross panel. I shaped the mold to have four vertically crossed mold then placed it on top of the crossed panel and have placed a glue to adhere permanently. This will help fix the issue of the ball sometimes not launching and instead will keep a regular steady feed flow. On the dial section for adjusting the ball height from the launch pad I applied a white "Fine Paint Marker for Rock Painting-Stone, Ceramic, Metal, Glass, Wood,Set of 6 Paint Pens High Volume Ink High Volume Ink for DIY Craft" from Amazon. I applied the white marker on the etched black line marker for better visibility, even from a distance. On the opening of the bag from the top entrance to place the racket I placed an elastic fiber string crosswise (made two holes on each side with a heated pointy metal) and that is where I hang my towel. There's more but this is enough for now. Thanks for letting me share.

[@alloneword154]

Nice. Mine cokes tomorw. I’m going to watch your volley video soon.

[@walterhayley7252]

Nice review... thx

[@aaronstones100]

Thank you for the footage where you clearly state that it’s on the max speed and give a demonstration. I’ve watched a few reviews and this to me seemed an obvious thing to include but your’s is the first time I’ve seen it. I was curios as to how fast the max speed would look/feel and now I see it’s actually a lot slower and “loopier” than I’d hoped. I’ll pay the extra and get the spinshot or lobster. I feel this would help me get my eye in for a couple of weeks after a long break but I’d soon outgrow the lack of pace and variety. Thanks again 👍🏻

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Glad it was helpful! I think you have an accurate assessment! Idk if you would outgrow it after a couple of weeks, but if you can afford a lobster or spin shot they are great machines too!

[@sonicmilk]

Great review. Probably going to order one tonight. Done a bit of research and this seems like the best bang for the buck. Any thoughts on the oscillator? Also, do you use the Triniti balls? My thoughts are just get the cheapest one and by a box of Triniti's get on with it.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Thanks! So i think the oscillator is a cool feature. It allows you to do a few more drills for sure. It’s not 100% necessary to improve your game or even have a good work out. If you don’t get it you will still really enjoy the machine. IMO the o imaging feature is really great when you can program where you want shots to be hit. A feature that more expensive machines have. I use Wilson Practice balls. They work great. Triniti balls are a great option i have heard great things about them. I think you plan is a good one! Once you get it check out me video on the drills you should do your first time out on court!

[@sonicmilk]

@@natestenniscomeback1486 already watched them. I also watched the one from Feel Tennis. You are doing some good work and I wish you all the best on your quest to get back in top form at tennis. Maybe I'll post a response video at some point once I see personal improvements to my game. I'm a beginner and in that awkward stage where I'm too good for my friends that don't play tennis seriously but not good enough where experienced gamers want to hit with me. This seems like the best solution to close that gap. Cheers!

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Finding people that are your level or just a little better than you to play with is one of the hardest things in tennis haha. The ball machine is a great tool to help advance your game! Look for a local club to get some group lessons too that is extremely helpful

[@sonicmilk]

@@natestenniscomeback1486 Well I just completed the purchase. Figured if I still wanted one after a few days then it's less likely to be an impulsive buy. I also figure in addition to improving my game this will sort of be my 'Peloton' giving me some more exercies. I'll check back in after some time with it to see how your drills and the machine itself are working for me.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

@@sonicmilk congrats! I hope you love it’s yeah the “peloton” mind set is a good one. There for sure days i go to the court with it to work on a particular aspect of my game, and other days where i just go out and smack balls around for a bit to get exercise/ relive stress. Looking forward to how it works for you!

[@FrostyTheBeerMan]

Hi Nate, I wonder if your Slinger is still working great. 1/2 way through you turned the Slinger up to full speed..... what angle did you set the ball machine to ? I am asking because the balls are coming over the net at a very high altitude.... I wonder if you can angle it down so the balls are coming over the net only say a foot or 2 higher than the net.... in your video they are really high. Anyway, thanks for your video ! P.S. - Your last video was a whole year ago ! Hmm... maybe you aren't playing anymore, which would be a shame.

