Pickleball Tutor Plus Ball Machine Review 

Kudos for the kind of review people need. I buy and maintain these things for my club with 1800 members. We use it because we need machines that are plug in only. If you do not use spin, you can mark the dials for baseline to baseline shots, Use a different color for dink settings. The marks reduce set up time. You're right, the manual elevation is probaby better and it can be marked. It takes time for the serving wheels to spool up to the set speed. That's one reason it is difficult to set accurately at higher speeds. It is necessare to wait for the wheels to spool up before you move away to hit balls. The serving wheels you showed are in good shape. We tend to wear out serving wheel in about 6 months. At that point, the wheels must be replaced. Again, nice review. Youre providing a good service for your viewers.

Would live to see similar reviews for the Lobster and Erne pickleball machines

Just paid nearly 2.5K for the spinshot. Only used it for 10 minutes and already in love with it. I had a budget of $500 and I don't care. WORTH ITTTTTT. Thanks for this review Chris. It only enforces my choice of ball machine.

Hello Chris. I just watched your video on the Pickleball Tutor Plus. First, your friend's machine is in need of some TLC. I agree that the dials are super sensitive and need to be moved in very small increments. The wheels need a real cleaning and scuffing. For your friend's machine I would use 60 grit sandpaper at first to get all the real rough rubber off the wheels then use 120 grit to smooth the wheels a bit. Pay attention to the difference in the wheels. The top one is concave while the bottom wheel is flat from edge to edge. When cleaning maintain their attributes. Also, I noticed that you had different and well used balls for the machine. I find that Franklin X-40s or Cores perform best. Also, I find with these machines that you need to clean with air as the machines and balls attract fine dust particles which will cause inconsistent shots. I have had an original Pickleball Tutor for 8 years and I have not had any problems with it. I love the consistency it produces in shots. I, also, just cleaned the entire machine including the wheels of a local club and it is working well.

I have the all digital model with side spin and remote and love it. Does not like wet balls and is only good for dry conditions but it is a great machine. The top doors, I agree with him on

I have the Simon2 and it is good...we used it 3 times and it did everything we wanted...no oscillation but that added another 1000 to the price with accessories....mine goes from 5-60 MPH and 2-10 second intervals......the spinning wheels are lifetime so that helped on the selling point....all the controls are dials so there is no guessing where you are for the readings

I have one but I have the remote and the manual elevation crank. I’d agree with a lot of what is said but I do have a notebook where I write down the settings and it makes the setup faster in between types of shots. I’ve also found putting a 2x4 under the front of it to tilt the entire thing back can work better than having the elevation all the way up for some shots.

I have the Spin Shot and it’s awesome. You can program six individual balls and change it right on your phone from across the court and I have a watch that’ll start and stop the machine. I have an add-on to the top hopper that lets you hold the balls very comfortably.

Our club has the Pickleball Tutor Plus Ultra and I like it pretty well, that said I have really only used to work on my 3rd shot, so basically setting it up to do a return. Most of the settings are digital, so I think that would eliminate some of the issues Chris saw with this unit. And being able to use the app on my phone so I can start it once I get into position is nice.

Also, for the bin flaps I use velcro strips to stop them from spreading too far.

I sold my Tudor Plus for all the reasons you mentioned. I purchased the Playmate. It's not perfect either for consistent throughs, but with it I've been a lot more satisfied than not. They are not cheap though. I paid $3,400 for mine three years ago. I use mine for mostly practicing drives. I plan to use it extensively for learning a two handed backhand this Winter. Loved your two handed backhand videos with Aanik Lohani!

fair review, I have this machine. I primarily use it on rare occasion for drives and backhands, for that, it works great.

