WebBall.com - Hitting Stations Head-to-Head

Our narrow definition of a "hitting station" for this comparison is a device which feeds or allows you to hit a ball (other than a pitching machine) without needing a helper - i.e. the device resets automatically or you can reset it before the next swing.

Information here is from both manufacturer specs and our own evaluations, revised in 2011. Where links appear in the price row, you can click for product features or to place an order. Other items recommended by us for hitter training include hand-held gadgets, other measuring devices, pitching machines, etc.

HITTING STATIONS	BATACTION 360	HURRICANE CAT 4	SWINGAWAY PRO TRAVEL	SWINGAWAY FOR HOME	HANDSBACK HITTER	JUGS SOFTTOSS	TRUE TOSS BOUNCE FEEDER
In-use Height	4' (adjustable)	4' (adjustable)	5' +arm	4' + arm	1.5' to bar	7'	6-7'
In-use Width	8.5' + batter	7' + batter	4.5' + batter	3.5' + batter	3' + batter	8'	10-12'
In-use Depth	8.5'	7'	9' w/ batter	7' w/ batter	1.5' + batter	6' + batter	1' + batter
Weight	40 lbs	35 lbs	50 lbs	33 lbs	10 lbs or less	14 lbs (net) + Toss	15 lbs
Cycle Time*	5 secs	5 secs	3 secs	3 sec	10 secs (10 balls)**	5 secs (14 balls)**	4.5 secs after tappng the release lever
Adjustables	Ball height, Return power	Ball height, Return power	Ball location using tether and plate	Ball location using tether and hitting mat	Pop-up location and height	Toss rate	Hlds 15 baseballs, 10 softballs, height adjustable
Warranty (if known)	6 mo. or better	3 mo.				1 yr on net	1 yr on all components, free bounce restringing
Replaceables^	Rod, power chords	Rod, power chords	Ball/tether	Ball/tether	String	Balls	none
Comments	Reliable, popular, good track record, fun to use, updated in 2007	Popular, good track record, fun to use	Heavy gauge SwingAway for Varsity, College, Pro team use	New version, lighter weight, ideal for home use	For use with lighter training balls and full-weight baseballs	Great hand-eye training tool, rechargeable version recommended	Soft-toss without a coach, no electrical source or batteries required
Price & Link	$140	$175	$400	$200	$85-$155	$200	$200

Dimensions shown are for station in use - units themselves are often smaller.
* cycle time on BatAction may be delayed if it wobbles due to previous hit being off-center
** cycle time on units that use un-attached balls will increase by ball collection and reload time every 10-14 hits
^ replaceables refers to those items which may need replacement from time to time due to normal wear

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