Zepp Tennis Sensor Review
A good tennis sensor can really help you improve your technique. Zepp are one of the biggest names in tennis sensor technology, with their second generation sensors particularly effective at monitoring your metrics to help you master advanced techniques and give you a significant edge over the competition. The Zepp Tennis Sensor 2 is a great tennis training aid that offers some big improvements over the original design, including the addition of a highlight camera, the ability to monitor a wider variety of performance metrics and the option to social feature applications. The Zepp Tennis 2 also charges far more quickly than its predecessor, with a significantly longer battery life so you can use it more readily. Considering investing in a tennis sensor to improve your game? Read on for our in-depth review of the Zepp Tennis 2.
What’s in the Box?
The Zepp Tennis 2 includes the compact sensor itself, along with a variety of mounts. In the box you will find a Pro Mount, Insert Mount and a Flex Mount. In addition to these mounting accessories you will also find a standard USB charging cable. You should also download the Zepp app to your smart device so you can make full use of the smart sensor technology on offer here. The app is free to download and compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Getting Started
The Zepp Tennis Sensor can be attached to your racket in various ways, with each of the three mounts providing you with a different mounting option. The Flex Mount is without doubt the easiest way to attach your sensor. This mount can be regularly reused and is suitable for use with just about any style of racket. The Pro Mount works a little differently. It can be fitted onto the butt cap of your racket via an adhesive holder. The Insert Mount is less versatile in its application. In fact, it is only suitable for use with certain tennis racket models. Most users will probably find the Insert Mount is incompatible with their preferred racket. However, it is there for future use, making this tennis sensor a good long-term investment. All of the mounting options are manufactured to a high standard and relatively easy to use.
No matter which mounting option you opt to use, you will notice that the sensor itself will protrude from the racket surface somewhat. This may bother some tennis players, but you will struggle to find a low-profile sensor on the market that clings that closely to your racket. When playing, this level of protrusion should not really distract you, nor will it affect your performance.
Dimensions
The Zepp Tennis Sensor is incredibly compact, both in overall size and weight. The sensor weighs a total of six grams, meaning it will add a barely noticeable bulk to your racket. You certainly will not have to worry about the sensor affecting your swing speeds or anything like that. The total weight of the sensor will vary slightly, depending on which mounting option you use. The Insert Mount is the lightest of three, weighing in just short of 2 grams. The Pro Mount is almost as lightweight with a total bulk of 2.3 grams. The Flex Mount is substantially heavier, with a total weight of 15 grams.
If your tennis racket proves compatible, the best mounting option on offer is obviously the Insert Mount. To fit it, you simply need to remove the butt cap from your racket and attach the mount in place. You will notice an audible click if you have fitted it securely. Once the mount has been added, you can then need to insert the sensor. A slight twist will ensure the sensor is locked firmly in place within the Flex Mount. To make your life easier, it is worth checking the manufacturer website to see if the Zepp Tennis Sensor is compatible with your current racket.
If you have a more basic tennis racket or an older design, you will probably find yourself using the Flex Mount. As with the Insert Mount, the Flex is easily fitted. The Flex Mount includes a vibrant green holder made from durable rubber which can be slipped around the racket butt. You may need to use a bit of elbow grease here to ensure a firm fit over the butt of your racket, but the stretchable rubber allows you to be quite firm in this regard. The rubber grip should remain secure in its position once properly stretched over the butt. For peace of mind, you may wish to add a secondary grip over the mount itself. One thing to remember is that you will need to specify which mount you are using in the Zepp app. If there is any inconsistency here, the performance metrics supplied will be misleading.
Internal Technology
The Zepp Tennis Sensor is robust enough to withstand everyday tennis scenarios, but you should remember that it is not entirely waterproof. It will come up with a slight drizzle and can be exposed to perspiration, but if the rain starts pouring, it is best to retire your sensor until the clouds have cleared.
Within the sensor itself is a host of cutting-edge technology. The sensor includes dual 3-axis gyroscopes, as well as dual accelerometers. The sensor also includes flash memory storage to store metrics for approximately 2,000 individual swings. This is a significant amount of storage and should provide you with plenty of useful feedback to help you improve your game. Compared to the first series of Zepp sensors, this second generation model is far more refined, allowing for far more accurate readings.
Charging Capabilities
This tennis sensor is charged via the included USB cable. The cable includes a magnetic connector, meaning you can plug it without the worry of the cable falling free and leaving you with a flat battery on the court. A full charge takes between one and two hours. If you want to ensure consistent operation, you should probably stick to a two-hour charging cycle. To connect the device for charging, all you need to do is rotate the sensor until it clicks firmly into place. A charging light is included to alert you to battery status. A blinking orange light will let you know that the sensor is charging. Once the LED turns green, you will know you have a full battery to work with. With a full charge, you can expect this sensor to perform for up to eight hours. This battery life is very impressive and rates highly when you compare it to other tennis tracker devices. You can keep an eye on battery status as you play by pressing the power button.
Zepp App
The sensor app is relatively straightforward and simple to use. A great deal of thought has gone into the design of this app, allowing you to navigate through core features quickly. You can instantly select different options by clicking on the tabs at the bottom of the app screen. Noteworthy app features include a good degree of social connectivity. The app provides you with a social feed that allows you to connect with fellow users, post comments and more besides. The app also provides you with a history tab that allows you to share your match statistics, as well as keep people updated about your daily performance metrics. Videos can also be readily be shared.
In Conclusion
This tennis sensor from Zepp will certainly appeal to the more experienced tennis enthusiast looking to connect with fellow players and share performance statistics, but it can also be effectively used by the novice. The sensor itself is easy to install and operate, while the user-friendly app provides you with quick access to very useful features.
