The M2 offensive training machine is built to train collegiate level ball players. When it comes to accuracy, power and portability, no other 2-wheel machine is better equipped than the M2. With the ability to pitch 90mph, the M2 can throw collegiate level fastballs, curveballs and sliders to any spot in the strike zone. The M2 is used and trusted by many nationally ranked college programs to develop their Elite players and take their hitting abilities to the next level.
J**O
Good but like all machines doesn't throw regulation softballs well
I own 3 pitching machines - the Atec M2 Softball, a Jugs softball machine (I also have the parts to convert it to baseball) and the Heater Combo Softball/Baseball HTR599 machine. The first and most important thing I want to point out is that all these machines say they are compatible/work with/throw "high-quality regulation softballs" in addition to their proprietary pitching machine balls. I can tell you that none of these throw regulation softballs well enough to use for that purpose. They are simply not accurate enough at official pitching distances to not hit the batter regularly. The Heater machine really doesn't like regulation balls with normal "tall" laces as its too tight to go thru the machine properly. The Jugs machine probably throws them the best, but still not good enough--my daughter won't stand in as she has been hit too many times by it. My Atec machine throws them to the left of the left-handers batter's box when aimed over the plate. I tried them with the Diamond Batting Practice Leather balls as well and those have the same issues (their laces are shorter but they still exit the machines very irratically.) Of course each company makes their own balls but they are generally each alike so I have not tested that way (they also tend to be the most expensive way to go.)I will say that the Heater and Jugs machines throw regulation baseballs good enough--the Atec I have is softball only.If you use one of these machines you are stuck with either the hard-plastic dimpled balls which even though they say "sting free" are not, and imo they are too dense to use on carbon bats so I won't. That leaves the high-density foam balls as really your only option. Buy ones that do not have any kind of laces embossed in them. That will just cause the balls to curve around as they are shot out of the machines. Buy ones that are either of the dimpled style, smooth, or grooved like the Atec ones. The foam balls are the most accurate, and the only real issue with them is the fact that since they are so light compared to a regular ball they tend to fire as a "rise-ball" the faster they are pitched thru one-wheel machines. Thru a 2-wheel machine they work better but it takes fine tuning to stop them from making dramatic rise/drop/curve arcs.Over-all, I am happy with all my machines--more so for baseball than softball though. The Atec one I feel is the nicest of the bunch--slightly beating out the Jugs--but comparing a 2-wheel to a 1-wheel is a bit unfair. The Heater is the most portable for sure. I will also note that the Atec machine is heavy and using the wheels to move the machine is very awkward. Basically you pick it up and carry it as it's a lot less hassle. It is solidly built and the fit/finish is top notch.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
3 weeks ago