Lobster Elite Two Tennis Ball Machine is the second model in the Elite series made by Lobster Sports. Its price is still slightly below $1500 and offers more functionality than the Lobster Elite One model. Is Lobster Elite Two worth the price? Check our review below.
Pros:
+ Random horizontal (left to right), random vertical (deep and short) and a combination of horizontal and vertical oscillation
+ Triple oscillation offers 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 TWO ON AMAZON HERE or read the full review below.
Content:
Technical Specifications
Features
Available Drills
Remote Control
Battery life
Construction
Pricing & Our Verdict
or check our guide to all the 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 Two Control Panel
Lobster Elite Two has all the functions of the Elite One model and adds something more. It gives you a nice speed range between 10 to 80 mph, which can be set exactly in speed units on the control panel. You can control the feed interval and level of topspin and backspin.
You can choose from 4 different topspin and backspin levels. [Note: backspin is called underspin on the Lobster control panel]. There are models on the market who have 9 different levels for topspin and another 9 for backspin. Lobster Elite Two is not the best spin tennis ball machine model, but in my opinion, eight levels of spin are enough for any intermediate and even advanced tennis player.
Additionally, the electrical elevation is a nice little treat for anyone bored with handling with a stick to adjust the height of shots.
Let’s move further to functions making Lobster Elite Two a better model compared to Elite One in the sections below.
Available Drills
Lobster Elite Two tennis ball machine does not have programmable memory or any pre-programmable drills. However, it already offers three modes of oscillation which makes this model a pretty interesting tool for any practice session.
Random horizontal is available also in the lower Elite One model. The Elite Two provides also random vertical and a combination of both oscillation patterns called “triple-oscillation”. This “triple-oscillation” is a nice-to-have feature for match simulation.
Horizontal oscillation shoots balls from one side of the court to another (left to right and back). Vertical oscillation pattern gives you a chance to practice short and deep ball placement in random order. A combination of horizontal and vertical oscillation can simulate match conditions while covering all court space. From my experience, it gives you an extensive physical workout really close to what you can see during a match. The only exception is that you probably do not have exchanges 150 balls long with a real person on another side of the court.
Looking for a more advanced model with preprogrammed drills and a remote control? Check our Spinshot Player tennis ball machine review.
Remote control
Elite10 Phone App Remote
The remote control is a weak spot for cheaper Lobster tennis ball machines. There is a possibility to buy a two-button remote control or even an elite10 remote control for an additional fee.
You can turn on and off the feed and the sweep with a two-button remote control for $169. Premium Elite10 remote control is available for $229 and gives you full control of speed, feed, spin, sweep, and elevation. Elite10 is also available in the form of an Apple app, which gives iPhone users an additional reason to consider the Elite Two tennis ball machine.
Unfortunately, Android users were left behind with no possibility to use their phones as a remote control.
Check other reviews of Lobster Elite Two tennis ball machines on Amazon here.
Battery life & recharging
Lobster Sports tennis ball machines are known for their long battery life and weaker battery recharging options. Court time is 4 to 8 hours depending on the play regime you use. This parameter makes Lobster Elite Two the top model. I will just remind you that such long court time is especially advantageous for tennis clubs, who can use the ball machine for a few following practice sessions with different players.
Unfortunately, the basic charger is really just a basic type. It lacks the overcharge protection and you have to be really careful. You need to plug off charging after 24 hours, otherwise, you can destroy your battery. Standard charging time is set at 18 to 24 hours, which is really too long.
You can improve the recharging time substantially by investing in a fast ($99) or premium ($149) charger. Both chargers have overcharge protection built inside and shorten the recharging time to six to eight hours with a fast charger or even to three to four hours with a premium charger.
Construction
Lobster tennis ball machines are made from durable plastic. It reduces their weight to comfortable levels. The Elite Two model weighs just 42 lbs and with oversized wheels is easily maneuverable on the court. The problems may come when you need to transport the Elite two in a car. The handle can be folded, the feeder closed but the ball machine is still far from a rectangular shape. The unique design of Lobster machines is refreshing on the court but makes it problematic to lift it by one, even strong, person. The problem is not the weight, but the shape. It is really hard to overlap it by hand.
The second complaint from users is directed at the handle. The plastic handle looks cheap and is not as durable as many would wish. I think that machine with a price slightly under $1500 would deserve a better and more durable handle for moving.
Lobster Elite Two Pricing & Our Verdict
Lobster Elite Two tennis ball machine gives you a number of reasons to strongly consider its purchase. The three different oscillation modes provide match-play simulation at a high level and will satisfy also advanced players. The long court time makes it a pretty reliable shooting partner for more practices in a row.
The biggest negatives are the missing overcharge protection and remote control in the basic setup. You can solve these two problems with additional investment into elite10 control and charger upgrade. Then you will get a fully equipped tennis ball machine for advanced practice with many useful features.
CHECK PRICE OF LOBSTER SPORTS ELITE TWO ON AMAZON HERE
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