As a beginner, practice makes you perfect in your aim to be a pro pickler. However, finding a reliable and regular court partner to continue the practice sessions as long as you need is often irritating and frustrating. And that’s where a pickleball machine gives you the helping hand you need.
With many unique features and a surprisingly affordable price, The Pickle by Lobster has become unrivaled. Like its premium version Lobster Pickle Two, the manufacturer has seriously invested a lot of research in bringing an outstanding pickleball machine like The Pickle to market. As a result, this feature-packed, well-designed, and easy-to-use machine has been able to attract picklers without a doubt.
This article will shed light on the Pickle, a mini version of the Lobster Pickleball machine. You will get the ins and outs of this outperformer pickleball machine, including all its features. You will also learn how to use it.
Let’s scroll to the end.
Table of Contents
- 1 About the Pickle by Lobster
- 2 Highlighted Specs of the Pickle by Lobster
- 3 Special Features of the Pickle by Lobster
- 4 Ratings of the Pickle by Lobster
- 5 The best part of the Pickle by Lobster is the wheels
- 6 Summary and Takeaways of the Pickle by Lobster
- 7 How to use the Pickle by Lobster
- 8 How to take care of the Lobster Pickle Machine
- 9 FAQs
- 10 Bottom Line
About the Pickle by Lobster
Since its introduction, the Pickle by Lobster pickleball machine has become a name of dependency among newbie picklers. Although it’s the cheapest of all the available pickleball throwing machines now on the market, it has unique features to offer the best benefits. For example, it allows you to set the spin on both the topspin and backspin, which is adequate to practice enough pickleball shots like in a regular match.
Despite its lower price, The Pickle comes with a pack of essential features, including 10 to 60 miler per hour speed, 0 to 50-degree elevations, 2 to 12 seconds feed rate, and variable topspin and backspins. In addition, the energetic, industrious device works tirelessly for up to 4 hours on the court.
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Highlighted Specs of the Pickle by Lobster
| Brand | Lobster Sports |
| Device Name | The Pickle |
| Sport Type | Pickleball (only) |
| Skill Level | All |
| Handle Material | Aluminum |
| Oscillation | Random horizontal |
| Elevation | Manual, 0 to 50 degrees |
| Ball Speed | 10 to 60 mph |
| Feed Rate | 2 to 12 seconds |
| Spin Type | Top, back |
| Ball capacity | 135 |
| Power source | Battery (AC/DC optional) |
| Weight | 35 Lbs. |
| Court Time (Battery Charge) | 2 to 4 hours |
| Remote | Elite remote (Optional) |
| Standard charger | Included |
| Premium charger | Optional |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Special Features of the Pickle by Lobster
The Pickle was introduced with some unique features that set it apart from its counterparts and competitors on the market. Look at the following features that look so innovative:
- Promising Spin: This is where it’s created a movement in the industry. The Pickle introduces various spinnability options for both the backspin and topspin for the first time. And the spin is heavy enough to make you master the return shots.
- Arbitrary Oscillation: The Pickle has both an oscillation and an elevation control system, which means this machine is capable of moving and throwing the ball horizontally. Moreover, its horizontal movement is not systematic. It can throw the balls in a random order, allowing you to practice forehand, backhand, and center positions.
- Elevation: With a maximum elevation of up to 50 degrees, The Pickle is perfect for practicing different kinds of shots, just like in a real practice session with your partner or coach. The machine can feed you the balls, imitating real-life slow lobs and powerful volleys.
- Variable Speed: From a slower to faster reflex action, you can control the ball speed between 10 and 60 miles per hour.
- Largest Ball Capacity: The Pickle by Loster can hold 135 balls in its basket, and that’s the highest ball capacity on the market.
- Longer Court Time: The Pickle’s power source is a rechargeable battery, which can last a decent amount of time, 4 hours, on the court.
- Foldable Handle: Its foldable handle is a real-life example of a good user experience. While the handle supports pulling it comfortably, it’s easy to wrap while carrying inside the car.
- Turnable Basket: With a rotatable basket, the Pickle takes less space. You can carry it in the back seat easily.
- Trickle Charger: You can also use it with AC and DC connections, and the package includes a standard trickle charger.
- Bigger Wheel: The Pickle has wheels of 8 inches, which is relatively bigger compared to other machines, making it easy to move between places. The well-designed, solid, and all-ground wheels run without hurdles.
Ratings of the Pickle by Lobster
Here’s a snapshot of my ratings. Note that this is only a combination of experience and values compared to its price.
The best part of the Pickle by Lobster is the wheels
Like me, you might also have faced that embarrassing moment when you find the playing court is away from the parking areas. Thus, you need to carry all the essential practice items, including the pickleball machine, ball bag, ball collectors, water bottles, and so on. And this is when The Pickle will play like a friend. Turn around the basket, fit it on the back, and put everything in the basket. And transport it from the car to the courtyard with ease.
Summary and Takeaways of the Pickle by Lobster
Overall, the Pickle is an excellent machine that delivers balls with power and spins. Thus, it helps pickleball players improve their true potential.
Being a very low-budget device with up to 60 mph speed and 135 ball capacity, it can still provide you with the best you can expect from a support machine. And this is why it has now become the most preferable to the pickleball coach and picklers.
Now, here’s a glimpse of Pickle’s upsides and downsides.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable price, the best offer in its range. | A bit weighty, but still carryable without much effort. |
| Largest ball capacity of 135 balls | Less court time than its larger version. |
| Various spins with accuracy. | |
| Remote version with a little fee. |
How to use the Pickle by Lobster
The Pickle by Lobster is best when the sole purpose is to practice the shots repeatedly. Before attempting to master every known shot, you should first target achieving a single type of move. To accomplish that, go slow, set your machine in one direction or setting, practice it for a few days, and master it. Then start to practice another shot drive or stroke.
