Tennis ball machines: speed, spin and how long they run
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Sports Tutor Tennis Cube. Best for: Beginners who want a light machine. See options on Amazon
- Tennis Tutor ProLite Plus. Best for: Players who want topspin and underspin at a low weight. See options on Amazon
- Lobster Elite Liberty. Best for: Beginner to intermediate players who want more balls per load. See options on Amazon
- Lobster Elite Two. Best for: Intermediate players who want random depth as well as width. See options on Amazon
What to compare
- Top speed: compare it with the pace you face in matches.
- Spin: whether you can add topspin and underspin, and whether it is a switch or a variable setting.
- Oscillation: random side-to-side shots, and on some machines random depth.
- Ball capacity and battery time: how long you hit before refilling or recharging.
- Weight and wheels: how easily it goes in and out of a car.
Compare four machines
| Machine | Speed and spin | Balls, run time, weight |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis Cube | Up to 50 mph | 70 balls; up to 2 hr; 24 lb |
| ProLite Plus | Up to 75 mph; topspin or underspin | 110 balls; up to 4 hr; under 30 lb |
| Elite Liberty | 10 to 70 mph; top and back spin | 150 balls; 2 to 4 hr; 35 lb |
| Elite Two | 10 to 80 mph; top and back spin; random depth | 150 balls; 4 to 8 hr or electric; 42 lb |
These details come from Sports Tutor's and Lobster's product pages. Sports Tutor lists three-year warranties for its two machines; Lobster lists two years. We have not tested these machines.
Beginner or advancing player
Sports Tutor calls the Tennis Cube its lightest, most compact machine for beginning and intermediate players. It feeds a ball every 2 to 10 seconds, and an oscillator is an add-on option. Lobster says the Elite Liberty suits beginner to intermediate players, with full corner-to-corner random oscillation and topspin and backspin.
For intermediate and advanced intermediate players, Lobster's Elite Two adds vertical oscillation, so shots land short and deep at random as well as side to side. Sports Tutor's ProLite Plus adds a one-switch topspin or underspin setting to the base ProLite, and Sports Tutor lists ProLite Ultra and Player versions with more presets and speeds.
Battery time and ball capacity
Battery time sets the length of a session. Sports Tutor lists up to 2 hours per charge for the Cube and up to 4 hours for the ProLite Plus, with an optional external battery pack for the ProLite line. Lobster lists 2 to 4 hours of court time for the Elite Liberty and 4 to 8 hours for the Elite Two, which is also offered with electric or combination power.
Capacity sets how often you refill: 70 balls for the Cube (one standard pick-up basket, per Sports Tutor), 110 for the ProLite Plus and 150 for both Lobster machines.
Getting it to the court
The Cube weighs 24 pounds and the ProLite line under 30 pounds, per Sports Tutor. The ProLite has a built-in towing handle and wheels, and its handle folds. Lobster lists 35 pounds for the Elite Liberty, with oversized wheels and a foldable handle, and 42 pounds for the Elite Two. Both Sports Tutor machines have a start-up delay so you can walk to the other side of the net before balls begin.
Warranty and safety
Sports Tutor says the Tennis Cube and the ProLite line are backed by a three-year warranty covering parts and labor, with extended warranties available. Lobster says the Elite Liberty and Elite Two are made in the USA and covered by its two-year warranty.
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 Tennis Cube
Best for: Beginners who want a light machine
Sports Tutor lists 24 pounds, up to 50 mph, a 2 to 10 second feed, manual elevation, a 70 ball capacity, up to two hours per charge and a three-year parts and labor warranty.
Watch out: The oscillator is an extra-cost option; check whether the listing includes it.
See options on AmazonTennis Tutor ProLite Plus
Best for: Players who want topspin and underspin at a low weight
Sports Tutor lists up to 75 mph, a one-switch topspin or underspin setting, a random oscillator, a 110 ball capacity, up to 4 hours per charge, under 30 pounds and a three-year warranty.
Watch out: The wireless remote is optional; some Amazon listings include it and some do not.
See options on AmazonLobster Elite Liberty
Best for: Beginner to intermediate players who want more balls per load
Lobster lists 10 to 70 mph, top and back spin, random horizontal oscillation, manual 0 to 50 degree elevation, 150 balls, 2 to 4 hours of court time, a 2-function remote, 35 pounds and a two-year warranty.
Watch out: Elevation is manual; see the Elite Two for electronic elevation.
See options on AmazonLobster Elite Two
Best for: Intermediate players who want random depth as well as width
Lobster lists 10 to 80 mph, top and back spin, random horizontal and vertical oscillation, electronic 0 to 60 degree elevation, 150 balls, 4 to 8 hours on battery or unlimited on electric, a 10-function remote, 42 pounds and a two-year warranty.
Watch out: It comes in internal and external battery versions; check which one the listing is.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How fast do tennis ball machines shoot?
- Sports Tutor lists up to 50 mph for the Tennis Cube and 75 mph for the ProLite Plus. Lobster lists 10 to 70 mph for the Elite Liberty and 10 to 80 mph for the Elite Two.
- How long does the battery last?
- Up to 2 hours for the Cube and 4 hours for the ProLite Plus, per Sports Tutor; 2 to 4 hours for the Elite Liberty and 4 to 8 hours for the Elite Two, per Lobster.
- How many balls do they hold?
- 70 for the Tennis Cube, 110 for the ProLite Plus and 150 for both Lobster machines.
- What warranty comes with a ball machine?
- Sports Tutor lists three years on parts and labor for these models. Lobster lists two years.
Sources
- Tennis Cube (sportstutor.com), Sports Tutor
- Tennis Tutor ProLite / Plus / Ultra / Player (sportstutor.com), Sports Tutor
- elite liberty (lobstersports.com), Lobster Sports
- elite two (lobstersports.com), Lobster Sports
- Eye emergencies (medlineplus.gov), NIH / MedlinePlus