Crick Attack FAQ

 

What is the weight of the Crick Attack broken down?
Without the Crick Attack legs – approx. 145 lbs, including the base. With legs approx. 180lbs. (The base is the part with the rolling wheels that accepts the 3 legs.).

What is the size of the Crick 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 Crick Attack and are there any special tools required?
Your new machine will arrive fully assembled and ready for your immediate use. No assembly or special tools are required.

How is the Crick Attack most commonly transported?
Most people transport the machine on the base, legs removed. Two people can easily lift the Crick 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 Crick Attack moved around the cricket field?
The machine is provided with large rolling wheels for moving the machine on and off the field.

What type of balls will the Crick Attack throw?
It will throw any type of cricket ball, including leather, as well as poly pitching machine balls. Synthetic 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).

What is the height(s) of the ball release point of the machine?  
There are three heights of the machine, 78”, 85” and 92”. You move from each height by adjusting the legs. Each height is identified by pin locations and easily changed when needed.

How accurate is this machine?
Because the Crick 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 Crick Attack?
The Crick 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 machine?
Battery powered units have much longer recovery time between bowls which will slow the pace of practice considerably. These units also slowly diminish in power which can result in constantly changing bowl 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 Crick 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 Crick Attack can deliver a pitch at any speed from 35 to 100 mph

What type of bowls can the Crick Attack deliver?
All line, length, swing and bounce variations are controlled via simple machine mounted controls. There is no need to angle or slope the head of the machine to produce various deliveries. There are many ball variations such as a straight fast ball up to 100 MPH, an out-swing, an in-swing, a leg cutter, an off cutter, an off spin, a leg spin, a top spin and all other variations in between.

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. No tilting of the throwing head is ever required for curve balls, sliders, etc.

What adjustment is required to change the elevation of a bowl 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.

What is the recovery time between pitches for the Crick Attack?
The Crick 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?
Three wheels provide complete vision and timing. The design of the Crick Attack ensures that the batsman never loses sight of the ball. The most common complaint of a 2-wheel machine is the fact that the loss of vision affects the batsman’s timing.

Ball Control: The Crick Attack, with three throwing wheels, provides greater accuracy than any other 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 happens when a ball is hit back into the machine?
The Crick Attack is virtually indestructible, it has both front and rear guards that protect the throwing wheels and motor guards to protect the motors.

The Crick 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.

What is the warranty on the Crick 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 ball throwing machines?
Sports Attack has been in business since 1995 producing baseball, softball volleyball, American football, soccer, rugby and cricket machines. The founders and owners of Sports Attack have over 50 years of experience designing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing ball throwing 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 7-10 business days. Outside the U.S it is typically a 7 -10 day lead time and up to two weeks for delivery.