If you want to level up your game fast, training is absolutely essential. But if you can't find a trainer or a partner to practice with, then you're going to need one of the best pickleball machines.
When you're looking to develop quickly, pickleball drills can be improved greatly with the help of a training machine. Since they never tire and can shoot balls with pinpoint accuracy, they're one of the best investments for serious pickleball players.
In this article, I've compared my top eight picks, so you can see which ones are actually worth spending your hard-earned cash on.
Shortlist
Best overall
1. The Erne
The Erne pickleball machine is a high-performance practice partner that offers you a full pickleball drilling session with just a tap of your finger.
Best mid-range
2. Pickleball Tutor Plus
A tried-and-tested staple on courts all over the US, the Tutor Plus delivers excellent functionality for a reasonable price.
Best cheap
3. Furlihong 680PBH Pickleball Starter Kit
The Furlihong starter kit includes a machine, a clever catching net and bag, a paddle, and 3 pickleballs to kickstart your pickleball practice sessions.
Best for beginners
4. Lobster Pickle Ball Machine
The Lobster Pickle is the perfect piece of equipment to help you hone your skills and boost your rating from beginner to intermediate.
Best professional
5. SIMON X
The SIMON X is built like a tank and can shoot balls with enough speed, frequency and spin to keep even the most advanced players on their toes.
Best for speed
6. Tutor Plus Ultra
The Tutor Plus Ultra offers a full range of pickleball shots to boost your practice and leave you confident the next time you face up a banger on the courts.
The best pickleball machines in 2023
Want to know more? Keep scrolling for my in-depth analysis of each pick.
1. The Erne
A high-end, technologically advanced pickleball canon
Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You're an intermediate to advanced player looking to improve your game.
This machine will turbo-charge your drilling sessions.
You want top-of-the-line tech in your machine.
This one connects with your phone for unbeatable functionality.
You want a complete training system.
With all its preset drills, the Erne is more than a machine—its a training partner.
Pass if:
You're on a budget.
This machine costs nearly $1800.
You're a beginner at pickleball.
This might be overkill for a brand new player.
Victory Sports Technologies
Power source
Battery and AC
Remote
Yes
Oscillation
Random and 2-way
Spin
Top and back
The Erne has quickly become one of the hottest pickleball products of the year. I've been speaking with the founder who told me they simply can't make enough to keep up with demand right now.
Why I picked it
The Erne is my #1 choice as it's the Ferrari of pickleball machines. Sleek and technologically advanced, its whole purpose is to improve your pickleball game—and if my tests are anything to go by, it does that incredibly well.
It's not just a repurposed tennis machine like many others on the market—its creators designed it specifically for pickleball. Plus, the Erne's phone app makes this the most dynamic machine I've tested.
Who it's for
This machine is designed for intermediate to advanced players looking to seriously boost their skills.
It offers an impressive range of functions that can be programmed to test and train every aspect of your game, right up to the most technical shots.
Try the Erne before it sells out (again)
Features
All the usual features you'd expect are there, including top and under spin, oscillation, and elevation control. The hopper holds an impressive 150 balls, which means more time drilling and less time collecting balls.
The Erne smartphone app is super handy, letting you control things like the spin, frequency, and speed, as well as program your very own drill sequences. This way, you can focus on aspects of your game that need the most work and get the most out of your sessions.
Design and feel
If you flip the hopper over, the Erne can fold away into a compact and neat unit. The telescopic handle and large wheels make it super easy to move it from your car to the courts.
Plus, it comes in multiple color options, which all look modern and sleek.
Performance
For me, the coolest thing about this pickleball machine is the programmable drills. There are 25 in total, with 8 different variations covering every shot possible. No other machine currently allows for such a dynamic and customizable practice session.
The precision and consistency of shots is another major benefit of the Erne. Its unique ball throwing system means there are almost no stray shots, unlike other machines.
This is also the only machine on the market that uses a "stealth" throwing system, which means that only the internal yoke oscillates rather than the whole machine. So, you can't determine the direction of the shot until the last second.
