Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine by Sports Attack

Before I go into the actual product review, I have to say that I loooove that Amazon carries this. I saved a boatload on shipping this baby and even got it at a slight discount. Hooray Amazon! Ok for the machine, I love that it's small enough to fit in the back seat of my Civic (without the base attached). With some manipulation I even managed to get it in my trunk. When I first tried to put the legs into the base, 2 of the 3 went flawlessly, but the sleeve for the 3rd leg seemed to have some burrs in it so I had to file them down before the 3rd leg would slide in efforlessly. No big deal. As for the operation, it spools up very fast (faster than the Jugs machines I've used) and the recovery time is as fast as batters can recover between pitches. We were using it on a Honda 1000 generator. Even when changing the speeds down between pitches it adjusts very quickly. The height control is how every pitching machine should be as the screw allows much finer adjustment versus the standard Jugs method. The transport wheels are great and the wheel guards proved their worth on the first day. I'm mixed on the feeding system. Don't get me wrong, it works just fine. The timing method we used to use with the Jugs machine was to mimic the pitch and feed the ball accordingly to help the girls time the release. They weren't used to this and took a few pitches to get the timing. Yes you can see the ball the whole way, but the different timing mechanism takes time to get used to. Not sure if that's benefitial or not. Why don't we just mimic the pitch like before? Well the ball release is pretty accurate to a human release point so it's lower than the Jugs machines and would make the mimic-ing a bit tough on the back. Possible but not as easy. The machine can throw balls that would be the example for how pitches should be thrown. Sharp, late breaks making people look foolish. The manufactuer provides a chart on which speeds to put the machine at for the different pitches and I'm guessing it was calibrated at 43' (as the manual suggests) because set a little closer I was having a having a hard time getting the speed/break accurate. All in all, a great machine, infinitely more adjustable than a Jugs machine for a good price. I would recommend the machine for all levels through high school.

Great buy: pitches up to 60 mph as long as you keep the wheels clean. This machine is perfect for our travel teams. This machine can throw several different pitches. It gives you direction on how to throw Fastballs, Change ups, Rise balls, Sliders and curve balls. All you have to do is adjust the speed of the 3 wheels to create those pitches. We also saved over $200 because of the free shipping.

Not sure what is wrong with it but after three successful uses we were loving it. Pulled it out for a 4th time and nothing. Will not turn on. Trying to determine how to return or get serviced through warranty now.

We have the Jugs softball and we just purchased this one. There is no comparison, the pitches from the HA are move "lively" than with the Jugs. The Jugs pitches come flat. Once setup, this pitching machine is amazing. We can do pitching, infield and outfield. Very versatile. It is also very silent. Only if you go full speed, it buzzes somewhat complaining. We struggled deciding between this one and the full Hack Attack, given the difference in speeds. However, portability gained the debate since we need to get this to the fields to practice. We have an Acura MDX SUV, and this pitching machine fits easily without disassembling it. When transporting it, it should be transported upright. You can save space by placing it sideways, but it will move a lot. putting it upright will not move. Get some rubber covers so that the leg holders (the pipes where the legs attach) don't damage your car. There are really small improvements that can be done to improve this machine, I wonder why the manufacturer didn't incorporate them, they are small and shouldn't increase the cost significantly more. A hundred dollars more for portability convenience wouldn't have made a difference when deciding whether to buy it or not, at least cost-wise. First, to wheel the machine, you need to turn it over to use the front wheels for transport. The main piece (the one with the motors and controls) are very low to the ground. We had to adjust the height lever all of the way up to transport it (to ensure there is more clearance to the ground) and then return it to its normal position once ready to pitch. It would have been nice to have a bracket that latches it in a good position to transport it without having to crank the height lever all of the way up. Second, the legs have to be taken away during transport leaving the leg holders very close to the ground. It would have been nice to actually have wheels that attach to the legs to facilitate the transportation. The reason people buy the HA Jr is due to portability (at least that is why I picked it). Without wheels the leg holders feel weird. Perhaps we just need to get used to transport, but if this had had smaller wheels on the back, they would have combined with the wheels on the front to make moving this machine a breeze. And finally, be careful not to drag the electrical cord when moving this pitching machine. We glued a cord latch so that the electrical cord is away from the ground during transport. But, even without the improvements, this is a really nice pitching machine. 4 starts b/c of the improvements needed. About durability? Only time will tell.

Works as advertised and as reviewed by others. Amazingly lightweight and compact. Very easy to move, set up and operate, and works well with the solo feeder. Pitches the standard dimpled plastic pitching machine balls consistently at the same spot. My only worry was whether the Jr. Hack Attack would provide enough speed for high-level 18U travel players, but found out that it provides plenty of speed. Plus we have is set up at about 30 feet, so we are not even near the top-end speed. Have only had it a month, but at this point I couldn't see a need to get the larger version if you are just planning on pitching dimpled pitching machine balls, and especially if you don't plan it use it heavily. You might consider spending extra to purchase the full-size Hack Attack, however, if you plan real heavy-duty use and/or want to pitch actual softballs since they substantially heavier (although I haven't tried actual softballs).

If you have the space to use this you can turn your batter into a Hitter. Easy to change pitches, speeds, location. Best machine out there with the exception of the Hack Attack. Easy to move also.

Works great! Throws up to 65, balls have a lot of movement up and down, as well as curve and screw ball! Great machine!

Solid value in a elite softball pitching machine.

Only a few hours on the machine, but quite happy with it so far. Construction and design seem durable enough if you follow the maintenance guidelines. Well worth the money compared to a single or double wheel machine. Maximum pitch speed is low for 18+ boys fastpitch, but you can compensate by moving closer to the batter. Very good pitch consistency when using dimpled balls. Left / right pitch adjustment is a bit clunky, but manageable. Compact design makes the machine easy to transport.