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When it comes to improving your game of baseball, there is no dearth of expert tips and tricks on the Internet. Agree or not, but nothing works as good as a hands-on experience on the field and the closest you can get to that is through baseball pitching machines.
The best part of owning a pitching machine is that you are not dependent on a partner, friend, or coach to start your practice session. You just need a good amount of space and a few minutes to set up your device and start improving your skills anytime you like.
No wonder, this is one of the best investments for those who are extremely passionate about baseball, preparing for an upcoming match, or event. Regardless of the reason that brings you here, one thing is for sure that a pitching machine will help you get better at hitting the ball.
However, if you are in the market looking for a baseball pitching machine, expect to feel confused with so many choices available. To make your take easier, we have reviewed and compared dozens of pitching machines to select a few top-rated products for you.
Read on to find our complete review of the top 6 shortlisted baseball pitching machines. If you are in a hurry and don’t have the time to read until the end, we recommend the JUGS Lite-Flite Machine for Baseball and Softball. It is lightweight as the name suggests and comes equipped with a powerful motor for an incredible performance.
| Product Name | Dimensions | Wieght | Speed | ||
| #1. Jugs BP1 Baseball/Softball Combo Pitching Machine | 27 x 18 x 17 inches | 75 lbs | 15-70 mph | See price | |
| #2. JUGS Lite-Flite Machine for Baseball and Softball | 12 x 14 x 27 inches | 35 lbs | Up to 85 mph | See price | |
| #3. Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH Curveball Machine with Auto Ball feeder | 31.1 x 21.1 x 16.1 inches | 93 lbs | 5-95 mph | See price | |
| #4. BSN Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine | 12 x 9 x 5 inches | 32 lbs | 30-60 mph | See price | |
| #5. First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine | 24 x 19 x 15 inches | 50 lbs | Up to 70 mph | See price | |
| #6. HEATER SPORTS Slider Lite Curveball Baseball Pitching Machine | 36 x 36 x 36 inches | 14.8 lbs | 10-60 mph | See price |
#1. Jugs BP1 Baseball/Softball Combo Pitching Machine
When you are preparing for an important event and do not want to compromise on the speed front, check out the Jugs BP1 Baseball. As per the manufacture, it can throw balls at a speed ranging between 15 and 70 mph with a digital display that reads out the speed.
The biggest advantage of the BP1 pitching machine is that you can set it to throw the ball at your desired speed and slowly make changes as you get a hang of it. Weighing only 75 lbs, the machine is highly portable so you can set it anywhere you want to practice.
Jugs BP1 can be used to throw softballs or baseballs of size 11 or 12 inches, including the Sting-Free softballs, tennis balls, Lite-Flite softballs and baseballs. Thanks to the swivel design base, the machine gives you a 360-degree movement for ground balls, pop-ups, and fly balls.
Product Features
- Measures 27 x 18 x 17 inches
- Portable and easy
- Swivel-design base
- Made in Taiwan
- 5-year Guarantee
- Runs on 110-volt AC
- Speed up to 70 mph
- Non-marking pneumatic tire
- Yamaha EF2000iS V2 Inverter Generator
User/ Customer reviews
Those who have bought the machine are happy to invest in a product that can be used for baseball, softball, pop-flys, and grounders. Most people are happy with its range of speed, and ability to use the machine for kid’s practice throughout high school and middle school. Customers have appreciated the fact that the machine does not change its position even after several pitches.
Conclusion
This is a well-built baseball pitching machine that throws accurate balls at the desired pace every time to help users improve their hitting skills for baseball. It is extremely portable and easy to set up at any place. Overall, we feel that the Jugs BP1 Baseball/Softball Combo Pitching Machine (shop now) is a great investment that will last for several years.
#2. JUGS Lite-Flite Machine for Baseball and Softball
The next product on our list is also from the family of JUGS, and this time it is a Lite-Flite Machine (see Amazon) that can be used for practicing both softball and baseball. This is a sturdily built yet lightweight pitching machine that delivers accurate throws to help in honing the skills of up-and-coming hitters.
This Lite-Flite machine lets you throw 11-inch or 12-inch baseballs, softballs, or even poly balls at a maximum speed of 85 mph at 25 feet. With the machine, you can practice hitting right-handed curveballs, fastballs, and sliders to improve upon your skills. It includes a 32-inch extension cord, a nylon shoulder strap, a battery recharger, and a durable nylon carrying case.