Keep Enormous Balls
You will need enough pickleball to practice with a pickleball machine. For instance, the ball capacity of The Pickle by Lobster is 135 balls. Keeping a hundred balls will save you time and energy; you don’t need to be busy feeding it repeatedly every time 20 or 50 shots are completed.
For example, if you set the feed rate to 5 seconds, and there are 50 balls in the basket, it will take only 4 to 5 minutes to finish a batch of shots, while 130 balls will give you 10 to 11 minutes of practice at a stretch.
Check Operating Board
You’ll find the well-designed control board on the back of The Pickle. First, look at the 3 main switches on the top of the board. Then, see the Power, Horizontal, and Remote buttons from left to right. Use them to turn them on or off, make oscillations, and enable the remote. If you are going to play The Pickle without a remote, you don’t need to bother with the third controller.
Start With the Switch Button
Turn on the switch button, and allow the machine 20-30 seconds to get ready before starting any other tasks.
Horizontal Switch Button
The horizontal switch button allows moving the machine from left to right and vice versa. It’s effective when you want to practice your shots while running throughout the court. This is also useful when you have a partner participating in the practice session; the machine will feed balls to both of you.
Feed Knob
There are three knobs just under the switches – the first one is for feed, the next one controls speed, and the last one is used for a spin. With the first knob, you can control the feed rate; for example, you can increase or decrease the spacing between each shot and its subsequent shot. For example, in The Pickle by Lobster, you can smoothly choose a feed rate between 2 and 12 seconds.
Speed Knob
The speed knob, which is in the middle, works to control the speed, which means you can pick and set the machine at which rate it will throw the balls at you. For example, the pickleball lobster has a minimum slow pace of 10 miles per hour and a maximum fast speed of 30 miles per hour (mph).
Spin Knob
The Spin knob allows you to set the necessary action for the spin. For example, you can either choose the machine to throw the balls flat or add a spin. Plus, options are there both for backspin and topspin.
Elevation Knob
On the left side of The Pickle, you will find the elevation knob used to set or control the throwing direction and elevation. You can select the machine to send the ball to you directly or at a different height. In addition, the knob allows the device to throw balls at higher or lower degrees easily. The Pickle can alter elevation between 0 and 50 degrees.
How to take care of the Lobster Pickle Machine
The Lobster pickleball machine, the Pickle, comes with 2 years of warranty. Taking care of it is easy. Follow the next steps:
- Softer balls are generally unsuitable for Lobster pickleball machines as they tend to leave tiny materials throughout the throwing wheels and wear off quickly. Use hard balls for the best performance.
- Throwing wheels become coated with fuzzy materials left by pickleball balls, so clean the wheels every three hours, and use a metal brush.
- Try not to drain out the battery to empty.
FAQs
Q1: Is The Pickle by Lobster too heavy?
A: The Pickle by Lobster weighs around 34 pounds, which seems a little heavier than other types of machines like Sports Tutor and Spinshot. So it might seem uncomfortable sometimes to carry it in your car’s backseat or passenger seats. However, you can fold the arms, pick it up, and put it in the backseat. The technique is to keep it as small as possible while carrying it.
Q2: How many Lobster pickleball machines are there?
A: Currently, Lobster has only two products on the market- The Pickle and The Pickle Two. The first one, already discussed in this article, is the best for newbies at an affordable price. The Pickle Two is the premium version that has some outstanding qualities.
Q3: Does Lobster the Pickle work with all pickleball balls?
A: Yes, any indoor or outdoor pickleball ball works well with the Lobster Pickle. It works with branded pickleball balls, including Onix, Franklin, and Dura. However, from some user reviews, it’s recommended to use hard balls with the Pickle. Try to avoid any softer balls.
Q4: How long does it take for a full charge?
A: The manufacturer provides a standard charger with the purchase package, which takes up to 12 hours to charge an empty battery. This trickle charger is free, but if you want a fast charge, the supplier has two other options- 1-Amp and 3-Amp fast chargers. You can purchase any of them if you need your pickleball machine within a shorter time frame. For example, 3-Amp can charge within 2-3 hours.
Q5: What is the power source of the Pickle?
A: There is an internal battery; you can recharge it through an AC or DC connection. With the standard purchase, a free lobster trickle charger is given to charge the battery.
Q6: Does the Pickle by Lobster have a remote?
A: Yes, the Pickle has a remote, but it’s not free. You will not receive a remote with the standard purchase. You have to purchase it separately, which will cost around USD 250. However, the remote is not necessary for operating the Lobster pickleball machine. Many picklers suggest they can handle the device well without a remote. You will understand the settings quickly within the first few hours.
Q7: How to avoid pickleball balls wearing off in Pickle Two?
A: Softer balls quickly wear off through the throwing wheels of the Pickle. So first, you should use hard balls, like Franklin’s 40s. Secondly, clean the wheels after using them for 3 hours.
Q8: Can you use Lobster the Pickle for tennis or baseball?
A: No. Practicing hard-hitting games with the Pickle will not be effective as its throwing wheels are only compatible with pickleball balls made of LDPE. Besides, hairy tennis balls can block wheel operations, making them unfunctional.
Q9: Does the Pickle create noise?
A: The Pickle’s motor produces some sounds while in working mode, audible only when you stay beside it. But when you are playing with it from the opposite court, you only catch the sound of the throwing balls.
Bottom Line
If you prefer an affordable pickleball machine to prolong your practice session but still demand excellent services and features, simply go for The Pickle by Lobster. However, note that it mainly helps beginner picklers. And if you are already a professional player, this device probably won’t be a good fit for you. In that case, you should look at the more premium machines, like The Pickle Two.
