I've had the chance to review the Nisplay N2 tennis ball machine and I am glad to say that it's one of the best tennis launchers I've used. The Nisplay N2 is a very versatile ball launcher and in my opinion a very good value for money.
Disclaimer: I have not been paid for this review but I do get to keep N2 machine and I receive a small commission if you buy the machine using the FEELTENNIS code at checkout. (for US based customers only)
What I like about Nisplay N2 tennis ball machine is the small size, and the ability to launch balls at multiple angles. I also can adjust the top and back spin, and charge the machine with a powerbank. The remote however, can have better controls.
About Nisplay
I have not really heard of Nisplay as a maker of tennis ball machines, probably because it's a rather new company founded in 2021.
Nisplay claims to be founded by a team of 'passionate tennis players and technology innovators' who seek to revolutionize the sport.
The idea is to make tennis fun, accessible, and deeply enjoyable, no matter your playing style - solo, with a partner, or in groups.
At this point of writing, Nisplay offers several tennis ball machine models; these are:
- N1 - Compact, full-function tennis ball launcher.
- N2 - Similar to N1, with additional features like battery level indicator
- L1 - A smaller and stylish launcher, less capable than the N1 and N2.
Nisplay currently has its head office in Hong Kong, with offices in the US, China, Canada, and Australia.
About Nisplay N2 Tennis Ball Machine
Nisplay marketed the N2 as one of the world's smallest and most stylish tennis ball machines.
My first impression seems to agree with this. It is a small and compact machine; I have never seen anything as small in my years of playing and coaching tennis.
It measures 12.5" x 10.6" x 12.6". In metric, that translates into around 32 cm x 27 cm x 32 cm. It is also light, at 26 pounds, or around 12 kg.
There are pull-out handles like those on suitcases to help you move the machine around. If you need to carry them, there are also handles on the machine for your hands to hold onto.
Color-wise, you can choose from space gray, coconut white, and space red.
The Nisplay N2 Tennis Ball Machine comes packed with features, like:
- Large Ball Capacity: The ball basket opens wide and can take up to 80+ balls.
- Adjustable Launch Angle: You can launch the ball at 0° to 50°, allowing you to practice with balls at many height levels.
- Variable Feed Rate: You can set the machine to launch balls every 1 to 10 seconds, allowing you to speed up or slow down your strokes.
- Top and Bottom Motor Speed Controls: The Nisplay N2 tennis ball machine allows you to adjust the amount of top and backspin.
- Oscillator Function For Full Court Coverage: You can also get the oscillator (sold separately) to allow the machine to launch balls at various angles.
- Remote Controls: You can use the remote control to start launching balls and pause the machine.
What's In The Box?
My Nisplay N2 Tennis Ball Machine box arrived in a well-packaged box to protect the machine inside. Aside from the machine, there are a couple more things:
- External Battery: This Li-ion external battery functions like a power bank. You can charge the battery and then use it to charge the machine itself instead of having to carry the machine to a plug point.
- Cable: This 12V cable connects the external battery to the machine; it is nothing too fancy.
- Oscillator: This is an optional upgrade you can purchase with your machine. You mount your machine on top of the oscillator, which launches balls at multiple angles for you to hit.
How Good Is the Nisplay N2 Tennis Ball Machine?
I tried to simulate as many of the shots casual tennis players will practice as possible and see if the machine is up to the task:
Groundstrokes - Approved
I try to set the Nisplay N2 Tennis Ball Machine to launch balls at varying intensity and speed from across the court for groundstrokes.
I specifically placed the machine on the baseline to test the power of the launches. If the ball launches from the baseline, it will simulate the time it takes to travel to you after being hit by your opponents.
I was satisfied with the machine for this purpose. It was able to launch solid balls from behind the baseline at various intensities.
The fastest speed is 68 miles per hour (about 109 KM per hour). That's pretty fast and should be enough to challenge most recreational players.
Topspin, Backspin, No Spin - Approved
Next up, I tried out the spin features of the Nisplay N2 Tennis Ball Machine. I am sure it will be able to produce spin balls, but I'm more interested to see how much spin I can get.
The machine generates spins by adjusting the intensity of the top and bottom motor speed:
- Topspin: For topspin, simply make sure the top motor is at a higher intensity than the bottom motor. The further the intensity gap, the more topspin you will get.
- Backspin: Ensure the bottom motor operates at a higher intensity than the top motor. The bigger the gap, the more backspin you will get.
- No Spin: Ensure the top and bottom motors operate at similar speeds. The higher the speed, the faster the ball will fly.
I set up the machine to launch topspin balls at 10/10 top motor speed and 3/10 for bottom motor speed. Feel free to adjust to your preferences.
I am quite satisfied with the types of spin balls I get from the Nisplay N2 Tennis Ball Machine. The topspin balls are heavy and very well simulate actual top spin balls from proficient tennis players.
The backspin balls are also satisfying, and I enjoyed practicing returning low slice shots. The balls bounce low on my side of the court, indicating good backspins.
Volleys & Overhead Smashes - Approved
Another popular form of volley is to return high balls as smashes. For this, the tennis ball machine needs to lob balls high over the net, and you try to return the balls as overhead smashes.
Again, I had the machine just behind the baseline to simulate the usual position most tennis players use to hit balls.
