Reviews

Spinfire Pro 2 Review

Retaining all the key features of the previous model, Spinfire Pro 2 is one of the most customizable, intelligent, and well-rounded ball machines in the tennis industry.

With the ability to adjust the machine’s features, you can fully customize the Pro 2 to match your own training requirements.

The Spinfire Pro 2 falls into the best tennis ball machines category quality wise and the upper middle region price wise and is best suited to beginners and intermediate players. To find out more about what the Spinfire Pro 2 offers, keep reading!

Technical Details

The Spinfire Pro 2 is a new and improved version of the original Spinfire Pro. Boasting a range of unique features not offered by similar machines, the Pro 2 is a must-have amongst budding tennis stars.

One of the most notable features is the internal oscillation that’s typically found on more expensive machines. The innovative design allows for a 200-ball hopper while also being compact for storage and portability.

The basic package includes a 2-line drill with 3 settings, LCD display, extreme spin, and a membrane touch panel.

The ball speed of the Pro 2 can be adjusted from 20-80 mph with variable topspin.

The ball interval can be set anywhere between 2 and 15 seconds to suit your training requirements. When necessary, the 200-ball hopper can be reversed to cover the machine for protection during transport and storage.

As well as protecting the machine, the cover makes the Pro 2 appear neat and compact. The machine also boasts solid wheels and a durable handle for easy transportation. When not in use, the handle is stored underneath the machine and can be extended when required.

The Spinfire Pro 2 boasts a state-of-the-art control panel. The backlit LCD menu can be used to adjust settings for ball speed, spin, interval, and elevation. The membrane touch panel is easy to use and provides a strong aesthetic appeal.

The machine can either be connected to AC mains or powered with a battery. When the battery is fully charged, the launcher has a continuous running time of 2-3 hours. With ball pick up included, the allows up to 5 hours use on the court. A smart 4amp charger is supplied with the machine, allowing you to connect it to the mains and run for as long as you like.

A favorite feature of the Spinfire Pro 2 is the internal oscillation. Unlike a traditional ball machine, the Pro 2 can move quickly and make shots less predictable. The triple oscillator creates a random pattern of shots with a range in direction. In addition, the 2-line facility enables alternate forehand and backhand feed and can be set to narrow, medium, or wide.

See it in action here:

Specification

  • Ball Feed Speed: 20 to 80 mph
  • Ball Feed Interval: 2 seconds to 15 seconds
  • Ball Capacity: 200 balls
  • Battery life: 2 – 5 hours
  • Weight: 24kg/52lbs
  • Dimensions: Height: 49 cm Length: 67 cm Width: 51 cm

The Good

+ Internal Oscillation

The internal oscillation of the Spinfire Pro 2 makes shots far less predictable. On less advanced machines, the whole body oscillates which makes the movement slower and less erratic. The fast, less predictable shots of the Spinfire Pro 2 provide a realistic on-court experience.

+ Counter Rotating Wheels

Like the original Spinfire Pro, the second model uses counter-rotating wheels to fire the balls. Providing an extreme grip, this allows the machine to remain quiet while also producing topspin and slice.

To reduce the predictability of each shot, the wheels are black to disguise their location inside the launcher.

+ Vertical & Horizontal Oscillation

Boasting both vertical and horizontal oscillation, the machine can shoot with variation in width and depth. Depending on your preference, these features can be turned on together or individually. When used together, they offer a totally random play.

+ Portability

The hopper of the Pro 2 can be reversed to cover the machine. Making the machine very compact, this makes for easy transportation to and from the court. The machine is also equipped with solid wheels and an extendable handle. When not in use, the hand is stored neatly under the machine.

+ Two-Line Drill

Not only does the Spinfire Pro offer totally random hitting, but it also has the option of two-line drills. Only available on the Pro 2, this allows the machine to alternate between forehands and backhands.