The machine houses a 1.3 amplifier motor capable of delivering 1/8 Horsepower. Users can make adjustments to achieve the desired throw for all types of pitches. We are impressed to know that the manufacture backs up the pitching machine with a 2-year warranty on purchase.
Product Features
- Measures 12 x 14 x 27 inches
- Weighs 35 pounds
- 360-degree swivel
- 110V AC Power source
- Automatic feeder
- Rechargeable battery pack
- Dial speed adjustments
- 30 to 50 miles per hour speed range
User/ Customer reviews
People are happy with the performance of this lightweight and versatile pitching machine that can be sued to perfect hitting techniques for softball and baseball. Users like the light flight balls that are best to practice without breaking any windows in the neighborhood. Customers enjoy the easy adjustment feature that enables them to throw balls at the desired pace.
Conclusion
The JUGS Lite-Flite (shop now) is an easy to use and sturdy pitching machine that works as advertised with correct ball adjustments to give you the right speed. Kids who are kick-starting their baseball practice love this machine as it can be assembled and disassembled with ease anywhere to set up a perfect baseball practice pitch. Overall, it’s worth the money spent.
#3. Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH Curveball Machine with Auto Ball feeder
When you really want to push your limits in the game and practice hard even when there’s no partner or coach with you, this pitching machine with autoball feeder from the house of Heater Sports comes in handy. The unit is capable of pitching fastballs and curveballs at a speed ranging between 15 and 95 mph.
The machine is easy to set up and adjustment settings allow you to choose the preferred speed at which the ball is thrown for hitting. It includes a 12 ball auto feeder that pitches a ball to the batter every eight seconds. If you would prefer to feed manually then simply remove the detachable auto feeder from the machine.
Besides baseballs and curveballs, you may also use the machine to throw grounders and pop files. You just need to pivot the machine head to pitch balls at desired locations. There are two enclosed wheels for portability and help you take the machine anywhere with ease.
Product Features
- Measures 31.1 x 21.1 x 16.1 inches
- Weighs 93.45 Pounds
- Up to 95 MPH speed
- 12-Ball Auto Ballfeeder
- Covered and protected housing
- Fully enclosed for safety
User/ Customer reviews
Most users have said that the pitching machine was easy to set up and use, but the unit simply does not like certain balls so you will have to stick to what is recommended. Some people have compared this with Jugs and said this is lighter to put in the car and take to a different location with you. In general, customers are happy that it throws hard and consistent balls at different angles for more realistic practice.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to spend too much on a pitching machine but still want a decent quality with good pitching speed then we recommend the Heater Sports Deuce Curveball Machine. Besides the reasonably good performance of the pitching machine, it also comes backed by good customer service at an affordable price.
#4. BSN Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine
The next product on our list is Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine by BSN Bulldog, one of the largest distributors of team sports equipment and apparel in the US. Due to its lightweight design, it’s easier to move this electric-powered pitching machine and works best for holding lengthy batting practices.
Powered by a 1/4 HP D.C. motor, it runs on 110 volt AC or 1000 watt continuous generator. The pitching machine is designed in a way to throw baseballs or softballs at a speed ranging between 30 and 60 mph to simulate different types of pitches to enable players to step into the batter’s box and swing confidently.
The machine is equipped with heavy-duty legs that are perfectly convertible for a game of baseball or softball. There are also durable urethane wheels to get rid of any air pressure issues. As per the manual, you must use only dimpled balls for the best efficiency.
Product Features
- Measures 12 x 9 x 5 inches
- Weighs 32 Pounds
- 30-60 mph speed
- 11” and 12” softballs
- Runs on 110 volt AC or generator
- Hard-wearing urethane wheel
- Heavy-duty convertible legs
User/ Customer reviews
Most customers bought this for their child’s or grandchild’s baseball practice and kids love the performance of the machine immensely. Users love the fact that speed can be easily adjusted so it still stays usable after kids grow up and need a faster pitching machine. People also appreciate the fact that the machine only takes five minutes to convert from baseball to softball and vice-versa.
Conclusion
This is a portable and straight forward pitching machine you buy for your little baseball enthusiasts to last until their middle school level. The ease of use and adjustability make this device one of a kind. Overall, we feel that the BSN Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine (see price) offers good value for the price.
#5. First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine
When you want to set up your baseball batting practice cage right in your backyard and coach all by yourself, one of the best options available in the First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine. It comes with a swivel base and reversible legs that can be used for both baseball and softball.
