Lobster Tennis Ball Machines - Elite By Name, Elite By Nature

This fiery range of six sleek, 'Elite' models, perform every bit as well as they look. Their stylish appearance would seem to indicate that they're the 'new kids on the block', yet Lobster have been producing quality tennis ball machines since 1970, over twice as long as most of their competition.

You don't last that long in business without producing a desirable product, and Lobster have had plenty of time to tweak and refine their trim little machines for maximum performance and durability.

Lobster pride themselves on crafting compact, portable machines, geared not to frighten beginners at one end of the scale, yet potent enough to challenge the tennis game of gifted players at the other - and of course perfect for everyone in between!

tennis ball machines

When you first look over your shiny new Lobster, you'll be immediately aware of the effort Lobster's team has put into making these machines amoung the most portable around: The large wheels and foldable handle allow for easy rolling on less-than-even terrain. The cleverly designed ball hopper when inverted over the machine, makes manoevering it into a vehicle a cinch. The minimal weight, (35 - 44 lbs), and the long-lasting batteries all make these dynamic tennis machines a great buy for those travelling to and from a practice court.

Most of Lobster's Tennis Ball Machines are priced in the range $1000 - $2000, which isn't cheap, but Lobster rewards you with plenty of features for your money, some of which can only be found on much more expensive machines.

The entire Lobster Elite range, from the basic 'Elite Freedom', through Elites 1 - 3 to the advanced 'Elite Grandslams' IV and V, are very strong on ball speed control. All machines can be slowed to a gentle beginner-friendly 10mph and then accelerated right up to 70 - 80mph, at the touch of a dial to test the talented player.

Vertical oscillation is another potent plus from the Lobster Elite 2 model up. Control in this area, along with horizontal oscillation, allows virtually every corner of the court to be probed, where you'd like to experience a more match-like situation.

The 0 - 60 degree ball elevation control beats much of Lobster's competition hands-down, (or should it be hands-up?) and can produce lobs perfect for honing your overhead smash!

Elite Freedom

Lobster Elite 2

Perhaps the most impressive attribute of the Elites, (3 and above), is the 2 - 3 line drill features which can be further modified with narrow, medium and wide settings. This effectively means that you can instruct your Lobster to fire balls to two or three directions (lines) on the court, great for practising successive forehands and backhands or for 2 - 3 lines of players to hit the same shot. With the filter then set to 'wide' for example, virtually ever corner of the court will be covered with Lobster's pinpoint accuracy.

Though the Lobster Elite 3 will challenge even advanced players, the two 'Grandslam' models add a few extra features and refinements to the arsenal. The IV adds to the 3 line drills mentioned above, an option to simulate the playing style of three types of opponent, with 3 pre-programmed 6 shot sequences.

They mimic firstly the Grinder, who tries to wear out his opponent with looping balls to the baseline hoping for returning errors, sort of an Andy Murray.
The second setting is called the 'Power Baseliner', an aggressive player from the baseline using minimal spin - Robin Soderling?

The final option is like facing Roger Federer's game - a tactically savvy type, happy to rally a bit from the baseline with a little top spin and reduced ball speed, but is quick to try to finish the point at the net.

Lobster's Grandslam V is one of the most advanced battery operated machines in the world, and can simulate real play with a truly random shot selection. It can deliver a ball to any part of the court, vary speed, spin and rate of fire to test every part of your tennis game like a real opponent.

You can even infinitely customize it's shot sequences to tailor it's performance to work on any weaknesses in your game, a feature not normally found in portable battery machines.

Lobster's electric range may lack a little punch compared to their battery counterparts, but these simple, lightweight, pneumatically operated machines have limitless 'stamina', and are ideal for schools, clubs and home use where extended regular use is required.

The use of compressed air to shoot out the balls and the consequent simplicity of design, means that these machines are great value. Ball speeds are slightly lower than the battery range, but horizontal oscillation and varied spin accross the range can be achieved by using Lobster's simple integrated attachments.

There are three models to choose from: the unflatteringly titled 'ball bucket' is the baby of the bunch, great for endless family fun at home, if you're lucky enough to own your own court.

The Lobster Electric 301 holds 100 more balls than the Ball Bucket and has a slightly higher delivery speed, (up to 68mph), and the 401 Tournament machine has the addition of vertical oscillation which, when used with the side-to-side oscillation, allow it to pepper the entire court with it's ball deliveries.

Last but certainly not least is Lobster's Two Year Warranty, unusually long for the industry. It says alot about Lobster's confidence in their products that they are happy to offer this with all their Ball Machines, and makes their range better value compared to similar machines with only a One Year warranty. It's also reassuring to know that you're covered for any problems - however unlikely.