In the recent past, there has been an increase in the popularity of pickleball machines.
These machines mimic an opponent and will automatically feed a ball over a net, just like an opponent will do.
This means that you can use them to practice pickleball shots.
While these machines can help to improve your game, it can be frustrating choosing the right machines.
Fortunately, we have created this review of the best pickleball machines to help you make the right choice.
Table of Contents
Best Pickleball Ball Machines In 2021
Here are the top pickleball machines that we found in the market:
This is among the best pickleball machines out there. It performs perfectly well as it can fireballs at a speed of 60mph.
It does that while applying a right and left spin so that you can practice some tough serves.
The pickleball machine can hold a total of 125 pickleball. You can set the machine to shoot at your preferred setting.
You can use it to drill short dinks, quick shots, and high lobs. This ensures that you can practice the different aspects of the game.
It comes with a towable cart.
No products found.
Therefore, if you are a player or coach searching for a portable option, the Oncourt Offcourt Pickleball Tutor Spin Machine is a good choice.
The machine delays before starting, making it possible for the player to get to the other side before it can begin shooting.
There are two sources of power, battery power or Electric/AC. You can also choose between the oscillating or non-oscillating option.
The oscillating options come with a random oscillator, Idlespin, and the ability to control the elevation manually.
The oscillating option can fire shots to two different pre-set locations on the court, allowing you to alternate between forehand and backhand.
It comes with a remote that works well in starting/stopping and turning the oscillation on and off.
The pickleball machine has an electronic elevation function that allows you to control the ball trajectory electronically instead of using the built-in manual control.
This feature allows you to change the shot configurations conveniently.
When you buy the Oncourt Offcourt pickleball Tutor Spin, you will enjoy the power and strength packed in the machine.
This is a great machine that will help you to practice different kinds of shots.
- Portable
- Comes with 25 free pickleball
- Two different power sources
- Versatile ball speed
- A bit hard to adjust the height
No products found.
If you are searching for one of the most advanced battery-powered pickleball machines, you should consider the Spinshot Player Pickleball Machine.
It comes in a revolutionary design that allows you to change your exercises.
The pickleball machine has twelve pre-programmed drills, providing you with a wide range of shot positions. The drills can be adjusted to suit your level of play.
You can also program various parameters such as direction, spin, height, direction, and speed of the six sequential shots before saving them into customized drills.
With the easy programming, you have two-line drills at your desired height and width. You can opt for vertical oscillation combined with horizontal oscillation or any other desired oscillation.
You can make all these changes on your phone, before saving them in a machine.
The pickleball machine comes with a user-friendly player mode that can be operated by young players.
This is the only pickleball machine whose balls aren’t made of plastic. With the Spinshot Player Pickleball Machine, you can control the ball feed rate from two to ten seconds.
The machine also comes with a feature to prevent jamming.
The machine allows you to electronically change the spin direction to different top and back degrees. When you master the top and backspin, you can easily move from an average to a top player.
The pickleball machine can support two to three hours of play. You will only need to charge the battery after use and it will not die as you play.
The machine comes with a charger. It is quite easy to install and remove the charger.
- High speed of up to 60 mph
- Ability to control the ball feed rate
- Can be adjusted to different degrees at the top and back
- Long battery life
- Free phone app
- Doesn’t come with a battery
If you need a durable pickleball machine that is made of aluminum and stainless steel, you should consider the Simon Pickleball Throwing Machine.
The machine, which was among the first to be introduced in the market boast of a speed of up to 60 mph.
This machine is a workhorse as it has a capacity of 160 balls. With batteries lasting for over 6 hours, you can enjoy playing for a long period.
It comes with various add-ons such as added oscillation and customer customization.
The machine comes with an exclusive ramp that can be adjusted ensuring that it is thrown consistent and perfect dinks.
This ramp also provides the perfect lobs for practicing overhead, high volleys, and returning high serves.
Weighing 32 pounds is a bit heavy but this is because it is made of steel and aluminum. However, it comes with wheels for added portability.
It also comes with a carry handle that ensures easy transport and lifting.
Many of the machines in the market have a battery life of three hours. However, the Simon2 Pickleball Throwing Machine has a battery that lasts for up to 6 hours.
The machine comes with completely wireless control that works perfectly well whether you are using the machine indoors or outdoors.