Value for money
At $1,799, this machine isn't cheap but it comes as a complete product. There aren't any expensive add-ons to bring up its functionality—it already does everything!
Pros:
✔️ Holds 150 balls
✔️ 25 drill types with 28 court positions at the tap of a finger
✔️ Smartphone app controls
Cons:
❌ High price tag
❌ Heavy, at 50lbs
Our verdictFor any pickleball player serious about improving their game, the Erne offers a complete training system—and it's worth every penny. This is the future of pickleball machines, and a game changer in pickleball training.
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2. Pickleball Tutor Plus
Your perfect pickleball practice partner
Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You want to practice a variety of shots.
The Tutor Plus can mimic a range of shots, including spin.
You plan to play where you can't plug in your machine.
The Tutor Plus has a 3–4 hour battery life.
You like to test your reactions to fast shots.
This machine shoots balls up to 65 mph, and won't tire out.
Pass if:
You want maximum ball capacity.
110 isn't exactly bad, but other machines on our list can hold even more.
You're a tall player.
The handle on this machine is a little too low for taller players to move it around with ease.
Pickleball Central
Power source
Battery or AC
Remote
Yes, 2-function (extra cost)
Oscillation
Random & 2-line
Spin
Top & under
Why I picked it
The Tutor Plus offers great all-round functionality, durability, and value for money.
Who it's for
This is perfect for any individual, club, or pickleball coach looking for a sturdy, durable and user-friendly pickleball machine.
Try the Tutor Plus and get 24 outdoor balls for free
Features
The Tutor Plus packs in all the features you need for a rounded practice session. You can load it with 110 pickleballs and set it to shoot them with topspin and backspin at up to 65 mph. It also offers manual elevation so you can practice a whole range of shots from slow, high volleys to quick dink exchanges and third-shot drops.
There's an optional upgrade for an extra $100 that adds an electronic elevation button. Random oscillation comes as standard, which allows for doubles drills or practice in groups. There's another upgrade to add two-way oscillation ($200 extra) which makes the machine shoot at two specific points on the court for footwork practice or doubles practice.
The optional remote control costs $200 extra but only controls two functions: it turns the ball feed and oscillation on and off, and that's it.
Design and feel
It's a hard-wearing, sturdy pickleball machine that's built to last. It has a simple, functional design, with two 3" dolly wheels on the back and a handle on the front allowing you to easily roll it around on flat surfaces. The hopper holds 110 balls, which is plenty for most players.
Performance
This machine offers everything you could need for a full range of pickleball drills. The volley rate can be set from 1 to 10 seconds, so you can practice everything from a leisurely knock about to a high intensity rapid volley session or group practice.
Value for money
The base price of just under $1,200 is great value for money, but the additional extras don't come cheap. However for quality of build, functionality and practice value, this machine is well worth the investment.
Pros:
✔️ High shot speed
✔️ Optional external battery pack for extra battery life
✔️ Made in the USA
Cons:
❌ Only holds 110 balls
❌ Overly basic remote control
❌ Add-ons are expensive
❌ Small wheels make traversing uneven ground tricky
Our verdictThe Pickleball Tutor Plus is an old favorite of ours for its sturdy, user-friendly design and reliable performance.
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3. Furlihong 680PBH Pickleball Starter Kit
A complete practice kit for beginners on a budget
Speed
Ball capacity
Shot variety
Buy if:
You're a beginner looking to improve.
This is ideal for those starting out and looking to improve their essential pickleball skills.
You want to practice in a basement or garage.
This machine works well for indoor practice.
You're on a budget.
This complete set comes in at under $250.
Pass if:
You're an intermediate or advanced player.
This is a basic, beginners machine and paddle.
You're looking to practice challenging, hard shots.
This machine tosses balls out at a more relaxed pace.
Amazon
Power source
Battery (4 X D4s) or AC
Remote
No
Oscillation
Random
Spin
No
Why I picked it
Not everyone can shell out a fortune on a pickleball machine, and the Furlihong 680PBH offers a great practice session for both beginners and players on a budget to elevate your game quickly.
