FAQ'S
Is Spinball associated with Rawlings?
Spinball Sports has always been an independent company, although we were an official licensee of Rawlings Sporting Goods from 2013-2022. We built all Rawlings Pro Line two and three wheel pitching machines and we continue to support them. We were not associated with the imported Rawlings one wheel pitching machine.
Two wheels or three?
The two wheel machine is lighter and more portable, costs less, and throws the same range of pitches. The three wheel machines are slightly more accurate with real balls and are much easier to adjust. If portability is important, the two wheel or the Mini are the way to go. For ease of use, we recommend the three wheel machines.
What’s the difference between the standard 3 wheel and the Mini?
The standard machine has more capabilities, but is heavier and less portable. Top speed for the standard machine is 100 mph vs 75 for the Mini. Top spin rate is 3000 rpm vs 2000. Weights are 160 lbs vs 95.
How accurate are these machines?
That’s hard to quantify, and many competitors exaggerate (a lot). It largely depends on the type and condition of the balls you use. The plastic dimpled balls are more accurate because they vary less than leather balls, especially after use. In testing, our two wheel machine threw 97 of 100 pitches for strikes using low seam baseballs and 100 strikes in a row with dimpled balls. The three wheel machine threw 99 of 100 strikes with both types of ball. The tests were performed in ideal conditions so we can’t guarantee you’ll get the same results, but if you have used any other machine, you’ll be happy with these.
How do you set up the two wheel machine to throw the various pitches?
Spin is induced on the ball by setting the wheels at different speeds. The greater the difference in speeds, the greater the spin. (Same speed = no difference = knuckleball.) On a two wheel machine, the ball always spins and curves away from the faster wheel. By rotating the machine head, the wheels can be positioned to spin the ball in any direction. We include a laminated color chart with each machine for guidance. After some practice, most people don’t need the chart and can set up custom pitches on their own.
How do you set up the three wheel machines to throw the various pitches?
Except for the basic version of the Mini, the three wheel machines do the math for you. Just set the pitch speed directly, (as opposed to the wheel speeds on the two wheel machine), the spin direction, and the spin amount. The wheel speeds adjust automatically. You will still need to adjust the direction or aim of the machine. The basic Mini requires a chart similar to the two wheel machine.
What kind of balls can your machines throw?
The machines can throw just about any ball under 4″ diameter and 7oz weight, including real leather baseballs and softballs as well as the plastic dimpled balls specifically designed for pitching machines. You can also use the machines with cricket, lacrosse, or tennis balls. We’ve even had customers use the machines with hockey pucks, although we don’t recommend it. Dimpled balls will last longer and be more accurate than laced leather ones. Softer balls are easier on the wheels and also more accurate because they grip the wheels better. The one ball we recommend against is a synthetic leather laced baseball such as the Wilson A1010S. (Apparently the “S” stands for synthetic.) The cheaper material smears on the wheels, leaving a slick residue that must be cleaned off to maintain proper performance. You can use Jugs Pearl balls in our machines, but they are less accurate than standard balls because they have a slick Teflon like surface.
Can the machines throw grounders and fly balls?
Yes, but each machine’s capabilities are different. The Spinball 2 wheel can throw grounders and fly balls, but it can’t quickly change direction to distribute balls around the field. All current Spinball three wheel machines swivel and pivot freely to easily throw balls anywhere on the field.
How did you make the two wheel machine so light?
Our engineer’s background is in the aerospace industry (14 years at Boeing) and our machines were designed from the ground up with a light weight in mind. The formed steel frame is engineered not only to be solid and robust, but also lightweight. While this light weight makes the machines very portable, it can also allow the two wheel machines to recoil when used at high speeds on a slick surface like hardwood or cement. To correct this, we recommend using a non-slip mat or carpet scrap to absorb the shock and keep the machine in place. On grass, soft dirt, or turf the machines are good to go as shipped.
What maintenance is required?
Not much. If stored outdoors, the machine should be covered when not in use to keep the motors and electronics dry and to prevent rust and UV related fading. Tarps are available at most local hardware stores. Do not leave a covered machine outside during a windstorm – the cover can act as a sail and the machine could be damaged from being blown over. Machines should not be stored in temperatures over 100 degrees to prevent premature degradation of the wheels, particularly in humid climates. Wheels may need to be cleaned occasionally. We recommend lacquer thinner and a Scotch Brite pad.
Is this a good machine for my child?
To hit against, yes. To operate, absolutely not. These machines can throw baseballs 100+ mph, which can be lethal. They should only be set up and operated by responsible adults and only at speeds near those that the batter will normally see. Batters should always wear a helmet and be aware that the machine will throw balls and strikes.
What is the wheel recovery time?
Under 3 seconds for real balls and under 2 seconds for dimpled balls. By comparison, other manufacturers list their recovery time as high as 8 seconds. Our thicker wheel tread provides better rebound so our wheels don’t noticeably slow after throwing a ball.
Can I use a generator? What size do I need?
Yes – we recommend an 800 watt generator at a minimum for the two wheel machine and a 1000 watt minimum for the three wheel. iPitch® requires 2000 watts.
Can I use a battery and an inverter?
It is possible, but a gas powered generator is usually the better solution. The battery should be a deep cycle / marine type, and the inverter must be a true sine wave inverter. Modified sine wave (MSW) or square wave inverters will not work.
Do you offer a 230V/240V version?
Yes, but we don’t keep them in stock. Please call or email for more information. Except for the iPitch, the better solution is to use a standard 115V machine with a transformer.
Do you ship internationally?
Spinball ships only to North America. Please contact our global distributor JJW Sports at info @ jjwsports.com for international sales and support.
How long does it take to convert the machines from baseball to softball?
You have to replace the legs (which slide into sockets) and the ball feed tube (two screws). You also have to move the motors (four screws each on the Spinball 2 wheel, one nut each on the others) to their proper positions. It might take 10-15 minutes your first time, but after some practice, it should take about five minutes.
A note about top speed:
On the two wheel machines we advertise a top pitch speed of 105 mph, but the fastest fastball the machine can throw is closer to 95 mph. That’s because you can only get the top speed, 105 mph, out of the machine if you set both wheels at 105, which throws a dangerously unpredictable 105 mph knuckleball. (You always get a knuckleball when both wheels are set to the same speed.) Obviously, we highly recommend the machine never be used for batting practice with this setup. To throw a fastball with realistic backspin, you need to set one wheel faster than the pitch speed and one wheel slower, for example, 105 and 85 will generate a 95 mph pitch with a reasonable amount of spin. So the two wheel machine’s top pitch speed is actually obtained with a knuckleball, not a fastball. We’re not trying to be deceptive, but it can be confusing, and our competitors advertise their top speeds the same way. On our three wheel machines, because you set the actual pitch speed directly instead of the wheel speeds, 100 mph is the true top speed.