Customer Reviews

Gamma Ballhopper Hi-Rise 75, Silver

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This Gamma ball hopper isn't as sturdy as the ones at my club, but it does its job for a reasonable price. Drawbacks include a somewhat unsteady stand that collapses if you aren't careful to balance it before you let go. The top closes with a little difficulty, and again, if you aren't careful, you'll end up with balls all over the back of your car. But really, those few extra seconds of care are worth it since this hopper is perfect for practicing serves, one after the other, or feeding balls to your kid without having to stop every few seconds to chase down balls. The capacity seems to be somewhat less than the stated 75 balls; however, it sure beats lining up balls at the baseline and bending down to pick them up. And pick up is just as easy as some of the more expensive models.

This ball hopper, although not as sturdy as one of my other ones, does the job well. However, it holds only 70 balls.

To solve the problem of handles not staying together, or lid not staying on, one can use velcro get-a-grips.

The handles DO NOT fall off if put on correctly. They go between the uprights, so the ends go fully into their slots. It is only when incorrectly placed outside the uprights that they will fall off.

The handles/legs are quite secure if properly attached. You need to first position the 2 handle/leg ends on the inside of the 2 vertical wires closest to the attachment tube on the basket. Then fit and insert the 2 handle/leg ends into each end of the attachment tube. The 2 vertical wires will prevent the handles/legs from falling out of the attachment tubes. When standing up the basket just push the handles/legs into position as far as it will go underneath the basket and you can feel a slight pressure from the basket to hold handles/legs into place. The reason I give it 4 out of 5 stars is that the instructions do tell you how to position the handles/legs properly for attachment and they should have additional plastic footings found on the underside of the basket attached on the handles/legs as well. This would give the handles/legs a better footing when standing up the basket as well as some protection. Overall a good hopper.

Length:: 0:36 Mins

This is a response to the complaints of the handles falling off. I agree with the reviews that say the handles are fine if they are inside the uprights. But the directions from Gamma do not mention this.

Also, you will see in the video a full hopper with the lid closed. That hopper has only 64 balls, not 75.

Other than that it works fine for picking up balls and holding them. I would give it 5 stars if the instructions were better and the capacity was more conservative.

Back in April/May, I purchased and then posted my thoughts on the Gamma Ballhopper Whopper 140, Silver. I ended my review with, if I had to do it over again, I'd buy the smaller size. After lugging that heavy basket around, I decided to ahead and take the plunge. I order two of these.

The first difference I noticed wasn't just the size, but the weight of the wire. It was much lighter. Also, the lid doesn't fit as tightly. With pliers, I'm sure this can be adjusted. With the Gamma 140, 140 tennis balls actually fit in the basket. At first glance, I didn't believe it. With this smaller basket, 75 will not fit. I got 70 to fit, but the lid of the basket kept popping up.

My last complaint is with the legs. With the 140, I didn't have the issue of the legs coming out of the hole during transporting. With this one, I did. More care needs to be taken with this model as it's more fragile when placing in and out of the car. The legs stayed in place while upright on the court or when we're picking up balls. After reading other reviews, I haven't had nearly the issue others have had.

My cost was $24.99 and I don't think it's a bad deal, especially if you are signed up with Prime or purchase $25+ for Amazon's free shipping offer. The basket, fully loaded, is light enough for one person to carry. I just wish the quality had been a bit more like the 140.

As others have said, this basket will only hold about 60 balls if you want to close the lid. I find it very easy to pick up balls with it. And its sturdy enough, it might wobble a bit, but I've had this basket out on very windy days when practicing serves and have never had it tip over on me. Also, major sporting goods stores in my area want around $40 for a basket similar to this. So this is a great value at half the price. I'm thinking of picking up a second one.

I practice serving a lot without anyone to help pick up the balls and this is a great deal. It works properly, saves your back, and is very sturdy. The price included the shipping which makes this a must buy for this type of hopper. Thank you.

This is a bit unsturdy. Akward to pick up balls with. It does the job though. And for the price it's fine. It does NOT hold 75 balls. I counted 50 at the most and then they start to pop out and you have to pick them up again.

I bought this as a 2010 Christmas gift for my husband, since he and the dog play lots of tennis ball in the backyard. He's used the heck out of it and still has good things to say. Could maybe stand to be a little sturdier, but overall, does the trick.

Great price at Academy, $19.99 +tax. The legs must go in in front of the bars not around it. That's why they keep coming off. You have to push the bars in a bit. At first I thought this was a ripoff but after I installed it correctly, it was perfect. If you don't like the red sticker you can remove it. I tediously and slowly removed the red sticker. Took about 10 minutes and some isopropyl alcohol.