If you've ever looked into getting a pickleball training machine, you've probably come across the Erne. The Erne set the standard when it came out a couple of years ago. It was the first high-tech pickleball machine, run entirely by a dedicated smartphone app.
The only thing about the original Erne pickleball machine is it's a 50-lb beast that costs around $2,000. It's an incredible piece of machinery but it's not for everyone. The introduction of the Erne Dink + Drop Pro is welcome news for anyone who wants a version that's over half the weight and half the cost. The only question is: is there a big drop in quality?
My verdict4.0
The Erne Dink + Drop Pro is an affordable, highly portable, and pinpoint-accurate training tool that excels at helping players build consistency through high-repetition drilling. While it lacks the advanced programming, speed, and hands-free convenience of more expensive machines like the flagship Erne and the Titan pickleball machines, it's a fantastic value for those looking to improve their fundamental skills like dinking and drops without the steep price tag of elite models.
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Buy or pass?
Buy if:
You want an affordable way to get high-repetition practice on your own:
I picked the Erne Dink + Drop Pro as the top budget choice on our guide to the best pickleball machines – it gives you the best value for money.
You prioritize extreme portability and compact size:
this machine weighs only 17 lbs and comes apart into two small pieces for easy storage and transport.
You value pinpoint accuracy for drilling specific, consistent shots:
the Erne app is great at setting up drills to help you practice dinks and drops on repeat.
Pass if:
You want a more advanced setup:
the Dink + Drop Pro lacks the "set it and forget it" quality that can simulate complex, high-pace match scenarios from one position.
You require deeper customization:
the bigger Erne and the Titan machines offer more advanced shot variety (like varying spins/angles), and vertical oscillation.
You want a higher ball speed:
the speed limit here is 32 mph – the other picks on our top pickleball machines list exceed 60 mph.
Speed Range
10 to 32 mph
Ball Capacity
45
Feed Rate
0.80 to 10 seconds
Battery Life
5 to 8 hours
Weight
17 lbs
Extras
Remote and battery charger included
Review summary
The Erne Dink + Drop Pro is designed for the player who needs high-volume, consistent repetitions to sharpen their fundamental pickleball skills. If you struggle to find practice partners, this machine offers an accessible solution to get thousands of extra dinks, drops, and drives in, which will undoubtedly lead to tangible improvements in your gameplay.
While it doesn't replace the advanced, feature-rich functionality of high-end machines like the Titan ONE, it hits a sweet spot for those on a budget. You are sacrificing advanced programming and raw pace – this doesn't hit the 60 mph heights of the most elite ones – for a machine that is easy to transport, highly reliable, and very consistent in its shot placement.
At $850, at the time of writing, it offers a huge saving against the bigger, faster machines that usually come in around $2,000.
Pro tip: using the same ball type rather than different balls will give you a much more consistent feed. I recommend buying a box of 100 of the same balls to get started. Check out the best pickleball balls.
Pros
Excellent accuracy and shot consistency
The best thing about the Dink + Drop Pro is the accuracy of each shot. This machine excels here, and this is no small feat. I've played with much more expensive machines that skew the odd ball, upsetting your rhythm. This one is incredible for players who want to work on their shot consistency.
Very compact and portable (perfect for smaller cars)
This is a much smaller machine than the original 50-lb Erne. It's the lightest machine I've played with by far, at just 17 lbs. Even the Titan ACE, which is supposed to be Titan's compact machine, weighs 39 lbs.
It's super easy to lift and it solves the issue of transport for players with smaller cars. I've met many frustrated players in the parking lot of my courts, struggling to get their machines in and out of their compact vehicles!
It also comes apart easily into two small pieces that store away in your home.
Great value compared to higher-end machines
This machine replaced the Lobster as my top budget pickleball machine. It's a few hundred dollars cheaper, and more than half the cost of a machine like the Tennibot. Gone are the days when a sub-$1,000 machine would be a cheap piece of plastic with no tech. The Dink + Drop Pro is a software-powered solution for the modern age.
Long battery life
This had the longest battery life when we compared our top machines. It can last up to eight hours, twice as long as many of its competitors. This is such a bonus, as constantly charging your machine is a nuisance, and you don't want it running out of battery mid-session.
Convenient remote control and app integration
I like that they included the remote control here. It makes a huge difference. Some brands make you buy a remote. It's always handy to have, rather than grabbing and unlocking your phone any time you need to change up.
The Erne app is one of the better ones too. It's super easy to navigate and sync with your machine.
Cons
Lacks advanced programming and shot customization
The Dink + Drop Pro is not as advanced in drill setup as the Erne. It also requires manual repositioning for different shots.
You can't really simulate high-pace, match-intensity shots with this machine. It's a more casual, slower-paced training session compared with the Erne.
No wheels, handle, or ball storage
It's a good thing this machine weighs 17 lbs because it doesn't have wheels or a handle like other machines.
It also lacks an internal storage space or a lid to keep balls in when you're moving the machine. I had to bring balls in a separate bag or cart.
How the Erne Dink + Drop Pro performs
Speed range
Oscillation range
Ball capacity
Portability
Battery life
Ease of use
Accuracy
Customization
Speed range - 5/10
Not designed for high pace; excels at soft, controlled feeding.
Oscillation range - 6/10
Capable of basic left-to-right movement, but lacks vertical (up/down) oscillation.
Ball capacity - 7/10
Holds around 50 balls; simple, effective capacity for drilling sessions. Nowhere near the 150 ball capacity of the Erne.
Portability - 9/10
Extremely compact and easy to carry, though you must account for carrying a separate ball bag and not being able to wheel it to the courts.
Battery life - 10/10
Exceptional longevity; easily powers through hours of practice.
Ease of use - 7/10
Fairly intuitive, but requires more manual repositioning on the court compared to premium models.
Accuracy - 10/10
Pinpoint consistency once positioned; hits the target every time.
Customization - 7/10
Limited; good for basic drills, but restricted compared to high-end, fully programmable units.
Is the Erne Dink + Drop Pro worth it?
Yes, it is absolutely worth it for the right player. If your goal is to get better at dinking, drops, and drives through high repetition, this machine is a fantastic investment that provides significant value. It will not replace a high-end, fully programmable machine, and it requires a bit more physical effort to adjust during sessions, but it succeeds in its mission: helping you become a better pickleball player by making solo training accessible and effective.
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Alternatives to the Erne Dink + Drop Pro
Bigger + more advanced
Erne
Compact + more advanced
Titan ACE
Highest tech
Tennibot "Partner"
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