Types of Pitching Machines
There are lots of types of pitching machines currently available and the right one depends upon several factors - the age of the player, the amount of space you will need to work with and the price you can pay for the right pitching machine. A pitching machine is generally a one-time purchase unless the player starts at a very young age. At the Pitching Machine Superstore, we specialize in selling only quality pitching machines, batting cages and batting cage nets and possess done so since 1992 - we truly are the pitching machine experts!
“Real Ball” Pitching Machines throw both real baseballs or dimpled “batting practice” balls which are usually white or yellow. These machines are separated into the subcategories of Wheel Machines, Arm Style Machines and Compressed Air Machines. In general a new player will want an auto-feeder and handheld remote control so they can operate it themselves - plus a batting cage setup is definitely a plus (it keeps away neighbor's complaints too!).
Batting CagesWheel Style Pitching Machines are likely to be the most popular type of pitching machines which can be used in backyard batting setups completely up to the Major Leagues. These forms of pitching machines have rubber wheels that spin as a motor controls the velocity and direction in the pitch. Most of these pitching machines are electric, just some do use rechargeable batteries. Also they can be purchased for baseball only, softball only or even a combination baseball/softball variety both for sports.
The elementary pitching machines have single wheels and can throw a pitch straight between 20 and 65 MPH. These cost from $600 . There will also be single wheel pitching machines that could throw both fastballs and curveballs that are usually $1000 . The Two-Wheel Pitching Machines will be the most popular and biggest sellers. These pitching machines can throw just about any pitch from almost any angle from 25 - 90 MPH. However, this equipment is quite expensive, starting at $1500 and going up to over $3000, plus lots of options and accessories to outfit the pitching machine. If you can pay for a two-wheeled pitching machine, it does not take best investment you can make for any serious baseball player.
Arm Style Pitching Machines are widely-used commercially mainly in batting cages - they are the “green hulks” that have been around for 50 years. These machines are not recommended since they are not too portable and the price is out of this world ($3000 for the typical hulk machine).
Mini-Lite and Lite Pitching Machines are customized for entry level players. The balls have become light (usually 2oz) plus they can be pitched from 25-70 MPH. One advantage is the fact that these machines do not have to have batting cage nets for their services - they can be setup anywhere there's a bit of space including most backyards. These pitching machines can also be cheaper than their wheel cousins, causing them to be a great starter machine for all would-be major leaguers.
While younger players will have with a pitching machine to get more years, you do must make sure they are committed to the game before shelling out big money for a top end two wheeled pitching machine. Likewise, if they take up baseball passionately, they could outgrow their basic lite machine quickly. While age itself is not the highest determining factor, it is a consideration in choosing the correct Pitching Machine.
In case you have questions about pitching machines, batting cages or any accessories twenty-four hours a day call us toll free at 1-866-349-9777 to talk about what setup could be right for your future All-Star slugger!
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