SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball Batting Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you've got a basketball goal in your driveway, you've got all you need for the SKLZ Hit-A-Way. It sets up in seconds, the ball can be adjusted to various heights through trial and error, and it is the very definition of durable. It requires about 15 or 20 feet of space for the batter to use Hit-A-Away. We've had ours for 3+ years and its still serviceable (though its gotten some UV sun damage from being left outside all the time).
The Hit-A-Way is *very* easy to use and very safe for kids. Probably the best testimonial I can give is that long after we bought it, my son (baseball) and daughters (fastpitch softball) and the neighbor kids still go out on their own and use the Hit-A-Way to practice hitting. In fact, I've talked to other parents who own the product who observe the same thing. In this day and age, ANY product that isn't attached to a TV but still keeps kids entertained is worth getting.
In addition to the above, it helps kids track and time fast pitching. I've not measured how fast the ball travels, but it is fast, and the better the batter hits it, the faster it travels back to him/her. I think this positive reinforcement is the hook that keeps kids coming back to it.
I'm picky about hitting aids, so I have one very small quibble. Because of the trajectory of the ball toward the batter, the Hit-A-Way can reinforce "bat drag" and make it difficult to fix because a swing with bat drag gets rewarded just like a correct swing does. This was a problem my son developed -- if your kid is crushing the ball on the Hit-A-Way but striking out or appearing to swing late in games, then bat drag is the likely culprit. Knowing this, I'd still buy the Hit-A-Way in a heartbeat because, again, kids love using it on their own.
Parents, this is a must buy if you have the space (and the pole) for it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball Batting Trainer

Hit-A-Way Baseball Trainer...Improved Design! SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball Batting Trainer features: Get up to 500 swings per hour without ever chasing a ball Develop better swing mechanics and hand-eye coordination Improve pacing, timing, and confidence New, improved design in webbing and cords for cleaner hits and greater durability Great for right and left-handed batters and switch-hitting practice Easily attaches to a pole, post, or tree up to 4" in diameter Batting Trainer...Practice, Play, & Win!

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball Batting Trainer

Read More...

Hands Inside Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am very happy with my HIT trainer. This has helped SHOW my kids how to keep their hands inside rather than trying to explain it to them.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hands Inside Trainer

Hands Inside TrainerH.I.T.

Click here for more information about Hands Inside Trainer

Read More...

Louisville Slugger Youth Instructo Swing 1500 Baseball Batting Tee Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this item becuase my 8 year old daughter's tendency was to drop her hands, shoulder, and bat while hitting. She would open her swing too early and had such a difficult time getting her hands out in front. Though I would demonstrate to her how to properly swing she didn't seem to grasp my instruction. This swing tee was what I was looking for and after only one swing session on this tee my daughter realizes now how she's been dropping her hands. It did take a few whacks to the frame of the tee, and that painful vibration to her hands, to grasp what she was doing wrong. Shortly though, she began to keep the hands, shoulder, and bat up and swing properly. This item met my expection.
Now, the reason I gave this item only three stars. I received this item yesterday and immediately set it up. After about ten minutes each of swing practice for my 8 and 6 year old daughters, two of the three included rubber tees, which the ball seats on, had cracked in half. I'm on my last rubber tee and likely will have to purchase replacement tees at about $16 for a 3-pack. This is absolutely unacceptable for a product in this price range! My take is that the rubber tees are too stift, not enough flexibility to withstand continuous strikes from a bat. The solution to this is to use some rubber glue compound, purchase the replacement tees, or purchase the Louisville Slugger Retract-A-Ball & Tee Attachment For Instructo Swing Batting Tee for additional $60 which angers me oven more. The link to this item on Amazon is included below.
http://www.amazon.com/Louisville-Slugger-Retract-Attachment-Instructo/dp/B00183HOOI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1300024464&sr=1-1
My other complaint with the 1500 model is that it doesn't allow for a slight upward swing as pictured on the 5000 model. Also, the full downward setting (swivel fully to the right) is too angled, so much so that I wasn't able to place a softball, baseball, tennis ball, or wiffle ball on the rubber tee and have it remain. It would make more sense that the angle from the base pole that attached to the C-style rubber encased "hitting zone" would be 90 degrees given how the base pole is able to swivel. Swiveling the tee fully to the left allows for a level swing. Swiveling straight up allows for a nice downward cut. Anything to the right, you're better off purhcasing that Retract-A-Ball & Tee Attachment that I likely will end up having to do. I'll be contacting Amazon today to express my complaints with the replacement rubber tees. But for purposes of you considering my review, I would recommend this product because I've already seen a difference with both my daughter's swings after only one use.
Update: I've since purchased replacement rubber tees from another website. I had the same problem which after only a few swings the rubber tees cracked in half. I had actually supported the rubber tees by taping with black electrical tape. This made no difference and within one day of using the replacement rubber tees with my 8U softball team, they all cracked in half after only two batters. These rubber tees are horrible, absolutely terrible. What I've done since then is to use a separate rubber tee and position it flush to the Louisville swing tee. I love how this swing tee demonstrates a proper tee but the rubber replacement tees are absolutely terrible. Do not purchase any replacement tees and it's a complete waste of money.
I did elect not to purchase the Retract-a-ball tee attachment because I just don't foresee the foam casing lasting long after multiple strikes. Does Louisville actually believe that children will strike the ball without striking the rubber tee.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Louisville Slugger Youth Instructo Swing 1500 Baseball Batting Tee