Who it's for
The starter set is best suited to beginners and younger players who are setting out on their pickleball journey. It's lightweight and portable, so can be taken along to the park or set up in a garden for hours of pickleball practice.
Get the Furlihong for great tech at an unbeatable price
Features
This set features a ball shooting machine, a pickleball paddle, three balls and a ball recycling net. The paddle is a basic model, as are the balls, and adequate for a beginner player.
The clever catching net system means that as you hit the ball back at the machine it's caught and directed down a chute back into the stacker. This means that as long as your returns are more or less accurate, you can play long, uninterrupted sessions with just a few balls.
The standard stacker holds 4 balls but an additional extra stacker can be bought which holds another 5. The machine can be run on AC power or with four D4 batteries, but I recommend using rechargeables to help cut costs.
Design and feel
The Furlihong is a budget option, but the build quality is pretty good overall. The net system can be a little tricky to set up, and tends to move backwards if you whack balls at it. The machine's mechanism is a little loud too. But overall, for the price, this feels and looks pretty decent, and does what it's designed to do.
Performance
This machine can toss balls up to 5 ft high and to a distance of up to 9ft. This is plenty for a beginner to practice all the essential shots and also means this machine can be used indoors.
Using the extendable leg, it can be adjusted to shoot at three angles to mix up the height of your shots. The machine also offers oscillation so you can practice your fancy footwork.
Value for money
For under $250 for the whole set, including paddle, balls, catching net and machine, it offers great value for money and will give you many hours of valuable pickleball practice.
Pros:
✔️ Catching net saves time spent collecting balls
✔️ Can be used indoors
✔️ Lightweight and easy to carry around
Cons:
❌ The mechanism is a little noisy
❌ 4D batteries are expensive to replace
Our verdictAn ideal budget option for beginners looking to practice all the fundamental shots and improve their hand-eye coordination.
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4. Lobster Pickle Ball Machine
Image by Pickleball Central
Image by Pickleball Central
Increase your skills quickly with this easy to use, compact pickleball machine
Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You're an improving-beginner.
This machine has all the right features to help you progress your game.
You have to haul your machine across grass or gravel.
The large wheels mean this machine is highly portable.
You like to spend more time playing and less time chasing balls.
The hopper can hold 135 pickleballs.
Pass if:
You want to practice while plugged into a power source.
This machine is battery only.
You want two-way oscillation.
Only random here, unfortunately.
Pickleball Central
Power Source
Battery only
Remote
Yes
Oscillation
Random
Spin
Top and Back
Why I picked it
Lobster Sports have been making tennis machines for over 50 years and they've used all their experience to create these highly functional, user-friendly pickleball practice partners. We love the Lobster machines—so much so that there's two of them on this list!
Who it's for
This machine is perfect for beginners as it's more affordable than some of the other full size ball machines, but still offers all the features a beginner to intermediate player needs.
Try the Lobster machine & get 24 outdoor balls for free
Features
The Pickle's manual elevation crank allows you to go from 0- to 50 degrees, so you can vary the height of the toss, allowing you to work on things like lobs, third shot drops and short dinks.
The hopper holds 135 balls, meaning less time picking up balls and more time practicing your shots.
Design and feel
The Pickle's huge, lime-colored hopper flips over to turn into a cover for the whole neat unit, making it easy to fit in the trunk of your car or pack away when not using it. The 8 inch wheels make it great for rolling around through car parks or other rough terrain.
Performance
This pickleball machine offers you the opportunity to practice a whole range of shots, from long drives to short dinks. It can shoot balls at up to 60 mph with topspin and underspin.
The feed rate can be set between 2 and 12 seconds, depending on how energetic you're feeling. The random oscillation allows two people to practice at the same time and perfect their doubles game.
For any beginner looking to drill their way to an intermediate level, this machine is the perfect choice.
Value for money
At $1,059 this unit isn't as expensive as some of the competition, and offers plenty for beginner to intermediate players.
Pros:
✔️ Large ball capacity
✔️ Made in the USA
✔️ Large wheels
✔️ Affordable
Cons:
❌ Doesn't work on AC charge
❌ No 2-way oscillation
Our verdictThe Lobster Sports Pickle is a firm favorite here at the pickleheads HQ, and we have spent many happy hours honing our skills with it.
