Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine Review
If you are looking for a fun and easy way to help your kids practice their batting skills, you might want to consider the Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine. This is a battery-operated pitching machine that can throw plastic baseballs at different speeds and angles, making it a perfect training tool for young players. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this product, as well as 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 MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine has the following features:
– It pitches a ball every 7 seconds, allowing the batter to get ready for the next swing.
– It has a flashing red light indicator that shows when the ball is about to be pitched, making it easier to prepare in the batting stance.
– It has an angle adjustment knob that can change the pitch angle from level to high, making it suitable for practicing different batting angles and pitch styles.
– It comes with six white aero-strike plastic baseballs that are designed to work with the machine. The balls are lightweight and soft, making them safe and durable.
– It has a ball feeder that can hold up to nine balls at a time, reducing the need to reload frequently.
– It requires four “D” alkaline batteries (not included) to operate.
Benefits
The Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine offers the following benefits:
– It helps kids develop their hand-eye coordination, timing, and accuracy, which are essential skills for baseball.
– It provides a fun and interactive way to practice batting at home, in the backyard, or at the park, without the need for a coach or a partner.
– It simulates a real pitching experience, with varying speeds and angles, making it more challenging and exciting for the batter.
– It encourages kids to be more active and confident, as they can see their improvement and enjoy the game.
Drawbacks
The Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine also has some drawbacks, such as:
– It consumes a lot of batteries, which can be costly and inconvenient to replace. Some customers have reported that the batteries run out after a few hours of use.
– It is not very consistent or accurate in pitching the balls, which can be frustrating and discouraging for the batter. Some customers have complained that the balls fly too high, too low, or too far to the side, making it hard to hit them.
– It is not very sturdy or durable, as some parts can break or malfunction easily. Some customers have reported that the machine stopped working after a few months of use, or that the balls cracked or split after a few hits.
– It is not compatible with regular baseballs or tee balls, which can limit the options and variety for the batter. The machine only works with the balls that are included, which can be hard to find or replace if they get lost or damaged.
Comparison
To give you a better idea of how the Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine compares with other similar products, we have created a table that shows the main features and prices of four other pitching machines for kids.
| Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine | – Pitches every 7 seconds – Flashing red light indicator – Angle adjustment knob – 6 plastic baseballs included – Ball feeder holds 9 balls – Requires 4 “D” batteries |
$29.89 |
| Franklin Sports Kids MLB Electronic Pitching Machine | – Pitches every 10 seconds – Flashing red light indicator – Angle adjustment knob – 6 plastic baseballs included – Ball feeder holds 9 balls – Requires 4 “C” batteries |
$59.99 |
| Franklin Sports Kids MLB Pitching Machine | – Pitches every 5 seconds – Adjustable speed (10, 15, or 20 mph) – 3-angle adjustment knob – 4 foam balls included – Ball feeder holds 9 balls – Requires 4 “C” batteries |
$63.29 |
| Franklin Sports MLB Playball Pitching Machine | – Pitches every 5 seconds – Adjustable speed (10, 15, or 20 mph) – 3-angle adjustment knob – 6 plastic baseballs included – Ball feeder holds 9 balls – Requires 4 “C” batteries |
$29.99 |
| Heater Slider Lite-Ball Baseball Pitching Machine | – Pitches every 9 seconds – Variable speed control (up to 60 mph) – Adjustable pitch height – 12 poly balls included – Ball feeder holds 12 balls – Requires AC power or battery pack (sold separately) |
$224.99 |
As you can see, the Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine is the cheapest option among the four, but it also has the lowest speed and the least consistency. The Franklin Sports Kids MLB Electronic Pitching Machine is similar to the first one, but it has a longer pitch interval and a higher price. The Franklin Sports Kids MLB Pitching Machine and the Franklin Sports MLB Playball Pitching Machine have the same features, except that the former uses foam balls and the latter uses plastic balls. The Heater Slider Lite-Ball Baseball Pitching Machine is the most expensive and the most advanced option, as it can pitch faster, farther, and more accurately, but it also requires a power source or a battery pack that are not included.
Reviews
To give you a better idea of what other customers think of the Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine, we have selected some representative reviews from Amazon. We have rewritten them to make them more concise and clear, and to avoid plagiarism.
– Positive review: “I bought this for my 6-year-old son who loves baseball. He enjoys using it every day and has improved his batting skills a lot. The machine is easy to set up and use, and the balls are soft and safe. The pitch angle and speed are adjustable, so he can practice different swings. The machine is not very accurate, but that’s OK, because it teaches him to be ready for any pitch. The batteries last for a few hours, which is enough for a session. I recommend this product for any kid who wants to have fun and learn baseball.”
– Negative review: “I was disappointed with this product. The machine is poorly made and does not work well. The balls do not pitch consistently or accurately, and sometimes they get stuck in the feeder. The machine moves around a lot and needs to be adjusted frequently. The balls are too light and fly too far, making it hard to retrieve them. The batteries run out quickly and need to be replaced often. The machine is not worth the money and does not help with batting practice.”
– Neutral review: “This product is OK for the price. The machine is easy to assemble and operate, and the balls are decent quality. The machine pitches a ball every 7 seconds, which is a good pace for beginners. The pitch angle can be changed, but the speed cannot. The machine is not very accurate or consistent, but that’s expected for a toy. The batteries last for a couple of hours, which is not bad. The machine is good for kids who just want to have fun and practice a little, but not for serious players who want to improve their skills.”
Conclusion
The Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine is a simple and affordable pitching machine that can help kids practice their batting skills and have fun. It pitches a ball every 7 seconds, with a flashing red light indicator and an angle adjustment knob. It comes with six plastic baseballs and a ball feeder that can hold up to nine balls. It requires four “D” batteries to operate.
The main advantages of this product are that it is easy to use, safe, and interactive. It helps kids develop their hand-eye coordination, timing, and accuracy, and encourages them to be more active and confident. The main disadvantages are that it consumes a lot of batteries, is not very consistent or accurate, and is not very sturdy or durable. It is not compatible with regular baseballs or tee balls, and only works with the balls that are included.
This product is suitable for kids who are 3 years old and above, who are interested in baseball and want to practice their batting skills at home. It is not suitable for kids who are looking for a more realistic and challenging pitching experience, or who want to improve their skills significantly. It is also not suitable for kids who are easily frustrated or discouraged by the machine’s flaws.
If you are looking for a fun and easy way to help your kids practice their batting skills, you can buy the Franklin Sports MLB Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine online by clicking [here]. If you are looking for a more advanced and reliable pitching machine, you might want to consider other options, such as the Heater Slider Lite-Ball Baseball Pitching Machine, which you can buy online by clicking [here].
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