10 Best Pitching Machines [ 2022 ]

Are you a hardcore lover of baseball? Undoubtedly, baseball is one of the most enjoyable sports. Every baseball lover dreams be a pro in it. As we all have heard at some point in our life, “Practice makes a man perfect,” so is the case with this game. You need to go through tough practice sessions and routine to gain the utmost superiority that you want.

So, how to carry out a perfect practicing session remains a constant question. Don’t worry as pitching machines are here to the rescue. These machines are automatic, and they throw the balls towards the batter with variations in styles and speed. They enable you to polish your skills by providing you a perfect and live-like pitching feel.

Best Pitching Machines Reviewed

Our team of experts gathered the best pitching machines reviewed to help you boost your batting performance and control:

1.Jr Hack Attack

Jr Hack Attack is a leading manufacturer of such incredible baseball apparel. You can rely on the company as its team works hard. All of the employees work with the utmost passion and devotion to serving this sport. The brand strives to serve all levels of players through their fantastic services. The Jr Hack Attack by Sports Attack is yet another brilliant addition to its already vast portfolio.

While on the upside of this product, there is a long list of amazing features that it holds. You will be hooked to this unit for all your practice sessions as it can be used efficiently by all the serious players. This unit can throw right and left-handed curves, split fingers, and sliders. You can set the height of this machine with the help of its featured elevation adjustment handle.

The speed of throwing fastballs by this device is up to 70+ MPH. The three-wheeled design makes you easily get a clear view and move the unit around the field. This tri-leg design also determines the high stability of this unit. With high-quality materials, the Sports Attack will deliver you high durability. No assembly is required as it comes assembled. Moreover, it can also fit into compact spaces like the trunk of your car.

All in all, this pitching system by Sports Attack is all that you need to polish your batting skills. It will give you vibes as if you are practicing with a live pitcher. The five-year limited warranty adds more to the sincere feeling that this company provides. Giving it a try will never go in vain.

2.Jugs BP1 Combo

JUGS is a well-known name in the industry. Its high-end products make it stand where it is today. Professional and amateur competitors, along with coaches around the world, value their training equipment. JUGS Sports has more than 158 preparation aids for baseball and softball. All of them are designed to help you become the best player or instructor by making full use of your potentials.

The JUGS BP1 Combo offers many commendable features. It will get you hooked to its quality characteristics. The machine is capable of pitching up to a speed of 15-70 MPH. The portable swivel-design of this unit makes it perfect for usage and movement around the field of your game. With this device, you will definitely get a real live feeling.

The main highlight of this product is the innovational addition of a digital readout display. With the help of this feature, you can easily view all the set details of the device, such as speed and type of ball. With the lightweight design, you will be able to handle it easily. The lightweight factor adds to the mobility of the unit, which is extremely important too. The five-year warranty makes it even more attractive and lets you feel relaxed while buying it.

Concluding all the facts, it is clear that the JUGS BP1 Combo is undoubtedly leading the market with its unmatchable qualities. You are not likely to face even a single problem with the model. So, get your hands on this product and polish your batting skills. With the five-year warranty by the manufacturers, this set becomes even more appealing.

3.First Pitch Baseline

First Pitch is famous for producing the high-end machine in the domain of different sports. The brand cares about your needs and manufactures the products accordingly. The company’s exclusive product focus is top-notch quality devices that provide a significantly better value than other leading brands for several sports. The machines are robust and can be used in many drills and exercises for training.

Contradictory to the downside, there are multiple factors depending on which this system has still manage to retain its position. The swivel base feature of this unit by First Pitch is what makes it adjustable and functional. With the reversible legs, this pitching machine can easily be adjusted and moved around. As far as the speed is concerned, this unit holds the capacity to throws fastballs up to 70MPH. The 1/4 HP engine of this machine gives it the energy to operate.

The main highlight of this unit is the fact that it is affordable. Considering the fact that it is not meant for professional use, you can have it if you want to use it for schools or home-based purposes. As this device is extremely light in weight, you can easily transport it from one place to another. In addition to the portable factor, it is also compact, so you can manage to store it even in small areas. With a five-year warranty, you will get a solid feel as the company stands behind its work.

