Best Tennis Ball Hoppers Reviewed [2020]

Posted on November 1, 2020 by Daniel Renfro in Tennis Balls

If there is a must-have on a tennis court, alongside a tennis racket and ball, a tennis ball hopper is one.

It provides sufficient space for numerous tennis balls, so much so, that there are ball hoppers that hold 100 or tennis balls. Ball hoppers come in all shapes and sizes, as one might come with a lid ensuring the balls are not spilt. Every ball

hopper is typically constructed using lightweight materials, which make it much easier to transport. Additionally, some tennis ball hoppers come with caster wheels to increase mobility. You could also have a ball hopper that comes with a strap and a bag, enabling you to carry your tennis balls in a comfortable manner. Other ball hoppers have handles that have been designed to cope with the wear and tear associated with daily use. They also come in numerous sizes and are sold in a range of price points.

The aim of this article is to highlight the types of ball hoppers available for purchase, things to consider before making a purchase and of course, a review of some of the best tennis ball hoppers on the market. Let us begin!

Types of Ball Hoppers

Fixed Handle Hoppers

A fixed handle tennis ball hopper is simply a small tennis cart typically constructed of light but strong wire that has a fixed handle. It looks like a larger shaped shopping cart

Convertible Hoppers

A convertible hopper looks just like a fixed handle hopper and works just the same; the bottom of the cart is pressed down onto a tennis ball and then the ball is pushed into the cart. The only difference between a fixed handle and a convertible hopper is the fact that the handles when not used can be transformed into stands for the convertible hopper.

Bag Hoppers

A bag hopper combines a tennis bag with a ball collector. It enables you to store your racket and any other accessories you might need on the tennis court, as well as pick up balls that have been misplaced over the course of a training session. Typically, the ball opening is at the bottom and you simply have to place the bag above the ball pushing down.

Tennis Ball Carts

These tennis ball carts are simply handy mobile baskets that enable you to keep the tennis balls close for seamless access. A disadvantage is that a tennis ball cart cannot pick a ball up for you. A benefit associated with using a tennis cart, however, is the fact that they are typically more durable and stable compared to all in one ball hoppers. They are also able to hold more balls.

Things to Consider

Cost

Before you purchase a tennis ball hopper, you have to ensure that it is not too expensive. This, however, does not mean you should go for the cheapest option. It is always better to select a ball hopper that is not only within your price range but is also built to last. Tennis ball hoppers can become quite expensive, so you have to factor in getting your money’s value at any price point.

Capacity

Capacity is another factor that has to be considered, as there is no point purchasing a hopper that cannot hold all the balls you use within a session. You also do not want to purchase too large a ball hopper as you have to consider the added weight of the balls. It is best to find a middle ground, one that holds about 80 to 90 balls.

Fixed Handle vs Convertible Handle

There are some tennis ball hoppers that come with handles which swivel to become legs once you are one collecting your tennis balls. This means that the balls are kept at waist level, so you don’t have to bend down to get a ball. Others come with a fixed handle that remains a handle. These ball hoppers are typically used for storage purposes.

Plastic vs Steel Wire

Tennis ball hoppers can be manufactured from either metal or plastic. Steel wire hoppers tend to provide the benefit of being sturdier, however, plastic ball hoppers are easier and lighter to carry about.

Wheels vs No Wheels

This consideration is an especially important one, especially if you plan to move your ball hopper around. Wheels can make moveability easier on you, especially when the hopper is filled with balls. Having no wheels means that you will have to move it around by hand and that could become quite a chore once the hopper is filled with balls.

FAQ

What is a tennis ball hopper for?

A tennis ball hopper is used to gather scattered balls on the court, storing them in a single place.

How does a tennis ball hopper work?

Generally, the bottom of a tennis ball hopper or a ball collector is pushed down onto a ball and rods at the bottom of the tennis ball hopper slide out of the way to give the ball entry into the hopper where it is not trapped and collected.

What are the pros and cons of filling my ball hopper with pressure-less tennis balls?

Pressureless balls, by design, are able to retain their bounce. This is because they are able to be store in places other than a vacuum. Typically, this type of storage would cause pressurized balls to lose their pressure and become flat and bounce-less. Pressure-less balls do not suffer from such a fate.

On the other hand, given that they do not have any internal pressure, they can be harder on the less resilient ball hoppers, particularly when you are pushing down on them to collect the ball.

Conclusion

If you happen to use quite a lot of balls during pay, then a ball hopper is a piece of essential equipment. A hopper of great quality can enable you to rapidly pick balls up and provide you with easy access, which then lets you spend more time playing tennis. It is important to always remember the numerous factors to consider before you buy a hopper. Things such as capacity, weight, portability and more have to be aligned with the costs.