There are many different pitching machine models and they come at a serious wide price range. Pitching machines can range from $200 to $2,500. Irrespective of indoor practice machines and recreational (backyard) pitching machines, most coaches and parents elect to buy a machine that will most closely simulate pitches the ball player might find in the game. Machines favored by coaches and youth programs generally start over $500 and represent an important investment.
When you start to gauge just how much you wish to invest in a pitching machine, there will be a lot to consider. You’ll need to ensure you get the best machine to your requirements to be able to maximize the use of it. The fee is driven by the features the device has and also the durability of the machine. You’ll need to ensure the pitching machine fits your needs and additionally you need to consider how long you think you will soon be using it.
In deciding which features you would like in your pitching machine it is very important to think about age the child or children that are going to use the machine and the place you will soon be utilizing the machine. As kids start to get older they’ll see more advanced pitches and having a pitching machine that could throw these pitches can be a great benefit. Getting a lot of repetition on a pitching machine on the advanced pitches can be a great benefit to a hitter learning to hit breaking balls
A single wheel pitching machine will throw fastballs only, and come in many different top end speeds (depending on the brand and model). used cnc machines You can purchase a superior quality fastball machine that pitches real baseballs at speeds as much as 70MPH and includes a good 5 year warranty at under $650. With a high end speed of 70MPH, this machine will grow together with your players through the ages of 14 or 15 years old and makes a good machine to coach on in their early developmental years. If you need more speed, you will pay more, but the device can have a longer useful life as your player develops. Fastball pitching machines range in price from around $650 as much as significantly more than $1,500.
If you need a machine that will throw curveballs in addition to fastballs, the price tag on the device jumps as much as between $1, 500 and $2,500. That’s a great deal higher than a single wheel fastball machine, but as your player advances through senior high school and into college, they’ll be seeing a lot of different pitches… and to many coaches and parents, the investment in a two wheel pitching machine is essential.
Additionally, the control box and how you add / determine the pitch type will add between $100 and $500 to whether fastball or perhaps a breaking ball machine. Machines with simple variable speed potentiometers (dials with numbers in it that helps you determine the speed that the wheel spins) are the most affordable options, but give you the least amount of control of the machine. Proprietary control systems just like the JUGS Dial-A-Pitch offer more precise control of the pitch speed and type, but may cost a couple of hundred dollars more compared to entry-level machines. Dial-a-pitch, micro adjustments, and machines that could program an entire sequence of pitches are the very best machines as they simulate most accurately live pitching. Programmable machines may also be available, but could be cost prohibitive to small teams and youth programs. This feature can be extremely essential for a college program or if the device is going to be used by numerous coaches (versus only some individuals), however this feature comes at a premium cost.
Additional features like the ability to swivel the device 360 degrees and a vertical pivot for fielding drills, in addition to combo baseball /softball machines can and will play to the price. Location of where you are planning to use the machine is very important as not all the features can be used if the device is going to be found in a batting cage. A machine that’s vertical pivot for defensive drills (fly balls and ground balls) will not be useful in a batting cage. There would be you should not spend the excess money for this feature when it is solely planning to be found in a batting cage, nevertheless the addition of those features impact the cost much less compared to “big three” factors of Pitch Type, Pitch Speed, & Pitch Control.
Question 2: The length of time do I’d like this machine to last?
This seems like an absurd question to ask since many people would say I’d like the most durable machine that’s available. However it has the maximum amount of to do with “lifetime value” since it does with durability. Most respectable machines over $500 come with extended warranties (typically 3-5 years) and are created to last. For older players (teenagers and above) the warranty is critical, whilst the play is more aggressive and they are getting put plenty of wear and tear on them.
If you purchase a $650 FirstPitch Baseline fastball pitching machine for your 12 year-old player, he may only get someone to two years useful out of the machine before he advances past its capabilities. At 13 or 14 he will have to start practicing for faster pitches and a greater variety of pitches. At $650 over two years, it represents $325 annually of use.
It if you’re to spend yet another $175 to upgrade to a Firstpitch Original fastball pitching machine, you would nevertheless be obtaining a “fastball only” single wheeled pitching machine… however that extra $175 buys you a supplementary 10MPH and another year of development. If this machine would last your player 3 years in place of two, it would represent $275 annually value as opposed to the $325 value of the low end machine.
Let’s extend that logic to a higher end machine which will be together with your player through senior high school and into college. If you’re to invest over $1,500 on a high end Curveball Pitching Machine From FirstPitch that pitches breaking balls in addition to fastballs at speeds over 100 MPH, this machine could conceivably be used by your player for 6 to 7 years. At 6 years (and a $1,500 initial investment), it would represent the best value yet at $250 annually of use.
However if the pitching machine is for a kid it is sometimes better to buy a lower end (less durable) machine and save the amount of money and soon you know the commitment amount of the child. If the child is merely beginning in baseball or softball it might be best to buy a more affordable (and durable) machine to try out to ensure the commitment level is there. They are still very good for working on mechanics and throwing batting practice, nonetheless they tend not to last provided that they’re not built as solid. This can be a better decision if the child decides to not pursue the activity long term. Additionally if you save considerable money on the low level machine and the child decides to pursue the activity you can always upgrade to a more durable machine down the road. These machines may cost less than $200 and can as much as $500… however if you are considering a $500 machine, it may be time to evaluate spending a supplementary $150 to find yourself in an individual wheel fastball machine that will represent a stronger lifetime value because of its versatility and expected longevity.
There a many several types of pitching machines and brands on the market, it can be an overwhelming decision to make. Like every other major purchase you’re making you must go in with a budget dollar amount in mind. Most websites have approaches to filter pitching machines by budget range, once you done that in your financial allowance range you need to examine in detail the machines to ensure they’ve the functionality you need. You don’t wish to overspend to get features you won’t use, however you need to think about purchasing a pitching being an investment and you need to spend enough money to ensure you can get maximum usage out of it.