As dedicated athletes and Pickleball players, we’ve tried out a multitude of training devices over time, always on the hunt for the next best thing to improve our game.

Recently, we spent a few weeks testing the Lobster Pickleball Ball machines—a highly-regarded line of Pickleball practice equipment that lets you practice Pickleball alone.

In this review, we’ll provide our hard-won insights on each of the Lobster machines and dissect each one’s performance, pros, and cons.

We hope to help you determine if it’s worth your investment, and which machine is the best pick for you!

3 Types Of Lobster Pickleball Ball Machines

The Lobster Elite Freedom

4.0
$979.00

The Elite Freedom comes loaded with some great features.

You can adjust the:

Topspin
Backspin
Elevation (up to 50 degrees!)
Ball speed (ranging 10-80 mph)

And for those of you who love lengthy practice sessions, this beast can hold up to 150 balls. If you’re concerned about the battery life, don’t be. It’s battery-operated, and on a full charge, you get 2 to 4 hours of play. Plus, it comes with a trickle charger to keep it powered up consistently.

For the athletes on the move, or if you’re simply looking for an easy setup, the Elite Freedom has got you covered. Weighing in at just 35 pounds, it’s an ease to transport, and with its 8-inch all-terrain wheels, you can roll it onto any court with ease.

Pros:

• Variable Spin: Adjustable topspin and backspin options.
• Random Oscillation: Simulates real-game ball tosses.
• Portability: Lightweight with easy transport features.

Cons:

• Battery Life: Lasts 2 to 4 hours only.
• Only Horizontal Oscillation: No vertical shot challenges.
• Entry-Level: Advanced players might seek more features.

If you’re after an affordable, entry-level Pickleball ball machine, the Lobster Elite Freedom is your best bet. It’s a game changer for practice sessions, offering variable spin—a necessary feature for mastering those tricky topspin and backspin returns.

Looking to mix things up? It’s got a neat feature that randomly oscillates, tossing balls in all directions. So it’s like having a real partner on the court, minus the disagreements!

The Lobster Elite Liberty 

4.5
$1,179.00

It’s equipped with all the right features:

adjust your spins, set the elevation, change the speed, and like the Freedom, it can also hold a staggering 150 balls.

And for the love of long practice sessions? The Elite Liberty’s battery will keep you going for 4 to 8 hours! Charging is a hassle-free process, thanks to the included trickle charger.

Just like its predecessor, the Elite Liberty offers an incredible variable spin – topspin and backspin – so you can nail those returns perfectly.

But here’s where it changes the game: the oscillation on this machine is a total game changer. You get both 2-line delivery targeting two preset court spots and a random horizontal sweep. So, whether you’re focusing on specific shots or just wanting to keep it divers, it’s got you covered.

As for transportation, it’s a cinch. Yes, it’s a tad heavier at 38 pounds, but with a convenient folding handle and those rugged 8-inch wheels, you’ll be rolling onto the court with ease.

Pros:

• Spin Control: Adjustable topspin and backspin.
• Random Oscillation: 2-line and random horizontal throws.
• Battery Life: Lasts 4 to 8 hours.

Cons:

• Weight: Slightly heavier at 38 pounds.
• Similar Features: Not much changed from predecessor.
• Learning Curve: Advanced settings may require adjustment time.

The Lobster Elite Grand IV  

4.5
$2,099.00

The Elite Grand IV truly gives you a run for your money, with 6 pre-loaded drills. These drills offer a real challenge to your game, refining and improving your skills.

Speaking of challenges, it’s fully random oscillation makes you feel like you’re playing against an actual opponent. The machine will keep you on your toes, tossing balls all over the court, mixing up speed, spin, and trajectory. Regardless of your skill level, the Grand IV ensures you get a great workout.

Let’s dig into its features:

With this machine, you can fine-tune the spins, adjust the elevation, and even ramp up the ball speed up to a swift 80 mph. It holds the same number of balls as its siblings at 150 balls, ensuring a sustained period of play.

When it comes to transport, it’s a breeze. Weighing in at 44 pounds, it’s effortless to move around with its collapsible handle, and those trusty 8-inch wheels.

Battery-wise, you’re setup for 4-8 hours of court time, and yes, the handy trickle charger is included. If you’re in search of an extravagant Pickleball practice companion, The Elite Grand IV just might be your top pick!

Pros:

• Pro-Style Training: Six built-in drills for a professional practice experience.
• Random Oscillation: Diverse ball delivery for varied challenges.
• Feature-Rich: Adjustable settings, 150-ball capacity, and 80 mph speed.

Cons:

• Weight: A bit heavy at 44 pounds.
• Battery Life: 4-8 hours, shorter than the “Elite Liberty”.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the choice of a Lobster Pickleball machine largely depends on your needs as a player and how much you’re willing to spend. The Elite Freedom stands out with its affordable price and variable spin control, making it a great choice for beginners or players who don’t wish to burn a hole in their wallet.

The Grand IV, however, offers an almost human-like digital experience that’s hard to ignore.

Nevertheless, weighing in the balance between price, features, and user feedback, the Elite Liberty seems to hit the sweet spot. It’s a feature-packed machine that won’t cost you a fortune and has been well-received by users, including us.