Last updated on April 04, 2024.
Before dropping your hard-earned money on a pickleball ball machine, there are ten essential features that you should consider. They are portability, weight, powering options, remote control, capacity, feed rate, ball speed, oscillation, spin, and cost. Evaluate your needs and preferences before delving into specific pickleball ball machine brands and models. Your investment should be based on your skills, budget, and situation.
Important Note: We’ve researched pickleball machine brands in-depth to save you time! However, prices and specifications can change, so double-check for the most up-to-date details before making your final decision.
So here are six leading pickleball ball machine brands you should know. For your convenience, the key specifications of each pickleball ball machine are captured in an easy-to-follow table format.
Lobster
Acquired by Har-Tru, the world’s largest supplier of tennis court surfaces, Lobster Sports is a US company that has been in the ball machine business for over 50 years. Lobster is headquartered in Los Angeles and offers three pickleball machines and several tennis ball machines that players worldwide use. The company’s feature-rich pickleball machines have a sleek design and are priced mid-range compared to other pickleball machines today.
Lobster range of pickleball machines weigh between 35 and 42 pounds and come with an inverting hopper, folding handle, and 8-inch wheels that allow easy transportation. The machines can hold 125 indoor or outdoor pickleball balls and can throw balls up to a maximum speed of 60 mph at feed rates that can be set between 2 and 12 seconds. The machines can last 4-6 hours per charge with the included standard charger. Lobster ball machines have a random horizontal oscillation feature, and the advanced models provide a 2-line function that alternates balls to pre-set spots on the court. The machine’s additional features include topspin, backspin, and elevated shots up to 50 degrees.
It is worth noting that some accessories and features of Lobster Pickleball come at an additional cost.
The Pickle Ball Machine by Lobster is listed at US$1139.00 on Amazon.
Disclosure: Racquet Social participates in Amazon’s affiliate advertising program and may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
| Product | Brand/Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Lobster Sports – The Pickle | 4.8 | Check Price |
 | Pickleball Tutor Spin | 4.9 | Check Price |
 | Spinshot Player | 4.8 | Check Price |
Sports Tutor
Based in Burbank, California, Sports Tutor manufactures and sells practice machines for various sports, including tennis, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and pickleball. Their pickleball ball machines are marketed under the “Pickleball Tutor” series and include products suitable for players of all skill levels. Unlike popular ball machine manufacturers, Sports Tutor offers a low-end, budget-friendly 28-ball beginner model for beginners and children.
At around 35 pounds, their advanced machines are portable and lightweight and include a rechargeable battery that provides up to 4 hours of practice time. Depending on the model, Pickleball Tutor ball machines can hold up to 125 balls and dispense balls at speeds up to 65 mph at 1 to 10-second intervals. The machines provide a start-up time delay, enabling players to get to the other side and begin practicing their shots. While random oscillation is a standard feature in the higher-end models, features such as topspin and sidespin are tied to specific models. Remote control through an app and physical device is an option, but it comes at a cost.
Pickleball Tutor Spin pickleball ball machine is available on Amazon for US$1059.00.
Spinshot
Spinshot is a well-recognized name in the tennis training industry. Its origins are in Cornwall, England. Spinshot Player Pickleball Machine is its pickleball version.
Spinshot Player Pickleball Machine has many pre-programmed drills for intermediate and advanced players. It also allows players to customize their drills by programming height, direction, spin, and speed for shots and save them into their personalized drill. The Spinshot Pickleball Machine falls in the light-to-mid weight range and can be powered by the included rechargeable battery or through wall power for extended use. The machines can hold 85 balls and throw balls up to a maximum speed of 60 mph at feed rates between 1 and 10 seconds. Spinshot offers a downloadable app (IoS and Android) to program, and use the ball machine. An optional remote control is available for purchase at an additional cost.
You can find the Spinshot Pickleball Machine on Amazon for US$2059.00.
Slinger Bag
Slinger Bag is a US-based company located in Windsor Mill, Maryland, that produces portable ball launchers and other practice equipment solutions for various sports. From its extensive global presence in the tennis training equipment market, Slinger Bag has ventured into pickleball by launching the Slinger Pickleball.
