Pickleball has had the highest growth for a court game in the last couple of years. The fun fact is, that it was introduced as a leisurely game for elderly people, but nowadays it’s pretty popular among young people. The young players are more concerned with challenging themself as well as enjoying the game.
As a pickler, you need a hitting partner for the practice session, and it’s the reason why pickleball machines have got sudden demand among the picklers. In Pickleball if you want to compete even at a minimal level, you have to get skilled in different shots. And finding a partner is not always easy who can assist you in throwing the balls in the quantity you need and the way you need.
In this article, I will write a detailed explanation of all the best pickleball machines in the market. From these pickleball machine reviews, you will get a clear idea about all the features that can help you. The factual pros and cons with reasons are also mentioned that will help you find the accurate machine for your game.
Without further ado, let’s read the article till the end.
Table of Contents
- 1 Why you need a pickleball machine
- 2 Pickleball Tutor Plus: The Best Pickleball Machine
- 3 Pickleball Tutor Mini w/Oscillator: The Best Budget Pickleball Machine
- 4 Pickleball Tutor Spin: Second Best Pickleball Machine
- 5 Lobster Pickle Ball Machine: Best Beginner-Friendly Pickleball Machine
- 6 Lobster Pickle Two: Best Pickleball Machine for Intermediate Players
- 7 Simon X Pickleball Machine
- 8 What you should consider in a pickleball machine
Why you need a pickleball machine
Even if you are a pro-level pickleball player, still you might need to improve your dink or volley more accurately. That’s where a pickleball machine can perform the job of a human hitter perfectly. A machine can feed you ball after ball, making you an expert in your weak motion.
But the crucial question that pops into mind when you are searching for the best pickleball ball machine that can suit your budget. Also there you need a perfect guide on how you can adjust and operate all those pickleball machines according to your playing style.
Pickleball Tutor Plus: The Best Pickleball Machine
Nothing can beat the Pickleball Tutor Plus if you compare it with other machines for price and benefits. For many years, Tutor Plus has earned a good reputation for innovation in its ball-throwing machines for pickleball players as well as tennis players. And the best one comes with Tutor Plus.
With a good capacity of 110 balls in a single session, this machine shoots balls at a high speed. You can take it for both indoor and outdoor games, as it comes with a rechargeable battery capable of longer court times.
If you compare Tutor Plus with other machines, you might see that it offers the same features, but what makes it significant among the crowds is its overall fit combination. That means whereas other machines are good at specific areas, this machine can give you a complete package of usefulness.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H-20” x L-22” x W-14”
- Ball Capacity: 110
- Max Speed: 65 mph
- Oscillation: Random & 2-line
- Spin: Top & under
- Power Source: Battery or AC
- Remote: 2-function remote system
- Court Time: 3-4 hours
- Weight: 34 lbs for the battery model and 27 lbs for the AC model
- Warranty: 3 years for the machine and 1 year for the battery
| Pros | Cons |
| Allow practicing various shots without a break | Lower ball capacity compared to premium versions of other machines |
| Easy to move with smooth Wheels | Little heavier than its counterparts |
| Various oscillation settings | |
| Topspin and underspin |
Pickleball Tutor Mini w/Oscillator: The Best Budget Pickleball Machine
When you want an affordable, lightweight pickleball machine with all the necessary features, go for the Tutor Mini. Especially, for those who always move around with the machine in the car, this 24-lb machine can be your go-to device without a second thought.
It’s a good option for starters who are eager to improve their playability without investing much in a high-end machine. It offers the basics well, including ball speed, oscillation, and feed rate. However, it might not be the most suitable choice for experts, as it comes with a lower ball capacity, a lower speed, and limited spinnability. Still, you can keep it on your bucket list when you are doing some research on a starter pickleball machine for an affordable price.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H-15” x L-12” x W-13”
- Ball Capacity: 60
- Max Speed: 60 mph
- Oscillation: Random
- Spin: None
- Power: Source Battery
- Remote: No
- Court Time: 2-3 hours
- Weight: 24 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years for the machine and 1 year for the battery
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight machine, easy to carry | Poor Ball capacity |
| Affordable price with almost all essential features | Fewer oscillation options |
| Good speed of 60 mph compared to its size | |
| Convenient size |
Pickleball Tutor Spin: Second Best Pickleball Machine
As its name mentions, Pickleball Tutor Spin is the best for advanced players looking to improve their skills to return shots coming with spins. When it’s about spins, no other machine can beat this particular version from Tutor Plus in this area, not even the premium versions of other brands on my list.