[@falutube]

Hi! Thanks for the review!!!! In order to have a more flat shot wo too much top-spin, what about place the machine close to you, set a low angle (almost zero) and medium speed? does it work?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hey Fabio, thanks for the support. Yes you can do that and it’s very effective for SOME drills. Check out this video where i have the ball machine way closer to me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpSWZKaQiayJeqs

[@techdrums4204]

Thanks for the review Nate, liked and subed. I am looking for my first tennis machine but not entirely sold on the slingerbag yet. I am not sure which other tennis machines you may have tried but curious which one (lobster, spinfire, tennis tutor) you would recommend if one was willing to spend ~ 1000.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hey Sam! Thanks for the support. Getting a ball machine is a GREAT idea. No water what machine you get, you will be able to improve your game. Check out my buyers guide i made. I make a recommendation based on budget. Let me know if that helps. mailchi.mp/049be703b574/the-ultimate-ball-machine-buyers-guide

[@techdrums4204]

@@natestenniscomeback1486 Nate, your guide was incredibly helpful. It's very well put together and answered many questions I had. I wish you great success in your tennis and YT career. Cheers mate!

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

@@techdrums4204 thanks Sam! I really appreciate that. Let me know what machine you end up getting.

[@techdrums4204]

@@natestenniscomeback1486 Nate, I really wish Slinger bag would come out with a dual fly wheel configuration of their system as I really like everything else about Slingerbag. As you pointed out in your review, it would eliminate the heavy topspin and make the play more natural. I have actually never used a tennis machine before so perhaps I am worrying too much. Anyway, I am leaning towards silent partner edge star as it has the features I need within my budget. Thanks again!

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

SilentPartner makes Great machines. I had an old school silentpartner for over 15 years before it broke down haha. I am very interested to see is Slinger comes out with a dual wheel machine, and how much they would charge for it.

[@bnb7462]

Very nice review. Is this machine useful for practicing overhead?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Yes is is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpSWZKaQiayJeqs In that video i share how i set up overheads

[@lasluer]

Hi! Great review. I am currently thinking of buying one. I understand that you had a silent partner ball machine and one main advantage of the slinger bag is the price (the other one being the portability). Considering that here in Canada the slinger bag is only available with the add on. The price of the slinger bag is the same as the basic silent partner with remote. As for the portability, the size of both seem similar. Would you still go with the slinger bag?

[@lasluer]

@@natedavis96 thank you for the reply. Make sense to me too. Unfortunately the 550$ slinger bag is not yet available in Canada. Thanks again!

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hey david, I am looking to get some feedback, 1. what is one of the main reasons you want to get a ball machine? 2. How do you expect to use it to make your self a better player?

[@weege422]

Thanks for the objective feedback! I loved this review!

[@cameronlewis918]

This was incredibly insightful; thank you!

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Your welcome Cameron! Thanks for the support.

[@anandc2280]

Great video Nate! Especially the title! 😆 What are your thoughts on the Slinger vs the Sports Tutor brand? I am deciding between the Slinger with oscillator and the Tennis Cube with oscillator which goes for the high $700s. More curious about the brands in general and build quality.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

I would pick slinger in this case. its WAY more portable than the Tennis Cube. And thats just big deal for me. In my Ball Machine Buyers Guide i rank the different brands based on price range. check it out mailchi.mp/049be703b574/the-ultimate-ball-machine-buyers-guide

[@anandc2280]

@@natestenniscomeback1486 Do you think the oscillator on the Slinger is decent? And since it only does top spin, would that be ok when it comes to teaching a 6 year old?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

@@anandc2280 I do not have experience with the Oscillator on the Slinger so I cant speak to that. But the fact that there is only top spin should not be a problem when teaching a six year old. you will most likely have it on a very low setting and be able to provide some nice easy feeds help them learn.

[@pointfire94]

Anand C I purchased a Slinger Bag in June. The company had a promotion for a three year warranty. The oscillator works well. I purchased in Toronto.

[@Jay-bl6cl]

I just wanted to say that thank you for your great review.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

hey Jay your welcome. Let me know what else I can share about the Slingerbag or using a ball machine in general.

[@garrettgillespie1078]

Are you starting to get a feel for how durable it is? Thanks for the video-very helpful

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hey Garrett, thanks for the feedback! So i have not had any issues with durability, I’ve smacked balls at it by accident, dragged it through dirt, grass, gravel out it in and out of my car a bunch of times and have had no issue.

