2010 Guide to Ball Machines

These tables contain the data referred to in the main article.

Companies that make ball machines

Manufacturer Phone Website
Lobster 800-526-4041 www.lobstersports.com
Playmate 800-766-6770 www.playmatetennis.com
SAM 800-837-1002 www.MasterSports.com
Robot Optimizer 888-8BOOMER www.tennisrobot.com
Silent Partner 800-662-1809 www.sptennis.com
Sports Attack 800-717-4251 www.sportsattack.com
Sports Tutor 800-448-8867 www.sportstutor.com
Super Coach 408-660-1173 www.tennismachine.com

Models

Machine MSRP Warranty Storage size Ball Capacity Weight (Lbs.)
Lobster Sports Elite Freedom $799 2 Years 24" × 16" × 19" 150 30
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam IV $1,899 2 Years 24" × 16" × 19" 150 44
Lobster Sports Elite Model 1 $1,049 2 Years 24" × 16" × 19" 150 42
Lobster Sports Elite Model 2 $1,299 2 Years 24" × 16" × 19" 150 44
Lobster Sports Elite Model 3 $1,549 2 Years 24" × 16" × 19" 150 44
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V $2,199 2 Years 24" × 16" × 19" 150 44
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V Limited Edition $2,799 2 Years 24" × 16" × 19" 150 44
Playmate Half-Volley $1,195 2 Years Limited 19" × 21" × 25" 200 42
Playmate Volley $1,695 2 Years Limited 19" × 21" × 25" 200 46
Playmate ACE $3,495 3 Years Limited 35" × 21" × 38" 200 85
Playmate SMASH $4,395 3 Years Limited 35" × 21" × 38" 300 85
Playmate DEUCE $5,195 3 Years Limited 35" × 21" × 38" 300 85
Playmate GENIE $5,995 3 Years Limited 35" × 21" × 38" 300 85
Playmate GENIE PC $7,820 3 Years Limited 35" × 21" × 38" 300 85
Playmate GRAND SLAM $7,495 3 Years Limited 35" × 21" × 38" 300 110
Playmate GRAND SLAM PC $8,995 3 Years Limited 35" × 21" × 38" 300 110
SAM I-SAM $684 1 Year 19" × 17.5" × 18" 250 34
SAM Professional Portable Model 1 $1,073 1 Year 19.5" × 16" × 21.5" 300 48
SAM Professional Portable Model 4 $1,749 1 Year 19.5" × 16" × 21.5" 300 48
SAM Sport $3,595 3 Year 35" × 25" × 50" 250 87
SAM Coach $3,975 3 Year 35" × 25" × 50" 250 87
Robot Optimizer Boomer $14,450 2 year 38.5" × 31" × 21.5" 300 124
Silent Partner Lite (Edge Series) $799 1 Year 24" × 22" × 16" 200 35
Silent Partner Sport (Edge Series) $949 1 Year 24" × 22" × 16" 200 46
Silent Partner Star (Edge Series) $1,099 1 Year 24" × 22" × 16" 200 46
Silent Partner Rival (Scoop Series) $1,399 1 Year 28" × 22" × 18" 300 48
Sports Attack Ace Attack $5,999 1 Year 34" × 53" 200 150
Sports Tutor Tennis Twist $229 1 Year 10" × 11" x23" 28 11
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite - Basic $649 1 Year 12" × 19.5" × 18" 125 22
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite $749 1 Year 12" × 19.5" × 18" 125 29
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor $1,049 1 Year 12" × 19.5" × 20" 150 42
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus $1,249 1 Year 20" × 19.5" × 20" 150 46
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus Player Model $1,649 1 Year 20" × 19.5" × 20" 150 46
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower $1,275 1 Year 44" × 23" × 22" 225 60
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower - Professional Player $2,195 1 Year 44" × 23" × 22" 225 60
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Standard $3,100 2 Year 38.5" × 31" × 21.5" 300 96
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Deluxe $4,200 2 Year 38.5" × 31" × 21.5" 300 96
Sports Tutor Wilson Portable $1,095 1 Year 22" × 14" × 20" 110 38
Sports Tutor Tennis Cube $499 1 Year 15" × 12" × 13" 70 24
Super Coach SuperCoach $11,465 1 Year 36" × 27" × 22" 200 or 300 121

