Can you give me your feed back on this machine? www.shop.beebesports.com The video on the web site could be better. The kid on the video is stepping and hitting a little different than what the instructions say on the web site, but it does give you the idea of how it works.
It's not a step (stride)and swing soft toss machine like Hands Back Hitter, but tap down on launch pad with foot to launch ball in the air, then load up and swing when ball reaches it's highest peak, or starts back down.
From what I've seen of it, it would be close to an A in all your categories below.
Durability, A Weight, A Economical, A User Friendly, A Convenient/Compact (for storage), A Easy Assembly, A Partner Needed? (/N) Does the device teach you something? (Y/)
This product is marketed by Ultimate Sports Co. George Brett and Co. helped with the development of this product.
Swing Smarter Response: Hello Gary and thank you for your submission of the Ultimate Hitting Machine. I would say you're right on on the grading, and at retail this gadget (on the site) goes for $129.95 (on sale for $109.95) which is reasonable for a toss machine.
One quick note on endorsements: I love George Brett and think he is one of the best players to ever play the game, so is Derek Jeter, but I find it hard to look at a system just because a BIG name endorses it...that aside,
You really can't go wrong with a toss machine as long as it's on a timer (or player initiated like this one), the value goes up when it scores high on our grading system.
The only glaring warning I would say for players/coaches to keep in mind when practicing with this device is to NOT get to heavy footed with the stride to pop the ball up...we have to keep the weight shifted back and "reach out" with the stride foot...the lighter the stride, the more stable the eyes.
