The Silent Partner tennis ball machines are some of the newer and more economical portable tennis ball machines that are out on the market today. They come in two different series, the Edge Series and the Scoop Series; with each series having a couple different models. Some of the best features of the Silent Partner ball machines is that their priced very economically, offering many of the same features of a lobster tennis ball machine for hundreds of dollars less. So if you’re looking for a cheap tennis ball machine but you want more functionality than the Tennis Twist, you may want to check out Silent Partner’s selection of machines.

Below is each of the Silent Partner Machines with a brief overview of some of the features. Click on the link to learn more about each machine.

The Edge Series

The Silent Partner LITE ball machine – this is the entry model for the Silent Partner ball machines. This is a 34 pound, battery powered ball machine that can hold up to 200 tennis balls. It offers a variety of both speed and spin control and provides a random horizontal oscillator. There is a manual elevation option that allows you to practice anything from returns to overhands slams. It comes with 6 inch wheels and a snap on handle for additional portability. Offering many of the same options as the Lobster Sports Elite Freedom, the Silent Partner is about $200 cheaper.

The Silent Partner SPORT
The SPORT is the next step up in the Silent Partner tennis ball machine series. It offers many of the same features as the LITE model (speed control, spin control, oscillation) but one of the main differences is that it has an ultra heavy duty battery which allows up to 6 hours of practice. This battery upgrade makes it both a little bigger and a little heavier (46 lbs). The other additional feature that the SPORT model offers is a delayed feed option which will waits before it begins which gives you enough time to get across the court and set up before the practice begins. This is a nice feature that means you don’t have to work with a partner; you can just set up and practice on your own.

The Silent Partner STAR
The STAR ball machine is the top of the Edge series (their economy series) from Silent Partner Tennis Company. This machine is much more robust than the LITE and has the same ultra heavy duty battery as the SPORT. For that reason it is the same size and weight as the SPORT and has a lot of the same features. The main difference between the Silent Partner STAR and SPORT models is that the STAR model comes with a remote control and can be configured to run on battery, AC-only, or both. The more expensive model that can run on both also includes an ultra-fast charger than take a dead battery to full in about 2-3 hours (this is handy if you feel like practicing and don’t plan ahead well). The remote, while basic, is essential for solo practice. Basically it is a keychain type fob that will turn the unit on and off and will also turn the oscillation on and off. This is perfect if you want to warm up for just a few shots and then get into a full blown practice.

The Scoop Series

The Silent Partner RIVAL ball machine
The SP RIVAL tennis ball machine is the first model in the Scoop series and has a similar but redesigned shape when compared to those in the Edge series. This model is more streamline and looks much more modern but also offers additional functionality. The primary differences in the RIVAL model are that it offers a full 16 button remote control that not only controls the power and oscillation functions but also can increase or decrease the height of the throw, the speed of the throw, the feed rate and the spin of the ball. It also offers three memory positions that can retain certain settings , so if you wanted to go from fast returns to slow overhead lobs you can just change the memory setting from where you are.

These features alone are worth the bump in price, but the RIVAL also offers an increased ball capacity (from 200 to 300 balls) which is an insane workout if you use all 300. It also has digital displays on the speed and spin so you can remember which setting you like the best and it has a digital battery indicator which will let you know how long you have left to practice.

The Silent Partner QUEST ball machine
The QUEST tennis ball machine is the top of the line when it comes to Silent Partner Ball Machines. This full featured unit includes everything that the lower models do (including the advanced battery charging option) but also includes a more dynamic oscillation feature that can place a ball at any point within the court. This machine has both a wide and narrow oscillation option as well as a vertical oscillation. To accommodate these advanced functions it comes with a 20 button remote control which can control the oscillation width and sweep speeds.

When compared to the Lobster Elite Grand Slam IV, the QUEST provides nearly identical features plus a remote for about a $100 less (even cheaper if you purchase a demo model).

All Silent Partner machines have an extended warranty option (for an additional fee) which extends the warranty out to 2 years. This option is probably not as essential for the lower end models as it would be for the more expensive series.