JUGS vs. First Pitch Pitching Machines

At Unique Sports, JUGS Sports and First Pitch Pitching Machines are often compared by our customers and are some of our most popular baseball and softball pitching machines. For 2015-2016 both JUGS and First Pitch are introducing new machines to their already quality lineup of pitching machines.  

JUGS has introduced the Changeup Baseball and Softball Pitching Machines to meet the demand from coaches for a changeup pitching machine. A Changeup Pitching Machine was simply not offered in the pitching machine market and it’s a necessity for players to work on off speed pitches. With the press of a button, coaches can change the machine from fastballs to changeups. 

First Pitch has also introduced a new and welcome addition to the pitching machine market with the First Pitch Ace Pitching Machine. The Ace is a premium pitching machine in a lightweight, portable design. At only 62 pounds, the First Pitch Ace is easy to transport but still has all the features you can ask for, including speeds up to 80 mph! The Ace is the most versatile single wheel pitching machine available. 

When comparing JUGS and First Pitch machines, there are many factors to consider other than price and durability. We’ve created a “quick look” comparison of the features on JUGS and First Pitch Machines. If you have any additional questions on pitching machines, please feel free to call 800-297-0747 and speak to one of our pitching machine experts!

First Pitch Pitching Machines

First Pitch Ace

Machine Type: Combination Machine

Speed:80 mph

Pitch Type: Overhand or Underhand Pitches

Ball Type: Baseball, 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-Adult

Features: 360 Degree Swivel

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

First Pitch Relief Pitcher

Machine Type: Combination Machine

Speed: 45 mph

Pitch Type: Fastballs

Ball Type: Baseball, 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls

Defensive Drills: No

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-16

Features: Adjustable Legs, Portable

Warranty: 1 Year Warranty

First Pitch Baseline 

Machine Type: Combination Machine 

Speed: 70 mph Baseball 65 Softball

Pitch Type: Fastballs Only 

Ball Type: Baseball, 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-16

Features: 360 Degree Swivel 

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty 

First Pitch Curveball

Machine Type: Combination Machine

Speed: 105 mph

Pitch Type: Fastballs, Curveballs, Sliders, Knuckleballs, Sidearm Curves (LH,RH)

Ball Type: Baseball, 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages:  Adult

Features: Two 1/3 HP motors

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty 

First Pitch Original 

Machine Type: Combination Machine

Speed: 80 mph

Pitch Type: Fastballs only

Ball Type: Baseball, 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-Adult

Features: No 360 Degree Swivel, Two Sets of Legs

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

First Pitch XL Pitching Machine

Machine Type: Combination Machine

Speed: 80 mph

Pitch Type: Fastballs only

Ball Type: Baseball, 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-Adult

Features: 360 Degree Swivel

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

JUGS Sports Pitching Machines

JUGS Changeup Baseball Pitching Machine 

Machine Type: Baseball

Speed: 70 mph

Pitch Type: Fastball, Changeup

Ball Type: Baseball, Pitching Machine Balls, Tennis Balls, Lite Flite 

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-Adult

Features: New Changeup feature 

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

JUGS Changeup Super Softball Pitching Machine

Machine Type: Softball

Speed: 70 mph

Pitch Type: Risers, Fastballs, Changeups

Ball Type: 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-Adult

Features: New Changeup feature

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

JUGS Jr

Machine Type: Baseball or Combination Machine

Speed: 15-60 mph

Pitch Type: Fastballs only

Ball Type: Baseball, 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls, Tennis Balls, Lite Flite 

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-15 BB 8-Adult SB

Features: No 360 Degree Swivel

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty 

JUGS 101 

Machine Type: Baseball

Speed: 30-90 mph

Pitch Type: Overhand Fastballs, Curveball Split Finger

Ball Type: Baseballs, Dimpled Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 12-Adult

Features: No Swivel

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

JUGS Combo

Machine Type: Combination Machine

Speed: 20-104 mph

Pitch Type: Fastball, Curveball, Sliders, Split Finger, Drops & Risers

Ball Type: Baseball, 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: High School – Adult 

Features: 360 Degree Swivel, Quick Change design from BB-SB

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

JUGS Curveball

Machine Type: Baseball 

Speed: 20-104 mph

Pitch Type: Fastballs, Curveballs, Sidearm (Left or Right)

Ball Type: Baseballs, Dimpled Balls, Tennis Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 12-Adult

Features: 360 Degree Swivel

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

JUGS MVP

Machine Type: Baseball

Speed: 15-52 mph

Pitch Type: Fastball only

Ball Type: Baseballs, Dimpled Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-12

Features: Great for Pitching Machine League

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

JUGS Softball

Machine Type: Softball

Speed: 15-60 mph

Pitch Type:Fastball, Slow Pitch Arc, Risers, Drops

Ball Type: 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls, Tennis Balls

Defensive Drills:Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-Adult

Features: Great for Pitching Machine League

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

JUGS Super Softball

Machine Type: Softball

Speed: 20-70 mph

Pitch Type: Fastballs, Risers & Drops

Ball Type: 11” or 12” Softball, Pitching Machine Balls, Tennis Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: HS-Adult

Features: Top speed of 70 mph for advanced softball training 

Warranty: 5 Year Warranty

JUGS Lite Flite Machine

Machine Type: Lite Ball Machine

Speed: Simulates speeds of 15-85 mph based on distance from plate

Pitch Type: Fastballs, Curves, Sliders

Ball Type: Lite Flite Balls

Defensive Drills: Fly Balls, Ground Balls, Pop-Ups

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-Adult

Features: Battery Operated, Eliminates fear of being hit

Warranty: 2 Year Warranty

JUGS Small Ball Machine

Machine Type: Small Ball Machine

Speed: Simulates speeds up to 75 mph

Pitch Type: Fastballs and Curves

Ball Type: 5 in. 5 oz Small Balls

Defensive Drills: –

Unique Sports Recommended for Ages: 8-Adult

Features: Improves Hand Eye Coordination, Includes Small Bat

Warranty: 1 Year Warranty