This Pace S vs Pace S Pro guide uses the specs and feature details published on PONGBOT's product pages. You'll see what both machines share, what the Pro adds, how the price gap breaks down, and which model fits your level and training style.
- Speed, spin, hopper size, battery, weight, and court coverage are the same on both.
- The Pace S Pro adds Recovery Trigger, Adaptive Rally, Match Challenge, and Arena of Dash.
- The Pro ships with a P Tag S and two P Station S units. The Pace S does not.
- The Pace S has 396+ preset drills. The Pro has 564+.
- At current prices, the Pro costs about $220 more.
Pace S vs Pace S Pro at a Glance
The biggest difference is smart training, not raw power. Both machines hit the same speeds and spins, so the choice comes down to whether you want the machine to respond to your movement.
| Feature | Pace S | Pace S Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Current price | $999.99 | $1,219.99 |
| Preset drills | 396+ | 564+ |
| Custom drills in the app | Yes | Yes |
| Recovery Trigger | No | Yes |
| Adaptive Rally | No | Yes |
| Match Challenge (NTRP 1.0 to 7.0) | No | Yes |
| Arena of Dash | No | Yes |
| P Tag S and 2 P Station S in the box | No | Yes |
| Remote and app control | Yes | Yes |
| Bundle options on the product page | Machine only | Machine plus T Serve S, balls, spare battery, or ball picker |
Prices are from PONGBOT's product pages in October 2026 and may change. Check each product page for the latest price.
What Both Machines Share
Both models list identical hardware specs. That means a Pace S feeds the same pace, spin, and placement range as a Pace S Pro.
| Specification | Pace S and Pace S Pro |
|---|---|
| Ball speed | 15 to 80 mph (25 to 130 km/h) |
| Ball spin | Up to 60 rps |
| Spin types | Topspin, underspin, no spin |
| Spin switch time | 1.5 seconds |
| Ball capacity | 150 balls |
| Serve interval | 1.5 to 12 seconds |
| Combo interval | 0 to 9 seconds |
| Placement positions | 6, with full court coverage |
| Battery | 7800 mAh, up to 8 hours |
| Control | Remote and app, paired by Bluetooth |
| Net weight | 22 kg |
| Product dimensions | 700 × 370 × 560 mm |
| Court types | Clay, hard, artificial grass, natural grass |
Source: PONGBOT Pace S and Pace S Pro product page specifications.
Both boxes include the machine with one battery, a remote control, an adapter, and a cable. You don't need to buy a battery or remote separately to get started.
What the Pace S Pro Adds
The Pace S Pro adds four smart modes that track and respond to your movement. PONGBOT's product FAQ lists these as the main difference between the two models.
Recovery Trigger
The machine waits until you recover to position, then sends the next ball. This builds the habit of getting back after every shot. PONGBOT describes it as useful for both learning footwork basics and training at match pace.
Adaptive Rally
The machine tracks where you are in real time and adjusts its shots to match. This feels closer to a live rally, where you move, recover, and hit again.
Match Challenge
This mode simulates match play at different difficulty levels. PONGBOT says it adjusts drills to your NTRP level, from 1.0 to 7.0, based on your hitting and running. NTRP is a common US scale for rating tennis skill.
Arena of Dash
Arena of Dash mixes running and hitting into a timed challenge that speeds up as you improve. After each session, your result appears on a leaderboard, so you can track progress and compare scores.
Movement Tracking Hardware
The Pro ships with a P Tag S and two P Station S units, which the Pace S box doesn't include. PONGBOT lists both accessories as Pace S Pro only. It states the Pro samples movement at 100Hz with sub-10cm accuracy.
More Preset Drills
The Pro includes 564+ preset drills, compared with 396+ on the Pace S. Both let you build custom drills and share or download drills through the app.
Price Difference and What You Get
At current prices, the Pace S Pro costs $220 more than the Pace S. That extra money pays for the smart modes, the tracking accessories, and about 170 more preset drills.
| Option | Current price | Regular price |
|---|---|---|
| Pace S | $999.99 | $1,699.99 |
| Pace S Pro | $1,219.99 | $1,999.99 |
| Pace S Pro + T Serve S | $1,319.99 | $2,139.99 |
| Pace S Pro + 100 Tennis Balls | $1,339.99 | $2,149.99 |
| Pace S Pro + Spare Battery + T Serve S (US and EU only) | $1,479.99 | $2,499.99 |
| Pace S Pro + T Serve S + 100 Balls + Ball Picker | $1,509.99 | $2,369.99 |
Prices are from PONGBOT's product pages in October 2026 and may change.
Both machines come with free returns within 30 days, payment plans, and lifetime customer support, according to the product pages. Read the full returns policy for the details.
Who Should Buy the Pace S
The Pace S is the better pick if you want strong, programmable feeds and plan to build your own drills. You get the same hardware for less money.
- You mainly want repetition for groundstrokes, volleys, or lobs.
- You like setting up your own drills and patterns.
- You're a beginner or casual player who doesn't need match simulation yet.