Concluding all the facts and figures, this First Pitch pitching system is suitable for amateur level as it holds all the quality features a beginner would need. If you have a limited budget, it will serve as one of the best options for you to have. With the high-portability factor, this machine delivers you both ease and convenience.

4.Zooka ZS740

At Zooka, they started to develop a first-hand pitching machine in 1990. The team wanted to bring innovation with the technological intelligence of engineers. Therefore, the motivation of change led them to build a device that is lightweight, small enough to suit the standard needs of a person comfortably, easy to assemble, strong enough to pitch actual baseballs with speed, and free of wires.

As it doesn’t function like them, the Zooka ZS740 doesn’t feel like traditional pitching devices as well. While other devices to pitch the ball rely on external motors, the Zooka equips the strength of compressed air. The unit takes power from a battery that is rechargeable, whereas traditional computers need a wire of electrical outlet. In lieu of an elegant optical keypad and view panel, this machine also replaces distracting analog knobs.

The speed of this system is adjustable between 10-70 MPH. With the presence of an innovational digital speed readout, you can easily have all the information about the set details, including pace. You can also adjust the height of this machine with the help of the adjustable tripod stand. This model does not feature wheel, but still, it is highly portable as it is battery-operated and extremely light in weight. Another thing that may attract you is the low price tag of this device.

All in all, Zooka is a brilliant and all-rounder machine that has all the desired specifications. If you are genuinely looking for a highly portable device, Zooka is here to help. With the low price and innovational touch, you can never ignore this one as it will prove as a worth it product.

5.BSN Bulldog

BSN SPORTS has founded a company based on one core principle–Service. There’s nothing more relevant to them, and nothing more defining than the hyper concentration they have on servicing you: school officials, and coaches who have a more significant impact on life in a year than most individuals do in lifespan. With the servicing focus as a core value, you can undoubtedly trust this brand.

While on the brighter side, the speed ranging from 30 to 60 MPH is a plus point that it holds. With the lightweight design, it won’t be a problem for you to move it around as long as there is an electric power supply available for it to operate. It being electric-power oriented is robust and sturdy.

The 1/4 HP D.C. motor of this machine makes it deliver its best. This motor engine is responsible for its core functionality. On the highlighted plus point that this unit holds is the featuring of durable urethane wheels. These wheels make it easy to transport the system from one place to another without any hurdles. With the convertible leg feature, you can adjust the system for baseball or softball.

In a nutshell, the BSN Bulldog is a mixture of some drawbacks and some outstanding features as well. The system can be used for amateur level as it does not require top-notch functionality. So, if you are a beginner, you can entirely rely on this machine.

6.JUGS Lite-Flite

JUGS is the industry’s well-known name. It makes high-end products, and that makes it secure an important position in the industry. Together with instructors around the globe, professional and amateur athletes respect their training equipment. JUGS Sports offers over 158 baseballs, and softball practice helps. All of them are built for making full use of your potential to help you become the best player or coach.

Contradictory to all the flaws, there are many fantastic features that it adheres to as well. The light weight of this machine makes it easy to move around the field. The speed of this unit is higher than many other available options. It can throw balls up to the pace of 85 MPH. The 1/8 horsepower engine, in combination with the 1.3 amplifier motor, lays the foundation of its functioning.

A massive plus point of this product is that it is also battery compatible. You would have to buy the rechargeable batteries separately. These additional features make it even more portable and appealing. Another addition is that it also supports an automatic feeder. You would have to buy this part separately as well. With the two-year warranty that the brand provides, you will feel much relaxed while buying this.

All in all, this model by JUGS named as the JUGS Lite-Flite is yet another delivering addition to the company’s portfolio. You will love the power that it holds for the pitching purpose. However, there is a little problem in the wiring; if the company works on it to fix it, we are sure that this model can easily top the charts.

7.Louisville Slugger Blue Flame

For further than 135 years, Louisville Slugger has been associated with America’s leisure activity. The wood and aluminum bat universes remain dominant by Louisville Slugger, through numerous players hitting Slugger. With Louisville Slugger bats in their hands, multiple national college baseball champions have pounded their way to the top over the past decade.

Now, moving on to the positive side of this unit, there are many qualities that it holds as well. This manual machine is capable of throwing all sorts of balls with ease. In this way, you can practice your swing with all the possible variations. There are no batteries or electricity required to run this unit as it is entirely manual. This factor decreases the cost of this unit, and hence, the plow price tag appeals to many of the customers.