Just about to hit the one year mark with my SpinShot and I'm still hitting it a few times a week. As others have said the flexibility that having the app on your phone gives you blows away the Tutor Plus despite the higher cost. As far as the consistency issue I have to say I think it really matters on what type of ball you use and the condition of the throwing wheels. Outdoor balls (Franklin x-40) work almost perfectly for me on my SpinShot but when I hit the Onix indoor that my club uses it struggles. They have the exact model that was reviewed here and it throws the Onix way more consistent than my SpinShot and I'm the one who maintains the Tutor. As Chris said if you're looking for a ball machine I'd pass on the Tutor and decide if the Slinger is good enough (once it gets reviewed) or spend the extra cash on get a SpinShot.

There is a replacement top wheel which is concave in its curve. The consistency of the ball is improved soooo much! Cost was around $60. Well worth it.

I purchased the Tutor mini, with the oscillator. There are some downsides (no remote available, no spin control, no programs), but it was $859 and there isn't another machine with as small a footprint. It fits pretty much anywhere, and weighs only 25 lbs, so it is great for travel, which was paramount for me. The battery and ball speeds are both great. If size isn't an issue, I'd go with the Slinger. Want small/light, Tudor Mini is the best option I've found.

Got a chance to use this a couple of times. the manual level knob is no picnic. You turn the knob and have to lift the whole machine up or down. Takes six or so balls to get it right. Every time you want to change it, you have to do the whole thing over. You think you have moved it 1/4 of an inch, it goes from in the net to lobs? you end up shooting 10-20% of balls getting it set up. They need to go back to the drawing board.

Have the spin, wish I had the plus. I have 0 complaints other than lack of presets which are available on more expensive option. Am tempted to get the ERNE. also, it's best to elevate it on a cart, #1 easier to move around #2 creates better real world angles

Just bought the manual elevation one. After watching this, I would agree I like my manual handle more than the power one. Tempted to make a response video to give a view of the manual one.

I bought the Turor for myself during COVID because I couldn’t stand being inside anymore. I had never played pickleball but wanted to start. The Tutor had the electric elevation broken right out of the box. The company replaced the whole machine for me. After another week, the new device broke as well. The company said they had been having problems with that part of their machine. I sent it back and spent the refund on a Lobster. Although the Lobster is heavier (I load it into my truck or my golf cart to go to the courts), it has worked perfectly. Definitely recommend the Lobster with a remote.👍🏻

Dude lol Chris spot on review! I made a review last year an said the exact same things, the balls constantly fall out (with 90 in) the elevation is way too touchy, it’s a huge pain to get anything dialed in and I’m constantly annoyed for the first 10 minutes of trying… the lack of power indicator, elevation degree and touchy buttons made it a drag to use. My dad got it for me last year so I still use it but wow… I’m ready for some bangin after the frustration to get it all set up. I’ve used a friends lobster and it’s waaaaaay easier and consistent to setup

Having currently owned this exact Tutor for several years, you are not wrong with your comments. I will said that you do get use to what power and spin settings you need to be at for different dinks, drives, etc. But the elevation is a pain to get dialed in every time. But good review and your assessment was right on point.

Great review and spot on. We have had that exact machine for almost a year and have exactly the same comments but worse. We have had nothing but trouble with the machine from loose connections to a torn rubber chute inside and have replaced the battery twice in only a year. I hope many people see this review and stay away so this company can improve their design and stop capitalizing on the hype of pickleball with low quality product.

I have the Tutor Plus with the manual elevation. I haven’t had it do what the digital machine does. I have had it jam just a couple of times. I just make sure there’s a ball in each spot in the carousel before I finish loading it up. Hasn’t jammed since. I’m sure there are better machines out there, but my experience has been mostly positive. Great review

I bought a used Tutor and the wheels looked like that. I cleaned them and it fixed a bunch of issues. I started with sandpaper but eventually laid a screwdriver against the direction of the wheels while running and it cleaned them really well. Getting it lined up is still an issue even with the manual height adjustment but easily worth the $400 I paid for a used machine. Fairly consistent shots until the battery dies down.

