The Maxi is the outdoor version of our automatic ball launcher — built for gardens, parks, and open spaces where a dog can actually stretch their legs. It throws up to 40ft, works with standard tennis balls, and like the mini version, relies on your dog to do the reloading. They fetch the ball, drop it back into the top of the launcher, and it fires again automatically. Once a dog gets the pattern, it keeps going without you doing anything. Three distances and how to choose between them The launcher has three preset distances: 10ft (about 3 metres), 25ft (about 7.6 metres), and 40ft (about 12 metres). The 10ft setting is there for smaller spaces or introductory sessions while your dog is learning how the device works. The 25ft setting is the practical everyday distance for most gardens — enough to get a proper run going without requiring a field. The 40ft setting is genuinely long and needs a good stretch of clear space to work well; a large garden, a quiet corner of a park, or a training ground. Start on 10ft regardless of your space, just while your dog learns the reload loop. Once they've got the idea, move up to whatever suits your environment. Standard tennis balls — and six are included Unlike our mini launcher, which needs smaller 48–50mm balls, the Maxi is designed for standard tennis balls. Every purchase comes with six tennis balls and a dog whistle included in the box — enough to get started immediately and have spares when one ends up under the garden furniture. Standard replacement tennis balls are widely available, which matters when you're going through them at the rate an enthusiastic retriever can manage. Battery and build The launcher runs on an 18650 Ni-MH 11.1V 2000mAh rechargeable battery — a meaningful step up from smaller launchers in terms of capacity, which translates to longer sessions between charges. It charges via USB, so no proprietary cables or disposable batteries to think about. One thing to be clear about: do not use this launcher in rain or muddy conditions. It's suitable for indoor and outdoor use, but only in dry conditions. Wet weather or a muddy garden will affect performance and can damage the mechanism. If you want a launcher that handles outdoor British weather more robustly, check the specs carefully before buying — this one is best used when the ground is dry. How we tested it We ran this in the garden with Figo, who'd already learned the reload concept from the mini launcher — which made the transition straightforward. The 25ft setting was the right distance for our space: enough room for a proper sprint, not so far that the ball was landing in the borders. The 40ft setting is ambitious in an average garden but works well in a park or open field. The included tennis balls fit cleanly and the launcher picked them up consistently. We kept sessions to around 10–15 minutes, which seemed to be the right amount before Figo was ready for a water break and a rest. How to get the best out of it Ten to fifteen minutes twice a day is a sensible starting point for most dogs — enough exercise and mental engagement without overdoing it, especially in warmer weather. Supervise initial sessions while your dog is learning to reload; encourage them to drop the ball into the launcher rather than chewing the device or waiting for you to reset it. Don't leave it running unattended for extended periods, and bring it inside if the weather turns. Used this way, it's a reliable piece of kit that holds up well with regular use. Specifications Feature Detail Distance settings 10ft (~3m) · 25ft (~7.6m) · 40ft (~12m) Ball type Standard tennis balls (included) Battery 18650 Ni-MH 11.1V 2000mAh · USB rechargeable Weather Dry conditions only — do not use in rain or mud Use Indoor and outdoor (dry conditions) How it works Dog retrieves and reloads · automatic launch cycle Recommended sessions 10–15 minutes · twice daily In the box Launcher · 6 standard tennis balls · Dog whistle · USB charging cable Common questions Can I use this in the rain? No. The Maxi launcher is suitable for outdoor use but only in dry conditions. Rain and mud can affect performance and damage the mechanism. Bring it inside if the weather turns, and store it somewhere dry between sessions. Does it work with any tennis balls or only the ones included? It works with standard-sized tennis balls — the same size you'd find in any sports shop or supermarket. The six balls included are standard size. Avoid oversized or undersized balls, as they may not feed into the launcher correctly. How do I teach my dog to reload the launcher? Start by loading and launching the ball yourself a few times so your dog sees what happens. Encourage them to bring the ball back to the device and reward them when they drop it near the opening. Most dogs make the connection fairly quickly once they realise that dropping the ball in causes another launch. Use treats and praise in the early sessions to reinforce the behaviour. How much space do I need for the 40ft setting? 40ft is approximately 12 metres of clear space in front of the launcher. Most average-sized gardens won't comfortably accommodate that without the ball hitting a fence or hedge. The 25ft setting (~7.6m) is more practical for typical garden use; the 40ft setting comes into its own in a park, a field, or a large open training area. What's the difference between this and the mini automatic ball launcher? The main differences are ball size and throwing distance. The Maxi uses standard tennis balls and throws up to 40ft — better suited to larger spaces and more energetic dogs. The mini launcher uses smaller 48–50mm balls and has a maximum range of 30ft, making it a better fit for indoor use or smaller gardens. Both use the same self-reloading mechanism. How long should play sessions be? We recommend 10–15 minutes per session, twice a day. Fetch is high-intensity exercise and extended sessions — particularly in warm weather — can tire a dog out more quickly than it might appear. Short, regular sessions are more beneficial than one long continuous play period, and they give your dog time to rest and rehydrate between runs.
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