- You want the lowest price for 80 mph speed and 60 rps spin.
Who Should Buy the Pace S Pro
The Pace S Pro is the better pick if you want training that reacts to you. Its smart modes focus on footwork, recovery, and match-like rallies.
- You want to work on recovery and movement, not just stroke repetition.
- You want match-style rallies that adjust to your level.
- You enjoy scored challenges and tracking your progress.
- You plan to train often and want the most preset drills.
Which Model Fits Your Level
Both machines cover beginners to advanced players, since they share the same speed range. The table below is a general guide based on what each model offers.
| Player type | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| New player building contact | Pace S | Slow speeds and preset drills cover the basics |
| Improving club player | Either | Pace S for repetition, Pro for footwork and rallies |
| Competitive or match-focused player | Pace S Pro | Match Challenge and Adaptive Rally add game-like pressure |
| Coach running set drills | Pace S | Programmable feeds without paying for tracking |
| Player who trains alone often | Pace S Pro | Smart modes keep solo sessions varied |
Accessories That Work With Each Model
Most add-ons work with both machines, but a few are model-specific. Check compatibility before you order extras.
- T Serve S. Works with both. It recognizes your serve and sends the next ball, so you can practice serve-and-return.
- Battery. Works with both. Ships to the US and EU only.
- P Station S and P Tag S. Pace S Pro only.
- Remote. P Control S fits the Pace S. P Control S Pro fits the Pace S Pro.
See all add-ons in Pace Series Accessories.
Balls, Courts, and Padel
Both machines follow the same guidance for balls and courts. Using the right balls keeps feeds consistent.
- Balls. PONGBOT recommends pressureless tennis balls for daily training. Standard pressurized balls and padel balls also work.
- Avoid low-compression balls. PONGBOT says they can cause jams and uneven feeds.
- Courts. Both work on clay, hard, artificial grass, and natural grass courts.
- Padel. PONGBOT says the Pace machines support padel with custom drills, and it plans to add built-in padel drills.
Practical Tips for Choosing Between Them
- Name your main goal. Stroke repetition points to the Pace S. Footwork and match play point to the Pro.
- Be honest about how you train. If you'll mostly run the same few drills, the smart modes may sit unused.
- Factor in add-ons. If you want the T Serve S or extra balls, a Pro bundle may cost less than buying items separately.
- Plan for transport. Both weigh 22 kg, so think about how you'll move the machine to the court.
- Use the return window. Test the machine early so you can decide within 30 days.
Common Mistakes When Comparing the Two
- Assuming the Pro hits harder. Speed, spin, and hopper size are the same on both.
- Paying for features you won't use. The Pro's value is in its smart modes, so use them or save the money.
- Forgetting the tracking accessories. The P Tag S and P Station S units are Pro only and aren't listed for the Pace S.
- Using low-compression balls. They aren't recommended for either machine.
- Comparing old prices. Sale prices change, so check both product pages on the day you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Pace S and Pace S Pro?
The main difference is that the Pace S Pro adds four smart training modes: Recovery Trigger, Adaptive Rally, Match Challenge, and Arena of Dash. It also ships with a P Tag S and two P Station S units and has 564+ preset drills instead of 396+. Both share the same speed, spin, hopper size, and battery life.
Is the Pace S Pro worth the extra money?
The Pace S Pro is worth it if you'll use its smart modes for footwork and match-style training. At current prices it costs about $220 more than the Pace S. If you mainly want repeatable drills you set up yourself, the Pace S gives you the same hardware for less. Think about how you actually train before you decide.
Do the Pace S and Pace S Pro have the same speed and spin?
Yes. Both list a ball speed of 15 to 80 mph, spin up to 60 rps, and a 1.5-second spin switch. They also share a 150-ball hopper, six placement positions with full court coverage, and up to 8 hours of battery life. The difference between them is in the training software and tracking accessories.
What balls should I use with the Pace S or Pace S Pro?
PONGBOT recommends pressureless tennis balls for daily training with both machines. Standard pressurized balls, ITF-approved balls, and padel balls are also supported. PONGBOT does not recommend low-compression balls, since they may cause jams or uneven feeds. Fresh, consistent balls help keep drills accurate.
Is the Pace S good for beginners?
Yes, the Pace S suits beginners well. It starts at 15 mph, so new players can build timing with slower feeds. Its 396+ preset drills cover basic strokes and movement. Beginners can move up to the Pace S Pro later if they want match simulation, but many will be well served by the Pace S.
Pick the Model That Matches How You Train
In the Pace S vs Pace S Pro choice, both machines deliver the same speed, spin, and battery life. The Pace S is the value pick for programmed drills. The Pace S Pro is for players who want training that tracks their movement and builds match-like rallies.
80 mph speed, 60 rps spin, 396+ preset drills, and up to 8 hours of play.
$999.99 $1,699.99
Adds movement tracking, four smart modes, and 564+ preset drills.
$1,219.99 $1,999.99
T Serve S, batteries, chargers, remotes, and tracking add-ons for Pace machines.
From $69.99
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