Whoa - $1700? Slinger bag is currently $900 - $100 discount = $800 USD. Hopefully the Slinger review is more positive.

I have the Spinshot Player Pickleball Machine and it is awesome. I can set up my own drills on the phone. I love it!

I use a laundry basket that I cut the bottom out which allows you to put more balls in the hopper. The wheels do need to be replaced for more accurate flight of the balls else you have wild throws replacement pretty reasonable and easy to replace.

Can you buy parts when they were out like rollers or bearings or etc. How hard and how expensive is it to get replacement parts? How easy is it to install them? IS the Titan the best for this and everything else or is one of the other eight or 10 models better.

Honest review you've done here on the Tutor Chris... Anticipating your review of the Slinger Bag, thanks!

Pretty fair review. 1. The wheels are shot. 2. In moving; push the thing! 3. Don’t put 100 balls in it at a time. 4. You have like 4 different balls in it and I imagine some have 3 sides to them. 5. The comment that it takes too long to setup, (which I agree) is kinda part of it. How long does it take you to pick ‘em up? 6. You do understand that you are outside with varying conditions. It can’t judge wind speed or changing direction like you can during a point. All that said, It is not worth the full price. ( I paid $900+ $100 for a new remote.) But understanding it for what it is, it can be a tool just like any other ball machine,(i.e.- table tennis, golf, tennis or baseball), and actually fun after learning the setting of each drill and position.

I have a notebook with all my settings for my slingerbag, makes setup like 2 min tops, when you are paying for court time, it’s saving tons of time

Great research, feedback, demonstration and transparency. I will certainly take this into consideration.

Thanks for the spoiler alert in the beginning, super helpful when trying to browse options!

I have the Gen 1 Tutor (no remote, battery only) that has the same flaps. I use bungees to keep them in place. All the Same issues you have with tilt hitting the frame, touchy controls. at full up or down. Sometimes overfilling causes jams like you mentioned. No power gauge is a pain. Not consistant shot position for ball to ball. Stick with the Slinger.

The Pickleball Studio, where bad pickleball products come to die lol

Interested in seeing how the Slinger does. Im heavily leaning towards the Erne. The Tutor just seems like a huge pain to operate so Im not surprised by the review.

Not sure if the tutor plus is setup the same way as my tutor mini, but the manual elevation knob sucks on mine (purchased 10/2023). The vibrations from the ball launcher causes it to slowly creep downward over time, no matter how hard you crank down on it. It will eventually crack the case if you torque it to death. Wound up permanently fusing the angle at 3 of 5, and use spacers and shims at the feet to change elevation, which isn't a big deal since I don't travel with it and drill at home

I have the slinger and love it, all your gripes will be fixed. Doesnt fit in the trunk of my sedan tho. If i had the money id get the spinshot with the drills already built in. I do get a little nervous regarding app integration and software issues and longevity tho

Can you make a new pickleball machine video please!!! I’m considering the Erne or the spinshot but I value your opinion so I want to hear what you have to say before I make a decision.

Surprising from an established racket sport ball machine company. Not surprising, the impressive badonk in those shorts.

Where did you get that shirt? I want one!

Great review (as usual). Nice side step to ball machines from paddles. Hope you do a whole bunch more. Is the "Erne" or the "Lobster" on your radar or plans ? Or any others? I've only seen Kyle K. and John Cincola's. Thanks Chris, keep being awesome ! Slinger looks promising, although seems like a lot of analog knob adjustments versus digital programable at first glance.

I agree that the manual elevation would be better due to having a gauge. Dude, your throwing wheels are toast AND a lot of your consistency problem.

RU-vid has a feature where when you tap the search bar, it will tell you if there is a new upload from a channel. I got excited thinking a review for the 6.0 infinity cane out early. But dang

Doesn’t the condition of the balls impact the consistency?

