If you want the best ball machine for your money, look no further than the Lobster Elite 2.
The Elite 2 Portable is another great launcher from Lobster that comes with a plethora of features and an affordable price tag. Just like the other Lobster series ball machines, the Elite 2 has a classy but durable design.
Designed for maximum durability, the launcher can tackle wear and tear and remain in top-quality for years to come. If you want to know more about the Lobster Elite 2 and its features, keep reading!
Technical Details
The Lobster Elite is 2 is Lobster’s mid-range ball machine. Sandwiched between the Elite 1 and the Elite 3, the Elite 2 offers similar features to the Elite 3, with a price tag closer to the Elite 1. The combination of this machine’s price and features make it popular amongst tennis players of all sorts.
Weighing just 44 pounds, the machine is one of the lightest on the market. The lightweight makes it suitable for transporting to and from the court, and even in and out of your trunk.
The lightweight profile and ergonomic design don’t just make the machine practical, but they also make it look appealing.
Unlike other tennis ball machines on the market, the Elite 2 doesn’t look too clunky. Mounted on extra-large wheels, it’s also easy to wheel the launcher around the court.
With a feed rate of between 2 and 10 seconds, the Elite 2 simulates the motion of a real player. It can fire out the ball at a speed of between 20 and 80mph and can be adjusted to suit your training requirements.
Like the Elite 1, the Elite 2 has a 150-ball hopper to maximize time on the court without needing to refill. The machine is battery-powered, and the charger is included with your purchase. When the battery is fully charged it has a backup time of between 4 and 8 hours, depending on how intensely you use the machine.
The Good
Like all tennis ball machines, the Lobster Elite 2 has its pros and cons. Below, we explore some of its key features.
+ Good Value for Money
Compared with similar machines on the market, the Elite 2 boasts great value for money. The machine is reasonably priced and offers plenty of interesting features to improve your playing experience. The launcher comes with everything you’ll need to get started, including the battery charger at no additional cost. Providing that you’ve got a tennis racket and enough balls, you can use the Elite 2 right away.
+ Innovative Oscillation
To improve your gameplay, the Lobster Elite 2 comes with an innovative oscillation feature. The feature includes three variations: side to side, forward and backward, and combo. Below, we explore these in more detail.
Side to Side: During Side to Side oscillation, the machine can feed the balls smoothly from side to side. If you want to mimic the movement of a real opponent, this feature is a must-have.
Forward & Backward: To make you travel forward and backward on the court, the Elite 2 boasts forward and backward oscillation. When turned on, this feature feeds the ballers deeper into the court.
Combo: The combo function provides the best of both worlds. Combining the two oscillations, this feature provides the side to side and forward and backward modes simultaneously.
+ Speed & Feed Rate
The Elite 2 boasts variable ball speed and feed rate. The machine fires out the balls at a speed of 20-80mph. This is more than enough for both beginners and advanced level players, as the speed can be adjusted to suit your preference.
The feed rate can be set as low as 2 seconds or as high as 10. This is the same as the Isam Ultimate Tennis Ball Machine, the Lobster Sports Elite Freedom Machine, and the Lobster Sports Elite 3 Tennis Ball Machine. Both the speed and feed rate can be adjusted via the easy-to-use control panel.
+ Adjustable Spin and Elevation
If you want to challenge yourself on the court, you’ll need a machine with a good level of topspin. Thankfully, the Lobster Elite 2 provides just that. The elevation can be adjusted between 0 and 60 degrees to provide a realistic on-court experience. Like the other settings, these can be adjusted via the control panel or the remote which can be purchased separately.
+ Impressive Power
Like the Lobster Elite 1, the Elite 2 has an impressive battery life. When it’s fully charged, the battery has a backup time of between 4 and 8 hours depending on use. If you want to enjoy a longer session, you can transform your Elite 2 so that it runs from AC. To do this, all you need to do is purchase the AC power unit and plug the machine in!
The Bad
Here are some downsides to the Lobster Elite 2.
– Additional Cost
If you want to transform your machine into an AC powered launcher, you’ll need to purchase the AC power unit separately. While this isn’t a necessity, it’s a great option for those who want to play for a long time without worrying about the battery.
You can also purchase a remote to use with the Lobster Elite 2, however, this is also sold separately. While this isn’t uncommon, it would be nice is the remote came as part of the package.
Material & Construction
The body and ball holders of the Lobster Elite 2 are made out of hard-wearing plastic. This keeps the machine lightweight while also maximizing durability. The launcher also comes with a 2-years solid warranty against manufacturing defects, which is a bonus.
Who Is It For?
With fully customizable settings, the Elite 2 is suitable for tennis players of all levels. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level tennis athlete, the Elite 2 will help to improve your skills.
Verdict
Overall, the Lobster Elite 2 is a mid-level ball machine with several great features. The machine gives you a taste of how it feels to play a professional game, without the need for a real opponent. If you’re looking to improve your tennis skills without breaking the bank, this launcher will suit you perfectly.
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