You show up with good intentions: a full basket, a fresh can of balls, maybe even a new drill you saved from YouTube.

Twenty minutes later, you are doing the least glamorous part of tennis. You are chasing balls that have drifted to the fence, wedged into corners, and somehow always end up exactly where your hopper works the worst.

If you use a ball machine regularly, your “hopper” is not just storage. It is the missing link in your training loop:

Hit → balls scatter → collect fast → reload cleanly → hit again.

This guide is built around that loop. You will get:

• A practical buying checklist for ball machine users
• A fair comparison of the major categories, including Kollectaball, Tomohopper, classic baskets (Tourna/Gamma style), ball mowers, and robot collectors
• Clear “best for” picks depending on how you train
• A smart upgrade path if you plan to practice a lot in 2026

What matters most when you use a ball machine

Most “best hopper” lists obsess over capacity. Capacity matters, but ball machine users usually care more about these five things:

1) Reload speed (real-world cycle time)

It is not “how many balls it holds.” It is “how quickly you can collect 60–120 balls and get them back into the machine without breaking rhythm.”

2) Fence and corner performance

A lot of collectors are great in open court and frustrating at the fence line. If you practice hard, you will spend a disproportionate amount of time on the last 15 balls.

3) Unloading into a ball machine

This is the most overlooked feature. Some systems spill. Some require awkward shaking. Some dump too fast. A few are designed specifically to dispense neatly into a machine.

4) Ergonomics

If you reload a ball machine multiple times a week, bending becomes a training limiter, not a minor inconvenience.

5) Court compatibility and durability

Wheels, wire cages, and pickup mechanisms all behave differently on hard court vs clay vs indoor surfaces. Durability matters because ball machine reps are repetitive and unforgiving.

The main categories (and why they feel different)

Category A: Classic hoppers and baskets (Tourna/Gamma style)

These are the familiar wire baskets and plastic “ballport” style baskets.

Example: Tourna Ballport 80 (plastic basket) holds 80 balls and uses sliding bars to keep balls from spilling.
Example: Tourna Ballport Classic style baskets commonly come in 70-ball versions.

What they do well

• Affordable
• Simple
• Widely available
• Decent capacity for the price

What frustrates ball machine users

• You still bend a lot
• Fence and corner pickup is slow
• Unloading into a ball machine can be clumsy (it is not the core design goal)

Category B: Rolling “ball mower” style collectors (Tomohopper and similar)

These are wheeled collectors with wide arms that sweep balls up quickly.

Example: Tomohopper is marketed as a portable rolling ball mower and commonly listed with a 90-ball basket, with extra baskets available, and arms spreading about 42 inches.
Example: Vermont Tennis Ball Collector Mower lists a 120-ball capacity basket.
Example: Playmate Ball Mower is positioned for fast pickup and notes fold-in arms for getting through gates and tight areas, and it is marketed for use on clay courts.

What they do well

• Very fast in open court
• Great for coaches feeding lots of balls
• Higher capacity options

What frustrates ball machine users

• Can be bulky if you are solo and travel light
• “Tight to fence” pickup varies by design and technique
• Unloading into a ball machine can still take some finesse depending on how the basket dumps

Category C: Kollectaball systems (K-Court / CS60 / K-Hopper)

Kollectaball sits in its own lane: a rolling collector that uses wire “openers” and a dispensing mechanism.

Examples and common claims you will see:

• K-Court is commonly described as holding up to 60 tennis balls, and using a V-Opener for dispensing into a hopper/cart/ball machine.
• K-Hopper (V2) is described as collecting up to 60 tennis balls, then flipping into a feeder, with adjustable feeding heights listed around 35–42 inches.
• CS60 is described by retailers as collecting 60 tennis balls and emptying quickly into storage or a ball machine.

What they do well

• Faster than classic baskets with less bending
• Designed with dispensing in mind, which helps ball machine workflows
• Portable compared to large mowers

What to watch

• Some players find certain edge cases (balls pinned tight to fence/corners) still require manual help depending on court layout and how you approach the fence line
• Like any mechanism, technique matters. If you use it incorrectly, performance drops fast

Category D: Robotic ball collectors (the “ball mower of the future”)

If your goal is “I want to hit and never pick up,” robots are the endgame.

Example: Tennibot Tennis Ball Retrieval System is listed by retailers with specs like 80-ball capacity, around 25 lb, and autonomous collection using computer vision/AI (plus battery/charge details).

What they do well

• Minimal manual pickup
• Strong “time saver” if you do high-volume sessions

What to watch

• Price is in a different universe than manual collectors
• You are now maintaining a robot (battery, sensors, storage, support)

Comparison table (focused on ball machine users)

This table is deliberately practical. It is not “who has the most features.” It is “who keeps your ball machine session flowing.”

Best picks by situation (so you do not overbuy)

If you are on a tight budget and use a ball machine occasionally

A classic basket is fine. A Tourna Ballport-style basket in the 70–80 ball range is a common “good enough” starting point.
Just accept that your reload pace will be the bottleneck.