When you look at the Slinger Pickleball ball machine, the first thing that comes to mind is portability. Built to look like a large racquet bag with wheels and a handle, it is lightweight, versatile, and relatively affordable. With a capacity of 120 standard Pickleballs, the Slinger Bag allows users to train with different speeds, feed rates, elevations, spins, and oscillation while facilitating a wide variety of shots, repetitions, and workouts. The Slinger Bag Pickleball comes with a remote control, oscillator, ball tube, and camera holder. With launch speeds between 10 and 45 mph and a feed rate between 2 and 7 seconds, the Slinger Bag targets intermediate and advanced pickleball players working on improving their game.
Per their website, the Slinger Pickleball ball launcher is currently “Sold Out.” The Slinger Pickleball is on the company’s website for US$1099.99.
ERNE
Victory Sports Technologies, the company that manufactures the ERNE Pickleball Machine, is based in North Wales, Pennsylvania. ERNE Pickleball Machines are relatively new to the market and come in three models priced alike.
At 50 lb, Erne pickleball machines are in the mid-weight range and have a capacity of 150 balls that allows for extended training. The ERNE Pickleball Machine has a speed range of 10mph to 65mph and a feed rate range of 1-10 seconds. It offers 24 shot placements and eight drill variations, which allow players to work on their soft game and be comfortable with the fast game. Based on the routines, the machines last 3-5 hours per charge with the included standard charger.
The machine’s additional features include topspin, backspin, and horizontal and vertical oscillation. ERNE machines use a “stealth” approach to disguise the direction of the balls, adding a surprise element that simulates gameplay situations. The ERNE is controlled by a smartphone application that allows extensive drill customization and shot setup.
You can find the ERNE Shadow Grey pickleball ball machine on the company’s website for US$1899.00.
SIMON
SIMON Pickleball Machines are manufactured by Pickleballmachine.com, a company based in Columbus, Ohio. Simon pickleball machines are made of durable heavy gauge steel and aluminum, which the company calls “military grade.” SIMON machines boast long battery life (up to 6 hours) and a high ball speed of up to 70 mph. The machines come with a ball capacity of 120 balls and a feed rate between 1.5 -10 seconds.
The company’s two pickleball machine models, SIMON 2 and SIMON X, have different capabilities. In addition to the standard features and lifetime warranty available in SIMON 2, the X version includes topspin, underspin, and stealth oscillation to simulate gameplay situations. SIMON Pickleball Machines are considered high-end and perhaps more suitable for pickleball resorts, clubs, teaching professionals, and advanced players who want a high-performance machine.
Of all the pickleball ball machine brands covered in this post, SIMON’s products are the priciest. The SIMON2 Pickleball Throwing Machine is available from the company’s online store for $2333.00.
Franklin
In the true sense, Franklin Sports ProShot Pickleballer is not a full-fledged pickleball ball machine. However, it has made this list as a budget option.
Franklin Sports is a leading sporting goods brand based in Stoughton, Massachusetts, that manufactures products for various sports, including pickleball. Franklin is the official ball and paddle sponsor of Pickleball Canada and the official ball of USA Pickleball. The company has a strong presence in retail giants such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, and Walmart.
With a low 15-ball capacity and feed rate of 8-9 seconds, the ball launcher is more suitable for seniors, children, and new players. However, the Franklin Sports ProShot Pickleball Launcher is inexpensive, lightweight, compact, and portable. It can be powered with A/C wall power or externally bought 4 D batteries, which could add ongoing costs to your pickleball training.
Intermediate and advanced players would find the machine lacking in features and functionality. However, at just over $90, the Franklin Sports ProShot Pickleballer may be worth the investment for players trying to learn the game or practice their shots in their homes’ basements.
While on the subject of training, you may want to check out these Ten Pickleball Training Aids that are more affordably priced.
So, there. Now you know the six leading pickleball ball machine brands available today. While a ball machine can be a good training tool, it cannot replicate the unpredictability of playing with a human partner or the social aspects of the game.
If you are seriously considering investing in a pickleball ball machine, ensure that you are making an informed decision. And, if you do buy a pickleball ball machine, enjoy your workout!
Please share your experiences in the comments below if you have used any of these pickleball ball machine brands or models. Also, are there other great machines we missed? Let us know.
Sources:
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