Today's best deal
5. SIMON X
Military grade construction and precision from a fully-loaded pickleball cannon.
Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You want a machine that will challenge your reaction time.
Balls coming at you at 70 mph every 1.5 seconds will certainly focus the mind.
You like the element of surprise.
This machine's unique oscillation system means you can't predict where the ball will emerge, like playing against a real person.
You like the comfort of a guarantee.
The Simon X has a 5 year parts warranty, and the throwing wheels have a lifetime warranty.
Pass if:
You're on a budget.
This machine is a serious investment.
You're a beginner.
This machine is for upper intermediate and advanced players only.
You have trouble lifting heavy items.
This machine weighs 65 lbs.
SIMON
Power Source
Battery and AC
Remote
Yes
Oscillation
Random, 2-way and 'stealth'
Spin
Top and Back
Why I picked it
The SIMON X is best for professionals as it's the sturdiest and most powerful machine on the market today. It's also super precise and consistent, meaning you can easily drill the most technical aspects of your game time and again.
Who it's for
This SIMON X is best suited to advanced players who are looking to really fine-tune the more complex skills that high-level pickleball requires. It's also a great buy for pickleball coaches, academies and clubs, as it's hard-wearing, reliable, and comes with great warranties.
Get the SIMON X & train like the pros do
Features
This machine has so many features it's tough to list them all. It's clear that advanced pickleball players have put a lot of thought into designing a machine that will do just about everything you need it to.
It holds 120 balls as standard but can be modified to hold over 200. Its battery life is also impressive, with up to 12 hours of play from the standard battery. This makes it ideal for coaching sessions and pickleball camps. It also comes with a wireless remote as standard (no extra charge) which will work at up to 100 ft away.
Design and feel
The SIMON X has a sticker saying "Military Grade Built Machines" and it's true, it reminds me of a tank! It's built with stainless steel and aluminum and is a bigger unit than all the others on the list.
This makes it heavy—all of 65 lbs—so it can be a little difficult to get in and out of the car without the use of ramps. However the 4 wheel system means that once it's on the ground it's relatively easy to roll around.
Performance
This machine can shoot balls like no other, and has levels of finesse that the competition simply can't match. It can toss balls as slowly as 5 mph, but crank it up to max and it will fire balls at 70 mph (the fastest on the list).
It also offers a unique feature known as 'stealth oscillation'. This means that you can't see which way the ball is going to shoot out of the machine beforehand, as you can on most machines. This truly challenges your reflexes like a real life advanced player would.
The machine also uses a "super ramp" system, which is designed to make every ball shoot out exactly as you have programmed it to do so, without any wild shots (other machines have 20-30% error rates by comparison). This consistency really benefits high level players looking to fine-tune precision shots.
Value for money
At $2,595 this is the most expensive pickleball machine on our list, but all that metal and machinery doesn't come cheap.
Pros:
✔️ Made in the USA
✔️ 5-year parts warranty
✔️ 70 mph ball speed
Cons:
❌ Weighs a ton
❌ Costs a small fortune
Our verdictThe SIMON-X is the Humvee of pickleball machines—big, heavy and packed with a ton of precision engineering to make it perform at the highest possible level. If you're an intermediate to advanced player with a big budget, you can't go wrong with the SIMON-X, and te effect on your game will be momentous.
Today's best deal
6. Tutor Plus Ultra
The ideal machine for learning to deal with those fast smashes.
Buy if:
You're looking for a machine that fires balls fast.
Balls coming at you at 65 mph will test your reflexes.
You want preset drills.
This has 6 built-in presets.
You want to connect to your smartphone.
An optional extra allows you to control the machine from your phone.
Pass if:
You're on a budget.
This machine doesn't come cheap, especially with any added extras.
Pickleball Central
Power Source
AC or Battery
Remote
Yes, three options (extra cost)
Oscillation
Random, 2-way
Spin
Top and Back
Why I picked it
While the Simon X shoots balls a little faster, this one is designed to be accessible to more than just advanced players, and has an affordable price tag.