If you run big drills, coach, or feed a lot of balls

A rolling ball mower format like Tomohopper (90-ball basket, wide arms) can be a massive time saver in open court pickup.
If you are on clay courts, products like the Playmate Ball Mower explicitly position themselves for that surface.

If you want fast collection plus easier dispensing into a machine

This is where Kollectaball tends to stand out. The K-Court is widely described as holding around 60 tennis balls and having a V-Opener designed to dispense into a hopper/cart/ball machine.
If you also like the idea of a built-in feeder height system, the K-Hopper is marketed as collector + feeder with adjustable height.

If your dream is “hit balls while something else cleans up”

Robots like Tennibot exist for a reason. They are a different investment category, but they are the closest thing to eliminating the pickup loop entirely.

Where FLIPP fits (and why ball machine users care)

Here is the honest issue with most solutions, even good ones:

The last few balls take the longest.

That last cluster near the fence. The ones in the corner. The ones trapped where your collector cannot get the angle it wants.

FLIPP by NKORT was built around that exact pain point. Its spring-loaded pickup mechanism is designed to excel in hard-to-get areas like fence lines and corners, and it can grab multiple balls in one motion. It is also designed to unload in a clean, controlled way into a ball machine, so you spend less time “managing the dump” and more time training.

If your sessions are built around repetition, FLIPP is aiming to be the fastest manual link in the “collect and reload” loop, not just another way to hold balls.

A quick buying checklist (print this mentally before you buy)

When you are comparing options, ask yourself:

• How many reload cycles do you do per session?
• Do you regularly end up with balls pinned near the fence?
• Do you need to unload directly into a ball machine hopper without spilling?
• Do you practice alone (portability matters more) or coach groups (capacity matters more)?
• What surface do you play on most (hard, clay, indoor)?

If you can answer those honestly, the “best” hopper usually becomes obvious.

Final thoughts (and a simple rule)

Ball machine practice is supposed to feel like flow. When ball pickup becomes the dominant activity, you are paying time and energy for something that is not improving your strokes.

A classic basket gets you started.
A mower-style collector speeds up open-court cleanup.
Kollectaball-style systems prioritize faster pickup and cleaner dispensing.
Robots remove the problem at a premium.
FLIPP is designed to win the specific moments that ruin ball machine rhythm: tight spots, fast multi-ball pickup, and clean unloading.

If you want your ball machine sessions to feel smoother in 2026, and you are ready to upgrade the part of training everyone hates, pre-order FLIPP by NKORT here.

Spending time picking up balls is one of the least enjoyable parts of training in tennis, pickleball, or padel. Over the years, several tools have tried to solve this problem, each with a slightly different approach. Two notable options today are Kollectaball, a long-standing wire-style ball collector, and FLIPP, a newer all-in-one ball picker and hopper.

Both aim to reduce bending, save time, and make practice sessions more efficient. They do this in different ways, and the right choice depends on how and where you train.

How Kollectaball Works

Kollectaball uses a flexible wire cage that rolls over balls on the court. As you push it forward or backward, the wires separate just enough to allow balls to pop inside. Once collected, the balls remain inside the cage until they are released, typically into a hopper or ball cart using a separate dispenser or stand.

This design has been around for years and is widely used by coaches and players who want a fast way to sweep balls off the court without bending over. Kollectaball works on multiple surfaces, including hard courts, clay, and grass, and supports tennis, pickleball, and padel balls.

One limitation often mentioned by users is performance near fences, corners, and tight edges of the court. Balls pressed against a fence or wedged into corners can be difficult for the wire cage to grab cleanly. Unloading can also take some getting used to, with some players finding it slightly awkward or finicky when transferring balls into a hopper or machine.

Another common complaint is that, when the wire cage gets full, it gets harder to roll and tends to push balls away or lose some balls.

Biggest complaint is that it gets heavy around 30-40 balls and if you move too fast you’ll start losing some… — Cailean24, Reviewer at Tennis Warehouse.

How FLIPP Works

FLIPP takes a different approach by combining ball pickup and ball storage into a single unit. Instead of collecting balls and then transferring them elsewhere, FLIPP allows players to pick up balls and immediately store them inside an integrated hopper.

A key difference is FLIPP’s spring-loaded pickup mechanism. This design excels at collecting balls from hard-to-reach areas such as fences, corners, and court edges, where traditional wire collectors can struggle. It can also grab multiple balls at once more easily, reducing the number of passes needed during cleanup.

FLIPP is designed to support larger training sessions, holding significantly more balls than most standalone collectors. Unloading is straightforward and well suited for feeding balls directly into a ball machine, which many players find faster and easier compared to wire-based systems. The unit is foldable, lightweight, and intended to move seamlessly from collection to transport without additional equipment.

Unlike Kollectaball, FLIPP has no trouble collecting balls even at running speed, thanks to its patent-pending ball intake mechanism. In some tests, users have demonstrated picking up a whopping 80 balls in just over two seconds, making FLIPP one of the fastest, if not the fastest, ball collectors on the market. (Check how FLIPP stacks against other ball pickers → HERE)

Feature Comparison

Day-to-Day Use Differences

Kollectaball excels at quick, open-court pickups. It is effective for clearing a court after drills or casual play, especially when paired with an existing ball cart. Many users appreciate its durability and proven design.

