If you are in the market for a pitching machine for your backyard you may be feeling confused and not really know where to begin.
There are so many factors to think about: type of machine, transportability, skill level, appropriate age range for use, warranties, to name a few, and price.
There are so many brands, styles, and types of pitching machines that it’s really important to consider each one fully before you get out your credit card.
This machine could very well be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Our backyard pitching machine buying guide will definitely help you make a smart decision.
What is a pitching machine?
A pitching machine can help you enhance your ability to hit the baseball on a consistent and repeatable basis.
The best thing about machines is that they are always available, even for solo practice if you should choose that method.
Most machines are portable and designed to plug into a traditional wall outlet. Also, they are more cost-effective than you may think.
With modern technology and innovation, there are many options to consider! That can make it difficult to determine the one that fits you and your budget.
Styles of Pitching Machine
There are several types of pitching machines to consider in a backyard setting:
- Arm-style.
- Wheel pitching machines.
It is really important to know how each one works prior to even considering purchasing a pitching machine.
Arm Style
If you’ve been to a batting cage, you’ve probably faced balls pitched from an arm style pitching machine.
These machines are dependable to provide consistency – a fastball, straight down the line unless you have the option for some variable settings.
These machines generally cannot throw off-speed or breaking pitches. Arm pitching styles can often hold hundreds of balls in their large hoppers as well.
If you are a baseball player focusing on your swing mechanics, arm style machines are the best choice. They are ideal for team practice, batting cages, and can even be set up in your backyard.
They are usually heavier, much more expensive, and may be hard to move around, though.
Wheel Style
Having just stated that arm-style machines are not very portable, the same can’t be said for wheel-style machines.
This is often what gives them the edge at the backyard pitching machine selection.
Plus, they offer a much broader variety of pitches as opposed to just throwing fastball after fastball down the line. Such as;
However, not all wheel-style pitching machines are the same. Some are one wheel, some are two wheels, and others are three wheels.
No wonder choosing a backyard pitching machine is difficult!
One-Wheel Pitching Machines
Devices with an individual wheel are fairly similar to arm style devices in that the only ball you will throw is one that is faster.
The reasoning behind this is due to the fact that there is only one wheel that is working to move the ball so there’s not as much opportunity for variations of movement.
One-wheel devices are best suited for machine leagues without live pitchers.
In regard to age, one-wheel devices would be optimal if you’re in the younger player age range of five through and including late teen years.
The benefit of one-wheel devices is the cost – they are significantly less expensive than arm style devices.
Usually they still hold up quiet well and many one-wheel devices worth using are well under a cost of $1,000.
Two- and Three-Wheel Pitching Machines
With a second wheel, there is more power and control behind the pitches the machine throws.
The two wheels spin independently from one another and at different speeds. What this does is add spin to the pitch, creating better consistency and accurate pitch possibilities.
Most two wheel machines can throw around 90mph fastballs!
The recommended age for two wheel pitching machines is around 8 and above, however, you may want to slow the pitch speed down for younger kids.
Similarly, a third wheel adds complexity and pitch range to its power.
The pitches are dynamic, as the motors are a lot stronger. Each wheel usually has their own motor and they spin independently from one another.
Three wheel pitching machines can throw essentially any pitch, but here are some possibilities:
- Right-handed and left handed breaking balls
- Knuckle balls
- Split fingers
- Breaking balls
If you want the best pitching machine for older, more advanced players, three wheels is the best option.
They are just the best in accuracy and power as compared to other options. However, that can be said with any machine, the cost varies just as much.
They may also be larger and heavier, as you can imagine.
Most three-wheel pitching machines are equipped with wheels as well, so you can easily move them from point A to point B.
Having determined the types of pitching machines available, we can now consider price and value.
Price and Value
When it comes to a larger purchase – such as a backyard pitching machine – most of us have budget in mind.
But you’ll be happy to know – that the most expensive machine might not be the best one. Of course, in general, a higher price usually represents improvement in the technological aspect of the machine and usually increases the QUALITY.
