Last updated on November 4th, 2021 at 01:23 pm
If you love softball, or know of someone who loves playing this sport, then you must consider purchasing a softball machine. Softball is an extremely intricate game and in order to make a mark in this game, one needs to practice regularly.
So, it is highly suggested that if you are extremely serious about making a name for yourself in this sport, then you must seriously consider buying a softball machine. Purchasing a softball pitching machine becomes extremely important, because having your own pitching machine means that you do don’t have to rely on anyone for practice, and can hone your skills yourselves, and practice even when alone!
So, now that you think that purchasing a pitching softball machine is not a bad idea after all, there are still many things that you must consider before making the ultimate purchase. You need to take into account various factors and ask yourself questions like where would you place the machine? How often would it be used? Would keeping it in the gym be a better option than keeping it in the backyard? Will you be able to move the machine if the need arises?
Thus, in order to solve all these queries and help you with any doubt that you may have in elation to your big purchase, we have collated a softball pitching machine guide, exclusively for you. Do go through this guide carefully, and you will all your questions answered in here!
Best Softball Pitching Machines Reviewed
1. Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine
Franklin Sports Softball Pitching Machine is the perfect companion that a young softball player can have without burning a hole in their pocket. Setting up this nifty little softball toy is fairly easy, simple and straightforward. The Franklin Sports Softball Pitching Machine is perfect for young Baseball fans who want a fun way to practice catching and hitting in one unit. With adjustable angles, kids can hone their skills with low pitches or high ones. Batters even get the chance to try out different types of balls, from fast pitch to slow toss. This portable machine has it all! No more playing alone – get your Franklin Sports Softball Pitching Machine today! The Franklin Sports Softball Pitching Machine appeals to both young children and adults alike.
2. Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine
For hitters, the Pitching Machine is an invaluable tool to help them work on their swing. It throws any type of ball so they can really get a feel for what pitch they may see in a game. For pitchers, Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine will throw accurate strikes with different speeds so you can find your groove and pitch confidently. Unlike pitching machines with heavy casings and fans that have electrical requirements, Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine is mechanical lightweight and extremely portable!
It has adjustable speed settings from 18-45 mph as well as options to pitch level or downward angled pitches depending on how one would like to train. In addition to being compact enough for travel between fields or bases, Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine weighs less than 25 lb. Be it a grounder, fly ball or light flight, Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine can throw the most accurate strikes.
3. PowerNet Launch F-lite Softball Pitching Machine
The ultimate indoor and outdoor pitching machine for coaches and parents! Save your pitching arm with PowerNet Launch F-lite Softball Pitching Machine.
PowerNet Launch F-lite Softball Pitching Machine fast ball simulator can crank out softballs at speeds up to 90 mph so you can get the perfect practice session in without having to find an active pitcher. Plus, durable tripod base ensures stability during your bout of batting practice so no one has to field any wild throws. Whether you’re busy coaching little league teammates or just doing some practicing on your own, the POWERNET Powernet Launch F-lite Softball Pitching Machine’s got your back!
When you need to work on your precision, consistency, and timeliness in the field, you can rely on PowerNet Launch F-lite Softball Pitching Machine. Able to throw pop flies, line drives or curve balls – even inside of games – this softball pitching machine is calibrated for consistent strikes. Whether it’s at game time or an off day when you’re ready to use some solo drills before getting into the flow of things again with teammates, step in and take charge!
4. JUGS PS50 Softball Pitching Machine
It’s hard to be great when you can’t get any practice in. But with the JUGS PS50 Softball Pitching Machine, your worries are long gone. The JUGS Pitching Machine is both an exceptional product AND a valuable companion for any serious player. What sets it apart from so many other machines on the market? Innovation! Its engineers went above and beyond just making this machine throw balls at various speeds- they’ve also included new digital readouts that show you what speed each ball was thrown at, giving you more information than just how far out of reach that pitch came in. Thanks to its precision engineering, there’ll never again be a bunt attempt or base hit up the middle as long as there’s a field to be had!
This nifty gadget lets you simulate the feeling of the game without risking injury or burning out your team. It throws regulation-size balls up to 50 mph, while tossing arching tosses in case you’re playing slowpitch ball.
The JUGS PS50 Softball Pitching Machine is perfect for any aspiring hall of famer. With its fast, deep, and accurate throws out to 250 feet, you’ll be hitting home runs in no time! It features patented “Always see the ball” delivery system to make sure your throwers are never left guessing where the ball went with easy transport options that were created with games on turf or playing fields in mind.
5. Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine
Weighs just around 75 pounds, Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine is designed to help young players to improve and develop their skills. The Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine is the ultimate softball pitching machine. Not only does it throw fastballs up to 60 mph, but also throws pitches such as risers and drops, screwballs with either a right- or left-handed motion and ground balls for an infield practice. The best part? It is extremely convenient and portable! You can easily fit the Junior Hack Attack in any compact car and take it anywhere you want!
