Are you getting a baseball or softball pitching machine but fretting over the different brands and options available? Well, it’s inevitable isn’t it? After all, there are at least 6 different types of pitching machines and countless different brands and models out in the market today!
Here are the 6 major types (in no particular order) :
Number 1: Real Ball Pitching Machines
As the name suggests, “Real Ball” pitching machines throws out real balls or those machine pitch dimpled balls you see at the commercial batting cages. Both types of baseballs weigh about 5oz.
Such equipment usually comes in 2 major categories which comprises of the Arm Styled Wheel Machines or the Compressed Air Machines. Although there may be exceptions, all require a batting cage. Invest in an auto feeder and remote control if you’re opting for a one player mode and you’re good to go
Number 2: Wheel Style Pitching Machines
Ever seen those pitching machines used in leagues, high schools, colleges, pro ball or simply off someone else’s backyard? Yes, these are the ones. One of the most popular choices, wheel style pitching machines can be used just for baseball, softball or in a combination package for both sports.
Through the support of a rubber wheel(s), a motor propelling the wheels’ movements, dynamic parts with speed and directional adjustment knobs and a metal frame attached to a tripod, wheel styled pitching machines run on 110v power. If you’re using them on fields without electricity supply, you’ll need a power generator.
Number 3: Single Wheel Machines
These are entry level machines used to throw a straight pitch in a speed ranging from 25-70 mph. The price is usually set above $900. Currently, there are only a few single wheel machines out in the market which has the added feature of churning out curveball throws. Coaches may prefer the curveball option since they’re more versatile when it comes to throwing the breaking ball from either of the “hand”. But be prepared to pay as they can cost $1,200 or more.
Overall, single wheel machines are still slightly cheaper than the real ball machine and is lightweight enough to be carried from your car boot to the ballpark. However, if you prefer higher speeds or a greater variety of pitch throws, you may want to consider the 2 wheeled machines instead.
Number 4: Two Wheel Machines
Yes, these are often the ones you see at the commercial batting cages. You know, those junky heap of steel affixed with the red lightbulbs alerting the batter on the impending pitch?
Equally suitable for both baseball or softball, these machines have been around for more than 50 years and can throw a straight and accurate ball at speeds that varies between 25 to 85 mph. Because of their bulk, instead of shoving them into your garage, the smarter move is to just cover them up and leave them where they are after the season. Otherwise, they’re pretty durable.
Number 5: Arm Style Pitching Machines
Yes, these are often the ones you see at the commercial batting cages. You know, those junky heap of steel affixed with the red lightbulbs alerting the batter on the impending pitch?
Equally suitable for both baseball or softball, these machines have been around for more than 50 years and can throw a straight and accurate ball at speeds that varies between 25 to 85 mph. Because of their bulk, instead of shoving them into your garage, the smarter move is to just cover them up and leave them where they are after the season. Otherwise, they’re pretty durable.
Number 6: Rach Fed or Hopper Fed Pitching Machines
Such machines are pre-fed with baseballs or softballs so that no auto feeder are required. There are mainly 2 types. One is rack fed and can contain 38 baseballs or 28 softballs at one time. The other is hopper fed and can hold as much as 600 baseballs or 400 softballs.
These are professional base ball training equipment and are incredibly durable. Maintenance is often just a routine application of lubricating oils to a couple of the joints and even if you do need to replace a few of faulty parts, they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to fix.
One advantage with these machines is that player can often see the pitcher wind up so that he can position himself for the swing in a more realistic timing. However, because of their bulk, they’re not really as portable as the other types mentioned earlier.
Looking Through Reviews of the 10 Best Pitching Machines FOR THE MONEY!
1. Franklin Sports MLB Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine – Height Adjustable – Ball Pitches Every 7 Seconds – Includes 6 Plastic Baseballs.
2. Louisville Slugger UPM 45 Blue Flame Pitching Machine. Throws any type of ball, hard balls, fast pitch softballs, dimple balls, light flight, plastic and even soccer and volleyballs.
3. Heater Sports Baseball Pitching Machine for Kids, Teens, Includes Automatic Ballfeeder. BaseHit Pitching Machine Pitches Both Lite & Real Baseballs, Dimpled or Leather.
4. Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine by Sports Attack. The Junior Hack Attack will throw 60+ MPH fastballs, risers, drops, right- and left-handed screwballs up and into the hitters.
5. JUGS Lite-Flite Machine for Baseball and Softball. Lightweight pitching machine for honing swings of up-and-coming hitters for age above 8 years.
6. Spinball Wizard 2 Wheel Softball Pitching Machine. Throws Any Pitch from Any Angle at Speeds up to 88 mph.7. First Pitch Curveball Baseball and Softball Pitching Machine. Up To 105 MPH, 360 Swivel Base.
8. HEATER SPORTS Deuce 75 MPH Two Wheel Baseball Pitching Machine for Kids, Teens, Adults, and Teams, Uses Pitching Machine Baseballs & Real Baseballs, Includes Automatic Ballfeeder.
9. BSN Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine. next big game with this Bulldog Single-Wheel Baseball/Softball Combo Pitching Machine.
10. Jugs BP1 Softball Only Pitching Machine — Throws softballs up to 70 mph from a Realistic delivery Height.
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