Is the iPong worth it

Andrew Malone Asked 12 years ago

Hi Coach, I don't have a partner and I want to be able to practice every day, should I buy the iPong topspin, for $49

(http://www.ipong.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=12&lang=en)

or play the wall for free?

Thanks, Andrew

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Andrew,

I think a robot is a lot better than practicing against a wall. However if you can find anyone even to feed you multiball then that is even better. You don't need a good player to be able to learn how to feed multiball.

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Thoughts on this question (1)

James Luzwick Posted 12 years ago

Hi Alois:

Just a note with the iPong. I received one as a gift and was thoroughly disappointed with it. It consistently jammed and it was hard to regulate the top spin and speed generation as the two were tied together. Yes I think it would be better than a wall but I would suggest saving up a little extra money and buying the Newgy (which I got afterwards and I am much happier with). The 1050 model is great but expensive (the 2050 gives you a net that refills the machine as you play!) and gives you MANY pre-programmed drills (and allows you to program your own drills, which is useful if you are lefty as all the drills are centered towards rightys). Also it allows you to add side spin and backspin and it allows you to regulate the speed much easier than the iPong. One of my complaints with these robots is that they can't really generate a no-spin ball. It seems I have to stick with training partners for no-spin drills.