Hack Attack FAQ’s
What is the weight of the Hack Attack broken down?
Without the Hack Attack legs – approx. 145 lbs, including the base. With legs approx 160 lbs. (The base is the part with the rolling wheels that accepts the 3 legs.).
What is the size of the Hack Attack broken down?
With the base – approx. 39” long x 30” wide x 25” tall
. Without the base – approx. 30” long x 30” wide x 25” tall.
What type of assembly is necessary upon first receipt of my new Hack Attack and are there any special tools required?
Your new pitching machine will arrive fully assembled and ready for your immediate use. No assembly or special tools are required.
How is the Hack Attack most commonly transported?
Most people transport the machine with the base, legs removed. Two people can easily lift the Hack Attack into a truck, SUV, etc. The base can be removed if the machine is too tall to fit in the vehicle.
How is the Hack Attack moved around the baseball field?
The machine is provided with large rolling wheels for moving the machine on and off the field. (Other machines are positioned on the throwing wheels to roll them on and off the field. This can affect the surface of the throwing wheels and eventually affect the performance of the pitches.) The Hack Attack throwing wheels come in contact with nothing other than a baseball!
What type of balls will the Hack Attack throw?
It will throw any type of baseball or pitching machine ball, including leather, poly, or foam ball. Synthetic leather balls are not recommended under any circumstances as they will not only wear rapidly, but will often leave a residue on the throwing wheels. (Do not mix ball types.) Please see baseball accessories.
What is the height of the ball release point of the machine, will it fit the cut-out of a L-shaped protective screen?
The release point for the Hack Attack is 52″, fitting standard L-shaped screens. With extended legs (optional accessory) the release point is 73″.
How accurate is this machine?
Because the Hack Attack has a unique three-wheel design, the ball is gripped in three locations (as opposed to two in other machines), providing tremendous control and accuracy.
What is the full load operating amps for the Hack Attack?
The Hack Attack draws 1.5 amps when running; however a 20-amp service is recommended for continuous operation.
What is an acceptable length for an extension cord and what type do I need?
Use a minimum of #14/3 grounded power cord up to 200 ft. in length. A longer cord will require the opinion of a licensed electrician.
Why do you not offer a battery-powered pitching machine?
Battery powered units have much longer recovery time between pitches which will slow the pace of practice considerably. These units also slowly diminish in power which can result in constantly changing pitch locations. The need to make sure the unit is always charged and ready to use is an issue. Batteries are also very expensive to replace. As a result of these and many other concerns, we recommend generators; please see the next question.
Can the machine be operated with a generator?
Yes, however the generator must generate “clean electricity”. We recommend a minimum of 1000W up to 2000W Honda generator with inverter technology. Weight of these generators is approximately 27 lbs., similar to the weight of a battery, and they are extremely portable.
What happens if the machine is used with a generator other than one that generates “clean electricity”?
Unless the generator provides “clean electricity”, the power surges from the generator will cause the Hack Attack to surge and become erratic, it will deliver inconsistent pitches. (This phenomenon exists with all pitching machines currently on the market.) See question above for recommended generator to be used.
What is the range of ball speeds the machine can deliver?
The Hack Attack can deliver a pitch at any speed from 35 to 100 mph. As a point of reference, most major league hitters do not hit faster than 80 mph off a pitching machine.
What type of pitches can the Hack Attack deliver?
Any pitch can be delivered, including, but not limited to fastballs, curve balls, sliders, sinkers, breaking pitches, etc. (Note that all of these can be accomplished by simply changing the speed of the wheels, unlike all other two-wheel machines that need to tilt the throwing head to deliver a curve ball.)
What adjustments need to be made to change speed and curves on this machine?
Simply adjust the relative speed of each of the throwing wheels. A pitch selection chart is provided on the machine as a reference for setting various pitches. No tilting of the throwing head is ever required for curve balls, sliders, etc.
What adjustment is required to change the elevation of a pitch on this machine?
An elevation adjustment handle is provided that will raise or lower the pitch 4-6 inches (depending on ball speed) for each revolution of the handle. (On other machines it may be necessary to release a locking mechanism, reposition the entire throwing head by tilting it manually and then re-locking the locking mechanism. Given the variability of this method, several test pitches are often required to set the desired pitching height.)
What is the recovery time between pitches for the Hack Attack?
The Hack Attack has a recovery time of 3-5 seconds; because of the three wheels, it is almost instant.
What is the advantage of a three-wheel machine as compared to other designs?
Vision/Timing: The design of the Hack Attack, with three throwing wheels, ensures that the batter never loses sight of the ball. A batter will lose sight of the ball on a 2-wheel machine because of the location of the top throwing wheel. The most common complaint from coaches and hitters of a 2-wheel machine is the fact that the loss of vision affects the batters timing.
Ball Control: The Hack Attack, with three throwing wheels, provides greater accuracy than any other pitching machine.
Wheel and Ball Wear: Since less gripping is required, both wear on the throwing wheels and wear on the ball is greatly reduced.
What makes the Sports Attack pitching machine wheels higher in quality?
Careful testing of quality components builds a better product. No air pressure considerations with our solid design. We have never replaced a throwing wheel due to wear, weather or melting!
What happens when a ball is hit back into the machine?
The Hack Attack is virtually indestructible, it has both front and rear guards that protect the throwing wheels.
The Hack Attack is heavier than competitive machines, why is heavier better?
More mass absorbs recoil resulting in extreme accuracy. This machine is stable and does not move around from recoil. All weight is centered over mid-point, no cantilevering like with other machines. Regardless of weight, due to the unique design, this machine is more portable than other lighter units.
How long and complicated is the process to convert the baseball machine to a softball machine?
It is extremely uncomplicated. To convert the Hack Attack it takes about 20-30 minutes. For details see our manual (Hack Attack – pdf)
How is repair and service handled for the Hack Attack? Components parts are designed to be easily replaced in the field, local assistance is not required. Parts list is available in the manuals (Hack Attack manual – pdf), simply identify part needed, order part directly from Sports Attack and follow easy directions for repair. Only a few common tools are required to complete any repair.
What is the warranty on the Hack Attack pitching machine?
All sports training equipment manufactured by Sports Attack is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase, with the following exceptions: throwing wheels are warranted for two (2) years; electronic controller is warranted for two (2) years; and, the throwing wheel motors are warranted for two (2) years.
How long has Sports Attack been in business producing pitching machines?
Sports Attack has been in business since 1995 producing baseball, softball volleyball, football, soccer, and cricket machines. The founders and owners of Sports Attack have over 45 years experience designing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing pitching machines. The lead design engineer for Sports Attack helped to develop some of the first pitching machines ever produced.
How long does it take to receive a pitching machine?
Sports Attack, located in Reno, NV, can typically ship within 3-5 business days and deliver a machine in the U.S. within 5-10 business days.
How many pitching machines has Sports Attack sold?
The Hack Attack is currently being used at all levels, major league, college, high school, youth league and backyard, by hundreds of teams across the country.