But we also need to take into great consideration the age of the player and your budget.
Keep In Mind – A $3,000 pitching machine throwing 100 mph fastballs or left-handed curveballs might not be the best choice when playing with kids.
When you’re looking at a pitching machines overall value, you’ll need to think about the machines entirety, quality and whether it comes with a warranty.
Only after looking at all of these specific items could you know its value – and if it is worth the price.
6 Best Backyard Pitching Machines
We will explore a variety of pitching machines to cater for all needs and budgets so you will find the best one for your backyard. Taking into account quality, skills and ages, warranties and cost.
1. PowerNet Launch F-lite Baseball and Softball Pitching Machine
- Variable Speed: 4 speed levels, 40-90 mph
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Accessories: 6 baseballs, 6 softballs, two tripod base legs to change pitching height
- Tubular steel legs and stabilizing rubber feet
The PowerNet Launch F-lite is your personal pitching assistant. A great machine for practicing batting, the pitching machine shows some variation in pitch, similar to a real pitcher.
It is super easy to set-up and use without tools needed to set it up and once you are using it, you won’t have to do much more to keep it up and running.
It can be used as a fielding training tool by adjusting the Launch F-lite and working on line drives or fly balls.
It can be used to train your catcher on framing pitches off the plate. Perfect for parents and coaches training at home or on a field.
The Launch F-lite has four different speed settings, vertical and horizontal adjustments, and always delivers strikes at consistent degrees.
Not only that but, this pitching machine is super durable, and can be set up quickly in your backyard or in your garage.
The downside? You do have to feed each ball individually into the machine, waiting 5-7 seconds before you are able to feed the next ball.
Also, this machine needs to be used with brand F-lite balls only due to calibration. Game leather balls or other brand balls will affect the performance and longevity of the machine.
2. Furlihong Upgraded Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine
- Maximum Speed: 19 mph
- Rating: 3.6/5
- Warranty: 180 days
- Runs on 4D batteries or AC adaptor
- Accessories: 8 dimpled sting-free plastic balls
- Four pitch angles
If you’re simply looking for batting and fielding practice, the Furlihong Upgraded Electronic Baseball pitching machine is a good choice.
The ability to use this machine both plugged in or run on battery power provides it with versatility when it comes to transportability.
The last thing you want to be doing while in the middle of a field is looking for an outlet to plug your machine into!
Powered by batteries, you won’t have to worry about trying to find a plug – you can pitch anywhere!
With a maximum distance of 39′ and four adjustable speed settings, this pitching machine is a solid choice for children’s practice.
However, if you are gearing up for the big game with a maximum speed of only 19 mph, this may not be the machine for you!
This machine can be set directly on the ground or mounted onto a tripod to pitch further and higher.
Additionally, a red indicator flashes before the ball launches, which gets the youngsters ready for their next pitch.
You can even adjust the pitch between 3-5 seconds which is good for all ages and skills.
3. Heater Sports Deuce 75 Two-Wheel Baseball Pitching Machine
- Speed: 15-85 mph
- Accessories: 12-ball automatic feeder
- Weight: 75lbs
- Recommended for age 8 plus
- Pivot head design for any angle pitch
When it comes to type of pitches, the two wheeled pitching machine offers about everything.
The dual pneumatic tires mean you can pitch curveballs, sliders, or fastballs with no problem. The dual pneumatic wheels are encased in metal so, you never have to worry about a finger getting stuck.
You’ll find each of the two wheels has a speed control knob. Meaning this pitching machine can pitch just about anything you want from 15 mph all the way to 75 mph. Using a lite ball? The pitching speed can get up to an impressive 85 mph!
Its pivot head design means it can be easily tilted to just about any angle, pitching sliders, fastballs, curveballs, grounders, and pop flies!
Speaking of pitching, the Heater Sports Deuce has 12 balls in an automatic feeder that will pitch a ball every eight seconds automatically – you don’t have to wait for your buddy to put a new ball in the machine!
