Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I bought this for my backyard to be used in a cage I have set up. I opted for this model for two main reasons. Cost and safety. It's one of the cheaper models from Jugs. Compared to the ones that throw hard baseballs or the hard dimpled pitching machine balls besides being cheaper it is also much safer for my 7 and 10 year old. I don't have to worry about them getting hit with the balls. There are cheaper options out there (mound monster, hitting streak) but this one feels like it is built to last as compared to some of the other pitching machines in the under $400 range. It is a good weight (35lbs) and feels very solid.
It comes with two separate bags. One smaller bag for the legs and one for the head unit that throws the balls. The storage bags are quality and seem like they will last. It comes with only one sample Jugs ball of each of the types of balls it will throw. 2 different baseballs (1 poly and one spongy) and 2 different softballs (1 poly and one spongy) for a total of 4 balls. Expect to add some money for the cost of at least a couple dozen of Jugs balls.
It was relatively quick to setup. With just a brief look at the instructions you kind of understand where everything goes and in about 10 minutes you are ready to go. While takedown/setup is relatively easy it is still not so easy that you want to do it everyday. Since its just in my backyard I prefer to just leave it setup and have a cover for it for rainy days as it is not supposed to get wet. I guess if you wanted to travel with it allow 10-15 minutes each for setup and takedown. You would also probably need the optional battery.
You have to calibrate the pitches by moving the head unit around. It has knobs you can loosen to move the head unit up/down left /right. It may take a couple of pitches to get it throwing within the strike zone. Fastballs are pretty consistent within the strike zone. Since the balls are so light the wind does have an affect on the ball flight. One thing I don't really like is that when you want to change from fastballs to curveballs or sliders you have to recalibrate once again. The hitter also knows its coming when you throw a curve or slider. It's obvious you are going to throw a curve or slider since the head unit is tilted and you have to recalibrate it to throw a curve in the strike zone. It's kind of a pain to change the pitch types so for now we have mainly just stuck to changing speeds off of the fastball. While my 10 year old can calibrate it, its not easy to calibrate for younger kids. Now that he is familiar with it my 10 year old can probably use it with little supervision.
One big plus is that my son doesn't complain about his hands hurting after hitting like he might after going to the cage and hitting the hard balls. Since these balls are soft there is no sting. He can swing a hundred times and his hands dont hurt at all. Because of the lack of fear of being hit it can also help the young hitter learn to bunt a fast pitched ball. Other criticisms include the use of only Jugs balls. At $20/dozen the balls are a little expensive but really not much more than other sponge ball options out there. I have only really used the lite flite sponge baseballs with it. I haven't tried the poly balls.
Also, I wish it came with the optional auto feeder w/remote. You can't really practice alone with this machine. I might get it when it becomes available.
It is listed @ 30-50mph. I find when it's a slower pitch at the recommended distances the pitch tends to end up much lower than the max fastball which tends to be higher. I have it setup approx 30 ft. away. Which gives me the ability to get a good range of speeds of pitches in the strike zone without calibrating it over and over. (The manual says @ 40 feet the max fastball speed is equivalent to a pitch @ approx 60-65 mph. At 35 feet it is 70-75 mph)
I would definitely recommend it to those with younger children for safety reasons but I could see them using it through high school as well. I think the quality for an under $400 machine is very high. It is built well and serves its purpose. Would I get it if my kids were playing high school ball? While I can see it being used with high school age kids I'm not sure I would buy it. While it is a good machine I think I might have to spend a little more and get a Jugs one that throws real baseballs.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Jugs Lite-Flite Pitching Machine
Pitch for pitch and dollar for dollar, the Jugs Lite-Flite pitching machine is a terrific choice for up-and-coming hitters who want to hone their swings. The Lite-Flite isn't a big-league pitching machine, as it's designed to throw only Lite-Flite baseballs and 11- or 12-inch softballs or Jugs Bulldog baseballs and softballs. As a result, young hitters can learn how to hit sharp-breaking pitches without worrying about bruises or bone breaks. However, that doesn't mean the Lite-Flite won't prepare you for the bigs. The machine offers a full range of movement that adjusts for all types of pitches, including fastballs, curveballs, and sliders. In addition, you can adjust the swivel-design base casting 360 degrees to simulate fly balls, ground balls, and pop-ups--a must for fielders who want to practice defense in the backyard. And it doesn't matter which side of the plate you prefer, as the Lite-Flite throws both left- and right-handed pitches.
Other features include the Jugs' "always see the ball" delivery system; a quick-change design with exclusive Switch-and-Play knobs for adjusting the machine from baseball to softball in seconds; a portable design that fits snugly into two heavy-duty carrying bags; and a 1/8-horsepower, 1.3 amp motor. Designed to work both indoors and outdoors, the Lite-Flite weighs only 35 pounds and carries a one-year warranty.
Note: The Lite-Flite is compatible with the Jugs rechargeable battery pack (sold separately), a self-contained battery that runs your Lite-Flite machine for up to 3 hours of continuous use. Designed to recharge in only four hours, the battery pack comes complete with a 32-inch extension cord, a battery recharger, a nylon shoulder strap, and a heavy-duty nylon carrying case.
Specifications:
Recommended age: 5 to adult
Speed range: 30 to 50 miles per hour
Speed adjustments: Dial
Rechargeable battery pack: Sold separately
Power source: 110-volt AC
Motor: 1/8-horsepower, 1.3 amp
360-degree swivel: Yes
Cover: Yes, optional
Automatic feeder: No
In-line switch: No
Weight: 35 pounds
Warranty: 1 year
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