However, collecting balls near fences or corners often requires extra effort, and large pickups usually involve stopping to unload into another container. For high-volume or solo training sessions, this can interrupt the flow.

FLIPP is built around reducing those interruptions. Its spring-loaded pickup makes it easier to collect balls from difficult areas, and its higher capacity means fewer unloads overall. Because the hopper is built in, balls can be transported and unloaded directly into a ball machine or court-side container with minimal handling.

Things to Consider Before Choosing

• Kollectaball is a proven, widely used solution with a long history in racket sports.
• It performs best in open areas of the court and when paired with other storage equipment.
• Some users find unloading less intuitive at first.
• FLIPP offers higher capacity and better performance in tight or awkward areas.
• FLIPP simplifies unloading, especially for ball-machine users.
• If you prefer an all-in-one solution with fewer steps, FLIPP is designed specifically for that role.

Final Thoughts

Kollectaball remains a reliable and effective tool for players and coaches who want a straightforward way to pick up balls quickly and already rely on separate hoppers or carts. It does its job well and has earned its reputation over time.

FLIPP represents a more integrated and modern approach. By combining pickup and storage, improving performance near fences and corners, and simplifying unloading, it aims to remove friction from practice sessions. For players, coaches, and clubs who value efficiency, capacity, and ease of use in a single product, FLIPP offers a compelling alternative.

If you’re looking to streamline your practice routine and spend more time playing instead of picking up balls, FLIPP is currently available for pre-order.

If you’ve ever spent a sweaty afternoon chasing tennis or pickleball after every shot, you know the drill: those large ball-mowers are supposed to save the day, but most of them feel like overkill, bulky beasts that eat up your garage space and your wallet. Enter FLIPP by NKORT, a clever portable ball-mower that’s shaking things up for solo players, coaches, and anyone who hates interruptions in their groove. Here is FLIPP how it stacks up against those big, club-style ball mowers you see rumbling around pro facilities. Let’s break it down.

First off, capacity. Those massive mowers at tennis clubs? They’re built like tanks, hauling 200 to 300 balls in one go. Sounds impressive, right? But here’s the rub: more balls often means longer hauls back to the court, killing your momentum during practice. With FLIPP, you’re looking at 80 tennis balls or 60 pickleballs, enough for a solid 5-6 minute rally of groundstrokes or serves without stopping. For one-on-one lessons or solo drills, that’s gold. You hit 80 reps in a row, scoop ’em up quick, and dive right back in.

Portability is where the FLIPP really shines. Those club mowers? They are designed for permanent setup on sprawling courts, not your driveway or local park. FLIPP, on the other hand, is a lightweight champ at under 10 pounds, folds down, and slips into your trunk like it’s no big deal. Grab it for a quick session at the club, then stash it away. No more wrestling with equipment that feels like it’s plotting against you.

The hero: FLIPP by NKORT

FLIPP is a dual-purpose ball picker + hopper. On the site:

• It collects up to 80 tennis balls (or ~60 pickleballs) with one sweep.
• It converts quickly from “picker” mode to “hopper” mode via a simple handle flip.
• It’s lightweight, foldable, designed for portability and easy storage.
• It works with tennis, pickleball and padel balls (multi-sport).
• It’s integrated spring-loaded forks help collect balls from the edges of the court.

Given that, at a pre-order price of around USD $299, FLIPP offers a compelling package for a lot of use cases.

The “big hitters”: Large ball-mowers

In contrast, large capacity machines (often used by clubs) go for 200-300 ball capacity or more, and cost significantly more. For example:

• The MultiMower by OnCourt OffCourt: capacity ~300 balls; list price around US $499-599 in one listing. OnCourt OffCourt
• A “120 ball capacity” collector from Vermont Sports lists at USD $399.99 for 120 balls. Vermont Sports

These machines certainly have their place: if you run large group clinics or have multiple courts going simultaneously, the ability to pick up and hold hundreds of balls means less frequent stops for collection.

Comparison table

Why “less capacity” might actually be a feature

• Drill rhythm matters: If you’re doing a block of 80 ground strokes or serves, you’re hitting hard, you want minimal interruption. Collecting 80 balls gives you ~5-6 minutes of play. Once you finish, you stop, refill, and go again. That’s a natural rhythm for solo practice.
• Time spent collecting is overhead: If you choose a 300-ball machine, sure you can collect more balls in one go but that also means more time walking/running to gather them, maybe more breakdown time, more storage. For solo use, often you don’t need 300 at once.
• Mobility counts: FLIPP’s portability means you can move it easily between courts, take it to tournaments, hit off-site, load it into your car. A large mower may stay fixed in the club equipment room.
• Multi-sport flexibility: With pickleball booming, having a device that works both for tennis and pickleball means better long-term flexibility.
• Cost-effectiveness: If you’re buying yourself or your small coaching business, the lower investment is easier to justify—especially if you don’t need the full capacity of a large machine.
• Storage & space: FLIPP fits in all car trunks (even small sedan trunks) and inside your closet for the off season. Try to lift and fit one of those mega mowers into your trunk!

