Printable View
I've had a Tennis Tutor for over ten years and find it very reliable. In a decade the only maintenance has been a single battery change that cost $75. It's fully portable (but kind of heavy) and you can vary ball pace, pitch, and feed rate. It also has a plate on the bottom that allows you to set the machine to rotate and spray balls that you have to chase. It was $1,000, but I figure with the use I've given it, it's cost me maybe $2 -- $3 a session.
That is good, but ten years? You probably could find an equal or better machine now for much less. 300-500 dollar range. Either way, if you have the money I say do it.
The great advantage of having a ball machine is that you can go out and practice when you want with no need to track down a friend. Then again you would most likely have to have access to a private court for regular practice.
The disadvantage is that a ball machine only does so much for your game. It can get you too accustomed to hitting only the type of balls the machine throws you. This is something you obviously know though having had it for 10 years now.
