Lobster's Elite 2 Ball Machine is the first in it's price range to offer you ball throwing to all corners of the court in a continuous sequence of shots. If you want this kind of performance in another make of ball machine for tennis, you'll likely have to pay a lot more money.

The way the Elite 2 is able to do this is by 'triple oscillation' - not available in the Elite 1 and the major advantage of moving up to this machine. Many ball machines have horizontal (side to side) oscillation, some have vertical (front to back) as well. The Lobster Elite 2 is rare in that it can combine these two oscillations to produce a third option of simultaneous vertical and horizontal oscillations, to throw tennis balls to any part of the tennis court to give an experience similar to facing a real person on the other side of the net.

Lobster are justifiably proud of this ability, and it could prove the right model for you if you like to practice your tennis on the move. You can of course use this machine without everything set to 'on', and work towards this setting when you're tired of drilling the single shots.

ball machine for tennis

drilling

A simple side to side oscillation of the ball throwing mechanism can work wonders to get your heart pumping towards better fitness, for almost anyone. If you then introduce the vertical oscillation as well, you'll work up a sweat in no time - in fact most of us will probably need to set the Lobster to the slowest feed rate to have a chance of keeping pace.

A full hopper of 150 tennis balls will have all but the fittest stumbling for the off switch long before the machine empties. It's well worth persevering though, as the spoils in the professional game at least, seem to be falling to those benefitting from the mental strength of knowing their legs aren't going to be the first to tire!

The Elite 2's long lasting battery will ensure peak performance for numerous hopper refills, and will almost certainly outlast your energy levels as you try to compete with it's all court game.

tennis balls

As with all the other near identical looking models in the Elite battery powered range of six smart, sturdy but light(ish) ball machines, the Elite 2 has plenty of power for high mph throws, good elevation control for high lobs, and an effective top and backspin dial to put realistic and challenging spin on the tennis balls if required.

This level of features should be able to gently introduce a beginner to basic stroke making, elevate the confidence and control of the intermediate player, and challenge even an advanced player to a rewarding workout.

You'll be able to work on your weaknesses to take your improvements on in leaps and bounds, complementing the time spent with your tennis instructor, and at the same time reducing the need for unnecessary and expensive lessons to work on parts of your game that your Lobster could easily correct.

You could even use your Elite 2's more static settings to develop a new facet of your tennis game - test a new grip, practice your drop shot, work on your overhead smashes, etc. Tennis Ball Machines are particularly suited to this as they don't get bored and they don't get tired. With new balls or those of similar wear, your Lobster Elite 2 should be able to position the same ball over and over, to a small margin of error.

There are a few areas where the Lobster Elite 2 isn't perfect, as with any ball machine. Perhaps the biggest gripe Lobster owners have is the lack of smart charger with the basic machine . It's normally a $99 optional extra, that's a necessary wise buy to prevent overcharge of the battery and prolong it's life.

Also the positioning of the lifting 'handles' beneath the machine makes for an awkward lift, even though Lobster ball machines top out at only 44lbs. The large rear wheels make for easy rolling over flat ground, but are a bit delicate to cope with rough terrain.

I'm normally a fan of wireless remote controls, as they can save you a lot of unnecessary trips to and from your tennis ball machine to adjust settings. The two function remote with the Elite 2 can be a temperamental beast, sometimes without the range to 'talk' to the Lobster ball machine, and at $199, is definitely 'optional'.

Some have reported the horizontal oscillator a bit noisy and can make you a bit self-conscious if practicing close to others.

Though the control panel is well thought-out and easy to use, it may take you a while to get used to the mix of settings required to get your Lobster Elite 2 to feed balls within the court boundaries as required. You'll initially 'waste' a few balls, but after a few sessions, you'll do the optimum tweaking in seconds.

wireless remote controls

Lobster ball machine

In the unlikely event that your Lobster Elite 2 doesn't perform to specification, manufacturers Lobsterinc are quick to rectify any faults and will quickly replace a faulty machine. Lobster have a lengthy 2 year warranty on their machines that should give you even more peace of mind, and shows the confidence they have in the build quality of their tennis ball machines.

Despite the niggles above, the Lobster Elite 2 is a very impressive tennis ball machine and is the first machine at this price to offer throwing to all corners of the court, which makes it as good a model for fitness as it is for your tennis game.

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