Product Review: JUGS Lite Flite Pitching Machine

The JUGS Lite Flite Pitching Machine is not only one of our most affordable pitching machines, it is one of our most versatile.

The Lite Flite machine throws consistent strikes making it a great training tool for players of all ages. We have baseball coaches on our staff with experience using the JUGS Lite Flite from Little League up to High School Varsity level of play and beyond.

With the select-a-pitch technology, the JUGS Lite Flite allows you to change from curveballs to fastballs or sliders in seconds. The JUGS Lite Flite is also available with both Baseball or Softball chutes so it can be adjusted from Baseball to Softball in a matter of seconds.

The JUGS Lite Flite can be used for defensive drills including fly balls and grounders with a 360 degree swivel base.

The JUGS Lite Flite is also easy to transport, weighing in at only 35 lbs.

One thing to consider is that the JUGS Lite Flite throws Lite Flite and bulldog baseballs and softballs only. It can not be used with real baseballs and softballs.

Pitch for pitch, dollar for dollar, the JUGS Lite-Flite Machine will prove to be the best purchase you’ll make this season.

I have been using my JUGS Lite Flite Machine for just over 3 years and it has helped me run a much more efficient indoor practice. I first incorporated it by having indoor batting practice. Our gym has a net that will split it in half, so I pull the net out set the machine up and have them take 12 swings on fastballs, 12 swings on curveballs, and then have them bunt 12 pitches. I have 3 boys spread out in the gym to shag the balls.

I put the machine approximately 25 feet from the hitter in order to avoid the balls from “floating” in. A draw back is if you set the machine too far back the balls will have the appearance of floating in, which is very difficult to hit. The hitters adjust pretty quickly to it being this close and it actually helps with developing quick hands.

I now have started using the machine for defensive purposes also. It is very good for teaching catchers to block pitches and also is good for catchers to work on framing pitches. We set the machine in the corner and have the catchers work these drills. It is much more effective as the machine can place the ball right where you want it to versus having a coach do it. We also use it for catchers working on foul balls.

We have found it difficult to use outside on windy days, so pretty much limit it to indoor use. In my opinion it is well worth the approx. $500 investment if you are going to have a lot of indoor practices.