The 5 Best Softball Pitching Machines

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BEST SOFTBALL PITCHING MACHINES

Your child has come to you with his or her interest in softball. You know you want to do everything you can to help, and support their sudden interest. In order to do this, you search for the perfect team and get all the necessary uniforms and equipment. The hardest adjustment is making time for practice.

You inspect the local batting cages, and then think about how you will set aside the time to travel to the cages. You know that with your work schedule and school, you won’t have much time, and then what if it rains on your only day off? There has to be an easy solution to this problem, because after all, you don’t want to miss the opportunity of seeing your child run through those bases on the field.

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image by pexels

Your friend at works suggests that you buy a softball pitching machine to make it easier for practice. The idea is great, but now you have to figure out which one to buy.

There are many things you will want to consider before making the big purchase. Where will the machine be used? Is there room in the back yard? If so, how much room will be needed. Perhaps there is a gymnasium you want to use, in that case you will need one that will work indoors. Is this machine one that will be transported often? With all these things in mind you will want to compare thoroughly.

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE 5 BEST PITCHING MACHINES YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER:

JUGS Lite-Flite Machine for Baseball and Softball


JUGS Lite-Flite Machine for Baseball and Softball

  • Lightweight pitching machine for honing swings of up-and-coming hitters.
  • Throws 11 inch or 12 inch Lite-Flite softballs, Lite-Flite baseballs and the JUGS Bulldog polyballs
  • Simulates speeds up to 85 mph at 25 feet. Recommended Age- 8- Adult

This lightweight pitching machine is built for ages 5 to adult, and with its versatility, this machine is easy to use for practice in the backyard or on the field.

With the clever quick change design, it makes switching from softball to baseball a breeze, and the swivel base allows for hitting ground balls, pop ups, and fly balls.

This machine is used with softer type balls that won’t sting, making it one of the best choices for younger children who fear getting hit from a pitch.

With the competitive price, two nylon carrying bags that are included, and the 110-volt AC, this machine is a favorite amongst youth leagues, high schools, and college teams.

PROS

  • Lightweight for easy travel

  • Throws fastballs, fly balls, ground balls and pop-ups

  • Comes with two nylon carrying bags and a 2-year warranty

CONS

  • Throws only Lite- Flite and Bulldog baseballs and softballs

  • Balls are not included

  • Throwing real balls is not recommended

Heater Sports Combo Baseball / Softball Pitching Machine


Heater Sports Combo Baseball / Softball Pitching Machine with BONUS…

  • Converts easily from baseballs to softballs
  • Pitches slow or fast pitch softballs up to 56 MPH and baseballs up to 60 MPH
  • Variable speed control

If you have kids who enjoy playing both softball and baseball, this pitching machine from Heater Sports makes for a great investment. 

The product comes with variable speed control and is adjustable for pitch height, grounders, and pop-flys. It can be tricky to switch between softballs and baseballs, but once you get the hang of it the machine is fairly intuitive and easy to use.

Additionally, the machine includes a bonus ball feeder and works with 11 and 12 inch softballs, regulation baseballs, and lite-balls.

As for speed, it pitches slow or fast pitch softballs up to 56 MPH and baseballs up to 60 MPH. All in all, it’s a versatile and practical pitching machine your little ones will surely appreciate.

PROS

  • Bonus ball feeder

  • Converts from baseball to slow or fast pitch softball

  • Adjustable speed control for a variety of pitches

  • Durable, with great stability

CONS

  • Can be hard to switch from baseball to softball at first

Louisville Slugger UPM 45 Blue Flame Pitching Machine


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…
  • Throws hard balls from 18 to 45 mph with easy to adjust speed controls. And throws light flight and plastic balls up to…
  • Throws a level pitch to help teach proper swing mechanics. Extremely accurate for throwing strikes, fly balls and even…

This lightweight machine is convenient enough for travel from place to place, and the ability to use without electricity or batteries makes it possible to use almost anyplace.

With the strong capability of throwing almost any type of ball imaginable, this machine can handle speeds from 18 to 45 mph when throwing out regulation sized hard balls, and an even faster speed of up to 60 mph when throwing out light flight and plastic balls.

The Louisville Slugger will assist with training proper swinging techniques and practice hitting perfect strikes, grounders, and fly balls.

At a fair price and high quality, coaches love this training machine and so will the kids.

PROS

  • Lightweight and easy for travel

  • Can throw any type of ball including soccer and volleyballs

  • Completely manual, does not require electricity or battery

CONS

  • This machine can be a little more difficult for younger children to operate

  • Not one of the better machines for operating indoors

Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine


Louisville Slugger Black Frame Pitching Machine

  • Interchangeable components let it switch from throwing strikes to high-fly balls or ground balls.
  • Throws baseballs at speeds up to 50 MPH
  • No batteries or electrical cords are required.

The Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine is a popular and highly regarded pitching machine designed for both baseball and softball. The machine is easy to use and allows players to practice hitting at various speeds and angles. It features a sturdy and durable design that can withstand regular use and comes with a built-in feeder that holds up to 12 balls at a time. The machine can be adjusted to pitch balls at speeds of up to 50 mph, making it ideal for players of all skill levels. Overall, the Louisville Slugger Black Flame Pitching Machine is an excellent tool for players looking to improve their hitting skills and practice their swings.

PROS

  • The Black Flame Pitching Machine is designed for both baseball and softball, making it a versatile tool for players.

  •  

    The machine is adjustable, allowing players to practice hitting at speeds of up to 50 mph, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.

  • The built-in feeder can hold up to 12 balls at a time, allowing for extended practice.

CONS

  • The machine does not come with a power cord and must be purchased separately, which can be an added expense.

BSN Bulldog Baseball/ Softball Pitching Machine


BSN Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine

  • Speed: 30-60 mph. Lightweight design lets you move the pitching machine around with ease. Power Source- Electric
  • Throws baseballs, 11” and 12” softballs
  • Runs on 110 volt AC or generator 1/4 HP D.C. motor

Another great choice to consider is the BSN Bulldog Pitching Machine. With this machine, you have the option of using real 12 inch softballs or 11 inch baseballs, or choose to use rubber balls while practicing.

The capability of throwing out balls from speeds from 30 to 60 mph, and the ability to practice hitting fly balls, makes this an all-around must have for the backyard or field practice.

The legs are built and designed for the easy transformation from baseball to softball, and the durability of the urethane wheel helps to rid air pressure problems.

This pitching machine runs on 110-volt AC or a generator with ¼ HP D.C. motor.

This BSN pitching machine will pay for itself when your child hits the winning ball at every

game.

PROS

  • Can be used with real 12” softballs and 11” baseballs

  • Throws fly balls

  • Heavy-duty legs that are easy to adjust to baseball or softball

CONS

  • Higher in price than some of the others

There you have it, 5 of the best softball pitching machines. Make sure you check out the best slowpitch softball bats as well.

Featured image by Pexels

 

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