Pickleball machines: speed, spin and drills for solo practice
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- Sports Tutor Pickleball Tutor Plus. Best for: Solo players who want topspin and underspin with the longest warranty here. See options on Amazon
- Lobster Pickle Two. Best for: Players who want a 2-line forehand and backhand drill. See options on Amazon
- Lobster Pickle Champion. Best for: Players who want preset match-style drills. See options on Amazon
What to compare
- Speed and spin: check the speed range against the shots you practice, and whether spin is topspin and underspin or sidespin.
- Oscillation and 2-line: random shots make you move; a 2-line setting alternates forehand and backhand.
- Drills: preset drills save setup time.
- Capacity and battery: balls per load and hours per charge.
- Weight and warranty.
Compare three machines
| Machine | Speed and spin | Balls, run time, weight |
|---|---|---|
| Pickleball Tutor Plus | Up to 65 mph; topspin or underspin; random oscillator | 110 balls; up to 4 hr; 3-year warranty |
| Lobster Pickle Two | 10 to 60 mph; top and back spin; random and 2-line | 125 balls; 4 to 6 hr in spec list; 42 lb; 2 years |
| Lobster Pickle Champion | 20 to 65 mph; top and back spin; fully random, vertical, horizontal, 2-line | 125 balls; 4 to 6 hr; 44 lb; 2 years |
These details come from Sports Tutor's and Lobster's product pages. We have not tested these machines.
Pickleball Tutor Plus
Sports Tutor says the Pickleball Tutor Plus can throw serves, groundstrokes, dinks, lobs and drives at up to 65 mph, with a single dial for topspin or underspin. The ball feed runs from every second to every 6 seconds, and a start-up delay gives you time to get to the other side of the net. It has a random oscillator, a built-in towing handle and wheels, and an AC-only option.
A 2-line feature, a two-button wireless remote and electronic elevation are options that must be ordered at purchase. Sports Tutor also sells a Pickleball Tutor Spin with left and right sidespin instead, and Ultra versions with preset shots and drills.
Lobster Pickle Two and Pickle Champion
Lobster says the Pickle Two throws balls up to 60 mph with heavy topspin and backspin for dinks, drives, lobs and groundstrokes. It adds a 2-line setting that alternates forehand and backhand, electronic elevation and a 125 ball hopper for indoor and outdoor balls. Lobster's spec list gives 4 to 6 hours of court time, while its description of the larger battery says 6 to 8 hours per charge, so confirm with Lobster.
The Pickle Champion is Lobster's all-digital machine. Lobster lists six pre-loaded drills, including drive the kitchen, stop drop and lob and around the clock, plus fully random, vertical and horizontal oscillation, 20 to 65 mph, a 2 to 9 second feed and a 20-function remote.
Remotes, power and warranty
Remotes vary. Sports Tutor sells a two-button remote as an option on the Tutor Plus. Lobster's Pickle Two spec list shows the remote as optional, while its description says it comes with a 10-function remote, so check the listing. The Pickle Champion lists its remote as included.
Both Lobster machines list internal battery, external battery, AC and AC/DC power. Sports Tutor says all Pickleball Tutor machines are backed by a three-year parts and labor warranty, and Lobster lists two years for both of its machines. Sports Tutor's one-week money-back guarantee applies to factory-direct purchases, so check the Amazon return window instead if you buy there.
Stay safe on court
If a ball hits you in the eye, MedlinePlus advises prompt medical help and warns not to press or rub the injured eye.
What to look for when you buy
Sports Tutor Pickleball Tutor Plus
Best for: Solo players who want topspin and underspin with the longest warranty here
Sports Tutor lists up to 65 mph, a single topspin or underspin dial, a 1 to 6 second feed, 110 balls, up to four hours per charge, a random oscillator, a towing handle and a three-year parts and labor warranty.
Watch out: The 2-line feature, remote and electronic elevation are extra options ordered at purchase; check what the listing includes.
See options on AmazonLobster Pickle Two
Best for: Players who want a 2-line forehand and backhand drill
Lobster lists 10 to 60 mph, top and back spin, random and 2-line oscillation, electronic elevation, 125 balls, indoor and outdoor balls, 42 pounds and a two-year warranty.
Watch out: Lobster's page gives both 4 to 6 and 6 to 8 hours of battery time, and lists the remote as both included and optional; confirm with Lobster.
See options on AmazonLobster Pickle Champion
Best for: Players who want preset match-style drills
Lobster lists six pre-loaded drills, fully random, vertical and horizontal oscillation, 20 to 65 mph, a 2 to 9 second feed, 125 balls, an included 20-function remote, 44 pounds and a two-year warranty.
Watch out: Its minimum speed is 20 mph, higher than the Pickle Two's 10 mph.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How fast do pickleball machines throw?
- Sports Tutor lists up to 65 mph for the Pickleball Tutor Plus. Lobster lists 10 to 60 mph for the Pickle Two and 20 to 65 mph for the Pickle Champion.
- Can a pickleball machine throw outdoor balls?
- Sports Tutor and Lobster say these machines throw both indoor and outdoor pickleballs.
- How many balls do they hold?
- 110 for the Pickleball Tutor Plus and 125 for both Lobster machines.
- What warranty comes with a pickleball machine?
- Sports Tutor lists three years on parts and labor for Pickleball Tutor machines. Lobster lists two years.
Sources
- Pickleball Tutor (sportstutorcompany.com), Sports Tutor
- the pickle two by Lobster (lobstersports.com), Lobster Sports
- the pickle champion by Lobster (lobstersports.com), Lobster Sports
- Eye emergencies (medlineplus.gov), NIH / MedlinePlus