Sports Attack has been a leading company in sports training equipment since 1995. Today, they have a range of patented ball-throwing machines to enable athletes to reach their full potential.
There are many amazing tennis ball machines available but where they fall short is by not being to emulate a serve for you to practice returning.
The best machine in this respect is undoubtedly the Ace Attack Tennis Serving Machine. A firm favorite of tennis players, this innovative machine has been time-tested for almost 2 decades.
Technical Details
Fully adjustable, the Ace Attack is suitable for tennis players of all levels. However, the top of the range machine is definitely an investment. With a high price tag, it may be beyond the budget of many recreational players and more suited to a professional tennis club or team.
If you’re looking for a versatile, durable, and powerful ball machine, the Ace Attack will not disappoint.
The launcher can fire out balls from 20 to 100mph, depending on your play style and preference. As the release height can be adjusted between 42 and 100in, the machine can project a wide range of shots.
When used on the highest setting, the Ace Attack can simulate left or right-handed slice, flat, or kicks serves, in addition to speciality shots like side-spinning squash shots and inside out slice backhands.
Balls can be fired in variable width 1-line, 2-line, and 3-line feeds, with the option of a variable release if you so wish. The Ace also features a 200-ball transparent hopper, which enables you to see when the machine is almost empty. The three sturdy throwing wheels allow you to feed balls with any combination of sidespin, topspin, or backspin.
Avid players will know that serve returns are one of the most important yet under-practised shots in tennis. With this in mind, the Ace Attack is an essential piece of kit if you want to get ahead of your competition.
Specification
- Ball Feed Speed: 20 to 100 mph
- Ball Feed Interval: 1.5 seconds to 12 seconds
- Ball Capacity: 200 balls
- Electrical – 120V, 15AMP
- Weight: 68kg
- Dimensions: Height: 173 cm Length: 86 cm Width: 134 cm
The Good
+ Remote Control
The Ace Attack comes with a handy remote control. Enabling you to pause the feeding from across the court, you can take a short break between shots for instruction or a breather. The remote works at a distance well over 120 feet, enabling you to suspend the feeding from anywhere on the court. The Ace Attack boasts noise-reducing capacitors and shielded cabling to allow a consistent and reliable signal from the remote control.
+ Tennis Machine Cover
Crafted from lightweight, weatherproof vinyl, the Ace Attack cover will protect your machine during inside or outside storage. The cover features durable brass bottom grommets to accommodate chain and lock for extra security. If you decide the cover is unnecessary, the Ace Attack can be purchased on its own. However, the protective cover will keep your machine in top condition for years to come – particularly if you’re storing the launcher outside.
+ Adjustable Height
The Ace Attack throwing head can be adjusted to accommodate different serving heights. Depending on your preference, the head can be raised to deliver right or left-handed serves and second services with high kicks. Imitating the serving height of a human opponent, you can enjoy a realistic on-court experience. With the Ace Attack, there is no need to splash out on an expensive serve lift accessory. The throwing head quickly adjusts to provide a range of groundstrokes including forehands, backhands, volleys, and lobs.
+ Three-Wheel Design
The Ace Attack features three throwing wheels to provide almost any combination of shots. The three-wheel design also provides a sturdy grip at three points on the ball, as well as unmatched pinpoint accuracy and professional level speeds.
+ 200 Ball Hopper
The Ace Attack boasts a transparent 200 ball hopper. The transparent design allows you to see when the balls are getting low so the machine can be refilled. The state-of-the-art ball feed is a jam-free system the offers complete visibility of ball speed. The interval between shots can be set between 1.5 and 12 seconds to suit your preference.
+ Open Air Design
The machine features an open-air design with no covers to contain ball residue and clog the mechanism. Unlike many ball throwers, the Ace Attack has a steel construction to ensure low maintenance and years of uninterrupted play.
+ Easy to Use
The Ace Attack can be set up in minutes. Once the thrower is rolled onto the court, simply plug it in and set your ball speed, velocity, spin, oscillation, and interval using the user-friendly control panel. Unlike similar machines on the market, the Ace Attack requires no lengthy programming to calculate or input. If you fancy a change of pace, return to the control panel and resume the game in a matter of seconds.
The Bad
– Heavy
Weighing 150lbs, the Ace Attack is a heavy tennis ball machine. If you’re looking for a machine to transport back and forth, it probably isn’t the model for you. However, if you own a private court this isn’t an issue. Providing that you use the Ace Attack cover, the ball thrower can be left outside throughout the seasons.
– Large
The Ace Attack is fairly large. This means that transporting it to and from the court can be tricky if you don’t have a big car. Much like the previous point, this makes the machine better suits to private court owners who are happy to leave the machine in place.
– Mains Powered
Unlike some machines, the Ace Attack can only be powered by AC mains. With no battery option, you’ll need to have access to a power outlet to use the machine.
– Expensive
The Ace Attack is expensive. If you’re a beginner looking for a basic ball thrower, the Ace Attack may not be the right fit. However, if you’re a professional tennis player or you’re after a machine for your club or team, the Ace Attack is a great choice.
Material and Construction
For durability and ease of use, the control panel uses reliable printed circuitry and industrial quality modular components.
The three throwing wheels are crafted from sturdy material to ensure lesser ball wear. The three-wheel design enables 50% more gripping surface and throwing efficiency than a two-wheel design, as well as providing a variety of ball spin options.
The stainless-steel frame has a rust-proof powder coating to protect the machine throughout the seasons.
The elevation actuator is also made from stainless steel specified for heavy-duty machine use; this provides exceptional corrosion resistance and power.
The Ace Attack boasts an industrial quality gear-head ball feeding motor to provide years of trouble-free play. The machine also benefits from an extra wide base to ensure stability and safety on the court.
The self-lubricating ball-bearing motors have an aluminum and steel frame to provide endless seasons of reliability; with the innovative coating, even dust from the court will not penetrate the motor.
Overall Performance
Overall, this machine has all the premium features that the top model machines offer.
The adjustable height of the throwing head enables a wide range of serves, including both left and right-handed. Mimicking the serve of a human opponent, the machine provides a realistic on-court experience to step up your game.
As the Ace Attack is adjustable, you won’t have to invest in an experience serve lift accessory.
Instead, you’ve got everything you need in a single machine. The three-wheel design ensures a firm grip on the ball and provides professional level speeds and pinpoint accuracy.
Providing almost every type of shot imaginable, the Ace Attack will help you to become a well-rounded tennis player.
Who Is It For?
The Ace Attack Tennis Serving Machine is suitable for players of all abilities. Whether you’re a novice, amateur, or expert, this ball launcher will certainly improve your game.
As mentioned previously, the high price tag means that it’s beyond the budget of many recreational players. If you’re just getting started with tennis, you may prefer something more basic, to begin with. However, if you’re hoping to play tennis at a professional level, the Ace Attack offers everything you’ll need and more.
Verdict
Offering a plethora of special features, the Ace Attack will certainly step up your game. If you’re looking for a top-quality, durable, and versatile ball thrower, this machine is definitely worth the investment.