I set the Nisplay N2 ball machine to launch at 8/10 for both motors and angled it 50° —the maximum height.
The balls came in high and landed almost straight down around the service line on my side of the court—a perfect location for overhead smashes. Standing around the area, I was able to practice overhead smashes comfortably.
I lowered the angle of the machine for regular volleys, and the balls launched flew over the net with the right velocity for me to practice volleys.
Serves - Approved
When it comes to practicing serves, tennis ball machines can help my launching balls to feed you as you serve.
For this, the machine usually launches a ball softly at you, bouncing and landing on your hand at just the right height.
The duration between ball launches also needs to be dialed in - you want to be able to practice serving, readjust your position, catch the ball launched to you, and serve again at a comfortable pace.
For this, I placed the Nisplay N2 machine on the sideline, slightly above the service line. I angled the machine to face me and set the top and bottom motor at 1/10. I also set the feed to 4 seconds.
The machine pushes out balls at the right angle, and the balls actually bounce right into my hands. I could serve well, catch a short breather, and then wait for the next ball to arrive.
Using Oscillator For Multi-Angled Balls - Approved
Finally, I placed the Nisplay N2 Tennis Ball Machine on the oscillator to see how well it performs.
I placed the machine about a foot from the baseline on the inside of the court. I tried to set the machine to shoot out balls that I could return as volleys close to the net.
The machine could launch balls at various angles, which required me to adjust quickly to return the ball.
Since the balls come in all sorts of angles, they actually gave me a good workout. I could also practice returning volleys while moving, which is good.
I can easily use the oscillator to have all sorts of balls launched at me to allow me to practice.
What Do I Like About the Nisplay N2 Tennis Ball Machine?
The Nisplay N2 is an impressive ball machine, I find my experience with the machine rather enjoyable. Here's a couple of things I enjoy about it:
Beautifully Designed
The machine's overall packaging is very well done. I like the aluminum finish, which gives the machine a modern, friendly look.
You also get to choose the body's color and the machine's top basket. I personally like the Space Gray model.
Portable Detachable Battery
I like this feature the most about the N2 ball machine. The detachable battery is genius and enhances my experience with the machine in two ways.
First, it allows me to not carry the entire machine to the nearest plug point just to charge it. I can keep the machine safely in my car and only take it out when needed.
I'll simply charge the detachable battery and transfer the power to the machine later. The detachable battery is small and easy to carry around, making charging more convenient.
Secondly, the detachable battery is an emergency power bank if I need to use the machine longer.
Portability & Convenience
The Nisplay N2 is marketed as one of the world's smallest tennis ball machines. It is small and lightweight.
I can easily carry the machine around or use the pull-out handle to move it like a suitcase. Its size also means you can carry it around in your car without taking up too much space.
Long Lasting Battery
I found that the machine should last about a full hour of practice, provided you start with a full charge.
In most cases, one hour of tennis practice should tire you out, so you may not need anything more in the battery department.
If you ever need more, well, there's the portable battery. Simply use it to recharge the machine and continue your practice.
Good Spin & Pace Variations
One major issue with tennis ball machines is their inability to launch balls well. Many makers simply use lower-quality launchers to save cost, but not Nisplay.
The N2 ball machine can launch balls from as far back as the baseline and deliver balls at good velocity, spin, and height. You can also adjust it to your needs.
I find it able to launch balls that I need for my practice sessions, which should mean the machine will help recreational players practice very well.
What I Don't Like About the Nisplay N2 Tennis Ball Machine?
As much as the Nisplay N2 ball machine is good, no machine is perfect. Here's a couple of issues I found with it. These are things you want to take note, to see if you can live with them:
Remote Does Not Allow Customization
The N2 ball launcher comes with a remote control. While it is convenient to have the remote, it performs a limited function.
In this case, I can only start and pause the launcher. Any other settings need to be made on the machine itself.
The N2 remote allows you to turn on and off the machine but not much more.
This means a lot of walking back and forth—setting up the machine, walking back to your side of the court to try the balls launched, adjusting again if needed, and more.
It would be nice if the remote would allow me to adjust the spin and angle of the machine.
Oscillator Lacks Controls
Similar to the machine, the oscillator lacks controls. This means I cannot adjust how fast or at what angle it moves.
Suppose I can do this on my oscillator. In that case, I can set up the machine to launch balls at even more varying angles, allowing me to practice better.
Noisy when transporting
The Nisplay N2 ball machine is NOT noisy in operation, it is in fact very quiet and will not disturb other tennis players on nearby courts.
But it is somewhat noisy when you are moving it around as the aluminum plates on top tend to clack together and make some noise. It's no big deal, just wanted to make you aware of that.
A Good Tennis Ball Machine For Recreational Players
After extensively testing the Nisplay N2 tennis ball machine, I conclude it is a worthy investment at around $1000, especially for those looking to improve the technique of their strokes.
The machine can launch balls from multiple angles at different speeds and spins. When set up correctly, it can easily simulate balls played by actual players, allowing you to play tennis with 'another player.'
No machine is perfect, however, but the Nisplay N2 ball launcher should satisfy the needs of recreational or even enthusiastic tennis players.
For more information and ordering, go to Nisplay's website and remember to use the checkout code FEELTENNIS for free shipping in the US.
