Pickleball continues to gain popularity, with players of all ages and skill levels enjoying the fast-paced action. While playing with a partner is ideal, it’s not always possible to find someone to practice with. This is where pickleball machines can come in handy.
Pickleball machines are designed to help players improve their game by providing consistent shots for practice. They can be used for both individual and group training sessions, and are available with a variety of features and come in several price points.
When deciding on which is the best pickleball machine for you, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of shots it can produce, the speed and frequency of the shots, and the overall durability and ease of use. Some machines may be better suited for beginners, while others are designed for more advanced players.
At PickleballSpy we have spent hours researching and testing various pickleball machines to identify the best options on the market. Whether you’re looking to improve your serve, practice your backhand, or simply get a good workout, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best pickleball machines.
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Best Pickleball Machines
We know that finding the right pickleball machine can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best pickleball machines out there. Whether you’re a just getting start with picklabll or have played for years, our roundup has something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top pickleball machines that will help you take your game to the next level.
If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed pickleball machine, the Lobster Sports – The Pickle Two by Lobster Pickleball Machine with elite10 Remote is a great option.
Pros
- The machine offers adjustable topspin and backspin, elevation up to 50-degrees and ball speed from 10 to 60 mph in addition to the outstanding spin and oscillation features.
- The portable pickleball machine offers heavy topspin and backspin, allowing you to master returning slices.
- The machine can challenge you for up to 8 hours per charge—allowing you to master shots like the dink, smash, lob, volley and groundstrokes—taking your game to the next level.
Cons
- The charge time ranges from 12 – 24 hours depending on the battery level.
- The machine may be too heavy for some people to carry around.
- The price point may be a bit high for some users.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Lobster Sports Pickle Two Pickleball Machine, and we were impressed with its performance. The machine is easy to transport, thanks to its lightweight design and large 8-inch wheels. We were able to easily get the machine in and out of our car and across any surface to the court.
The machine offers a variety of features, including adjustable topspin and backspin, elevation up to 50-degrees and ball speed from 10 to 60 mph. We were able to master returning slices with the heavy topspin and backspin features. The sweeping random oscillation also provided a great workout and helped us focus on our footwork.
The Lobster Sports Pickleball Machine also comes with a compact elite10 remote control, which allowed us to easily control the numerous features of the machine from across the court.
Overall, we highly recommend the The Pickle Two by Lobster Pickleball Machine with elite10 Remote for anyone looking to up their pickleball training game.
#2. Franklin Sports Automatic Pickleball Launcher Machine
If you’re looking to take your pickleball game to the next level, the Franklin Sports Automatic Pickleball Launcher Machine is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The automatic launcher feature allows you to practice your shot making skills on your own, without needing a partner to play with.
- This machine is portable and lightweight, making it easy to take with you to the courts or use at home.
- With the ability to hold up to 15 balls at once, you can load the machine and practice your skills without constantly needing to reload.
Cons
- Some users have noted that the machine can jam between uses.
- The machine shoots balls out at a high pace, which may not simulate actual play.
- The feed rate is not adjustable.
In our experience, the Franklin Sports Pickleball Machine is a great option for those looking to improve their pickleball skills and their consistency. The automatic launcher feature is a great way to practice your skills on your own like pickleball wall drills, without needing a partner to play with. The machine is also lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you to the courts or use at home.
One downside to this machine is that it can sometimes jam between uses, which can be frustrating. Also, the pickleball machine shoots balls out at a high pace, which may not be suitable for beginners. Finally, the feed rate is not adjustable, which could be a drawback for some users.
Overall, we would recommend the Franklin Sports Automatic Pickleball Machine for those looking to take their pickleball game up a notch and become more consistent in their gam. It’s a solid option that is portable, easy to use, and can help you improve your skills.
#3. Lobster Sports – The Pickle by Lobster Pickleball Machine
If you’re looking for a pickleball machine that offers variable spin, random oscillation, and is lightweight, then Lobster Sports – The Pickle by Lobster Pickleball Machine is a great option.
Pros
- The variable spin feature allows you to practice returning different types of shots.
- The random oscillation feature provides a more realistic practice experience.
- The machine is lightweight and easy to transport.
Cons
- The machine’s hopper can only hold up to 135 balls.
- Replacement wheels are expensive.
- The remote doesn’t control all the machine’s functions.
We’ve used the Lobster Sports Pickleball Machine and found it to be a great tool for practicing our shots. The variable spin feature was particularly helpful as it allowed us to practice returning different types of shots. The random oscillation feature was also a great addition as it made the practice experience more realistic.
However, we did find that the hopper could only hold up to 135 balls, which meant we had to refill it often. Also, if you have to replace the wheels, the replacement wheels can be expensive, which could be a drawback for some users. Finally, the remote didn’t control all the machine’s functions, which was a bit disappointing.
Overall, we think the The Pickle by Lobster is a great investment for anyone looking to improve their game. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport, and its variable spin and random oscillation features provide a more realistic practice experience.
#4. Pickleball Tutor Mini w/Oscillator
We highly recommend purchasing the Pickleball Tutor Mini w/Oscillator if you are looking for a compact and easy-to-use pickleball machine.