Who it's for
This machine is great for any and all players. It has a huge range of options and functions, and can be set up to help you practice everything from the basics up to some of the most technical skills.
Grab the Tutor Plus Ultra to truly test your reflexes
Features
The Tutor Plus Ultra has all the features of the Pickleball Tutor, with the addition of 6 preset drills and of course a faster ball speed. Balls can now be fired out of it at up to 65 mph, and a s frequently as every second. This is enough of a challenge even for advanced players. The Tutor Plus Ultra also offers two-way oscillation and electronic elevation to help you practice more complex shots.
Design and feel
This machine is almost identical to the Tutor Plus, but with the welcome addition of a digital display. It's a neat, simple unit that isn;'t too heavy but feels sturdily built. It can be easily moved around on its 3" dolly wheels on the back and a handle on the front.
Performance
The preset drills are an awesome addition, with options to practice your dinks, lobs and 3rd shot drops.
With the touch of a button, the machine will adjust the settings automatically to send you precise cross-court dinks, for example. It can also be set to send you 15 balls to your forehand, then 15 to your backhand.
Value for money
The base price of $1,799 is worth it, but a remote will cost you between $200 and $300 extra, which is a little steep in our books.
Pros:
✔️ 2-way oscillation and electronic elevation as standard.
✔️ Digital display, and memory
✔️ Preset drills
Cons:
❌ Slightly lower ball capacity than others
❌ Remotes cost extra
Our verdictThe Tutor Plus Ultra packs a ton of features to help you turbo charge your practice session. The preset drills are an awesome addition, and the 65 mph ball speed is ideal for honing your response to smashes.
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7. Pickleball Tutor Spin
Fine tune your defensive returns with the king of spin
Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You're looking to hone your reaction to spin shots.
The next time your opponent sends you a surprise spin, you'll know what to do.
You want a lighter weight machine for moving around.
For a complete machine, this is a neat and lightweight offering.
You have limited space.
This is a compact unit, ideal for the back of your car.
Pass if:
You're not sure how often you'll use it.
You might prefer a more affordable option, like the Furlihong starter kit.
Pickleball Central
Power Source
AC or Battery
Remote
Yes, three options (extra cost)
Oscillation
Random, 2-Line
Spin
Left and Right
Why I picked it
I picked the Tutor Spin as our best for spin because it does exactly what it says on the tin: it's designed specifically to shoot balls at you with left and right spin.
Who it's for
This machine is clearly ideal for anyone looking to learn how to confidently deal with an opponent using side spin, but with its various functions it is useful to any player looking for a good quality pickleball machine.
Put your spin skills to the test with the Tutor Spin
Features
The Tutor Spin offers random oscillation and manual elevation as standard. Two-line oscillation and electronic elevation will cost extra, as will a wireless remote that controls ball ffe and oscillation only (not spin).
Design and feel
This a neat compact version of the Tutor Plus, which sits lower to the ground. It has a simple, functional design, with easy to use controls. As it's low, this version has a longer, fold-out handle to make it easier to roll around on the two dolly wheels.
Performance
This offering includes most of the performance of our top pick but instead of standard back or top spin, here you can add a tone of right or left to the machine's shots.
Balls can be shot at up to 60 mph at intervals between 1 and 10 seconds, with various degrees of elevation and oscillation options, so can offer a full pickleball practice session for anyone looking to up their game.
Value for money
The base price of $1,059 is attractive, but if you want all the extras this will come up to $1,559. We still think this is an excellent option, especially for clubs or camps.
Pros:
✔️ Lightweight and easy to move around
✔️ Compact to fit in the back of a car
✔️ Large ball capacity
Cons:
❌ Optional extras are expensive
Our verdictThe Tutor Spin Ultra is a compact and portable cousin to our top pick with an amazing amount of spin added on.
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8. Lobster Pickle Two
Image by Pickleball Central
Image by Pickleball Central
All the performance of the OG Lobster, with some extra trimmings
Speed
Ball capacity
Battery life
Shot variety
Buy if:
You want maximum ball capacity.
