Coach JP Says:
The main advantage of our new Heater Jr. Baseball Pitching Machine is that there has never been a more reasonably priced entry-level machine. Others in the Heater Junior's category are just plain cheap!
The Heater Jr. is quite easy to use. It has the velocity as well as a variable speed control, ranging from 15 to 46 mph, which is plenty for your youth player(s).
FYI - Both machine pitch and coach pitch leagues generally throw right around the 40 mile per hour mark.
When coupled with our optional home batting cage/tunnel of 24 or 48 feet, the maximum 46 mph velocity seems like it's increased due to the short distance between pitching machine and your hitter. Shortening the distance reduces the time to react to a pitch, which is the equivalent of hitting a faster pitch.
The other major feature worth mentioning is the machine's ability to throw a variety of baseball sized balls. from wiffle balls to safety balls to leather baseballs and our recommended yellow machine pitch dimple balls.
Baseball Tips Product Test
Here's a few words to pass on to you from my testing of this product:
1. This machine works best from shorter pitching distances of no more than 46 feet.
2. Use our yellow machine pitch dimple baseballs, rather than leather or whiffle balls. The dimples offered better accuracy and velocity.
3. I am more comfortable recommending this machine for younger players up to 11 years of age and for those where price is an ultimate deciding factor. Otherwise, you may want to consider our "steel-case" and slightly more expensive 50 MPH Heater Baseball Pitching Machine or our 60 MPH Heater Combo Pitching Machine.