XuShaoFa

Ball Return and Ball Capacity

The tray clips onto the edge of the table, and the complete unit including the net comes on and off as one - which means there is no reassembly each time it is to be used. Balls are returned from the tray into the head, which has (apparently) 4 motors to allow for no-spin balls. Included with the robot were approximately 80 balls of approximately 2 star quality - more than good enough, and yet another saving...

In the case of a jam (very infrequent), the motor shuts down, and the sequence continues from where it left off once the blockage is cleared.

Mobility

Installing the robot is a matter of taking it from its storage place - it is always connected electrically - and clipping it on the table.

The net ends are then slid over the stands, which stay permanently attached to the table (they are out of the way in normal play), and all is ready…

Maintenance

No problems as yet… as stated previously, seems to be a very sturdy unit - the controller looks like surplus army issue!

Noise

Relatively quiet - there is a fairly low-pitched whine, which is barely noticeable (well, not if you are married, anyway)…

Heads/Motors

Supposedly it has 4 motors (not sure where I read this) - all I can say, is that it produces a no spin ball that is very difficult to handle...

Feeder Height and Placement

This is where the Amicus 3000 probably has the edge - as the XuShaoFa clips on the table, and is not freestanding, you cannot have it in any other position other than that shown in the photographs (unless it was propped up on a small table, in which case the net and ball return wouldn't work).

The robot height is also fixed.

Sidespin

The sidespin is set automatically by the routine chosen. The head is not adjusted for sidespin (which Butterfly is). At very high speed settings, the amount of sidespin can vary slightly - but I guess this is to be expected. I don't believe that we have many loopers locally who can loop at 50m/sec (the maximum speed setting), and vary the amount of sidespin…

Conclusion

I'm very impressed - although I felt a bit nervous about ordering it over the internet, all arrived fine in a few weeks from order, and it has certainly helped certain aspects of my game - particularly those where I am experimenting with new shots due to new rubbers, and I need high repetitions of exactly the same speed and spin.

The price is the cherry on the top...