As a pickleball blogger and avid player, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can elevate my training sessions and help me refine my skills. Recently, I got my hands on the Franklin Sports ProShot Automatic Pickleball Launcher Machine, a compact and portable tool designed to automate the delivery of pickleballs every 8-9 seconds. The promise of being able to practice topspin, sidespin, backspin, volleys, and dinks with ease intrigued me, so I decided to give it a go.
Setting up the launcher was surprisingly easy; I was able to assemble it in just a few minutes. The lightweight design made it convenient to transport, whether I was heading to the local courts or practicing in my garage. It holds up to 15 pickleballs at once, so I could enjoy uninterrupted practice without constant reloading, which is a definite plus. Many users, like Linda Nadeau, shared similar sentiments, praising the simplicity of assembly and portability, making it ideal for solo training sessions.
However, while I found several pros, there were also notable cons that became apparent during my testing. For instance, while some players appreciate the portability and ease of use, others have pointed out that the machine may occasionally struggle with performance. A few reviews indicated that it sometimes fails to launch the last couple of balls and doesn’t provide the necessary velocity for simulate realistic game scenarios. One user mentioned that the machine wouldn’t throw the last two balls, essentially rendering the launcher less effective as you practice.
On my end, I experienced mixed results regarding the shooting distance. While the unit is supposed to handle shots up to 30 feet, I found that, depending on the setup location, the maximum distance often fell short and didn’t consistently replicate serve scenarios appropriately. For example, one review pointed out that the maximum reach was below expectations, effecting the overall reliability during practice. When I adjusted my stance and set it closer to the net, it did improve but the inconsistency plagued my sessions.
One of the key takeaways I gleaned from both personal experience and user reviews was that the machine works best with additional setups, such as a tripod placement for enhanced shot angles. This tip, provided by Jim G., made a difference in my experimentation, allowing for a better trajectory and simulating game-like conditions for drop shots and serves.
The potential drawbacks include operational issues like those faced by Richard, who noted that it became inconsistent after extensive use, resulting in vibrations and reduced power. I didn’t experience this level of deterioration, but it certainly raised a flag about long-term durability. Few users, like Dennis G. Scarla, echoed concerns about fragility, especially when lifting the machine by certain components.
That said, I had a few positive moments that made this device worthwhile. It provided a fun way to enjoy pickleball solo, improving my touch shots and dinks, and offered a structured way to practice without needing a partner. The portability factor meant I could easily take it to different locations, adding diversity to my practice routine.
In conclusion, the Franklin Sports ProShot Automatic Pickleball Launcher Machine is undoubtedly a useful tool for those looking to up their game, especially for beginners and intermediate players. It’s user-friendly, portable, and a great way to practice independently. However, prospective buyers should consider the machine’s limitations regarding power and performance consistency, particularly for advanced players aiming to enhance their skills. Given my overall experience, I’d rate this product a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for an entry-level practice tool that delivers decent results and you’re okay with some quirks, this might just be the device you need.
