Lobster Grand IV vs Spinfire Pro 2

[Rhody]

The Lobstet Grand IV with remote is on sale. I have my choices down to the Lobster and Spinfire Pro 2. I’m a recreational player with a recreational playing 12 year old who might play high school tennis in a couple years (as well as basketball and baseball).
Both machines are @ $2300. Please help me decide. I know each are different with internal and external ball shooting. If anyone has played with both, or just one, please give me your pros and cons. I don’t want a Slinger, and the Titan and Proton are too new for my liking. Thanks!

 

[dak95_00]

I can only speak about the Lobster 4. It had pre-made programs that repeated the same 6 shots. I tried using them but wasn't a fan. The issue I had with them was that many of the balls wouldn't clear the net when they were shot using the programs so they were essentially worthless. The Lobster machines are touchy too. For example, they sit on rubber feet but over time those rubber feet get worn down because they will drag the ground even when using the wheels. Replacement rubber feet cost maybe $7 each and then you must pay shipping. The Lobster only comes with a sealed lead acid (SLA) battery which will last no longer than 2-3 years if maintained properly. You will then have to carefully remove the body of the machine to replace the battery. There's a chance because it happened to me that the power cable from a battery could accidentally touch a component and burn up the motherboard. Then you better have the original box to ship it back to Lobster in or you are going to pay a hefty fee to send it. The repairs will cost a small fortune too.

I now have a Playmate Volley which has internal oscillation. I used to think the internal vs external oscillation wasn't that big of a deal but it is more fun when you don't know where the ball is going to be shot next. It also means less external parts moving and less chance to wear something out.

If it were me, I would buy the Spinfire and get an external battery. I'd probably buy the LiFePO4 aka Lithium battery upgrade or purchase one later via Amazon (cheaper) with the charger. The external battery is a big deal because it really lightens the load. The Playmate has an external battery and I have switched mine to a LiFePO4 and even bought the new charger on Amazon. I think that put me out no more than $80.

The Spinfire has a new app and allows users to create their own programs similar to the Proton. My next machine will have this feature. I was just watching a video of Djokovic working on his game and he was receiving two forehands followed by two backhands from a live hitting partner. A programmable machine could simulate that without the need for another person. He was hitting the first shot crosscourt and the second down the line before transitioning across the court himself. It looked like a great drill to work on shots and movement. The Lobster won't be able to do that. The Spinfire can.

 

[Rhody]

Thank you for the detailed reply (sincerely)! Making the $2k purchase / investment choice is tough, especially with all the offerings on the market now (programmable shot selections in particular). The Lobster is limited in this aspect. Machines are reliable, but not seemingly updated like others. Again, thank you!

 

[snoflewis]

if you're concerned about the $ commitment, you might want to consider getting a used one. depending where you are, it's not hard to find a lobster machine at or near half price on the used market in good condition. if you ever end up selling it, you should be able to break even.

 

[MaverickTennis]

I was debating both of those machines, and had a Lobster as a kid that was great, but stumbled across the Titan recently. Doesn't yet have the same name recognition, but the internal oscillation, app, drills, etc. are what swayed me. There's a thread about it right next to this one. As you already mentioned, they're a big expense, so consider all the options before pulling the trigger.