We are asked this question often, so we are thankful for the opportunity to explain the differences.

There are five important factors to consider when evaluating a pitching machine:

1. The type of construction.
       BATA machines are made of solid steel. There are no sand-castings or plastic on the frames or stands.
2. The motors and electronics.
       BATA uses only high-quality US Made, permanent magnet DC motors and solid-state electronic controls.
3. The wheels.
       As explained below, BATA wheels are the most effective design.
4. Ease of use.
       BATA machines are simple to set up, easy to adjust, easy to transport.
5. Capacity.
       We have machines suited for players of all levels, priced accordingly.

ACCURACY - BATA machines are the only machines that use unique Goodyear Rubber Soft Tread pitching wheels. Soft Tread wheels are solid, die-cast, flat-faced rubber treads, molded and vulcanized onto a machined aluminum core. The result is better accuracy, more speed, and better consistency than competitive brands.

How are BATA Soft Tread wheels better than the JUGS or ATEC wheels?

JUGS wheels are pneumatic (air-filled) tires, mounted on a stamped, metal rim, (the type that are used on trailer wheels). Stamped rims do not run as true as machined rims. The contact surface of the pitching wheel is convex (rounded). The faster the JUGS wheel rotates, the more convex, and therefore, less accurate it becomes. JUGS wheels have more side to side run-out and more radial run-out, which leads to less accuracy. Maintaining proper air pressure is also a big concern with pneumatic tires.

BATA wheels are machined and die-cast, so they start out with a precise, consistent shape, they maintain their shape regardless of the speed, and they are precision balanced to within 1 gram per foot. This makes BATA wheels run smooth and true.

ATEC wheels are made with a concave tread, molded onto a solid rim. However, because of the deep concave, at the center of the concave (where the most compression occurs) the tread is less than 3/8 inch thick. This design does not provide enough compression to accommodate a hard baseball. The effect of this would be excessive flexing of the motor shaft inside the motor, and therefore, premature motor failure, less accuracy, and less consistency. If you ask ATEC, they will tell you that they do NOT recommend using real leather baseballs in their Casey machines.

BATA wheels are designed to throw real leather balls (and dimpled balls).

FREE SHIPPING

• Maximum Speed:
  62 mph with leather baseballs or
  BATA Dimpled Baseballs

  62 mph from 46' = 81 mph from 60'

• Weight 56 lbs.
• Runs on 110 AC
• Available for Baseball/Softball
• May be used with BATA Feeder
• Throws real baseballs or dimpled
• 5-year limited warranty

Our economical BATA-1 Baseball Pitching Machine (above) and our BATA-1 Softball Pitching Machine (right) throws perfect fastballs up to 62 miles per hour with pinpoint accuracy.  Ideal for batting practice for players up to 16 years of age and for machine pitch leagues.

Can be set up to throw baseballs or softballs.