As the settings can be changed to ‘narrow’, ‘medium’, or ‘wide’, this feature makes the Pro 2 suitable for all abilities.

If you’re looking for a challenge, turn on ‘vertical oscillation’ simultaneously to vary the depth of each shot.

+ Extreme Spin

The throwing wheels of the Pro 2 have an extreme grip to create a high level of topspin and slice. On the top setting, the level of the spin is high enough to challenge even the most avid tennis player. However, the level of spin can be adjusted to accommodate all abilities.

+ LCD Display and Membrane Touch Panel

The menu is displayed on a membrane touch panel. Featuring a backlit LCD display, the menu is used to adjust the machine’s setting and view diagnostic information and battery life.

+ Calibration

The Spinfire Pro 2 boasts infrared sensors that self-calibrate the machine before each use. Before you begin, you can easily set the machine in the center of the court. If you decide to turn off vertical or horizontal oscillation, the machine will recalibrate to its initial position.

+ Memory

Unlike cheaper machines, Spinfire Pro 2 can store your favorite settings. Each time you turn on the machine, it remembers the last settings you were using for speed, spin and interval.

+ Remote Control

The Spinfire Pro 2 includes a handheld remote control. This device can be used anywhere on the court to control the feed, horizontal and vertical oscillation, 2-line drill, and elevation. There is also a pause function to power down the machine and save battery life while you collect the balls.

The Bad

– Remote To Be Purchased Separately

In the basic Spinfire Pro 2 package, the remote isn’t included. This means that you’ll have to purchase it separately to enjoy this feature. However, there are various packages available when you buy the machine, some of which include a remote control.

– No Preprogrammed Drills

The Spinfire Pro 2 doesn’t provide preprogrammed drills. However, it does offer a wide variety of different shots to keep you on your toes – you’ll just have to put the drills together yourself. If you’re set on a launcher with preprogrammed drills, have a look at the other machines on our website.

– External Battery Option

The Spinfire Pro 2 comes in two models: one with an external battery and one with an internal.

If you choose the former, the battery will come fitted into a case with cables for you to connect to your machine when in use.

With the external battery, the weight of the machine is reduced to 18kg. The reduction in weight will make your machine easier to carry, lift, and maneuver around the court.

Additionally, the external battery makes the machine easier to charge. Instead of carrying the entire machine to a powerpoint, simply remove the battery and plug it in. From fully charged, the battery should last up to 5 hours. If you’d like to play for longer, carry multiple external battery packs and swap them over. While you’re using one battery, charge the other.

Finally, an external battery is easier to replace when needed. If charged regularly, the Spinfire battery should last approximately 2 years.

Material & Construction

The Spinfire Pro 2 has a durable plastic frame and an extendable handle to maneuver it around the court. The 200-ball hopper can be reversed to cover the machine. Not only does this make the machine look neat and compact, but it also protects it during transport and storage.

Overall Performance

Overall, Spinfire Pro 2 is a brilliant tennis ball machine. With a range of unique features including internal oscillation, the Pro 2 is superior to many similar machines on the market.

Who Is It For?

The Spinfire Pro 2 falls into the upper middle category of tennis ball machines. Fully customizable, the machine is suitable for tennis players of all abilities.

Verdict

 

Editor Rating: 9.5 out of 10 stars

Overall, the Spinfire Pro 2 is a good-quality, mid-level tennis ball machine. To make the machine even better, they could incorporate a few preprogrammed drills.

That being said, the customizable nature of the machine makes it simple to create your own drills – just the way you like. Plus, the Pro 2 remembers your favorite settings to make set up easier than ever.

When you turn it on, the machine will stick with the settings of your last use. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced tennis player, there’s no doubt that the Spinfire Pro 2 will improve your game.

Jeremy Barnes

I’ve played tennis since I was 5 years old. I played on my high school team and one year in college before I tore my ACL. It’s been about 3 years now since my injury, and I’ve been able to come back and play in some tournaments. Find out more about me here.

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