[@bryangoh7834]

@@natestenniscomeback1486 hi Nate, how often do you use the machine?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

@@bryangoh7834 hi Bryan, during the winter (here in Ohio) i don’t use it a lot (court time is expensive). But during the summer I’ll use it about 2x per week 2 hrs a piece. Plus leauge matches that i play in. But i do know some ppl will use it 4-5 times per week for 1.5 hours at a time.

[@htainlindwa80]

Spinfire Pro 2 v2 is better than any machine

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

I wouldn’t disagree, in the buyers guide i made i do recommend that model if your budget allows for it.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Free ball machine buyers guide mailchi.mp/049be703b574/the-ultimate-ball-machine-buyers-guide

[@ViewChinese]

Speed is too low

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Too slow for what?

[@ViewChinese]

@@natestenniscomeback1486 the biggest weakness is the max speed is around 60 mph. Which is too slow.

[@nikolaydundukov6210]

Thank you, man 🙌

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Your welcome! Check out my updated review i posted on my channel. After using it for a year i made an updated review

[@robertc7262]

If money were no object, would you ever get a Slingerbag instead of another machine?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

No. If i had an unlimited budget i would get a Spinfire or a Playmate depending on the court set up i had.

[@jeffricketts1948]

Hey Nate… great video! ? I’m really deliberating about machines. Just getting back into tennis. B player but potential to be better. Concerned about slinger limited pace and only top spin. However need basic work on my ground strokes and volley. Will I outgrow this machine long term? Thanks for your response as I found your review the best and most honest

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hey Jeff, thanks for the feedback I really appreciate it. So everyone is concerned about the top MPH only being 45. I would not worry about it. Like most ppl will tell you, it feels harder than 45 mph. I am a 4.5 player and I only ever use it at half speed. Only having topspin and not really being able to control it, is a downside. The one shot I find hard to practice because of this, are those hard flat volleys. If you want to practice deflecting big shots at the net, its hard to do with the Slingerbag. Low volleys, transition volleys, high volleys are all able to be done though. BUT, I was willing to give that up because I could do pretty much everything else I wanted and the cost was great. But that could be a deal breaker for you and that's totally fine. Check out my Ball Machine Buyers Guide if you are looking at machine other than the SlingerBag.

[@rpa4835]

Is it possible to get the slinger basic model into a regular flight in the passengers cabin?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

No it would not be possible. You would have to check it under the plane

[@e.b.9178]

Is the changer's end a USB or regular charger head? I am asking cuz my town uses a 220 voltage for electricity and a USB charger solves my problem. It is strange how no reviewer talks about this point.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hi E.B so yes it is a USB charger port. I never use it, that’s mainly why i haven’t mentioned it haha.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Wait i think i misunderstood your question. The charger to charge the unit is a normal charge port. But there is a USB charger port in the bag, meant for charging your phone

[@madamhummingbird]

Hi. Thx for sharing this excellent review of the Slinger Bag. I've had my eyes on it for a while now. I'm adding the base model to my wish list. Have a great weekend.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Thanks for the feedback! What made you start looking at getting a ball machine?

[@jancunanan8676]

how about battery life? from full to dead?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hey Jan great question. I can’t speak to that since i have never run the battery from Full to dead before. I’ve done a few 2 hour sessions without charging but i couldn’t tell you an exact time frame

[@mattcoplestone3684]

Excellent, straight forward uncomplicated review. As a non-competing player that simply wants to improve his technique and cannot afford a coach, this seems like an excellent tool. Shame it's almost 3 times the price in the UK, but still cheaper long term than a coach simply feeding balls.

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Thanks for the feedback Matt! And yes i think it would be a great tool for that! Bummer it’s so expensive in the UK!

[@chadjaney7281]

Would you recommend this over the Silent Partner Lite?

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hi chad, it depends on your budget. Personally, if i had $800 i would have chosen the silent partner lite. I had an old school silent partner and it was awesome. But for the money, you can’t beat the slingerbag

[@jackspradlin4183]

can you max out speed without maxing out topspin, does it always increase topspin with more speed added

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

Hey Jack, it always increases topspin when more speed is added since it only has one wheel shooting the ball out.