Customer Reviews

Unique Pete Sampras Tennis Ballport - Holds 80 Balls

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the best tennis ball hopper made! I was originally going to purchase one of the high end metal hoppers but I'm so glad I didn't. The Hoag ball hopper is extremely strong but the 4 pegs along the bottom are about three-quarter inches thick so when picking up the balls they don't go all the way into the basket. Instead, you have to continually press on top of an additional balls to have the first ball fully enter into the basket, and so on. With the last 4-5 balls you either have to force them inside by hand, or let them naturally fall out the bottom and add them manually into the top. Ending each pick-up this way is a pain, particularly when you're done hitting and tired. The Unique Ballport build quality is outstanding, consisting of solid plastic inserts and metal screws that actually secure/fortify the basket from breaking. Not sure why their is a Sampras Ballport 80 and a regular Ballport 80. They are identical but the price is less for the non-Sampras version. The writing on the hopper and everything is identical. If you need a hopper that holds 80 balls then this is it. Unlike all other metal hoppers, this one actually holds the stated amount of 80 balls. Because of the build of the metal hoppers, which are angled on the sides(whereas the Ballport is square), you can only get about 85% of the stated capacity, unless you meticulously place each ball in the basket by hand - not good. The top of the Bal port has two sliding poles to secure the balls from falling out which is much better than a free hanging top that swings open and shut. Buy this hopper you won't regret it.

This Unique Pete Sampras Ballport is the best tennis ball hopper I've had the chance to use. I've used the Black Wilson 75 and Gamma Hopper and while they seem durable because of their metal construction, they are prone to tipping over, lids coming updone, and metal bases, handles, and baskets can become warped.

The Unique Ballport is made up of a hard plastic (similar, tough material found on a plastic bicycle pedal). The plastic will withstand a good amount of damage and use. I don't foresee it breaking or cracking from the daily wear and tear.

Putting the hopper together is easy by screwing in ten or so screws at the corners and legs sides. The legs will not come apart since they are secured by screws directly into the basket. This means you won't have to fiddle around with the legs falling off (like in the Wilson and Gamma hoppers). In addition, the leg locks that keep the basket upright or in the carry position are well designed so that the hopper is stable and secure in both positions. It keeps transporting easy, and provides peace of mind when setting it up for usage.

In addition, the spinning sticks at the bottom allows tennis balls to be easily "hopped" or sucked into the basket. I found it much easier to pick up balls with the Ballport than with any other hopper. Since the base sticks spin, the fuzz on the balls are not torn up, the balls glide right through the basket, and most importantly the sticks retain their shape keeping balls in the basket. Metal hoppers can become mailable and as a result the wires shift and become wider over time.

Lastly, the top sliding locking sticks move easily and will keep the balls in the basket during transport. Compared to wired hoppers, this innovation works phenomenally well and I have no fear of any balls spilling in the trunk of the car. I've used Wilson and Gamma hoppers in the past, and would occasionally have the lid latch come undone and 70+ balls rolling around the back of the trunk.

PROS:
* Constructed of Highly Durable Plastic that will last with daily usage
* Easy to pickup tennis balls
* Legs will not come undone if knocked down or during transport
* Leg locks keep the basket stable during carry and transport positions
* Top cover sliding locking sticks is very reliable and will not become undone
* Rectangular shape allows for easy ball pick along fences.
* Holds stated 75-80 balls.

CONS:
* Slightly heavier than wired hoppers (full hopper probably weights around 10 lbs)
* Seems short in height at about 3 feet high
* Lid locking sticks need a little push to slide into the lock and open position (not as smooth as I would like it to be)

Overall I would highly recommend purchasing the Unique Ballport over standard wired hoppers. The secure legs (transporting and carrying) and secure "lid" are the highlights of this product and these feature sets it apart from the rest. I only wish it was a little lighter and taller.

This is the first and only ball hopper / picker-upper / stand I have used, but I really can't imagine one being designed any better. The wire legs/handles lock easily and securely in both positions. It is such a joy to pick up all the balls around the court so easily; just set the basket on top of the loose ball and it effortlessly slides between the bottom rollers and into your hopper. Some reviewers mentioned the stand is too short and not sturdy enough. Well, I am 6' 3" and think the stand is high enough and it seems pretty sturdy also. I only had about 25 balls in it, so perhaps with 80 it is less stable, but if the wind was blowing hard enough to blow the stand over, I don't think I would be playing anyway.

I spent about three hours practicing serves and backhands yesterday and it is without a doubt the best $25 I have spent on tennis yet! Absoulutely LOVE the ball hopper! Should have bought one a long time ago!