When you might still pick a large machine

There are scenarios where the larger machines make perfect sense:

• If you’re running group clinics with many players hitting simultaneously on one court. You’ll go through hundreds of balls quickly, so capacity matters.
• If you coach multiple courts and want one device serving them all, minimizing stops.
• If you have a dedicated facility with staff, space, and heavy duty usage.
• If the cost is justified as part of your business equipment budget, and you don’t care about portability.

Final recommendation & call to action

If you are a player who practices by yourself, or a coach who works largely one-on-one (or with small groups), FLIPP by NKORT hits the sweet spot: simple, portable, multi-sport, and perfectly sized for a full high-volume drill without being overkill. The fact that you’ll often only need 80 balls in a set means you stay focused on hitting rather than chasing. At about USD $299 pre-order, it’s a smart investment.

If this sounds like your use case, go ahead and pre-order FLIPP at NKORT.com/PreOrder and get your practice sessions flowing rather than stopping for ball pickup.

If you’re a tennis player, coach, or enthusiast tired of bending over to pick up balls after a long practice session, a good ball picker hopper can be a game-changer. In this post, we’ll dive deep into a head-to-head comparison between two popular options: the FLIPP All-In-One Ball Picker/Hopper by NKORT and the Titan Rolling Tennis Ball Collector by Titan Ball Machines. We’ll break it down by key features like design, speed, versatility, and more to help you decide which one suits your needs best. This comparison is based on recent reviews, product specs, and user feedback.

Overview

The FLIPP All-In-One Ball Picker/Hopper by NKORT is a dual-purpose device that functions as both a rolling ball collector and a convertible hopper, designed for tennis, pickleball, and padel players. It emphasizes speed, portability, and versatility for individual or coaching use. The Titan Rolling Tennis Ball Collector (also compatible with pickleball in its updated version) is a bulkier, rolling collector from Titan Ball Machines, optimized for easy pickup and integration with their ball machines. It focuses on simplicity, portability, and can be converted into a waist-height basket for coaching, making it a strong contender for those seeking an efficient gathering tool.

Design and Functionality

• FLIPP: Features a patent-pending design with a flip-and-lock handle that converts from a rolling picker (using spring-loaded forks for wide sweeps) to a stable hopper stand in seconds. It includes built-in cup holders and folds in half for storage. The picker mode rolls over balls to collect them without bending, and hopper mode elevates balls to waist height for easy feeding during drills. This seamless conversion makes it ideal for full practice cycles without needing additional equipment.
• Titan: Uses a molded plastic structure with a telescopic handle and removable arms that spread 42 inches for efficient gathering at the net and fence. Balls are channeled into a collection chute, where the turning of the wheels (no motor required) pushes them up into the hopper. Once collected, lift out the hopper basket to pour balls back into a machine or attach it to the handle for a convenient waist-height basket, great for coaching sessions. It assembles in about a minute by releasing the handle and attaching the arms.
• Key Difference: Both offer hopper functionality, but FLIPP’s quick flip-and-lock conversion is more integrated and standalone, while Titan’s main design advantage is the wider sweep area thanks to its longer removable ball-catching arms.

Capacity

• FLIPP: Holds up to 80 tennis balls or 60 pickleballs, allowing for extended sessions without frequent emptying. The integrated hopper ensures balls are readily accessible.
• Titan: Heavy-duty basket holds up to 90 tennis balls, slightly higher than FLIPP. It’s designed for quick dumping or attachment as a basket, though not primarily a long-term storage hopper.
• Key Difference: Titan has a marginal edge in capacity for larger collections, but FLIPP’s dual-purpose design adds more practical utility for ongoing use during practice.

Speed

• FLIPP: Claims to be up to 5x faster than traditional rollers or baskets. In tests, it collects 80 balls (or 60 pickleballs) and excels are retrieving balls stuck near corner of edges thanks to it’s integrated spring-loaded pickup forks.
• Titan: Gathers up to 90 balls “in a few minutes,” with user reports indicating quick casual pickups. The 42-inch arm spread helps in efficient gathering, but it may require more maneuvering in corners or if balls jam, similar to other rollers that take around 2-3 minutes for 80 balls including unloading.
• Key Difference: FLIPP demonstrates superior speed for rapid, high-volume collection, ideal for time-sensitive sessions, while Titan is reliable for steady, effortless gathering without precise timing claims.

Versatility

• FLIPP: Compatible with all tennis ball types (pressureless, junior/transition, red/orange/green dot), pickleballs, and padel balls. Its dual-mode design supports solo play, coaching, or group drills on various court surfaces, handling softer balls without issues.
• Titan: Primarily for standard tennis balls, with a dedicated pickleball model available (on backorder). It’s versatile for quick pickups on all court surfaces with non-marking wheels and integrates well with Titan ball machines. The waist-height basket attachment adds coaching utility, but it lacks broader multi-sport features.
• Key Difference: FLIPP offers wider compatibility across ball types and sports with seamless modes, making it more adaptable for diverse users, whereas Titan is specialized for tennis/pickleball and machine ecosystems.

