Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine Review
If you are looking for a baseball pitching machine that can help your kids improve their hitting and fielding skills, you might want to check out the Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine. This is a versatile and affordable machine that can throw fastballs, grounders, and pop-ups at different speeds and angles. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, pros, and cons of this machine, and compare it with some similar products on the market. We will also share some customer reviews and provide a link to buy it online.
Features
The Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine has the following features:
– It can throw fastballs, grounders, and pop-ups at different speeds and angles, depending on the height and angle adjustments.
– It has a digital display that shows the current ball speed, which can range from 10 to 45 mph.
– It comes with six white plastic baseballs that are compatible with the machine. The balls are 70 mm in diameter and weigh 0.2 ounces each.
– It has a ball feeder that can hold up to nine balls at a time, and automatically pitches a ball every seven seconds.
– It has a durable ABS plastic construction that can withstand outdoor use and weather conditions.
– It has a tripod base that provides stability and balance, and can be easily set up and taken down.
– It runs on four D batteries (not included), or an AC adapter (sold separately).
– It weighs 4 pounds and measures 24 x 12 x 19 inches.
Benefits
The Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine offers the following benefits:
– It helps kids practice their batting and fielding skills in a fun and safe way, without the need for a human pitcher or coach.
– It allows kids to adjust the speed and angle of the pitches according to their skill level and preference, and to switch between different types of pitches for more variety and challenge.
– It provides instant feedback and reinforcement for kids, as they can see the ball speed on the display and hear the sound of the ball hitting the bat or the glove.
– It improves kids’ hand-eye coordination, timing, and bat control, as they have to react quickly and accurately to the pitches.
– It enhances kids’ confidence and enjoyment of the game, as they can hit more balls and have more fun.
Pros and Cons
The Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine has the following pros and cons:
Pros:
– It is easy to use and operate, with simple controls and indicators.
– It is lightweight and portable, and can be set up and stored in minutes.
– It is versatile and adjustable, and can throw different types of pitches at different speeds and angles.
– It is durable and sturdy, and can withstand outdoor use and weather conditions.
– It is affordable and value for money, compared to other pitching machines on the market.
Cons:
– It requires batteries or an AC adapter, which are not included in the package.
– It only works with the plastic balls that come with the machine, and not with regular baseballs or softballs.
– It may not be suitable for advanced players who need more speed and accuracy from the pitches.
– It may not be very stable on uneven or soft surfaces, and may tip over or move during use.
Comparison with Similar Products
The table below compares the Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine with three similar products on the market: the SKLZ Catapult Soft Toss Baseball and Softball Batting and Fielding Trainer, the Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine, and the Heater Sports Slider Lite 360 Baseball Pitching Machine.
| Product | Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine | SKLZ Catapult Soft Toss Baseball and Softball Batting and Fielding Trainer | Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine | Heater Sports Slider Lite 360 Baseball Pitching Machine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $55.18 | $79.99 | $149.00 | $179.98 |
| Type of Pitches | Fastballs, grounders, pop-ups | Soft toss, grounders, pop-ups | Fastballs, grounders, pop-ups, fly balls | Fastballs, curveballs, sliders |
| Speed Range | 10-45 mph | N/A | 18-60 mph | 15-45 mph |
| Angle Adjustment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ball Feeder | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ball Compatibility | Plastic balls (6 included) | Baseballs, softballs, practice balls (8 included) | Baseballs, softballs, practice balls, tennis balls, etc. | Lite-balls, plastic balls (12 included) |
| Power Source | Batteries or AC adapter (not included) | Batteries (not included) | Manual | AC adapter (included) |
| Weight | 4 lbs | 4.85 lbs | 25 lbs | 17 lbs |
| Dimensions | 24 x 12 x 19 inches | 16 x 16 x 16 inches | 32 x 11 x 6 inches | 18 x 12 x 18 inches |
As you can see from the table, the Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine is the cheapest and lightest option among the four products, but it also has the lowest speed range and only works with plastic balls. The SKLZ Catapult Soft Toss Baseball and Softball Batting and Fielding Trainer is similar to the Franklin machine, but it can work with regular baseballs and softballs, and it does not have a speed display. The Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine is the most versatile and durable option, as it can throw different types of balls and pitches, and it does not require batteries or electricity. However, it is also the heaviest and most expensive option, and it does not have a ball feeder. The Heater Sports Slider Lite 360 Baseball Pitching Machine is the only option that can throw breaking pitches, such as curveballs and sliders, and it comes with an AC adapter. However, it also only works with lite-balls and plastic balls, and it has a limited speed range.
Customer Reviews
Here are some representative customer reviews for the Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine:
– “I bought this for my 6 year old son who loves baseball. He enjoys hitting the balls and practicing his swing. The machine is easy to set up and use, and the speed is adjustable. The balls are soft and light, so they don’t hurt or damage anything. The only downside is that the balls sometimes get stuck in the feeder, and you have to shake the machine to get them out. Other than that, it’s a great product for the price.”
– “This is a great pitching machine for kids who are just learning how to hit. It throws the balls at a consistent speed and angle, and it helps them improve their hand-eye coordination and timing. The machine is sturdy and stable, and it runs on batteries or an AC adapter. The balls are plastic, but they are durable and easy to see. My kids love it and use it almost every day.”
– “This is a waste of money. The machine is cheaply made and poorly designed. The balls are too small and too light, and they fly everywhere. The machine is not stable and it moves around when it pitches. The speed is not accurate and it varies from pitch to pitch. The angle is not adjustable and it only throws fastballs. The machine is loud and annoying. Do not buy this product.”
Conclusion
The Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine is a good option for kids who want to practice their hitting and fielding skills in a fun and safe way. It is easy to use and operate, and it can throw fastballs, grounders, and pop-ups at different speeds and angles. It is lightweight and portable, and it is affordable and value for money. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as requiring batteries or an AC adapter, only working with plastic balls, and having some issues with the ball feeder and the stability. If you are looking for a more versatile and durable pitching machine, you might want to consider other options, such as the Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine or the Heater Sports Slider Lite 360 Baseball Pitching Machine. If you are interested in buying the Franklin Sports Baseball Pitching Machine, you can click on this link to purchase it online.
Link direct:
Click to Buy!