The Deuce 75 weighs 75lb, making it extremely portable and extremely easy to carry. You’ll easily transport this machine and fit it easily into your car trunk for travel to your next team or private practice.
Its design is sleek, light, and has strong steel tripod legs, providing you with the best machine on the market. The deuce plugs into standard wall outlets or you can tap into a battery pack for convenient batting practice anywhere!
4. Heater PowerAlley Pro
- Speed: 45 – 60 mph
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Powerful 1/8 horsepower motor
- Adjustable pitch height
- Tubular steel tripod design
- Can be bought with a ball feeder
Heater PowerAlley Pro allows you the pitching of either real baseballs or lite baseballs!
The speed difference depends on your sport. The pitching machine can pitch lite balls at 60 mph. If you are using real baseballs, the maximum is 45 mph.
Although there is not as much variety as some of the other machines, overall it is still one of the more affordable machines available today.
Steel tripod legs with a nylon fiberglass housing gives you a strong yet lightweight pitching machine for the kids and your backyard.
It’s easy to set up and easy to shoot. It comes with one yellow dimple ball, as well as being able to pitch Wiffle balls.
There is also the option to buy a ball feeder separately, so you don’t have to reload a ball for each pitch. It holds 12 lite balls or baseballs and delivers a ball every 9 seconds.
5. BSN Sports Bulldog Baseball/Softball Pitching Machine
- Speed: 30 – 60 mph
- Weight: 32 lbs.
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Single, durable urethane wheel
- Heavy-duty legs
- One-year warranty
The BSN Sports Bulldog is a reliable and flexible pitching machine for both hardballs and softballs. It will pitch 11” softballs, 12” softballs and baseballs. The heavy-duty tripod legs adjust from softballs to baseball height.
The single wheel is constructed from a durable urethane material to eliminate any air pressure problems that other pitching machines may have.
The pitching speed is adjustable from 30 mph to 60 mph which simulates various pitching styles to enhance training during hitting practice.
The light-weight design allows for ease of movement and flexibility during practice. The machine is powered with an AC adapter and comes with a one-year warranty.
6. Heater Sports Perfect Pitch 45
- Speed: 15 to 45 mph (55 mph for lite balls)
- Weight: 12 lbs.
- Rating: 3.6/5
- Safe for all ages
- Mechanical Pitching Machine: No electricity needed
- Throws 9” baseballs and 11”/12” softballs
- Portable design
- Accessories: Steel ground stakes for added stability on grass, dirt, and soft surfaces.
What sets this Heater Sports pitching machine apart from the rest, is that it requires no power source!
It’s 100% mechanically driven by spring tension, so it’s extremely safe for the entire family including younger kids.
Heater Sports also states that it’s the lightest 45 mph mechanical machine that weighs only 12 lbs. So, if moving it to backyard or field, it’s not a problem!
Although it’s light in weight, it is built solid. You can select your pitch speed between 15 mph to 45 mph by attaching the spring onto the foot pedal.
By adjusting the throwing arm height, you can throw strike, ground ball or fly ball pitches.
Once you set it up, the operator loads the baseball or softball onto the throwing arm.
The operator applying tension to the foot pedal and then pulls back on the release handle will release the ball. It will throw every time – after all it’s called the perfect pitch!
Final Thoughts on Backyard Pitching Machines Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve chosen the right machine, your backyard pitching machine should hopefully be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase for you.
That’s why we emphasize reading and research all about pitching machines and which one is best for backyard use before purchasing.
What is appropriate for a 6-year-old in the small backyard you’re speaking of is not necessarily appropriate for an 18-year-old practicing on the field in practice.
Please remember, this is what we want you to consider:
- Design
- Pitching speeds
- Pitching styles
- Consistency and accuracy
- Age suitability
- Durability
- Portability
- Power source
- Warranty
- Price point
Taking all of this into consideration, you’ll be well on your way to deciding which backyard pitching machine would be the best buy for you.