Like others here who have this machine, I concur whole heartedly with every thing you took issue with. I like the machine for it's size and simplicity of use. The Ernie and Lobster are both ok to use but too large and more complex to use in my humble opinion. The small transport wheels and small handle are a joke. I had to buy a small cart off Amazon to pull the machine around. I agree that the machine is over priced for all the reasons Chris as usual so effectively demonstrated and expressed.

Not a real valid evaluation. It would be like evaluating a paddle that had the handle wrapping removed. The wheel on the machine was obviously in need of servicing. I just purchased the Tutor Plus and like all machines that are not programmed there is a learning curve in setting up the launch etc. I will add that the machine is over priced by at least $700 even if the remote is included.

Do you review used jacked up paddles? You say no, then why are you reviewing a ball machine with jacked up throwing wheels. That's like riding a bike with a flat tire and expecting it to go straight all the time.

I would say manual isn’t better for elevation… the manual option gets terrible reviews. I would add a resistor to slow the speed (I have considered it). However, I would just buy the Erne Ball Machine!!!!

Purchase of this ball machine is one of my biggest disappointments. I could work with the tedious process of getting the settings right but once you think you have it it's inconstant ball delivery will frustrate you to no end. I spend more time with setup and picking up balls than I do on drilling. I get a much better session drilling against a wall than with the frustration of getting this to work correctly. I purchased this new and have used it less than ten times due to the frustration level. If you are in the market for a ball machine look elsewhere and do some research, normally there is a no return policy.

Had the Plus, sold it. Clumsy to move, touchy controls, flaps are fragile. ERNE is in my future.

I have the Lobster 2 with remote. Much better electronic elevation in that it moves very slowly. The Slinger's price point is very appetizing once they fix their remote distance issues.

Can you measure the size of the wheels inside the machine for me please? Is it 5 or 6 inches?

Solid hands on review Chris

Please talk about speed when you review Slinger. Max speed is 45mph so bit unsure buying it.

Which 2 paddles were you using during this video Chris?

I bought that version in 2019 which I'm sure compares to paddles from 2019. The game and the pickleball market has changed. Unfortunately, SportsTutor has failed to upgrade the machine although they have greatly expanded their ball machine model line. Filling to capacity has always resulted in balls spilling out and the machine getting jammed. The wheels are a joke if your moving it more than 10 yards.

i fell like you should give it away. id gladly take it for you. me and Will can use it here in Tulsa!

Appreciate the review!

If you hit the barn doors the break 💯

Too late. I bought it last year, and I rarely use it. It shoots balls inconsistently right out of the box, so it is not because the wheels on the one you are using seem a bit worn. And balls do get jammed often, as you experienced. I also had to buy and use a wagon to wheel my Tutor around, which is a pain in the butt, having to carry it in my car and set it up. Buy the Slinger.

Just get the best of the best… “Titan 1” if you serious. 🤔

Omg haha I always thought it was Tudor from how you said it on the pod. 0/10, not enough British Royalty.

Sounds like the hydrogen proton guys need to convert their machine to handle pickleballs....

Obviously just a machine will Never make you a pro. What a machine purpose is to drill fundamentals. All the research in the world will agree fundamentals are essential. To shit on mechanics because you think they are miracle workers is on you. They have their place. Like the video, just the misconception they suck or can’t make a player better is drawn out

I think these machines are horrible. My friend was bragging about how he bought this thng so I borrowed it and I hated it so much. You cannot remote control the machine and it takes a while to set it up. Wheels are to small to transport. The throwing wheels look flimsy and need to be cleaned alot. This thing needs an app to control it. I almost got shot in the face when the machine was off and it shot a random ball out. They charge premium prices for a radioshack build. You can see in the video how long it takes for him to adjust the machine to get it up and running.

damn, looks painful to watch. must of been a pain to test, record, edit, etc.. hahah!

None of the balls came out between the flaps. they came off the top from your mistake. The flaps are the same design for tennis ball machines, And tennis balls are heavier and smaller. It's like watching a millennial or gen z at work, they can't do anything without whining.