Ease of Use

• FLIPP: No bending required; ergonomic rolling with forks that snap back for storage. The intuitive conversion and extras like cup holders make long sessions effortless, even for full capacity.
• Titan: Also uses a simple rolling action to collect balls. However, it requires assembly before using as the pick-up arms need to be manually attached individually before each use.
• Key Difference: Both are user-friendly and eliminate bending, but FLIPP doesn’t need any assembly before using and it’s easier to convert into a hopper by quickly flipping the handle versus having to detach and reattach the basket to convert it into the hopper mode.

Portability and Storage

• FLIPP: Lightweight (< 9 lbs), folds compactly to fit in small car trunks, closets, or even strap to a bike. Perfect for coaches on the move between courts.
• Titan: Weighs 22.35 lbs (11.5 kg) and folds to 32″ x 18″ x 19″. Much heavier. Designed to nests inside Titan ball machine hoppers for integrated storage.
• Key Difference: FLIPP is significantly lighter and more portable for standalone use, while Titan’s it’s more than double the weight making it much harder to carry.

Durability

• FLIPP: Built with premium materials, refined over two years to handle daily rigors without wear or jamming. Positive coach feedback highlights its robustness, backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
• Titan: Constructed from non-rust molded plastic with minimal mechanical and metal parts for low maintenance. Rugged non-marking wheels suit all surfaces, and user reviews praise its build quality, though some note potential wire wear in heavy use. Comes with an 18-month warranty.
• Key Difference: Titan offers a longer warranty and mechanical simplicity for durability, while FLIPP emphasizes premium materials and fewer reported issues in standalone scenarios.

Price

• FLIPP: Currently available for pre-order on Kickstarter with early bird discounts starting around $115 USD for backers; retail price expected around $200–$300 USD.
• Titan: $449 USD, with free shipping in some regions. Tennis model available now; pickleball model on backorder.
• Key Difference: FLIPP is more affordable, especially for early adopters, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers, while Titan’s higher price reflects its robust features, warranty, and machine integration.

User Feedback

• FLIPP: Highly rated with ★★★★★ from coaches like Edwin Chang and Wayne Elderton, praised for speed, portability, and efficiency. Users call it a “game-changer” compared to traditional baskets or rollers, with minimal complaints in reviews.
• Titan: Limited reviews available (1 on the official site), but positive feedback from users and coaches noting it’s “very good, easy to use,” and impressive in build. Forum discussions highlight its fun operation and integration, though some wish for anti-jam improvements. Overall, it’s well-regarded for casual and coaching use.
• Key Difference: FLIPP receives stronger, more widespread professional endorsements for versatility and speed, while Titan’s feedback focuses on ease and reliability, with fewer but positive comments.

Comparison Table

Final Thoughts

In summary, the FLIPP stands out for its superior speed, versatility, and affordability, making it an excellent all-around choice for players and coaches needing a seamless picker-hopper combo. The Titan excels in capacity and integration with ball machines, with a longer warranty coming at more than double the cost. Ultimately, choose FLIPP for budget-friendly, speed, and multi-sport flexibility or Titan for robust, machine-compatible collection. Check out the official sites for the latest: NKORT.com and Titan Ball Machines.

What do you think? Have you tried either of these? Share your experiences in the comments below!

What an incredible start. In just one day, our FLIPP our new All-In-One Ball Picker & Hopper Kickstarter campaign has been fully funded, with over 900 backers pledging more than $100,000 USD. We are beyond grateful for this outpouring of support.

This milestone is the result of nearly three years of work, countless prototypes, and endless testing on the courts. From the beginning, our goal was clear: create the best possible ball picker and hopper for tennis, pickleball, and padel. We’ve refined every detail so players and coaches can spend less time chasing balls and more time enjoying the game.

Your backing means that vision is about to become reality. With these funds, we’ll move into production and get FLIPP into the hands of thousands of players and coaches around the world. We can’t wait to see the difference it makes in helping people focus on playing, improving, and loving the sport instead of wasting time collecting balls.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, shared, and believed in this project. You’ve helped us achieve this dream in record time, and this is only the beginning.

If you haven’t joined yet, there’s still time to back the campaign and be among the first to get FLIPP. Visit NKORT.COM/KICKSTARTER and help us bring more play to every court.

In the fast-paced world of tennis, pickleball, and padel, every second on the court counts. But for decades, players have been bogged down by one unavoidable drag: ball collection. Picture this—after an intense drill or a heated rally, you’re left hunched over, painstakingly picking up scattered balls with outdated tools like flimsy tubes or baskets. Or worse, wrestling with bulky ball mowers that feel more like farm equipment than sports gear. It’s slow, it’s tedious, and it’s stealing precious time from what you love most: actually playing the game.

