As passionate
We recently spent a few weeks practising with three Lobster Pickleball machines—a well-known line of
In this review, we’ll offer our tried & tested insights on each of the three versions of the Lobster machine and discuss each one’s performance, pros and cons.
We hope we can shed some light on whether or not it’s actually worth your investment, and which machine is the right choice for you!
3 Types of Lobster Pickleball Machines
- Variable Spin: Adjustable topspin and backspin options.
- Random Oscillation: Simulates real-game ball throws.
- Portability: Lightweight with easy transport features.
- Battery Life: Lasts 2 to 4 hours only.
- Only Horizontal Oscillation: No vertical shot challenges.
- Entry-Level: Advanced players might seek more features.
The Pickle by Lobster
If you’re after an affordable, entry-level
It’s a game changer for practice sessions, and it’s the first of its kind to offer variable spin—a necessary feature for mastering those tricky topspin and backspin returns.
Want a random practice session? It’s got a nifty feature that randomly oscillates, throwing balls left, right, and center. It’s like having a real partner on the court, but without the bickering!
Features of The Pickle by Lobster
The Pickle comes loaded with some great features. You can adjust the:
- topspin
- backspin
- elevation (up to 50 degrees!)
- ball speed (ranging 10-60 mph)
And for those of you who love long practice sessions, this bad boy can hold up to 135 balls.
If you’re worried about running out of juice during practice, fret not. It’s battery-operated, and on a full charge, you can play for 2 to 4 hours. Plus, it comes with a trickle charger so you can always keep it powered up.
For those on the go, or if you’re just looking for an easy setup, The Pickle has got you covered. Weighing in at just 35 pounds, it’s a breeze to transport, and the handle folds down, the hopper inverts, and with its 8-inch all-terrain wheels, you can roll it onto any court with ease.
- Spin Control: Adjustable topspin, flat, and backspin.
- Dual Oscillation: 2-line and random horizontal throws.
- Battery Life: Lasts 6 to 8 hours.
- Weight: Slightly heavier at 42 pounds.
- Similar Features: Much remains unchanged from predecessor.
- Learning Curve: Advanced settings may need adjustment time.
The Pickle Two by Lobster
Like its predecessor, the Pickle Two by Lobster offers that awesome variable spin – topspin, flat, and backspin – so you can really fine-tune those returns.
But here’s the twist: the oscillation on this machine is a total game-changer.
You get a 2-Line delivery targeting two preset court spots and a random horizontal sweep. So, whether you’re working on specific shots or just craving variety, it’s got you covered.
Features of The Pickle Two by Lobster
Feature-wise, it’s got the goods: adjust your spins, set the elevation, change the speed, and like The Pickle, it can also hold a whopping 135 balls.
And for those marathon practice sessions? The Pickle two’s battery will keep you going for 6 to 8 hours! Charging’s no fuss either, thanks to the included trickle charger.
As for getting it around, it’s a cinch. Yes, it’s a tad heavier at 42 pounds, but with a handy folding handle, inverting hopper, and those rugged 8-inch wheels, you’ll be rolling onto the court with ease.
If you’re looking for a
- Player-Style Drills: 6 pre-loaded drills for pro-like practice.
- Full Random Oscillation: Diverse ball delivery for varied challenges.
- Feature-Rich: Adjustable settings, 125-ball capacity, and 65 mph speed.
- Weight: A tad heavy at 44 pounds.
- Battery Life: 4-6 hours, shorter than "The Pickle 2".
- Less Ball Capacity: Holds 10 balls fewer than its siblings.
The Pickle Champion by Lobster
Ready to feel like you’re up against a
Speaking of challenges, its fully random oscillation is like no other. The machine keeps you on your toes, tossing balls all over the court, mixing up speed, spin, and trajectory. Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned player, the Champion definitely ensures you get a good run around.
Now, let’s chat features.
Features of the Pickle Champion by Lobster
You can tweak the spins, adjust the elevation, and even ramp up the ball speed to a zippy 65 mph. And while it holds 10 balls less than its siblings at 125 balls, trust me, that’s still a whole lot of
Transport? Easy-peasy. Weighing in at 44 pounds, its design is inspired by Lobster’s sleek tennis ball machines. With a collapsible handle, flip-over hopper, and those trusty 8-inch wheels, moving it is a breeze.
Battery-wise, you’re set for 4-6 hours of court time, and yes, the handy trickle charger is included. If you’re chasing the ultimate
Which Lobster Pickleball Machine is Our Favorite?
Navigating the world of
Having tested each of the three machines in Lobster’s range, we can definitely agree that each model has its unique charm. It just depends what kind of
The “Pickle” stands out with its modest price tag and spin control, making it a great option for beginners or players who don’t want to break the bank.
The “Pickle Champion”, on the other hand, offers a digital experience that feels almost human, a feature that’s hard to overlook.
However, considering the balance between price, features, 6-8 hours of game play and user feedback, the “Pickle Two” seems to strike a sweet spot. It’s a full-featured machine that doesn’t break the bank and has been well-received by users, including us.
- Spin Control: Adjustable topspin, flat, and backspin.
- Dual Oscillation: 2-line and random horizontal throws.
- Battery Life: Lasts 6 to 8 hours.
- Weight: Slightly heavier at 42 pounds.
- Similar Features: Much remains unchanged from predecessor.
- Learning Curve: Advanced settings may need adjustment time.
Curious About Other Pickleball Machines?
Check out our list of Pickleball Machines Under $1000.
You can also discover 5 Ways To Practice Pickleball Alone.
