Introduction

Introduced in 2003, the Lobster Elite set a new standard for battery operated tennis ball machines. Today, the Elite series comprises of a number of machines designed to offers features and challenges for beginners, intermediate and advanced players.

Basic Lobster Elite Features:

One of the most important features for any tennis ball machine is the ejection speed, ie how fast balls will be 'served' from the machine. Depending on the model chosen, the Lobster Elite is generally capable of delivering ball speeds from around 13 to 68 mph, with variable topspin/backspin and ball ejection intervals from around 2.5 to 12 seconds.

The ball hopper holds approximately 175 balls, with the hopper itself reversing over the machine body for easier storage. The towing handle allows quick re-location on court, easy transport over uneven ground and can be used to climb/descend small steps with a hopper full of tennis balls.

The weight of the machine can be up to 28kg.

Lobster Elite ball machines can offer a continuous running time of over 4 hours from a fully charged battery, which allows 4 to 8 hours use on court if ball pick-up time is included. A superior British 3-state charger is supplied on many models, indicating full charge and therefore preserving battery life. If connected during use the machine will run all day.

An optional remote control version of most Elite models is also available.

Lobster Elite 1

The Elite 1 features a wide side-to-side (horizontal) oscillation angle so balls can be set to bounce within the full width of the singles court. The vertical ball path can be set to skim the net, give great ground strokes or high lobs up to 55 degrees.

Lobster Elite 2

Introduced in 2005, the Elite 2 also offers the same side-to-side oscillation feature, but additionally the internal rotating wheels that fire the balls can be set to move back and forth, so placing the balls on a line up and down the court.

Lobster Elite 3

2005 also saw a further advancement with the Elite 3 added to the series. The Elite 3's triple oscillator creates a random pattern of shots with variation in direction and/or depth.

Triple oscillation enables the Elite 3 to make simultaneous use of the horizontal and vertical movement to create a random pattern of shots with variation in direction and depth. This means that you may either make the machine swing to fire on a line left to right, or on a line up and down, or both together creating the random shot pattern.

A new '2-line function' will also provide the same shot in an alternating, single-shot feed to forehand and backhand at short intervals (using this feature will not override the vertical oscillator, so it is not recommended to combine them as the two are not designed to work effectively together in a synchronised fashion).

Lobster Elite 4 (Grand Slam IV)

The Elite Grand Slam IV introduced in 2008 is one of the most advanced battery operated portable tennis ball machine in the world.

The Grand Slam IV offers full random oscillation, a revolutionary design which allows the machine to throw balls throughout the entire spectrum of the court mixing up speed, spin, trajectory and oscillation.

Furthermore, the Grand Slam IV is governed by the machine's sophisticated computerized software which has been programmed to determine all possible combinations of speed, trajectory and spin. This fully random technological advancement allows for the Grand Slam IV to realistically simulate true match play, a vital feature for players with more advanced skill levels.

Lobster Elite 5 (Grand Slam V & V LE - Limited Edition)

The Lobster Elite Grand Slam 5 is one of the most advanced tennis ball machines in the world. With fully random oscillation, six pre-programmed drills, '3 line' facility (narrow, medium and wide) and six user programmable drills (6 shots each).

The LE (Limited Edition) builds further upon the features of the Grand Slam 5 by allowing customisation of up to 18 shot locations - enabling advanced players to tailor the machine to their own unique style of practice, by saving location, speed, feed rate and spin into a personalised drill.

Lobster Elite Liberty

Aimed primarily at beginners and intermediate players, the Elite Liberty model in the range offers fewer features than their siblings, but at a much more affordable price. The Liberty has been designed to provide a good entry point for keen learners looking to progress their tennis skills.

Maintenance

The Lobster Elite range of ball machines require very little maintenance and carry a standard two year guarantee. A full servicing, spares and repair service is available if and when it may be required.

Options Available

TE185 : Lobster Elite 1 with British charger TE186 : Lobster Elite 1 wireless remote control TE175 : Lobster Elite 2 with British charger TE176 : Lobster Elite 2 wireless remote control TE177 : Lobster Elite 3 with British charger TE178 : Lobster Elite 3 wireless remote control TE179 : Lobster Elite 4 with British charger TE180 : Lobster Elite 4 wireless remote control TE197 : Lobster Elite 5 with British charger TE198 : Lobster Elite 5 wireless remote control TE163 : Lobster Elite 5 with British charger TE182 : Lobster Elite 5 wireless remote control TE152 : Lobster Elite Liberty with British charger TE153 : Lobster Elite Liberty wireless remote control

Advanced Lobster Elite Features

The Lobster Elite Grand Slam models are some of the most advanced battery operated portable tennis ball machines in the world.

The Grand Slam models offer fully random oscillation, with this revolutionary design allowing these machines to throw balls throughout the entire spectrum of the court, mixing up speed, spin, trajectory and oscillation.

Furthermore, the Lobster Elite Grand Slam's are governed by the machine's sophisticated computerized software which has been programmed to determine all possible combinations of speed, trajectory and spin. This fully random technological advancement allows for each Grand Slam to realistically simulate true match play, a feature that is unsurpassed by any portable tennis ball machine on the market.

Pre-Programmed Drills

The Lobster Elite Grand Slam ball machines are also equipped with pre-programmed six shot drills that simulate the most popular styles of play. Examples of these include: Grinder, All Courter and Power Baseliner.

These incredible drills mix up speed, trajectory and spin to prepare you to play against the world's elite! With the press of a button you can now practice against the playing style of your choice.

The Grinder Drill

The Grinder tries to wear down his opponents both physically and mentally, waiting for the other player to make a crucial mistake. This player hits high, loopy, moderate spin shots that will challenge all players.

A six ball drill that utilizes the back court.

The Power Baseliner Drill

The Power Baseliner is a player who is explosive in their shot selection, playing with pace and aggression and minimal spin. This player exhibits an attacking style, known as "first strike" tennis.

A six ball drill that utilizes full back court with little spin and more ball speed.

The All Courter Drill

The All-Courter is a player type that focuses their game on tactical savvy. He/she can compete well from the baseline and will come to the net to finish points. When playing this type of player, expect a great deal of shot variety.

A six ball drill that utilizes full back court with little spin and more ball speed.

3-Line Function: Narrow, Medium & Wide

In addition, each Grand Slam is equipped with the most extensive 3-Line function found today. With its three versatile positional settings: Narrow, Medium and Wide you can improve your forehand and backhand ground strokes or use it as a great way to warm up your shots.

Control Panel and Remote Controls

The Lobster Elite Grand Slam models are also equipped with the most revolutionary control panel and optional wireless remote control found today. The "Lexan" control panel utilizes "touch-buttons" instead of dials, knobs and switches. It also features a digital LCD screen which allows you to view all menu selections and settings.

For those players who consider themselves "technologically challenged", do not fear. the Grand Slam was developed to be incredibly user friendly and can be operated by even the youngest of players.

The machine can be operated from the other side of the court using an optional 20-function wireless remote control available. The state-of-the-art compact controller allows you to adjust most every function of the machine with just a push of a button. Enjoy instantaneous changes in functionality like: play/pause, oscillation sweep, fully random, 3-line, speed, feed, spin and much more.

A further innovation also enables the Grand Slam models to be controlled via an iPhone or Android phone app.

 

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