There are TWO main flaws to this product:

1) The leg locking system is ill designed, such that you can expect the legs to collapse on you at any point, throwing spilled balls to scatter everywhere. This happened on my first try. If you put your hand inside the crate to retrieve a couple of balls and put a slightest pressure on the rest of balls, the legs can collapse. This IS the product's achilles heel. If it can't stand on its own two legs, then it's a cripple. I'm currently trying to come up with a DIY fix to this, if I can.

2) The screws that hold the crate panels do not tighten up. They just turn and turn and turn once they reach the end point... This can only mean that eventually the panels will come apart forcing you to retighten. I'm thinking about dipping the screws to a PVC cement and retighten for additional strength.

A minor issue... The crate may hold 80 balls if you try to brainstorm in ways to come up with the most effective manner in stacking and cramming the balls into the crate. However, if you just throw the balls into the crate, the way you'd actually do at the court, it'd hold about 65-70 balls comfortably to the top. By the way, I haven't tried a scientific way to cram the balls to see if it'd hold the claimed 80 balls. I'd rather play tennis than scratching my head in trying to figure out how to cram 80 balls into the crate.

UPDATE:

I'm amazed that, after having now used this product for over 6 months, none of my initial experience and impression held up to be true in long-term actuality. Since I wasn't too happy with the product to begin with, I used (more like "abused") it roughly -- banging hard on the floor when picking up the balls, throwing it down (well, I was tired), and so on. I've been expecting all along that the crate would fall apart eventually -- especially those thin rods at the bottom and top -- with this kind of unfriendly treatment. Well, if anything, it seems to get stronger with each use. The legs only collapsed on me initially; they haven't since. The crate chamber is holding up really strong with no signs of any parts coming loose. I now have a great respect for the product's design. I owe the company an apology for my original, negative review of the product. I'm leaving the review as it is so that people can see that the initial experience and impressions are not always trustworthy. I'd highly recommend this product to any tennis lovers. I certainly wouldn't mind purchasing this again except that my current looks to last many years.

I used a (metal) wired ball hopper before I bought this one, and thus far have been very pleased. It takes a few minutes to put together, and the instructions could be a bit more comprehensive, but anyone with a brain stem should be able to figure it out quickly.

One thing I really like about this product is that it is literally impossible for balls to be squeezed out of the sides. It's also much sturdier than any wire hopper I've used.

The only flaw I see in the design is the top sticks tend to come loose, and I imagine that over time they won't stay in position at all. One other thing: I don't see how this thing can hold 80 balls; I have 75 stuffed in there now, and might be able to get one or two more in, but there is no way another five will fit in. Still, 75 balls at a time is a lot. In any case, these two quibbles are minor, and the only things keeping it from getting five starts from me.

All in all, it's a good product and I feel like I got my money's worth.

Having recently purchased the BallPort80, I took it to the court and put it through its paces.

I concluded that all the positive reviews are spot on and that it is the best tennis ball hopper made. A joy to use.

I'd like to report that it picked up 84 balls without any spilling out with the top rods open and that it held 84 balls with the top rods closed arranged in 4 levels of 15 (5x3) with 3 levels of 8 (4x2) in between.

There were no problems with the legs maintaining position in either the pickup or hopper positions.

Also, having vast experience with wire baskets, the Ballport is superior because of the rolling rods which made picking up the balls (groups or singles) feel effortless.

Finally, with the top rods in the closed position the balls stay in. It's that simple. Enjoy!

One of the best tennis accessories I have ever purchased. As advertised, the product is made of hard plastic and does hold 70-80 balls easily. It has a solid feel and does not feel like the cheap metal ball hoppers made by gamma. The base is extremely low in center of gravity so it doesn't topple over easily. The height of the hopper is just perfect so you can lift the balls easily without much bending. Also the sliding bars on the top and bottom are perfectly designed so the balls never come out (even if you invert the ballport). The set up process was easy, & I had it set up in less than 5 minutes. The ballport fits easily in my car and is convenient to carry around.

I would highly recommend this product to all the tennis players who just wanna go out there and practice their serves alone or practice with a partner. 5 stars all the way.

Some assembly was required before I could enjoy this thing, but it was relatively easy to put together. The unit is quite stable, and the locking handles snap securely into place. I haven't tried putting 80 balls in it, but it is more than enough for my needs. It is also just right in terms of height (I am about 5'7"). All in all, I couldn't be happier, and the lower than average price point is definitely a plus.

The hopper does what it's supposed to do and it is pretty sturdy. It is however short for me I am about 6 foot 3 inches. Otherwise great hopper.

This one is easy to use. It's Box like shape is not annoying when carried around in the trunk. The ball is easy to pickup. The capacity is plenty of practice. It may not be durable as the metal ones, but it's a consumable like everything else. Overall, a good product.