Enter FLIPP by NKORT®—the ultimate game-changer that’s flipping the script on ball pickup forever. This isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s the single biggest leap in ball collection technology since these sports were invented. Finally, there’s a solution that combines speed, convenience, and fun into one portable powerhouse, transforming a dreaded chore into an effortless part of your routine.

The Pain of the Past: Why Traditional Tools Fall Short

Let’s be real: traditional ball collection methods have been holding us back for far too long. Those old-school hoppers require you to bend down repeatedly, straining your back and wasting minutes between sets. Ball mowers? Sure, they work on large courts, but they’re heavy, cumbersome, and impractical for everyday players. For pickleball enthusiasts or padel pros, the options are even slimmer—often resorting to manual scooping that kills the momentum of practice sessions.

This inefficiency isn’t just annoying; it’s a barrier to improvement. Coaches know that downtime disrupts flow, casual players get frustrated and quit early, and even pros lose valuable reps. We’ve all been there, sweating under the sun, wishing for a better way. Well, wish no more—FLIPP is here to end the era of slow, bulky tools once and for all.

Enter FLIPP: Speed, Portability, and Pure Innovation

What makes FLIPP so revolutionary? It’s designed with the modern player in mind, packing features that address every pain point head-on. At its core, FLIPP speeds up ball collection dramatically—simply roll it over the balls, and watch them snap into place with satisfying efficiency. No bending, no fuss, just seamless pickup that lets you clear the court in a fraction of the time.

But FLIPP doesn’t stop at collection. It doubles as a versatile hopper, holding up to 80 tennis balls or 60 pickleballs, and converts from picker to stand-up mode with a simple flip. Weighing under 9 pounds and fully foldable, it’s incredibly portable—toss it in your trunk without a second thought. Compact yet durable, it thrives on any surface: clay, hard courts, turf, you name it. And the best part? It’s easy and downright fun to use. Gliding around the court feels like a breeze, turning what was once drudgery into an engaging activity that keeps the energy high.

This epic innovation isn’t just about convenience—it’s about unlocking your full potential. With FLIPP, you spend less time picking up and more time playing, drilling, and improving. Imagine tighter practice sessions, faster skill gains, and pure enjoyment without the interruptions. It’s a tool that empowers everyone, from weekend warriors to elite athletes, to play more and waste less time.

The Future of Courts Worldwide: FLIPP Everywhere

The ripple effects of FLIPP are massive. Soon, every tennis, pickleball, and padel court around the globe—from bustling clubs to backyard setups—will have one. Why? Because it’s not hype; it’s a practical evolution that boosts efficiency, reduces fatigue, and elevates the entire experience. Players will improve faster, coaches will run smoother programs, and the sports we love will become even more accessible and exciting.

In a world where time is everything, FLIPP by NKORT® is the breakthrough we’ve all been waiting for. It’s more than a tool—it’s a catalyst for better, more joyful play.

Ready to flip your game? Head over to NKORT.com to learn more and get your FLIPP today!

When we set out to introduce FLIPP, our new tennis and pickleball picker and hopper, we wanted the first reactions to be as authentic as possible. No scripts, no coaching, no preconceptions.

That’s why we reached out to Darin Tau, who has been running the Vancouver Tennis Club Meetup for the past 20 years. Darin is a well-known figure in the local tennis community, bringing players together and keeping the game thriving.

The first time Darin ever saw FLIPP was when he walked onto the courts at the Burnaby Tennis Club. We had never met in person before, and he had no prior knowledge of FLIPP. He agreed to let us record his impressions in real time, as he tested the product for the very first time.

The result is this video: a genuine, unscripted reaction from someone who knows tennis inside and out. You’ll see Darin explore FLIPP’s design, test how it works, and share his thoughts as he goes.

This is what we hoped for—an honest first impression from a trusted voice in the tennis community.

Watch the video here and see what Darin had to say about FLIPP by NKORT.

Introduction by Miguel, Founder of NKORT

Hello, I am Miguel from NKORT, the creator of FLIPP, the only tennis ball picker and hopper that also works for pickleball. The same design serves both sports—how cool is that? As we gear up for launch, I’ll answer the top questions I’ve been receiving.

When Are You Launching?

LAUNCH DATE IS SET TO SEP 16th, 2025

You back our Kickstarter campaign → HERE.

We plan to launch as soon as possible, depending on building a waitlist large enough to ensure our Kickstarter project funds within the first 24 hours. Rapid funding boosts the project’s visibility on Kickstarter’s main page, attracting more backers and potentially raising more money. We aim to raise $100,000 to $150,000 to cover industrial design, manufacturing, and shipping costs. While we could set a lower goal to guarantee funding, our target ensures most production costs are covered.

Why Are You Launching on Kickstarter?