6. SKLZ Catapult Soft Toss Softball Pitching Machine
The Catapult Soft Toss pitching machine is an innovative addition to any baseball/ softball practice session or game, and the perfect way to step up your game at home. There are no kids in America who haven’t played with one of these machines during their Little League days, but it’s evolved into so much more than just a fun toy that lets you fling balls around. Now you can use SKLZ Catapult Soft Toss Softball Pitching Machine to sharpen not only your batting skills, but just as importantly your fielding skills. It automatically shoots regulation-sized softballs every 8 seconds for practicing defensive tactics such as catching fly-balls and fielding grounders deep in the infield.
Just because you’re not a professional pitcher doesn’t mean you can’t practice your skills. It’s also great for beginners- there’s no need to learn from an expensive lesson or practice just so that your muscles could get sore over the morning. The adjustable height range of the machine is perfect for kids and adults. And, we love that it’s made from strong polypropylene and steel!
The Ultimate Softball Pitching Machine Guide:
If you are purchasing a softball pitching machine for the very first time, then some of the things that you must definitely consider are:
Usability and Ease if setting up
The first thing that you must think about when purchasing a softball pitching machine is how easy or difficult the set up is going to be and how simple the machine would be to put it to use. Often, people tend to make the mistake of purchasing high – tech pitching machines that are not only difficult to set – up, but also difficult to operate. Make sure you do not make this mistake and go for a machine that you can understand as well as operate easily.
Home or Commercial Use
The next thing that you must keep in mind is what is the machine you are eyeing fit for i.e. is it viable only for home use, for commercial use, or both? The heavy softball pitching machines are designed in a way so that they are equipped for commercial use whereas the lighter ones are more suited for home – use only. So, understand the purpose of the softball machine and then decide on one accordingly.
Speed
One very important consideration in a softball pitching machine is the kind of speed options that the machine has, and how well can it be controlled with a remote. You must make sure that the speed options are not inconsistent and that they are able to mirror the real deal when it comes to pitching. The machine should be able to pitch the way a real player does, in order to make the practice sessions better and consistent
Machine Portability
This is yet, another important factor that you must take note of. Make sure to choose a softball pitching machine that is portable enough for you to move it to another place when you are not making much use of it. You should also make sure that it is easy to easily to assemble as well as to disintegrate so that you have more mobility and flexibility with the machine.
Other Sport Compatibility Options
Make sure to enquire about whether your machine only works for softball, or is it compatible with other sports as well. For example, some softball pitching machines also act as dual – pitching machines and can be used to practice for baseball and vice versa. Make sure to keep this mind because if you play baseball as well, this could serve as a 2 in 1 pitching machine, saving you tons of money!
Power Settings
You must check for the power options that are available with the softball pitching machine. While some machines require electricity to function, there are few portable models that can operate on battery as well. So, think of which machine would be better suited for you and then go with that option.
Style of Pitching
Before giving a final go ahead to any softball pitching machine, you must also check out the various pitching styles that the machine can provide. This is a very crucial factor to consider because you need to practice and be acquainted with different pitching styles in order to get better in the game. So, make sure that this is something you definitely look out for!
Different Types of Softball Pitching Machines
Now that you know what to look for in a softball pitching machine when purchasing one, you also need to know about the different pitching machines that are available in the market. Some of them are:
Wheeled – Pitching Machines
These are the most common pitching machines and are usually found in home backyards or in colleges. Such machines are equipped with a motor propelling the rubber wheels, and there is a steel frame in place attached to a tripod which comprise of speed and directions adjustment settings.
Armed – Pitching Machines
These machines are more suited for people in high–schools or early professionals starting out in this game. In such machines, you can practice both softball and baseball pitching, are well known for throwing straight balls at 25 to 85 mph. The only drawback these have as that they are not portable and cannot be moved easily
Spring-loaded Pitching Machine
These machines are required to be operated manually and there must be another person to pull the lever so that the spring can propel the ball towards the player. These machines are better for kids and starters as they don’t offer many pitching styles, but is good for people who are starting out.
Compressed – Air Pitching Machines
These kinds of machines are the most portable ones that you will find and they work by pushing the air through the machine so that the force helps the spring to pitch the ball. However, the drawback with them is that they also require another person to push the button.
So, now that you know about the various types of pitching machines available, do consider your use – case before buying one.
Said to be highly portable, air compressed pitching machines work by pushing air through the machine so that the force enables the spring to pitch the ball. A device like this will also require a second user to press the button.
FAQs:
Some other questions about softball pitching machines have been answered here:
Q. Can Pitching machines used for baseball as well as softball practice?
Ans: Yes. There are many machines that are equipped to pitch for both these sports. You need to look out for such machines that are able to handle both the pitching styles
Q. Which types of balls are best for pitching machines?
Ans: Make sure to go with balls that are made from leather, plastic or any other metal. Normally you can go with any brand, but some machines are created for specific balls only, so you must check for this
Q. What age is right for kids to start practicing with softball pitching machines?
Ans: Pitching machines are best suited for children at the age of eight and above. However, there are many brands that create machines to the needs of the younger audience as well.
So, now that you have read all about softball pitching machines, make sure to get the right one and start practicing away!