Propulsion

Legend
  1. Spinning Wheel Propulsion
  2. Feeding Intervals (seconds)
  3. Top Speed (MPH)
  4. Elevation Control-Electronic
  1. Elevation Control-Manual
  2. Able to feed lobs
  3. Able to feed Topspin & Underspin
  4. Able to feed Sidespin
Machine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Lobster Sports Elite Freedom X 2 - 12 sec. 70   X X    
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam IV X 2 - 9 sec. 80 X   X X  
Lobster Sports Elite Model 1 X 2-12 sec. 80 X   X X  
Lobster Sports Elite Model 2 X 2-12 sec. 80 X   X X  
Lobster Sports Elite Model 3 X 2-12 sec. 80 X   X X  
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V X 2-9 sec. 80 X   X X  
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V Limited Edition X 2-9 sec. 80 X   X X  
Playmate Half-Volley X 1 - 10 80   X X X  
Playmate Volley X 1 - 10 80   X X X  
Playmate ACE X 1 - 10 95 X   X X  
Playmate SMASH X 1 - 10 95 X   X X  
Playmate DEUCE X 1 - 10 95 X   X X  
Playmate GENIE X 1 - 10 95 X   X X  
Playmate GENIE PC X 1 - 10 95 X   X X  
Playmate GRAND SLAM X 1 - 10 120 X   X X X
Playmate GRAND SLAM PC X 1 - 10 120 X   X X X
SAM I-SAM X 2 - 8 65   X X    
SAM Professional Portable Model 1 X 2 - 8 75   X X X  
SAM Professional Portable Model 4 X 2 - 8 75 X   X X  
SAM Sport X 1.5 - 8 85   X X X  
SAM Coach X 1.5 - 8 85   X X X  
Robot Optimizer Boomer X 1.0 - 10 100 X   X X  
Silent Partner Lite (Edge Series) X 1.5 - 10 95   X X X  
Silent Partner Sport (Edge Series) X 1.5 - 10 95   X X X  
Silent Partner Star (Edge Series) X 1.5 - 10 95   X X X  
Silent Partner Rival (Scoop Series) X 1.5 - 10 95 X   X X  
Sports Attack Ace Attack X 1.5 - 12 110   X X X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Twist   5 15   X      
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite - Basic X 1.5 - 10 60   X X    
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite X 1.5 - 10 60   X X    
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor X 1.5 - 12 85 X   X    
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus X 1.5 - 12 85 X   X X  
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus Player Model X 1.5 - 12 85 X   X X  
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower X 1.5 - 8 85 X   X $270  
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower - Professional Player X 1.5 - 8 85 X   X X  
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Standard X 1 - 6 95 X   X X  
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Deluxe X 1 - 6 95 X   X X  
Sports Tutor Wilson Portable X 1.5 - 10 75 X   X X  
Sports Tutor Tennis Cube X 2 - 10 50 X X      
Super Coach SuperCoach X 1.4 - 5.6 65 X   X X  

Oscillation

Legend
  1. No Oscillation
  2. Oscillation-Random
  3. Oscillation-Programable
  4. # of shots in program
  5. # of programs that can be stored
  1. Adjustable Depth within Program
  2. Adjustable Spin within Program
  3. Adjustable Height within Program
  4. Adjustable Interval within Program
  5. Player Simulation Mode
Machine 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Lobster Sports Elite Freedom X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam IV X X X X X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 1 X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 2 X X X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 3 X X X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V X X 6 6 X X X X X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V Limited Edition X X 6 6 X X X X X
Playmate Half-Volley X
Playmate Volley X X 2
Playmate ACE X 3
Playmate SMASH X X 7
Playmate DEUCE X X 7 X X X X X
Playmate GENIE X X 7 X X X X X
Playmate GENIE PC X X 8 X X X X X
Playmate GRAND SLAM X X 7 X X X X X
Playmate GRAND SLAM PC X X 8 X X X X X
SAM I-SAM X
SAM Professional Portable Model 1 X
SAM Professional Portable Model 4 X X 2
SAM Sport X X 3
SAM Coach X X 6 X
Robot Optimizer Boomer X X 30 1,000 X X X X X
Silent Partner Lite (Edge Series) X
Silent Partner Sport (Edge Series) X
Silent Partner Star (Edge Series) X
Silent Partner Rival (Scoop Series) X 3
Sports Attack Ace Attack X 4
Sports Tutor Tennis Twist X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite - Basic X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor X 4
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus X 4
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus Player Model X 5 X X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower X 4
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower - Professional Player X 5 X X X
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Standard X X 3
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Deluxe X X 6 X
Sports Tutor Wilson Portable X $200 2
Sports Tutor Tennis Cube X $100
Super Coach SuperCoach X X 30 32 X X X X X