Kickstarter, along with platforms like Indiegogo, allows entrepreneurs and companies to validate new products and raise funds for manufacturing. I’ve created a working prototype of FLIPP that people love, but it’s the only unit in existence. To produce more, I need to invest in industrial design to refine its appearance, select durable materials, and ensure proper engineering. This involves hiring firms for design and engineering, finding suppliers for a minimum order of 500 to 1,000 units, and managing manufacturing, quality assurance, and shipping from overseas to a U.S. warehouse. Kickstarter validates demand by allowing interested buyers to fund the project before production, unlike traditional investor funding, which doesn’t confirm market interest.

Why Are You Charging $1 for VIP Reservation?

To launch a successful Kickstarter campaign, we need to gauge buying intent beyond general interest from email sign-ups. Charging a $1 VIP reservation fee identifies those genuinely interested in purchasing FLIPP. VIP members secure the product at the best price—currently set at $99 instead of the $159 retail price, saving $59. This price may adjust based on final manufacturing costs, but the VIP deal ensures significant savings.

When Will You Deliver the First Units?

Once the Kickstarter campaign funds, production involves several steps: industrial design, supplier selection, manufacturing 500 to 1,000 units, testing, packaging, and shipping. This process typically takes six to ten months. Ideally, we’ll deliver units before next summer, in time for tennis, pickleball, or paddle court seasons.

How Much Will It Cost?

The target retail price is $159, though this may vary depending on manufacturing costs and market factors. FLIPP offers great value, as it’s the only product I know that picks up both tennis and pickleballs efficiently. For example, if you’re paying $60 for a tennis class and spend 30% of it picking up balls, that’s $20 wasted per session. FLIPP can cut that time by 50%, saving money and effort, especially for those with ball machines or back issues who value time and comfort.

Does It Work for Pickleball?

Yes, FLIPP works for pickleball. Initially designed for tennis balls, which are smaller and easier to squeeze, I modified the mechanism after requests from the pickleball community. The adjusted design now picks up tennis balls, pickleballs, baseballs, and even pop cans—anything with a diameter between 2.5 and 3 inches, spherical or cylindrical. To my knowledge, FLIPP is the only product with a single design accommodating both ball types.

Is It Going to Look Like This?

This is a prototype, built with off-the-shelf components in my Vancouver, Canada workshop after seven iterations. Previous versions ranged from a simple crate with holes to a modified European stroller, but they were bulky or costly. The final product, designed by a skilled Italian industrial design firm, will look polished and manufacturable while retaining the same functionality and capacity (80 tennis balls or 60 pickleballs). It will convert from a picker to a hopper and fold for easy transport. I’ll share design concepts as they become available.

Will It Work on Clay or Har-Tru Courts?

FLIPP works on clay courts and should perform well on Har-Tru, though I haven’t tested it on the latter due to limited access in British Columbia. It functions on hard courts, clay, and paddle courts with synthetic carpet-like surfaces. The only limitation is court bumps larger than half an inch (12 mm), which could interfere, but such surfaces are generally unsuitable for play. Grass courts with short blades should also be compatible, though untested.

How Many Balls Can It Hold?

FLIPP holds 80 tennis balls or 60 pickleballs. Pickleballs, being larger, take up more volume, reducing capacity. I kept the size manageable for easy carrying—fully loaded with 80 tennis balls, it weighs about 10 to 15 pounds (6 kg). A larger version would be harder to transport. The industrial design firm is working to make it even lighter while maintaining durability.

What Is Your Background?

I have a mechanical design degree from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, where I graduated with honors and received the mechanical design award. I’ve always loved building things, from Lego as a child to contraptions like a pole-climbing camera system for recording soccer games and a soccer-themed board game. My career spans running an animation studio for over a decade, developing apps, working in IT for a television studio, and shooting commercials and music videos. This diverse skill set, combined with my passion for hands-on projects, enabled me to build FLIPP. Originally from Bilbao in Spain’s Basque Country, I’ve lived in Canada for 27 years and speak Spanish and some Basque.

Why Did You Make This Hopper?

I created FLIPP to solve the tedious task of picking up balls during tennis practice, a problem I encountered when I started playing seriously during the pandemic. After playing soccer my whole life, I fell in love with tennis but found classes inefficient due to time spent collecting balls. Existing solutions like wire baskets, tubes, and hoppers were inadequate, so I used my mechanical design skills to create FLIPP. My goal is to see FLIPP on tennis, pickleball, and paddle courts worldwide, helping players spend more time playing and less time picking up balls.

How Does the Ball Picking Mechanism Work?

The mechanism is the “magic sauce” that makes FLIPP unique, allowing it to pick up balls of different diameters quickly—up to 60 balls in under two seconds. It’s not battery-powered, and its simple, reliable design is patent-pending. I won’t reveal the details now, but buyers will see how it works firsthand. Its speed and versatility set it apart from other tools.

How Durable Will It Be?

The prototype has picked up over 50,000 balls in two years and remains functional, despite not being as clean as it once was. It’s sturdier than typical wire baskets, which are unstable in hopper mode, and more reliable than pickup tubes or rollers. The final product, designed with professional input, will be even more durable, outlasting many existing tools.

Where Will You Ship First?

