Lobster Elite Three Tennis Ball Machine is an upgraded Elite Two model. It offers a little bit more functions for a little bit more money. What does “a little bit more” mean and is it worth “a little bit more” money? Check our review.
Pros:
+ Random horizontal (left to right), random vertical (deep and short) and a combination of horizontal and vertical oscillation
+ Triple oscillation and 2-line function offers real match conditions simulation
+ Extraordinary long battery life
+ Speed and Feed interval set in exact metrics (mph and seconds)
+ Electric elevation
+ Ball capacity 150 balls
+ For intermediate and advanced players
Cons:
– Longer recharging time and no overcharge protection
– Overcharge protection and faster recharging just for an additional fee
– No programmed drills available
– Remote control just for an additional fee
– Phone remote control just for Apple users
CHECK PRICE OF LOBSTER SPORTS ELITE THREE ON AMAZON HERE or read the full review below.
Content:
Technical Specifications
Features
Available Drills
Remote Control
Battery life & Recharging
Construction
Pricing & Our Verdict
or check our guide to all important features and parameters the best tennis ball machines should have.
Technical Specifications:
Ball Feed Speed: 10 to 80 mph (16 to 130 kmph)
Ball Feed Interval: 2 seconds to 12 seconds
Ball Capacity: 150 balls
Programmable Drills: none
Phone Compatibility: with Apple phones for an additional fee
Battery life: 4 – 8 hours
Battery charging: 18 to 24 hours for a fully charged battery
Weight: 42 lbs (19 kg)
Dimensions: Height: 21 in (53 cm) Length: 21 in (53 cm) Width: 14 in (35 cm)
Case Construction: Durable plastic body
Features
Lobster Elite Three Control Panel
Lobster Elite Three is the third model from the popular Elite model line. It is the most equipped model of all of them. It has all the features the Elite Two tennis ball machine offers (and it means it includes also all the features of the Elite One model).
Just to summarize, it has a speed range of 10 to 80 mph and a feed interval of 2 to 12 seconds. The speed and feed time can be set exactly on the control panel. No need to recalculate the range to the unit’s system. You just set the exact number, e.g. 40 mph and 6 seconds.
Lobster Elite Three offers 4 different topspin and backspin levels [Note: backspin is called underspin on the Lobster control panel] and flat shot, so essentially you get 9 different shots.
The electrical elevation is the obvious part of the Lobster Elite line. The ball capacity of almost all Lobster tennis ball machines is 150 balls.
Available Drills
Lobster Elite Three, like other Elite models, does not have memory and you can not program it. You need to go to the higher Elite Grand line for programmable drills.
Lobster Elite Three Triple Oscillation with 2-line function
However, the Elite Three model has all the oscillation features included in the Elite Two model plus a 2-line function with narrow and wide shots optionality. Altogether, Lobster Elite Three has random horizontal, random vertical, random horizontal and vertical, 2-line narrow and wide oscillation. It means you can choose the depth and width of the shots and it increases the variability of drills you can experience with Elite Three.
Looking for a more advanced model with preprogrammed drills and a remote control? Check our Lobster Elite Grand Four tennis ball machine review.
Remote control
Elite10 Phone App Remote
Unfortunately, Lobster Sports does not provide a remote control with the Elite model line. You have the option to buy a two-button remote control or an elite10 remote for an additional fee.
Elite10 Remote is available also in your iPhone app store.
I would consider buying the remote control very strongly. Even the simple two-button remote control will make your partnership with the tennis ball machine much better. It will save you a lot of kneeling next to the ball machine trying to set up the drills. And it also saves you a lot of running to another side of the court to be prepared for the first shot.
Check other reviews of Lobster Elite Three tennis ball machines on Amazon here.
Battery life & recharging
The long court time ranging from 4 to 8 hours is the positive of any Lobster Sports tennis ball machine. I do not expect anyone to practice 4 hours in a row (be careful on your elbow!), but such long usage time can be very helpful for tennis clubs and tennis coaches. Lobster Elite Three battery life enables you to have four or five subsequent practices during the day without any need for recharging.
By the way, recharging is the opposite of court time. You need to recharge your battery for 24 hours with a standard (delivered with your Elite Three machine) charger. And you can not forget to plug off the machine after the battery is full. The standard charger does not have overcharge protection, so you need to step up to save your battery from being destroyed.
Of course, you have the possibility to buy a fast or premium charger. Both “extra” chargers have overcharge protection embedded and decrease the recharging time to 8 or even 6 hours and have overcharge protection embedded.
Construction
The design of all Lobster machines is really unique. It can be recognized from a distance and attracts a lot of attention.
The durable plastic of Lobster tennis ball machines decreases the weight of the machine itself. Oversized wheels help in moving the machine on the court. The handle and ball feeder can be folded to improve the storability and transportability of the machine.
Lobster Elite Three Pricing & Our Verdict
Lobster Elite Three is the most equipped model from the Elite line. It has everything that is in the Elite One and Elite Two models. Additionally, it adds the 2-line function that helps simulate match conditions. The alternative width of the shots is a thing that every advanced player will welcome.
Another big plus of Lobster Elite Three is an exceptionally long court time. That can be well used in any tennis club.
The drawdowns of this machine are the longer recharging time and the remote control in the basic setup. However, both these things can be solved by buying additional accessories (elite10 remote and fast or premium charger).
CHECK PRICE OF LOBSTER SPORTS ELITE THREE ON AMAZON HERE
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