I've owned the Lobster VLE for almost 10 years. Breakdowns or problems have been almost non-existent. Battery life is phenomenal (but I do follow their directions of charging fully at least 1x per month). Being my first ball machine, I researched everything on every ball machine brand, machine, model, etc. Having never really used one, I was not sure how exactly (which features, drills, etc,) I would actually use to train, improve my game. Ball machines can/will improve your game drastically. Therefore, I recommend getting a machine that can "grow" with your improvement.
For the reasons I've mentioned above, I was willing to spend the 20% or so more to get the most feature rich machine available. Programmability seemed a very wise investment to me while shopping, and getting the Programmable Grand VLE, for me, was absolutely the correct choice! My machine has practically every pre-programed, manual, static, 2-line, single shot (like lobs for instance - however/whichever/wherever you want them) option available. To be honest - I really don't know how many it has. Even before using the "custom programmable options", all the other options mentioned above are seemingly endless. With the programmable feature it is practically Infinite. I use my custom designed programmed drills, which I can create & save at home or coffee shop on my laptop, ipad, iphone, etc......or on the court......85% of the time. Various other features, while only used 15 to 20% of the time, are nonetheless critical to have & use. You can dial in very specific or problematic shots to work on OR regularly practice so as to not get rusty (short balls, overheads, etc.)
I did not want to spend XX amount of $$ and have a machine that was limited, or worse, became boring. I was counting on the extra 20% invested to erase or minimize that from occurring. IT DID!
There are other good ball machines brands & machines out there. It just made common sense to stick with a proven, long-term company with a track record for service, reliability, parts availability, etc. Lobster's reputation, years in business is irrefutable. Again, there are a few others. I am extremely pleased with my machine, Lobster support, etc.
Knowing what I know now......if you are in a quandary trying to decide, don't be! As long as you are considering a leading manufacturer/brand, at whatever price point, budget, model, feature rich or basic........if you love or like tennis, want to practice, train, exercise, work on your game, strokes, footwork, etc...... GET A BALL MACHINE!!
PERHAPS THE GREATEST ASPECT/BENEFITS OF INVESTING/OWNING A GOOD BALL MACHINE IS THE ABILITY TO PLAY/TRAIN WITH OR WITHOUT ANOTHER PLAYER/PARTNER, WHEN & WHERE YOU WANT, FOR AS LONG/SHORT AS YOU LIKE!
FREEDOM!!
PS - A REMOTE or REMOTES IS CRITICAL!!
(I have every kind, type, option Lobster makes; including the iPhone App which allows me to use my iPhone or iWatch). They all work superb.