The zero jam technology ensures that it works seamlessly. It has a Turbo ball speed of 1.5 to 10 seconds.
The Simon Pickleball Throwing Machine comes with two throws/pitch wheel for shooting the balls out. The balls hardly wear out and come with a lifetime warranty.
Therefore, this is a pickleball machine that is worth buying.
- Portable, as it comes with wheels
- Durable as it is made of steel and aluminum
- Compact; stands at 12.5”
- High-speed ball
- Long battery life
- Huge ball capacity
- A bit heavy
If you are searching for a portable pickleball machine with a more than average ball capacity, you should consider the Lobster sports.
The pickleball machine has a capacity of 135 balls and will fire them over the net at a speed of 60 mph.
The machine has a federate of two to twelve seconds. You can adjust the elevation and placement so that you practice in different shots.
The pickleball machine comes with wheels; measuring 8 inches and a handle that enables you to carry it like a piece of luggage.
It’s possible to turn over the hopper and make it sit on the oscillator for added mobility.
The machine comes with a battery that lasts for four hours.
However, it also has an external A/C power and an external battery pack that can offer you an additional four to eight hours.
The A/C power outlet ensures that you can play for as long as you want.
The machine comes with a remote control that enables you to adjust the sweep and feed of the equipment from a remote position.
With this machine, you can practice a lot of drills.
- Highly portable
- Can be set to your level of skills
- Good ball firing ability
- Option to use battery or A/C power outlet
- Price is on the higher side
- Doesn’t come with a comprehensive owner manual
Benefits of Pickleball Training Machine
The goal of a pickleball machine is to improve your game. Like any other game, you will only become better in it through hard work and consistency.
You will not have to rely on someone to improve your game. Pickleball training machines can help you to practice:
- Shot specificity. You can practice grooving a single shot until you become confident that you can hit several in a row
- Target areas. You can have a primary target or a secondary target
- With your continued improvement, you will need to increase paddle preparation and ball recognition
- The ball machine will act as a player, hitting consistently
How To Choose A Pickleball Machine
There are several factors you need to consider when choosing the best pickleball machine. These include:
Ball Speed
The speed of the pickleball differ widely and usually range from 10 to 60 mph. Depending on what you are practicing, you will need to determine the right speed.
If you are practicing at the net, you will need a lower speed unless you are drilling blocks. When practicing third shot drops, you will need to set a higher speed.
Ball Capacity
The number of balls that can hold at the hopper will affect the efficiency of the machine. You don’t want a machine where you will need to keep stopping your drills to pick the balls.
In most machines, the ball capacity ranges from 100 to 160.
However, bear in mind that the larger the ball capacity, the bigger the hopper will be. This will impact the size of the machine.
Therefore, if you need a compact machine, you may want to choose something with a smaller capacity.
Power Source and Battery Life
You will want to consider the source of power for your pickleball machine. If you don’t want to be interrupted by a low battery, you may want to choose a machine that comes with an AC power source.
On the other hand, if you will be playing the game in the outdoors in an area without a power source, you may want to choose a battery-powered pickleball machine.
The battery life of most machines ranges from 3 to 6 hours. With a machine that has a battery life of 6 hours; it will be easy to practice consistently without interruptions.
Time Between Balls
You will want to find out the time it takes between pitching balls. This time will range in a majority of machines from 1.5 seconds to 12 seconds.
While at the net, the lower end is a good choice while the higher number is a great option for drilling at the baseline.
Height Adjustment
It is advisable to choose a machine that comes with height adjustment so that it can choose balls over the net to the high lobs.
FAQs about Pickleball Machines
Here are some of the frequently asked questions on the best pickleball machines.
Is It Worth Investing in A Pickleball Machine?
If you want to learn how to play the game and have nobody to train you, it is a wise decision to buy a pickleball machine.
This will help you to simulate match play and therefore, improve your game.
Renting Vs. Buying A Pickleball Machine?
Renting pickleball machine costs as low as $10 per hour or $25 per day.
But when you consider the current price of a pickleball machine, you will see that it is more cost-effective to buy than to rent.
Conclusion
The best way to improve your pickleball game is by practicing. And the best way to practice is by using a pickleball machine.
Whether you are a player, a coach or a club, you can always benefit from the best pickleball machine.
With any of the above options, you will be in a position to take your game to the next level.
Happy buying!