Power

Legend
  1. Runs on Battery or Power Cord
  2. Runs on Power Cord Only
  3. Runs on Battery Only
  4. Battery Amp/Hour
  1. Battery Life Indicator
  2. Battery Swapability
  3. Smart Charger comes Standard
  4. Smart Charger available as option
Machine 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Lobster Sports Elite Freedom X 8.5 amp 2-4 hrs X X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam IV X 18 Amp 4-8 Hours of Court Time X X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 1 X 18 Amp 4-8 Hours of Court Time X X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 2 X 18 Amp 4-8 Hours of Court Time X X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 3 X 18 Amp 4-8 Hours of Court Time X X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V X 18 Amp 4-8 X X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V Limited Edition X 18 Amp 4-8 X X
Playmate Half-Volley X 7 X X X
Playmate Volley X 15 X X X
Playmate ACE X
Playmate SMASH X
Playmate DEUCE X
Playmate GENIE X
Playmate GENIE PC X
Playmate GRAND SLAM X
Playmate GRAND SLAM PC X
SAM I-SAM $112 X X 12 X X
SAM Professional Portable Model 1 $112 X X 15 X X
SAM Professional Portable Model 4 $112 X X 15 X X
SAM Sport X
SAM Coach X
Robot Optimizer Boomer X
Silent Partner Lite (Edge Series) X 9 X
Silent Partner Sport (Edge Series) X 21 X
Silent Partner Star (Edge Series) $249 $100 X 21 X
Silent Partner Rival (Scoop Series) $249 $100 X 21 X X
Sports Attack Ace Attack X
Sports Tutor Tennis Twist X 6 D Cells
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite - Basic X X $50 9 X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite X X $50 9 X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor X $50 X 18 X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus X $50 X 18 X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus Player Model X $50 X 18 X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower - Professional Player X
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Standard X
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Deluxe X
Sports Tutor Wilson Portable $50 X 12 X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Cube X 6 X X
Super Coach SuperCoach X

Remotes

Legend
  1. Remote Control comes Standard
  2. Remote Control available as option
  3. Remote Control-Cord
  1. Remote Control-Wireless
  2. Remote Control of Oscillation
  3. Remote Control of Program Settings
Machine 27 28 29 30 31 32
Lobster Sports Elite Freedom X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam IV $300 X X X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 1 $169 X X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 2 $169 X X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 3 $169 X X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V $300 X X X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V Limited Edition X $0 X X X
Playmate Half-Volley X
Playmate Volley X X
Playmate ACE X X X X X
Playmate SMASH X X X X X
Playmate DEUCE X X X X X
Playmate GENIE X X X X X
Playmate GENIE PC X X X X X
Playmate GRAND SLAM X X X X X
Playmate GRAND SLAM PC X X X X X
SAM I-SAM X X
SAM Professional Portable Model 1 X X
SAM Professional Portable Model 4 X X X X
SAM Sport X X
SAM Coach X X
Robot Optimizer Boomer X X X X
Silent Partner Lite (Edge Series)
Silent Partner Sport (Edge Series)
Silent Partner Star (Edge Series) X X X
Silent Partner Rival (Scoop Series) X X X X
Sports Attack Ace Attack $300 X
Sports Tutor Tennis Twist
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite - Basic $70 X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite $70 X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor $200 X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus $200 X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus Player Model $200 X X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower $200 X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower - Professional Player X X X
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Standard $200 X X
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Deluxe X X X X
Sports Tutor Wilson Portable $200 X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Cube
Super Coach SuperCoach X X

Misc.

Legend
  1. Serving Tower-Built-in or Included
  2. Serving Tower-Optional Accessory
  3. Cover comes Standard
  4. Cover available as an option
  5. Includes Wheels for Portability
Machine 33 34 35 36 37
Lobster Sports Elite Freedom $49 X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam IV $49 X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 1 $49 X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 2 $49 X
Lobster Sports Elite Model 3 $49 X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V $49 X
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V Limited Edition $49 X
Playmate Half-Volley $85.15 X
Playmate Volley $85.15 X
Playmate ACE $4,395 $85.15 X
Playmate SMASH $4,395 $85.15 X
Playmate DEUCE $4,395 $85.15 X
Playmate GENIE $4,395 $85.15 X
Playmate GENIE PC $4,395 $85.15 X
Playmate GRAND SLAM $4,395 $85.15 X
Playmate GRAND SLAM PC $4,395 $85.15 X
SAM I-SAM X
SAM Professional Portable Model 1 X X
SAM Professional Portable Model 4 X X
SAM Sport X
SAM Coach X
Robot Optimizer Boomer $3,895 X X
Silent Partner Lite (Edge Series) $40 X
Silent Partner Sport (Edge Series) $40 X
Silent Partner Star (Edge Series) $40 X
Silent Partner Rival (Scoop Series) $60 X
Sports Attack Ace Attack X $200 X
Sports Tutor Tennis Twist
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite - Basic $35
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite $35
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor $35 X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus $35 X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus Player Model $35 X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower X X
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower - Professional Player X X
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Standard X X
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Deluxe X X
Sports Tutor Wilson Portable $35 X
Sports Tutor Tennis Cube
Super Coach SuperCoach X X