We’ll ship first to the United States, a large market with millions of tennis, pickleball, and paddle players, particularly in Florida. U.S. consumers are also familiar with crowdfunding. While anyone worldwide can back the project, initial shipments will prioritize the U.S., likely from a factory in China or Vietnam to a U.S. port.

How Much Will Shipping Cost?

Shipping costs vary by location and tariffs and are not included in the product price. Expect shipping to cost 15–20% of the product’s price (e.g., $24–$32 for a $159 retail unit). I’ll ensure transparency about shipping costs so backers know the total cost to their doorstep. Unlike Amazon Prime, free shipping isn’t feasible for this crowdfunded product.

Is It Really Much Faster?

FLIPP is three to twenty times faster than traditional methods like wire baskets, which require repetitive motions and can pick up only a few balls at a time. FLIPP’s design, with forks to grab balls from court edges and corners, excels in realistic scenarios where balls cluster. I’ve picked up 60 balls in under two seconds, and even with scattered balls, it’s significantly faster and less effort-intensive.

Is It Going to Come with a Lid?

Yes, FLIPP will include a lid to prevent balls from spilling if it topples or is stored in a trunk. The industrial design firm is incorporating this feature.

Is It Going to Be Made of the Same Materials?

The final product will likely be a plastic crate, similar to the prototype, but we’re exploring options like ballistic nylon for a lightweight, collapsible design. Regardless, it will look better, maintain or improve functionality, and remain durable.

Will the Forks Get Stuck in the Fence?

The forks can get caught if driven directly into a wire fence, but this can be avoided by steering carefully, much like driving a car within lanes. The industrial design firm is developing a fork design less likely to snag, and I’ve successfully used FLIPP near nets and court edges without issues, as shown in my videos.

Will It Be Able to Hold 200 Pounds?

FLIPP isn’t designed to hold 200 pounds—that’s an unrealistic expectation for any product. However, it will be more durable than existing tools like wire baskets or pickup tubes, withstanding normal use and outlasting flimsier alternatives.

Is It Easy to Dump into a Hopper?

Yes, FLIPP is designed to easily dump balls into a tennis ball machine or another hopper. You can fold it in half or use the handle to pour balls efficiently, making it an ideal companion for ball machines.

Will It Fit in a Sedan Trunk?

At about 18 inches high, FLIPP fits in most sedan trunks, including those with limited height like the Tesla Model 3. This ensures easy transport for most users.

Are You Planning Other Products?

NKORT is the umbrella brand for future products. If FLIPP succeeds, I plan to develop a simpler version that only picks up balls, without hopper functionality, for use with ball machines or large training carts. It would feature a telescopic handle for quick ball collection. My goal is to make NKORT a recognizable brand in racquet sports, creating tools to help players improve.

Closing

Thanks for watching! If you have more questions, comment below or email me at miguel at nkort.com. Stay tuned for the Kickstarter launch to back FLIPP and make it a reality.

Play more, suffer less!

Join the Launch Waitlist → HERE.

FLIPP by NKORT is the world’s first ball collector and hopper designed to work right out of the box with both tennis and pickleball balls—no adjustments needed.

• Tennis capacity: Holds up to 80 standard tennis balls.
• Pickleball capacity: Holds up to 60 pickleball balls.
• Fast pickup & conversion: FLIPP collects balls up to 5× faster than traditional options and converts to hopper mode in seconds.

Why It Matters

• One tool for both courts: Players, coaches, and multi-sport facilities can stop juggling different hoppers for different sports.
• Time-saving: Spend more time playing, less time bending or switching equipment.
• Compact & ready-to-go: No assembly or extra parts—just unbox and you’re court-ready.

Join the Launch Waitlist

Be among the first to own FLIPP by NKORT.

Sign up now at nkort.com/waitlist

If you train with a ball machine—whether it’s for tennis or pickleball—you already understand the power of focused, repetitive practice. But what often gets in the way? Picking up all those balls. Again. And again. And again.

That’s where FLIPP comes in.

Designed to Keep You in the Zone

FLIPP was built for serious practice sessions. It lets you pick up a full court of balls in a few quick sweeps—no bending, scooping, or fiddling with tubes or baskets. Just push and collect. The patent-pending pickup mechanism does the work for you, and the handle flips into a hopper stand when you’re ready to feed or reload your machine.

It’s compact enough to toss in your trunk, and it carries up to 80 tennis balls (or 60 pickleball balls). That means more reps, fewer interruptions.

Why It’s the Ideal Match

Here’s how FLIPP complements your ball machine:

• Speed: Pick up balls up to 5x faster than with rollers, tubes, or baskets.
• Efficiency: Easily switch between picker and hopper modes by flipping the handle.
• Portability: Fold the handle, store it anywhere, bring it to any court.
• Versatility: Works with regular balls, softer junior balls—even out-of-reach ones in the corners.

FLIPP keeps your sessions flowing and your focus sharp. Instead of wasting time on cleanup, you’ll spend it hitting your goals.

If you train with a ball machine, FLIPP’s not just helpful—it’s essential.

Join the waitlist to get updates and be first to know when we launch.