Louisville Slugger IS1500 Youth Instructor Swing batting tee develops perfect path to the ball mechanics. Ideal for teaching and developing any hitting philosophy including rotational, linear, and slapping. Perfect for teaching and developing any hitting philosophy including rotational, linear, and slapping. Angle adjustment feature for developing proper downward, level, or slightly upward swing paths to the ball. Youth Tee height 21-28".

Click here for more information about Louisville Slugger Youth Instructo Swing 1500 Baseball Batting Tee

Read More...

SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this for my 11-year-old godson who loves baseball. He was able to set it up himself easily. He quickly learned that the ball returns best when he hits it properly. He pronounced it "awesome." This one's a winner.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball System

Hit-A-Way Baseball System comes with everything you need to start training.Improve your hand-eye coordination with this training aid that works as your own personal batting instructor. Easily adjustable to hit high, middle or low balls. You can also practice switch hitting.Improve swing mechanics without chasing balls. Hit-A-Way Baseball System comes with Hit-A-Way Baseball and movable pole. Ages 7 and up

Get 35% OFF

Click here for more information about SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball System

Read More...

Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The hurricane is basically a holder for an older product called a "Hit-N-Stick". It also provides visual feedback on how hard the bat hits the target. The problem with my unit is that the power bands (bungee cords) that provide resistance, tangle with the height adjustment knob on almost every swing. The knob can be positioned so that tangles don't occur, but the knob drifts with each swing. So after a just few swings, the tangles start again.
I contacted SKLZ customer support by email (customerservice@properformancesports.com) a week ago. So far, no response.
The thing is usable but I am considering returning it. I wouldn't recommend purchasing until the flaw is addressed. The fact that customer service ignored me is also a big red flag.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Trainer

Improve your batting average and slugging percentage with the Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Trainer. This solo swing training machine is the ideal baseball swing trainer for batters who are serious about their games. The leaner, meaner, more durable model provides immediate feedback on bat speed and power. And the integrated ball and stick means you can practice alone--no more chasing balls!
Features:
Heavy duty construction, but lightweight (37 pounds)--can be moved easily
Rugged, non-slip 4-foot base for indoor/outdoor use
Easy set up and storage--no tools needed
Can be used for solo tee practice or as a dynamic moving target
Multi-Twist design provides immediate feedback on your swing--more revolutions means greater bat speed
Improve your bat speed and power--hit and see how far it twists
Use it like a stationary or moving target
Perfect for baseball or softball training
Use almost anywhere
Includes Hurricane unit with 3 power bands, home plate and carry bag
Suitable for ages 5 and older

Get 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Trainer

Read More...

