Battery or AC-Powered Tennis Ball Machines?

Most portable tennis ball machines run on rechargeable batteries. The advantage of being able to easily transport the machine from court to court, must be balanced against the disadvantages of a battery powered unit. Battery powered tennis ball machines will only work for a limited period (2-8 hours) before recharging is required. The effectiveness of the machine will also decrease towards the end of the units battery life.

Some tennis ball machines are AC/DC powered. They offer AC capacity with the option of operating the system on battery backup when it is being used on courts without a power supply. Although these machines tend to be heavier, and thus less portable than the battery operated machines, they are easier to relocate than the AC powered machines. AC/DC machines tend to be more expensive than other battery powered portable machines on the market.

Most machines designed to be installed in a permanent location are AC powered. They rely on a stable and consistent power source. These units are often heavier and more hardwearing than the portable machines. They usually offer a greater range of features and, as a result, are more expensive. They are difficult to relocate on a regualr basis and will not be appropriate for use on courts which do not have a power supply.

We will continue to look at the other factors that need to be considered when choosing a tennis ball machine in the near future.