The baseline pitching machine is capable of throwing the ball to the hitter at a rate of a maximum 70 mph. It boasts the same premium quality construction and versatility that you can find in any First Pitch model. They are also very lightweight, hence easy to transport.
The baseline Baseball/softball pitching machine comes equipped with a 1/4 HP motor and adjustable legs to throw balls in different directions. We are impressed with the act that no tools are required for setup, and it comes backed by a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Product Features
- Measures 24 x 19 x 15 inches
- Features 50 Pounds
- Up to 70 mph speed
- 1/4 HP motor
- Easy-to-transport package
- Five-year warranty
- Swivel base and reversible legs
User/ Customer reviews
Several users have said that this is a great pitching machine that can be easily carried from one place to another, and setting up is also extremely easy. Some people have also said that it works best with dimpled balls instead of real baseballs. A few customers have warned that the machine moves around a lot, hence it needs to be adjusted frequently.
Conclusion
If you are looking to set up a baseball pitching machine in your backyard without having to invest a lot, the First Pitch Baseline Pitching Machine is a good choice. It is well-designed and houses a motor powerful enough to help you practice for hours. The ball throw speed is also good to help little baseball champions of tomorrow practice at their pace.
#6. HEATER SPORTS Slider Lite Curveball Baseball Pitching Machine
This is a fastball and softball pitching machine from the house of Heater Sports with all features, you could probably ask for. You just need to twist a knob to make the slider start pitching fastballs as well as the right handed curved balls for hours of consistent practice without the need for a coach.
The knob has a setting ranging from 0 to 10 for you to increase or decrease the speed as needed, with the maximum speed being 60 mph. Please note that the speed will also depend on the type of ball used. When you want to throw pop flies and grounders, all you need to do is simply adjust the tripod stand.
The pitching machine also comes with an automatic 12 ball feeder that drops a ball into the machine every 8 seconds for continuous delivery. If you don’t prefer this way, just remove the feeder to feed balls manually.
Product Features
- Weighs 14.8 Pounds
- Pitches Baseballs Up To 60 MPH
- Pivot Head Design
- Variable Speed Control
- Fully Enclosed Wheel
- Adjustable Pitch Height
- Uses Standard A/C Power
- 12 Ball Automatic Feeder
- Tubular Steel Legs with Rubber Tips
User/ Customer reviews
Those who have bought this pitching machine find it a great value product that works best in a backyard cage system. Some users have suggested that if you want to get a higher speed using this pitching machine then you must use worn-out baseballs. A few customers have warned that while the product delivers a good performance, it’s not the same with all types of balls.
Conclusion
This is a sleek and good looking pitching machine that works like a dream to give you a perfect backyard practice without any partner or coach. If your child is preparing for an upcoming event or simply wants to perfect his batting technique, you will not regret your decision of buying this product.
Buying Guide: Things To Consider Before Buying A Baseball Pitching Machine
All the pitching machines reviewed above offer a good display of power and performance. However, there are a few things you may need to consider before choosing one of them. We have discussed some of them below:
Who will be using it
Are you a parent buying it to train your child who is preparing for an upcoming event? Then you will need to invest in the best-performing and high-quality model. If your child has just started out and testing the waters, not sure whether or not they will commit to the sport for a long term, then choose a cheaper model.
Single sport or multi-use
Most of the pitching machines can handle both baseballs and softballs, while there are some that can be used for various other sports. So, consider this aspect to decide whether you want a single sport or multiple sports use.
Spare parts availability
A pitching machine comprises several components such as springs, wheels, and gears that can wear out with use. If you plan to use the machine rigorously, make sure you choose a model that has spare parts readily available or replaceable.
Automatic or manual ball feeder
This usually depends on the player’s personal preference. If you do not want to take the trouble of feeding manually, an automatic ball feeder is a good solution. However, most models let the player remove the automatic ball feeder if they wish to go manual.
Power source
The pitching machine may be corded or cordless, and both have their own benefits and downsides. While the cordless version lets you work without the need of a power outlet, practice time is limited by the battery life. You don’t have to worry about it with a corded version, but you will need a wall outlet wherever you wish to set it up.
Related Questions
What is the average lifespan of baseball pitching machines
The average lifespan may be as less as 1-2 years for some models and as much as over 10 years for a few exclusive ones. The top-end models usually come with a longer warranty for repair and replacement of parts for more durability.
Is expensive always the best in pitching machines
No, the most expensive pitching machine does not mean the best. While high price points usually mean better quality and technology, other factors worth considering are the budget and age of the player.
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