The Louisville Slugger Blue Flame is capable of throwing balls up to a pace of 60 MPH. This speed is suitable enough for a manual operating system. As the device is extremely light in weight and is not bounded by any external electric source, you can easily move it wherever you want to.

All in all, this Blue Flames model by the Louisville Slugger Company seems like a nice product with some defects that one can overcome. Considering the price of this system, we think it will not hurt to give it a try.

8.Heater Basehit

Heater Sports is one of the leading brands in the sports industry. The brand strives to introduce innovation coupled with the perfect quality. With the vast sports gear line-up, this company knows how to deliver the best to its customers. Many of the customers have been associated with this brand and its services. Let us have a look at what it offers us in this model.

The beneficial points that it possesses include the variation pitching. This unit is capable of throwing all sorts of pitches. With this facility, you can polish your batting skills from every possible angle. The speed that it serves is up to 60 MPH. With the variation in both speed and styles of throwing the balls, you will be able to carry out your drill in an effective way.

The main highlight of this pitching machine is the additional automatic 12 ball feeder. With the help of this automatic feeder, you do not have to feed the device for throwing manually. The system is low in cost will definitely attract you and many others as well. Moreover, this machine is also battery compatible, so that you can move it along the field. The 30-days money-back guarantee puts one to relaxation.

As a conclusion, this unit by Heater Sports is a mix of some qualities and some drawbacks; if you cannot compromise on the quality, you would have to look elsewhere. However, if you do want to give it a try, you safely can as it comes with 30-days money-back guarantee.

9.SKLZ Hurricane

SKLZ Learning aids for baseball are ideal for athletes of all styles, ages, and roles. Improve the swing with devices such as the Mobile Training Station Pro Tee and Hit-A-Way. You can efficiently develop strength and endurance with different equipment for baseball preparation, such as the Reaction Ball Baseball and the Strength Trainer Pro.

Now, coming to the upside of this SKLZ Hurricane, there are multiple factors upon which it retains its position in the market. With the help of this system, you can easily turn two men practice session into an advanced solo drill. This product can be used for both static and dynamic training routines. The multi-twist mechanic gives you an idea about the power of the bat and hit.

With the lightweight, this unit is easy to carry wherever you want. As far as the setup is concerned, it is pretty simple, and you are not likely to face many difficulties while doing it. Plus, you can also store it easily wherever you want. This product enables you to practice harder on your focus and become a professional.

All in all, the SKLZ Hurricane provides multiple advantages. However, the fact that it won’t last long creates a bit of a problem. But, with this price, you can undoubtedly give it a try.

10.Franklin Sports

Franklin Sports started as a regional sports merchandise company in 1946. The brand is one of the world’s leading sporting goods companies. Franklin also has good relationships with other major brands that provide their goods with energy and strength. Franklin Sports brings great ideas and products to athletes at all stages of the competition. They also understand the needs of the customer and give the highest value.

However, it holds some commendable features as well. If you are looking for a pitching machine for your kids, this one is meant for you. The pitcher possesses many beneficial factors. The low cost of this makes it appealing. As it is an electronic pitching machine, it incorporates a powerful motor to deliver you the best services. The automatic nine-ball feeder will provide you ease. You would not have to load the ball every time manually.

Being battery oriented, this can work again and again after the batteries get charged. It also adheres to a height-adjustable feature, which makes it perfect for kids of all ages. A very innovative aspect of this machine is that it features a flashing light indicator. The indicator begins flashing to give the sign that the pitcher is about to pitch. In this way, the kid gets ready and performs his level best.

In a nutshell, this product shares both aspects of the downside and the upside. Considering the advantageous qualities with the affordable price range, we think that you will not regret your decision to buy this equipment for your child.

Pitching Machines Buyer’s Guide

Are you looking for a perfect plan that shows how to purchase a perfect pitching machine? If yes, then we’re here to help. Here is our part on how to get the best device.

Style of the machine:

Most of the best pitching devices in baseball can be separated into three types: wheeled, armed, and compressed air. The style of the machine is responsible for managing the technique of launching the balls for you

• Wheeled systems:

To shop for a wheeled system is perfect for you if you are one of those customers who are searching for the perfect option for home-based usage.