However, it’s not as good as Tutor Plus, though it offers all the features as well. The main disadvantage is its maximum speed of 60 mph. However, still, that speed is still good enough to master your skills.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H-12” x L-19.5” x W-18”
- Ball Capacity: 120
- Speed: 60 mph
- Oscillation: Random & 2-line
- Spin: Sidespin (Left & right)
- Power Source: Battery or AC
- Remote: Yes, 2-function
- Court Time: 3-4 hours
- Weight: 30 lbs for battery model and 23 lbs for AC model
- Warranty: 3 years for the machine and 1 year for the battery
| Pros | Cons |
| Random spins with a good speed | Not higher speed like other premium devices, still good. |
| Smooth wheels make it easier to move | |
| Various oscillation settings | |
| Moderate weight, easy to carry |
Lobster Pickle Ball Machine: Best Beginner-Friendly Pickleball Machine
So you are a starter and looking for something affordable but at the same time easy to use and available with necessary ball machine features. Then the Lobster Pickleball Pickleball Machine can save your fortune.
As a beginner, you shouldn’t need to focus much on fancy and costly tools. You can practice with simple, basic tools, and gain your skill. Over time, when you have already become experienced and skilled, you will know the difference between the different tools. You can choose the highly featured machines later.
So what are the features that the Lobster Pickleball Machine is going to offer to a starter? First of all, it holds a massive amount of pickleball at a time. Its hopper serves you with 135 balls. As a beginner, you might need someone to shoot balls at you for a long session, and this machine offers that without rest, anytime you want.
Besides, the basic required features of oscillation and spin function well in this incredible machine. Plus, its speed is quite good at 60 mph for a machine under 1000 dollars. So what else do you need for your first pickleball machine? Check the specifications for more.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H-26” x L-16” x W-22”
- Ball Capacity: 135
- Max Speed: 60 mph
- Oscillation: Random
- Spin: Topspin & underspin
- Power: Source Battery
- Remote: Available in 2-function
- Court Time: 2 to 4 hours
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years for the machine and 6 months for the battery
| Pros | Cons |
| Surprisingly most affordable price | Warranty is less than the competitors |
| Largest ball capacities in the game | No 2-line oscillation |
| Easy portable machine with big wheels | |
| Moderate weight easy to carry |
Lobster Pickle Two: Best Pickleball Machine for Intermediate Players
When you have crossed your preliminary stage and have gained the basic pickleball skills well, it’s the right time to have the Lobster Pickle Two, which is a great tool for intermediate players whose aim is high in the sport.
The Lobster has been working with ball machines since 1971, and the Lobster Pickle Two came with their latest innovations. This machine has more distinctive and mature features than its cheaper version the Lobster Pickle. For example, the Lobster Pickle Two offers electronic elevation.
The best part of this machine is you can spend more time on the court without charging. This powerful device can continue a single session for up to 6 to 8 hours, which is the highest in the pickleball machine industry. Plus, the external battery is effortless to remove from the machine and can be charged accordingly without carrying the whole machine.
And there is a remote control that pairs the machine with Apple devices. The practice is easier now as you can control the device from the opposite side of the court. Read the specifications for more to discover on this machine.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H-26” x L-16” x W-22”
- Ball Capacity: 135
- Max Speed: 60 mph
- Oscillation: Random & 2-line
- Spin: Both Topspin & underspin
- Power Source: Battery (internal and external options) or AC
- Remote: 2-function remote system, also a 5-function
- Court Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years for the machine and 6 months for the battery
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive battery life, better than any other competitor | Shorter warranty than other established brands |
| Largest ball capacity | |
| Big wheels make the machine greatly portable | |
| Various oscillation convenience |
Simon X Pickleball Machine
Nowadays, picklers talk about Simon X. Since its launch, the device has gained so much popularity for its robust, industry-leading design. The military-grade materials are guaranteed to last for decades. But, that’s not the best. The manufacturer has promised a lifetime warranty for the throwing wheels.
Is the solid body the only reason I should go for Simon X?
No, it stands out for many other features, too. Let’s talk about capacity. Currently, it holds the record for 180 balls, supported by an extra hopper. However, the standard range is 120 balls. If 180 balls are not enough for your uninterrupted sessions, ask the maker for a modification to increase it to 200 balls (that’s not expensive).
