With Wimbledon in full swing I wanted to test out the Slinger Bag – Ball Machine and see if it lives up to the hype. My memory of a tennis ball machine is a dusty, heavy one that each tennis club had and was very rarely used. My first impressions of the Slinger bag is that it’s a completely revolutionary step for tennis ball machines…
1. Overview
If you’re an avid tennis player, then you may have explored the idea of having a ball launcher/machine to help improve your game.
The Slinger Ball Launcher, is a revolutionary product that is changing the way players practice and train. Designed for players of all skill levels, this compact and portable device allows you to have a professional-quality practice session anywhere, anytime. The Slinger Bag Ball Launcher is incredibly easy to use. Simply load it up with tennis balls, adjust the launch speed and angle settings to your preference, and get ready to play! With its powerful motor, this innovative machine can launch balls at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. This means you can simulate real match conditions and work on your reaction time without needing a partner or coach. One of the standout features of the Slinger Bag Ball Launcher is its portability.
2. Features
Firstly, this powerful launcher boasts adjustable speed settings, allowing players to customise their training sessions according to their skill level and preferences.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to practice your swing or an advanced player aiming for intense drills, the Slinger Tennis Ball Launcher can be adjusted to the “ball boy mode” where the machine can gently feed you balls so that you can practice your serve – Having balls fed directly do you for uninterrupted serve practice. The launch angle goes from 10° to 40° – Meaning you can practice volleys and smashes too!
Secondly, this state-of-the-art machine offers incredible portability. Weighing just 15kg and equipped with wheels for easy transportation, it can be effortlessly moved around the court or even taken on the go. This means tennis enthusiasts can enjoy practicing on any court!
3. Performance
Equipped with a powerful motor, the Slinger can shoot balls at varying speeds and angles, replicating real game scenarios. Whether you’re a beginner perfecting your technique or an advanced player aiming to refine your shots, this remarkable device has got you covered. The adjustable settings enable you to customise the speed and trajectory of each shot, challenging you to up your game and adapt quickly on the court.
The Slinger Bag only has 1 wheel which does mean it produces a lot of topspin! This caught me off guard initially, but once I got used to it, I found it suitably challenging. For someone who is brand new to tennis, this may be slightly tough – but I wouldn’t say it’s a reason not to give it a go. However at slower speed settings, the spin is also reduced significantly, so for beginners the machine is suitable.
4. Slinger Ball Launcher Specifications
Weight: 33lbs/15kg (not including balls)
Dimensions: 14″ x 18″ x 34″ (35.6cm x 45.7cm x 86.4cm)
Ball speed: 10-45 mph (16-73 km/h)
Battery: Lithium lasts up-to 3.5 hours
Controls: Feed rate and speed knobs on the machine, remote control for on/off and oscillation Launch Angle controlled via Elevation Knob 10 and 40 degrees
Variable ball feed frequency of between 2 and 7 seconds.
Ball Capacity: 144 balls
5. Slinger Bag Options
You can get the Slinger Bag with a variety of different options:
Grand Slam Pack without Balls – Make sure you keep an eye out for the ‘Grand Slam Pack’ – this is important as it includes the below accessories (which are awesome):
– Slinger Launcher and Remote
– Slinger Oscillator
– Slinger Telescopic Ball Tube
– Slinger Camera Holder
Grand Slam Pack Player Pack – This is the same as the above but includes 72 Wilson Triniti Balls.
Grand Slam Champion Pack – This is the same as the above but include 144 Wilson Triniti Balls.
Slinger Spare Battery – You can also purchase a spare battery, which is perfect if you want to spend countless hours on the court!
Slinger Bag Options
1. Your Slinger® Slingshot T-One Launcher comes with a standard 1 year warranty covering any manufacturing defects. But Slinger also offer a FREE Registration for the extended warranty that will automatically extend your warranty cover period by an additional 2 years, meaning you get a 3 year warranty from the date of purchase.
2. PayPal Pay in 3 option available in the UK when purchased through Framework Sports, which means you pay in 3 equal instalments with 0% interest. (Available for qualifying PayPal accounts & UK residents only)
6. Slinger Bag Conclusion
Without doubt the Slinger bag is the best value ball machine on the market. It’s not perfect, the topspin element makes it challenging however it’s an ideal solution for getting some repetition in.
Being a gym bunny and tennis player myself – I often compare the two. With the gym I can go when I want and I don’t need a training partner, but with tennis I need a partner (of a similar ability) or a coach. The Slinger ball machine allows me to hit some balls when I want too.
7. Where to Purchase
As part of the Active Away Free Membership programme, all members have access to a £50 discount on a Slinger Bag. The exclusive distribution rights for Slinger in the UK are with Framework Sports who are a seriously reputable brand with excellent reviews. Make sure you register today for our membership programme to get access to your discount code!
