I’ve been using the Tennibot Partner V2 for a while now, so when I had the opportunity to spend some time with the new Tennibot Partner Lite before it officially went live, I was excited to see how it compared.
After training with it, I think Tennibot has come up with a really interesting option for tennis players who want many of the same training capabilities as the Partner V2 but don’t necessarily need the machine to move around the court.
The biggest difference is simple: the Partner Lite is stationary.
It doesn’t have the mobility of the Partner V2, but many of the training features I care about are still there. The Partner Lite offers the same drills, power, spin capabilities, and AI features as the Partner V2.
Do You Need a Ball Machine That Moves?
This is probably the first question I would ask someone who is deciding between the Partner Lite and Partner V2.
The mobility of the Partner V2 is great. I use it and definitely see the value in being able to have the machine move around the court. But I also know that’s not necessarily something every player wants or needs.
Think about how you normally use a ball machine. A lot of the time, you set it up in one spot and then spend the next 30 minutes working on your own movement. You might be practicing your forehand and backhand, working on footwork, or trying to get more consistent with a particular shot.
The Partner Lite still lets you do all of that. The difference is that the machine stays put, so you are responsible for doing the moving around the court.
You Still Get the Same Core Training Features
One thing that stood out to me when I trained with the Partner Lite is that “Lite” doesn’t mean you’re getting a completely different ball machine.
You still have the same drills, power, spin capabilities, and AI features as the Partner V2.
That’s important because, as a coach, I’m much more interested in what a player can actually do with the machine than whether the machine has every possible feature.
Can you work on your forehand? Yes.
Can you work on your backhand? Yes.
Can you create challenging drills and work on your movement? Yes.
Can you get quality repetitions without needing someone else to hit with you? Absolutely.
For me, those are the things that matter.
One of the Biggest Benefits of a Tennis Ball Machine
I think one of the biggest benefits of having a tennis ball machine in general is simply having the ability to practice whenever you want.
We’ve all had those days when you want to hit, but nobody else is available. Maybe your regular hitting partner is busy, or you only have a short window of time to get on the court.
A ball machine takes that problem away since you can show up, set it up, and get to work.
That extra practice can be especially helpful for players who are trying to improve a specific part of their game. If your backhand needs more work, you can spend an entire session on it. If you need to improve your footwork, you can focus on moving and recovering between shots.
You’re not relying on whatever happens during a normal hitting session.
Who I Think the Partner Lite Is For
I think the Partner Lite is a great option for players who want a serious training tool but don’t necessarily need a mobile ball machine.
It could make a lot of sense for junior players who want extra practice outside of lessons, recreational players who want to become more consistent, or competitive players who want more repetitions during the week.
It’s also a good fit for beginners who want to build consistency through repetition.
If you already know that you want a stationary setup, I think the Partner Lite is especially worth considering.
Partner Lite vs. Partner V2
Since I use the Partner V2 myself and had the chance to train with the Partner Lite before its launch, I think the easiest way to compare the two is to focus on mobility.
Partner V2: Same drills, power, spin capabilities, and AI features, plus the ability to move around the court.
Partner Lite: Same drills, power, spin capabilities, and AI features, but in a stationary design.
So if a moving ball machine matters to you, the Partner V2 is the way to go.
If you’re happy with a stationary setup, the Partner Lite gives you many of the same core training capabilities without the machine movement.
My Take on the New Partner Lite
After actually getting to hit with the Partner Lite before it went live, I think Tennibot made a smart addition to the lineup.
Having used the Partner V2, I know how useful these machines can be for getting extra repetitions and making your practice time more productive. The Partner Lite gives players another way to get those benefits without needing the machine to move.
And honestly, I think that’s exactly what some players are looking for.
You don’t always need your training partner to move. Sometimes you just need it to give you a good ball, let you work on your game, and keep the repetitions coming.
That’s what makes the new Tennibot Partner Lite worth taking a look at.
Disclosure: This is an independent review and is not sponsored by Tennibot. The author was given access to test the Partner Lite prior to its public launch but was not compensated by Tennibot for this review. The opinions expressed are the author’s own.