ATEC ROOKIE Training Machine/Softball, 12V Rechargable

by Atec

Product Features

• Feed chute provides high visibility from release point to improve hitters timing and eye contact with the ball
• Change pitch height instantly with easy crank adjustment
• 360 degree left right adjustment and 120 degree of vertical pivot delivers various drills with ease and precision
• Throws between 20 - 60 mph

Product Description

The ATEC Rookie training machine helps infielders improve defensively by delivering seven balls per minute. The Rookies consistency and easy adjustment from hitter to hitter make every practice feel like a big game

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 28 x 28 x 28 inches ; 75 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 67 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000IDQE8Q
• Item model number: WTAT3094
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,264,459 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Father of two young fastpitch players, November 27, 2009

By 

Mike B (Centreville, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: ATEC ROOKIE Training Machine/Softball, 12V Rechargable (Sports)

This is a well built machine and easy to use. It's a little heavy, but not too heavy for one person to roll out of an SUV. The wheels work great for bringing it to the field, but you need to take 2 or 3 trips (machine, legs, and a heavy battery) unless you have help. I got the gel battery and charger and the battery lasts for a long time. Setting up is easy: stand it up (easy), line it up by eye, and after about 5 or 6 tests, it's ready to go (a little longer for the first couple of times though). The balls can arc (slower) or rocket over the plate, but I strongly recommend that you NOT use regular softballs, use the dimpled balls (12 works for us fine, but 24 would be better). The reg softballs tear up the pads, wear them out faster, and don't give reliable pitches (maybe 50%). The dimpled balls give good pitches EVERY time and play just like reg softballs (not too heavy or anything). I haven't done change ups yet, but they may not be that easy because you would have to slow the speed down and then adjust the angle of the machine. Well by that time, the hitter will know what you are doing (just need to be tricky). As for fielding, pop ups at any angle (and direction) are great and you can send the ball way up in the air (also, it's easy to do). Have used the Jugs machine which is nice but doesn't seem as good for pop ups (they go in a straight line or you have to move the whole machine left and right) and of course needs a generator or long cord. Grounders work fine but not as good as everything else. I don't love cranking the lever to adjust the angle, but you can use the handle for pop ups and the lever for pitching (that's what I do now). Also, once you take the legs off, the Rookie is pretty compact while the Jugs (one wheel) is pretty big and looks like it would be hard to bring places or store. At some point, when your hitter can hit hard, you will need a screen to protect the machine. The only parts that can wear out or break are the pads and the motor. The pads look doable but probably not easy and as for the motor, it doesn't look easy, but I haven't done either. My guess is the pads will last for a while, especially if you use the right balls.

5.0 out of 5 stars Atec rookie 12v pitching machine, March 31, 2006

By 

D. Rothacher (Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I received the Atec rookie 12v from fedx at 4:45 and was using it at the field by 5:15. The setup is easy (only launched the first ball over the backstop). The ball delivery was consistent with only minor up/down variations. I'm using the Baden PBBRS pitching machine baseball which worked great. The battery was a Optima yellow top, it ran for 2 hours with no sign of slowing down. The machine construction is good and operates quietly with no vibration.