Lobster machines hold an impressive 135 balls.
You're looking to play long sessions 'off grid'.
The external battery pack can give up to 8 hrs of practice.
You're an Apple geek.
This machine has a remote control that pairs with your Apple Devices for added functions
Pass if:
You plan to plug in your machine.
This machine is battery powered only.
Pickleball Central
Power Source
Battery (internal and external options)
Remote
Yes, 2-function or 5-function
Oscillation
Random & 2-line
Spin
Top & under
Why I picked it
The Lobster Pickle Two is as an honorable mention because it's the upgrade to our "best for beginners" pick.
The reason it didn't come further up the list is that it's expensive (about $600 more than the first Lobster) and it's heavy (42lbs for the battery model and 34lbs for the AC model).
That said, the extra weight gets you a seriously extended battery life, and the machine has some excellent functions, so we had to keep it on the list.
Who it's for
This machine is ideal for anyone who wants an advanced pickleball machine that will work on battery power for hours longer than the competitors.
If plugging in your machine is an issue, this is the machine for you, as with the external battery you can get up to 8 hours of practice on one charge.
Get the Lobster Pickle Two for 24 free outdoor balls
Features
The Lobster Pickle Two has all that the original version offered, with a few added extras. It's the same size and has the same ball speed and ball feed rate as the original, and it looks almost identical.
However, instead of having to adjust the elevation of the machine manually, this model has an up/down elevation button. This allows you to go from 0-50 degrees to quickly switch between practicing low dinks and high lobs.
The second upgrade is the 2-line oscillation. Rather than standard oscillation where the machine swings side to side, this machine can be set instead to alternate shots between two set points on the court. This gives a whole new set of drill options.
There are four power options: internal battery only, internal battery and AC, AC only, and external battery. The internal battery has been upgraded to offer 4+hours of play.
The external battery is super convenient as you can leave the machine on the court or in the car and take the battery away in its carry bag for charging. The external battery offers up to 8 hours of practice.
Design and feel
The Lobster Pickle Two has the same clever usability as the original. To pack away the machine the hopper flips over and the handle folds down, giving you a neat unit to put in the back of your car or garden shed.
The buttons and knobs are simple, sturdy and easy to use and the 8" wheels make this unit easy to move around, despite its weight.
Performance
This machine offers excellent performance on the courts and is a great practice companion for any level of Picklehead. The new electronic elevation makes its super simple to make adjustments to the launch angle of the shots.
Balls can be shot at intervals of 2 seconds up to 12 seconds at anywhere from 10 to 60 miles per hour.
Value for money
At $1,699, this machine is somewhere in the mid-price range, and with added features like electronic elevation and a remote as standard, this machine represents good value for money.
Pros:
✔️ Made in the USA
✔️ Convenient power options
✔️ Large ball capacity
✔️ Connects with Apple devices (optional extra)
Cons:
❌ Heavier than other models
❌ High price tag
❌ Extras like fast chargers and remotes are expensive
Our verdictThe Lobster Pickle Two is definitely an upgrade to the first offering and an excellent pickleball machine. However, for an extra $500 added to the price tag, it comes down to your own person budget.
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How to choose the best pickleball machines
Let's take a closer look at every key feature of a pickleball machine and how to know which option fits your needs.
Spin
Spin is the rotation a ball has after it's hit. Almost every shot has some spin on it.
As you improve your game, you need to learn how to read the spin on the ball. Having a pickleball machine that can throw with topspin, backspin, or sidespin can help you assess and respond accordingly.
Speed
All machines have speed control, but some are more adjustable than others. Regardless of your skill level, you may want something that offers a range of speeds so you can practice different strokes.
At the advanced level, pickleball becomes a very fast-paced game. And, having a pickleball ball machine with a high-speed range can be a great way to train for that style of gameplay.
Oscillation
Oscillation is how the ball is delivered to you. Oscillating moves the feeder back and forth across the front of the machine. But there’s a clear difference between random and 2-line.
