Product Features :
- Adjustable Speed Control adjusts for a variety of pitch speeds Fully Enclosed Wheel provides maximum safety
- Air Filled Tire for less ball wear and longer life Bonus Auto Ball Feeder pitches every 9 seconds
- Strong Steel Legs for stability
- A/C Power Recommended Ages 8 years to Adult
- 30 Day Money Back Guarantee One Year Warranty
>> Nothing is Neater than the Heater
Okay cheesy headline but I wanted to combat the Not so Hot one
I purchased the Heater Combo Pitching Machine and an Xtender 30ft Batting Cage from Hookem Sports I could not be happier I was looking to put in a batting cage in our backyard for my daughters 4 8 9 to grow up with as they advanced through the levels of fast pitch softball I chose the Combo so we could start with 11 softballs and move up to 12 as the girls got bigger
The cage was a little tricky to set up by myself I m sure it would have been A LOT easier if I had an extra set of hands to help when installing the netting But nonetheless I was able to get it done by myself which is saying something as to the ease of setup
The machine was very easy to get set up and pitches unbelievably accurately The whole package is perfect to help build their confidence and to improve their hitting ability My 9 year old can t stay out of it They all love it It will even pitch wiffle balls to my 4 year old
The machine is basic to use and feels very safe Speed adjustment is easy and it s plenty fast The speed dial goes to 10 at the 30 ft distance around level 5 is perfect for my 9 year old Level 4 is good for the 8 yr old I fired a few balls through at levels 8 9 and 10 and I think I would have had a tough time hitting the higher levels at that distance I know this machine and cage will really benefit the girls as they get older making them quicker and quicker with their bat
I only hope the machine and cage will last But even if I have to replace one or both of them after a few years it s still a bargain compared to what other backyard batting cage setups cost
Curtis from Hookem Sports was very helpful He answered several email questions from me quickly and accurately Plus I feel he gave me a great price that included free shipping available from most retailers on the Heater but also a couple dozen Heater dimple balls that really do pitch amazingly straight
>> Lightweight accurate and fun
We bought the heater combo and couldn t be happier It throws very accurate at various speeds My 5 year daughter likes to swing using the lowest settings and my 12 year old daughter uses it to practice swinging at 40 to 50mph 12 inch softballs It is great for adults as well Get the ball feeder but make sure you purchase the correct size dimple balls Some oversized 12inch balls sold on ebay will not work Go with brand name dimple balls and you won t be disappointed
One of the screws did not initially tighten easily on one of the legs same issue as described by another rater but I did not find this to be a big issue We use the heater almost every day and the legs go in and out easily
I did purchase a 2300W pramac honda generator to run the heater pitching machine and have no issues with power shutdown issues I am told it will run on much less wattage
Update The promac is loud so I have since purchased a 700W power inverter a spare car battery and a car battery charger It is a nice quiet and cheap alternative to purchasing a generator spend less than 100 for the battery inverter and charger combined
>> The Heat Not So Hot
Our Heat softball pitching machine stripped a layer of the softball off and jammed the machine It eventually threw it out the front of the machine Also the nut that holds the screw to tighten the leg just fell off The welding was not well done at all We rate it a 2 because once it was unjammed and up to speed it did pitch the ball but again it stripped the ball and jammed