Other

Machine Other Features
Lobster Sports Elite Freedom Fast Charger $99. Horizontal Oscillation.
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam IV 3 Pre-Programmed Court Drills (6 ball sequence per drill). 3 Position Settings of 2-Line (Narrow, Medium, Wide).
Lobster Sports Elite Model 1 Fast Charger $99. Horizontal Oscillation + Spin Control
Lobster Sports Elite Model 2 Fast Charger $99. Triple-Oscillation
Lobster Sports Elite Model 3 Fast Charger $99. Triple-Oscillation + 2-Line Narrow, Wide.
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V 6 Pre-Programmed Court Drills + 6 Custom Programmable Court Drills+ 2-Line Narrow, Medium, Wide
Lobster Sports Elite Grandslam V Limited Edition 6 Pre-Programmed Court Drills + 6 Custom Programmable Court Drills+ 18 locations to choose from+ 2-Line Narrow, Medium, Wide
Playmate Half-Volley Oscillation Upgrade $199, Remote Control Upgrade $275, 6-Hour Non-Memory Battery Upgrade $149, 3-Hour Rapid Recharger $219.70
Playmate Volley 6-Hour Non-Memory Battery, 3-Hour Rapid Recharger $219.70
Playmate ACE
Playmate SMASH Deuce Conversion Box $1125, Genie Conversion Box $1925, Genie PC Conversion Box $3750
Playmate DEUCE Smash Conversion Box $325, Genie Conversion Box $1925, Genie PC Conversion Box $3750
Playmate GENIE Smash Conversion Box $325, Deuce Conversion Box $1125, Genie PC Conversion Box $3750
Playmate GENIE PC Smash Conversion Box $325, Deuce Conversion Box $1125, Genie Conversion Box $1925
Playmate GRAND SLAM Smash Conversion Box $325, Deuce Conversion Box $1125, Genie Conversion Box $1925, Grand Slam PC Conversion Box $3750
Playmate GRAND SLAM PC
SAM I-SAM Extra Heavy Duty Battery $35, 110/220 Volt AC converter $112, Wireless Remote $100. Water Resistant Cloth Storage Cover $68
SAM Professional Portable Model 1 Lob Enhancer $30,110/220 Volt AC Converter $112, Water-Resistant Storage Cover $68, adjustable oscillation width
SAM Professional Portable Model 4 Lob Enhancer $30,110/220 Volt AC Converter $112, Water-Resistant Storage Cover $68, adjustable oscillation width
SAM Sport Ships via FedEx Gnd, Feeds Balls from 30" above ground
SAM Coach Ships via FedEx Gnd, Feeds Balls from 30" above ground
Robot Optimizer Boomer Plays Games, Rates Shots, Uses a Camera, Talks to Players, Cordless Headphone System ($500 or $50/month), Wireless Printer for Analysis ($2000 or $100/month). Radar gun. iPod input with speakers
Silent Partner Lite (Edge Series)
Silent Partner Sport (Edge Series)
Silent Partner Star (Edge Series)
Silent Partner Rival (Scoop Series) 16-button remote
Sports Attack Ace Attack
Sports Tutor Tennis Twist
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite - Basic
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite External Battery Pack$130, External AC Power Supply $125
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor External Battery Pack$130, External AC Power Supply $125, Smart Fast Battery Upgrade $75
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus External Battery Pack$130, External AC Power Supply $125, Smart Fast Battery Upgrade $75, Player Simulation $200
Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor - Plus Player Model External Battery Pack$130, External AC Power Supply $125, Smart Fast Battery Upgrade $75, Player Simulation included, Multi-Function Remote $200
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower
Sports Tutor Tennis Tower - Professional Player
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Standard
Sports Tutor Shot Maker - Deluxe Multi-Function Remote $300
Sports Tutor Wilson Portable External Battery Pack$130, External AC Power Supply $125
Sports Tutor Tennis Cube External Battery Pack$130, External AC Power Supply $125
Super Coach SuperCoach Can deliver any type of ball (topspin, underspin, flat, lob) to any place on court in any sequence, all ball parameters and timing customizable
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