Random oscillation will fire out balls no matter where it is currently pointed, giving you an unexpected exit trajectory. This can help test your reaction skills, but can also sometimes be frustrating if you’re trying to work on a specific shot.
Meanwhile, 2-line oscillation means alternating between two specific launch angles, giving you the chance to fine-tune your training regimen.
Remote control
You probably don’t want to walk over to the other side of the court every time you need to change a setting. So remotes are important to think about.
Many advanced players love the ability to switch things up with their smartphone or watch, saving them time that is better used practicing.
Drills
The best pickleball machines come with a variety of pre-programmed drills. Whether you want to focus on your dinks, groundstrokes, volleys, or lobs, this can save you a lot of time figuring out how to set up your practice routine.
You even get some inspiration on how to improve your game. Not all machines allow the drills to be customized though. So make sure if you are going to be tweaking, you get the right product.
Ball capacity
This is mostly a "more is better" category, unless you're often traveling with your pickleball machine. Make sure you consider how you'll most often be using it before weighing up the different capacities.
Portability and weight
Similarly, the weight and portability of a machine are important to think about if you’re going to be moving it around a lot.
Quality of materials
As with any piece of equipment, you'll want to consider how durable the machine is. It's important to find something that will last, especially if you plan on using it frequently or will be transporting it between venues.
Ideally, you’d want something that’s made with heavy-duty materials to withstand any on-court or off-court use.
Power
Power supply is an important consideration. Will you be doing pickleball practice at home or indoors? An AC-powered unit may be a reasonable option.
If it’s for outdoor use though, a strong battery pack will be required. It’s not just battery length you have to think about though.
Does the entire machine need to be plugged in to charge, or is it an external pack that can be taken inside? Does it come with multiple packs that can help to lengthen the battery life?
Warranty
Too often, customers overlook things like warranties when making a serious purchase. Pickleball ball machines are expensive enough that this shouldn’t be one of those situations.
Price
It always comes down to price in the end. Paying more or less than you need can make an otherwise perfectly reasonable machine seem like a huge mistake.
Make sure you know exactly what you can afford. And don’t overextend just because you want the most expensive product on the market.
What accessories will I need for my ball machine?
Outside of a paddle and enough balls to fill the hopper, there aren’t a ton of necessary accessories for a pickleball machine. You’re probably going to want a ball collector of some sort, whether it is a rolling Kollectaball or a standard pickup tube, and a container to keep them in.
A weatherproof cover is also always a good bet, even if you’re going to be storing the machine indoors. Given the investment you are making, you should protect it when not in use.
Image by Pickleball Central
How do you use a pickleball machine?
Using a pickleball machine isn't overly complicated, but the more often you use them the more use and value you will get from them. To use a machine effectively, read the manual and watch some videos of others using them.
Image by Pickleball Central
To get set up, simply:
- Unbox your machine and find a flat playing surface to start playing on.
- Figure out your power source, whether it be plugged into AC or running on battery.
- Fill the machine with pickleballs.
- Study the settings, and try them all out to see what effect they have on the shots.
Fire up the machine and get practicing!
Will a tennis ball machine work with pickleballs?
This question gets asked all the time, and the simple answer is sometimes. Some machines are capable of throwing various types of balls, but I recommend getting a pickleball-specific machine if you're planning to invest.
Tennis balls are more than twice as heavy as pickleball balls. Not only that, but the material used and the surface of the balls are totally different, meaning that the two balls shot from the same machine will fly completely differently.
If you're looking for precision and consistency (two important aspects of any machine), then you should definitely opt for one that's been designed specifically for pickleball.
Bottom line
So folks, that's my rundown of the best pickleball machines in 2023. The Erne is the star of the show for us, but let's recap the top 5 again:
- The Erne: Best pickleball machine overall
- Pickleball Tutor Plus: Best mid-range pickleball machine
- Furlihong Pickleball Starter Kit: Best cheap pickleball machine
- Lobster Pickle Ball Machine: Best pickleball machine for beginners
- SIMON X: Best professional pickleball machine
Make sure you pick the one that suits you best. What's best for me may not be best for you.
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