SKLZ Zip-N-Hit Pro Baseball Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My son hit .515 as an 8 year old last year. This year, he moved up a division and has struggled at around .250, even though he has a fairly nice swing. Using this device for two weeks, he suddenly can't hit anything. I pitched him hardballs today and he swung over the top of every one of the first 60! The problem with this device is that the ball doesn't drop like a pitched ball, so it actually trains them to swing higher than normal. I'll be putting this away for the season and trying to recover my son's swing and confidence. Don't get me wrong, the kids love it. The entire team lines up before every game and begs you to throw fastballs with it. It's great for use around the house - just tie it to a tree and you can take swings that you couldn't otherwise. Beware if you intend to use this for much more than casual practice and don't let it replace live pitching. Fun-factor is a 5, but as far as a training device, I have to question its value.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SKLZ Zip-N-Hit Pro Baseball Trainer

Perfect for newcomers to the game or those who want to improve growing skills, the Pro Performance Zip-N-Hit Pro acts like a portable batting cage, allowing batters to improve their swing almost anywhere. Players can improve hitting skills while increasing bat speed, as well as learning "top half" hitting while increasing bat speed. It's great for practicing hitting pitches of different speeds and movements. It comes with an attachment clip and strap, for easy attachment almost anywhere, and is suitable for ages 7 and up. It's also an effective training device for high school and collegiate use.

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about SKLZ Zip-N-Hit Pro Baseball Trainer

Read More...

Hit-A-Way Baseball Swing Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The premise behind hit-a-way is fine: hit the ball hard enough that it wraps around the pole tightly, let it unwind, and then hit it again as it comes around. It looks great in the video. Real life - not so much.
We tried to use this last year with a group of 7-8 year-olds. My observations:
1) Young hitters, probably up to at least age 10, can't reliably hit the ball hard enough to get it to wrap around the pole. You end up needing an adult to re-wrap the cable and "launch" the ball. This greatly reduces the repetitions and the usefulness.
2) Poles are harder to find than you think on a baseball field. You basically need either a basketball goal or you need to buy the "portable" pole that is sold separately (note - very heavy and expensive - not worth it)
3) Because the ball comes in from an angle and at an odd speed, I question the value for young hitters. It is hard enough to time a thrown pitch. Trying to also learn to time an uncoiling cable was counterproductive.
Bottom line - we tried it for a couple of practices and then gave up.
Who could use this? Well - if you have a 12 year or older hitter who wants to get in some solo practice AND a handy free-standing pole, I think this would have some value.
Tools to consider that I have found helpful in coaching are a "zip-n-hit" and a "hit-n-stick". Both are available on Amazon. (and also by Hit-A-Way, among other companies).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hit-A-Way Baseball Swing Trainer

The Original solo batting trainer, endorsed by Derek Jeter!Hit-A-Way is a batting aid for ball players of all ages that attaches to most trees and poles, in your backyard or on the field. Practice hitting to all fields, hitting high, low, or middle pitches; hitting fast or slow pitches, and batting right and left handed. Baseball or softball is attached to a solid polyurethane tubing, with adjustable Velcro bindings on each end that attach quickly and easily to most types of secured poles. Delivers simulated pitches without chasing balls or using expensive machines. Develops superior hand/eye coordination and homerun swing. All components made and assembled in USA. Ball is made in Taiwan.

Get 49% OFF

Click here for more information about Hit-A-Way Baseball Swing Trainer

Read More...

SKLZ Hit-A-Way Softball Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Overall a good training device. I've used the baseball and now the softball version, and both have been good for my hitting practice.
My only complaint on the softball one is that after about 1000 hits or so, the ball is now slightly mis-shaped. Still quite usable though, and I plan to keep using it all season.
It is also useful to break in a new bat.
Since I have a basketball hoop, it was no problem attaching and using this. Set-up takes about 30 seconds each time I use it.
All in all a good product!

Click Here to see more reviews about: SKLZ Hit-A-Way Softball

The Hit-A-Way Softball Swing Trainer can be used for warm-ups or practice almost anywhere! Endorsed by three-time Olympic gold medal winner Leah OBrien-Amico, the Hit-A-Way Swing Trainer allows you to perfect your swing without the headache of lost balls or broken windows. This softball practice tool develops hand-eye coordination and is the perfect tool when learning to switch hit. The Hit-A-Way is easy to carry and can be stored in bat bags, backpacks or carry-alls.

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about SKLZ Hit-A-Way Softball

Read More...