These are inexpensive machines relative to armed ones. They are both easy to stock and travel with, making them a great pitching machine, especially for your house’s backyard playtime.

The drawback of such wheeled machine systems is speed.

• Compressed Air Machine:

Another choice is a pitching machine that features a compressed air style. To actually launch balls, such cannon-shaped devices make the use of a solid mechanism and compressed.

Using compressed air as the main mechanism is beneficial in pitching units because of the fact that such units are both lightweight and portable. Another plus point is that they do not need an electrical connection. So, you can use these anywhere and anytime.

• Armed Air Machine:

Many batting cages use an armed pitching system. An armed machine is the best option if you’re seeking to have the best automatic machine. Many of the modern machines for pitching are armed.

In case if such systems, the cost of the machine can put a load upon your pocket. Moreover, they weigh pretty heavy as well. Most of these systems cannot reach the required velocity.

Portability:

Portability is one of the main concerns of customers while purchasing such devices. You would never want to buy a heavy machine and then struggle to transport it around the playing field, right? So, looking for the fact that how much a machine weighs and how much of the portability factor it offers is extremely important.

Lightweight machines are easy to transport from one place to another. So, go for the one that is not bulky or heavy. Another key point to mention in this section is that wheeled machines are easy to move, and the machines that operate on batteries are one of the best in terms of being portable as they do not require any power outlet to stay in one place.

Speed:

Speed, yet another important factor to consider while buying a machine. You should go to the unit that offers multiple speed settings. Another important thing to look for is the fact that if it is easy to know the set speed of your device.

Many devices lack this quality, while the other offers innovative patterns like digital screens to show you the details.

Power Source:

Considering the type of power source that your machine requires is also crucial. Some of them are electrically powered while some are battery-oriented. There are many machines that are even manual in nature. Know you preference and choose accordingly.

Adjustability:

Adjustability must also be recognized for shoppers looking for a good machine. Armed pitching systems possess some benefits, especially in terms of pace and reliability, but when it comes to portability and adjustability, these devices lose their grip. They throw the ball at the center or very close to it on the plate every time.

High-Quality wheeled design is probably your best choice if you’re searching for a pitching machine that delivers various pitches or the ultimate curveball pitching device.

Compressed air devices can also be modified, but they lack the quality to pitch curveballs and other forms of pitches, so they are restricted in this particular.

Weight:

What is the role of weight in a suitable pitching machine? Buying a heavy one may restrict you from moving or transporting it, whereas a light one is extremely portable and offers much ease in the transportation process. Hence, do go for the one that is light in weight.

Budget:

Generally, while purchasing a product, we tend to set a pre-planned budget. In the case of this equipment, you would need to set a higher budget. Set your plan according to your requirements. There are multiple options out there in the market from low to high prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use regular baseballs in a pitching machine?

You shouldn’t use a regular baseball in a pitching machine as they are too hard for this pitching machine. You should use the special balls which are made for these machines as they will not break your bats. The regular balls are hard and they will be quite dense for your machine

How fast does a pitching machine throw?

The Curveball pitching machine can throw up to 105MPH. It can throw up to 11 to 12 fastballs and sliders at one time. Mostly it has a maximum speed of 45 MPH which is not fast enough. You should keep it 60 feet away for better performance.

Do MLB players use pitching machines?

Many baseball coaches and players think not to use it much, as it is not a real thing like facing a live arm as in the real game. Well, the reason is quite valid but a batting machine can be useful for timing and hand-eye coordination and will help you boost your speed and performance.

Can a pitching machine throw a curveball?

Yes, the First 2 wheel pitching machine is a heavy-duty machine and it can easily throw the ball up to 105mph. It can throw curveballs, dimple balls, and sidearm curves. This machine can throw multiple types of pitches, it can throw 11 to 12 softballs.

How far is the pitching machine from home plate?

The pitching machine should be put directly between the basses and in the center of the diamond plate. The distance must be the same between the home plate and the 2nd base. If you are using it specifically for baseball then it means the distance must be from home plate to pitching machine.

The Conclusion

We are optimistic that our take on how to buy the best pitching machine would help in getting the perfect one for your game. It is pretty simple. Just follow all the points that are mentioned above and get going. Do not ignore any of these factors, as they all play important roles.