Pros
- The machine shoots any type of shot, including serves, groundstrokes, dinks, lobs, and drives.
- The ball feed is adjustable from every 2 to 10 seconds, allowing for a customized practice experience.
- The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to three hours of playing time per charge.
Cons
- The wheels may lock up and cause issues with ball ejection.
- The machine does not come with a remote control.
- The start-up time delay may be too long for some users.
We recently had the opportunity to use the Pickleball Tutor and were impressed with its performance. The machine was easy to transport and set up, and the knob controls were intuitive and straightforward. We liked the adjustable ball feed and the random oscillator feature, which allowed us to practice hitting shots on the run.
One minor issue we encountered was that the wheels occasionally locked up and prevented the machine from shooting balls. Additionally, the start-up time delay was longer than we anticipated, which may be frustrating for some users.
All in all, we believe that the Pickleball Tutor Mini w/Oscillator is a great choice for players who want to improve their skills and practice on their own time without needing a partner. Its compact size and easy-to-use controls make it a top choice for pickleball enthusiasts.
#5. Furlihong Pickleball Starter Kit
We highly recommend the Furlihong Pickleball Starter Kit for beginners and kids who want to start their pickleball journey. This kit includes everything you need to get started, including a launch machine, recycling net, bracket, balls, and carrying bag.
Pros
- The machine is designed for kids and beginners, and it gently tosses the ball vertically about 3 to 6ft high, making it perfect for footwork practice.
- The oscillating function allows for different launch intervals and angles, making it adjustable for different use scenarios.
- The recycling net collects balls and returns them to the toss machine, creating a perfect ball loop system that spares the annoying ball-retrieving activity for more efficient training.
Cons
- The machine and net can be used separately, but extra ball stackers are available only at the Furlihong Amazon brand store.
- The net alone is compatible only with Furlihong 6802BH/680BH/6801BH toss machines and will not work with devices of other brands.
- The machine runs on 4 x D batteries or AC Power, which are not included in the kit.
Overall, the Furlihong Pickleball Starter Kit is a great investment for beginners and kids who want to start their pickleball journey. The kit is easy to assemble, and the machine is adjustable enough to suit different use scenarios. The recycling net is also a great feature that spares you the annoyance of ball-retrieving activity for more efficient training.
Best Pickleball Ball Machine Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a pickleball machine, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the best product for your needs:
Features to Look For
- Ball Feed Rate: The ball feed rate is how many balls the machine can shoot per minute. This is an important consideration if you want to get a lot of practice in a short amount of time.
- Oscillation: Some machines have an oscillation feature that allows the machine to shoot balls in different directions. This can help you practice different shots and improve your overall game.
- Spin Control: Spin control allows you to adjust the spin on the ball, which can be important if you want to practice specific shots or if you want to simulate different playing conditions.
- Portability: If you plan on moving your machine around frequently, portability is an important consideration. Look for a machine that is lightweight and easy to move.
- Battery Life: If you plan on using your machine outdoors or in places without a power source, battery life is an important consideration. Look for a machine with a long battery life or one that can be easily charged.
Price Range
Pickleball machines come in a wide range of prices, from a a couple $100 to thousands of dollars. Consider your budget when choosing a machine, but keep in mind that a more expensive machine may have more features and be more durable.
Warranty
Make sure to check the warranty before buying a pickleball machine. A good warranty can give you peace of mind and protect your investment. Look for a warranty that covers both parts and labor for at least a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the features to look for in a pickleball machine?
When looking for a pickleball machine, there are several features to consider. Firstly, ensure that the machine has a good ball capacity and can hold enough balls to keep the game going for a while. Secondly, look for a machine that can adjust the speed, spin, and trajectory of the ball. Finally, consider the weight and portability of the machine, especially if you plan to move it around frequently.
How to clean the wheels on the lobster pickleball machine?
Cleaning the wheels on a lobster pickleball machine is a simple process. First, turn off the machine and unplug it from the power source. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe down the wheels and remove any dirt or debris. Finally, dry the wheels with a clean cloth and ensure that they are completely dry before using the machine again.
What is the cheapest pickleball machine?
The cheapest pickleball machine on the market varies depending on the brand and model. However, it is important to note that cheaper machines may not have all the features that you need. It is important to find a balance between cost and features to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
What are the benefits of using a pickleball machine?
Using a pickleball machine can help improve your game by providing consistent and accurate shots. It can also help you practice specific shots and improve your footwork. Additionally, using a pickleball machine can be a fun way to practice and improve your skills.
What is the difference between a pickleball machine and a pickleball tutor?
A pickleball machine is a device that shoots balls at varying speeds, spins, and trajectories to help players practice their shots. A pickleball tutor, on the other hand, is a device that provides feedback on the player’s shots by returning the ball to the player after each shot. While both devices can be helpful for improving your game, they serve different purposes.
How to replace the battery on the lobster pickleball machine?
Replacing the battery on a lobster pickleball machine is a simple process. First, turn off the machine and unplug it from the power source. Next, locate the battery compartment and remove the old battery. Finally, insert the new battery and ensure that it is securely in place before using the machine again.