It has a tri-wheel system that can double the height of the shots. Moreover, its super ramp, coupled with the tri-wheel system, can adjust the ball height in numerous ways.
The longest warranty of five years for regular parts and a lifetime warranty for the pitching wheels are available with the purchase.
Specifications:
- Ball Capacity: 120 to 180 balls
- Max Speed: 5-70 mph
- Oscillation: Random Stealth Oscillation
- Elevation: Manual (Wheel system)
- Spin: Both Topspin and underspin
- Power Source: Battery plus AC
- Remote: Wireless remote (with FOB controller)
- Court Time: 10-12 hours (battery)
- Weight: 65 LBS
- Warranty: 1 year for battery, 5 years for the machine, and lifetime for throwing wheels
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Longest playing time, up to 12 hours | Heavyweight, can require two people to carry |
| Heavyweight | |
| Largest ball capacity, up to 180 balls | |
| Instant control with remotes |
What you should consider in a pickleball machine
As a great number of players are getting interested in pickleball each year, manufacturers are also investing in producing more sophisticated pickleball machines. The pickleball practice machine is now part of daily sessions for many. The Lobster, the Sports Tutor, and the Spinshot all have been working with innovative tools, and you already have some of the best in the previous sections.
Now the hard part is what to look for in a pickleball machine when you are going to purchase one for your game. Though the features are quite common, some machines are comparatively richer in some specific areas than their counterpart. So you have to understand the features these machines are offering and pick the best one that will fit your needs.
Here is a simple checklist that will help you to find out the right choice for you:
- Ball Capacity: The number of pickleball balls the machine hopper can hold.
- Unit Size: A large-sized machine, or a smaller one
- Weight and Maneuverability: Lightweight or Heavyweight. The lighter the weight of the machine is, the more convenient to move it.
- Ball Speed: The range of distance the machine can produce.
- Various Shots: The machine should be capable of throwing all the required shots, including volleys, dinks, lobs, and more.
- Spins: The machine should produce spin effects, like topspin, backspin, or backspin.
- Oscillation: Oscillation is a must-have feature, including from side to side and vertically.
- Elevations: Is the machine manually or electronically adjustable to set the elevation?
- Moving Wheel: The moving wheels should be large enough to move the machine easily outside and inside the court.
- Feed Rate: How many balls the machine can send in a minute or the amount of the breaking time between two throwings.
- Power Supply: The machine must have both AC and DC plugged in so that you can charge anywhere during outdoor sessions.
- Battery Life: How long does the battery support on a single charge?
- Remote Control: Most pickleball machines have both remote and remote-less versions.
- Price: Mini version at a low price or premium/ large version with more features.
- Warranty: Usually machines are available with a 2-3 years warranty.
Now I am going to tell you which features must be checked.
Ball Capacity
The reason you are buying a pickleball machine is to throw balls at you when there is no hitting partner. So the ball capacity of the machine matters as machines with smaller hoppers need to be reloaded quickly, making a single session inconvenient.
So which machine has the biggest hoppers on the market now?
The winner is Simon X who can hold 180 balls with an extra hooper, and the average ball capacity of other machines is between 100 to 130 balls.
Weight and Maneuverability
Perhaps, you have noticed pickleball players discussing the weight of pickleball machines should be light and maneuverable. But why weight is important whereas nowadays all the machines are available with moving wheels?
It’s because depending on the location of the courts, you might need to carry your machine in your cars, and the overall weight of a pickleball machine must be considered so that even the average person can pick them up easily and set up again in the court.
Oscillation
The better part of practicing with a human partner than with a pickleball machine is that you don’t know where your partner is going to send the balls to you. As you can’t presume their shots, you get improved each session. But what about the pickleball machines? Well, the truth is not every machine is capable of producing different types of shots.
However, some gadgets have very good oscillation, either horizontally or vertically, and some have both. Some are good at random oscillation too, returning a super serve or playing dink shots are not fiction anymore.
Spin
You can keep your opponent busy with a good combination of spinning the ball when it’s in the air. Only an expert pickleball player can make effective spins to, send the balls in different directions, keeping control over their opponent. You need a lot of practice with an experienced partner to grab great spins.
While you are looking for a pickleball machine to produce the spins, not every machine is capable yet. So check the specs of the machine if you have a machine in mind. Also, it’s better to check if the machine can return the balls with all types of spin, including topspin backspin and sidespin.
