SKU: 2181-4725-1

I-Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine

$4,599.00 ~~$5,599.00~~

Designed by Baseball Experts
Advanced Pitching Accuracy
Innovative 3-Wheel Technology
Trusted by Major League Coaches

Design Driven by Experience

Description

The most advanced & effective softball pitching machine on the market. Designed for elite clubs, college, professional, and commercial use.

Shop ACCESSORIES for Extenders, Feeders, Conversion Kits, and more.

Interface

With the familiar look and feel of a personal tablet, the machine interface is a customized touch screen you can control to select pitch type, speed and spin as well as access saved favorite pitches and sequences.

Advanced Software Program

Using touch screen, quickly go between eight different pre-set pitches and pre-set defensive drills.
All pitches can be modified as desired by making finite adjustments to each motor individually.
Change speeds on any pitch including fastballs, risers and drops. These pitches can be set to established sequence or thrown in random mode.
Rely on pre-set pitches or go immediately to manual mode where you select any pitch, speed and location, which can repeat or change as desired.
Defaults are pre-established for every pitch to accommodate skill levels (youth and pro), all can be quickly modified.

Manual Mode

In the manual mode the machine functions as a basic Hack Attack providing you access to each motor and allowing you to develop each desired pitch.
Individual pitches or sequences can be saved to favorites for instant access at any time.
Between pitches, the location can be adjusted instantly using arrows on the screen.

Pitch Locators

Fully adjustable throwing head pitch locators will quickly position pitch (high, low, and inside, outside) in up to four locations within the strike zone. You can work one quadrant of the strike zone and quickly move to a different quadrant for the next pitch. Pitch locators will also lock position to provide precise repeatability.
Horizontal pitch locators go across the width of the plate and vertical pitch locators move pitch up and down (high and low); together you can go high inside then the next pitch is low and outside.
For initial set-up, center pitch in the middle of the plate and the horizontal pitch locators in a centered position, then throw a pitch to get elevation. You are now set to position your pitch locators to establish repeatability or to set-up a change of location with each pitch.
When the pitch locators are released, it allows for free movement of the throwing head for all fungo work, like fly balls that can drive fielders to the fence, slicing line drives, catcher’s pop-ups with reverse spin, towering infield pop-ups, and grounders.

Favorite Pitches and Sequences Saved

Use the save function to quickly return to your favorite pitches or to an effective saved sequence of fastball, heater and change-up.
Make efficient use of practice time without resetting each pitch.
Save function facilitates more than one operator as desired pitches or sequences can be immediately accessed.

I-Hack Machine Design

The I-Hack Attack has a unique three-wheel design that allows you to see the ball clearly and fully all the way through the feeding motion, acceleration and release, just like a live pitcher. With this design, the hitter sees when to stride and the angle of release, giving him an actual live-arm sense of timing and location.
With the pitch locators disengaged, the throwing head of the I-Hack Attack pivots instantly in any direction for all fungo work including deep fly balls that can drive fielders to the fence, slicing line drives, catcher’s pop-ups with reverse spin, towering infield pop-ups, and grounders.
The I-Hack Attack pitching machine quickly moves on and off the field by just tilting it, un-socketing the legs and easily rolling it on two heavy-duty transporting wheels (not the throwing wheels).

I-Hack Exceptional Quality

The I-Hack Attack softball pitching machine is heavy enough to absorb recoil, ensuring accuracy, yet portable and easily moved by one person.
The extra wide tripod base insures real stability and safety on pitching mounds or baseball playing surfaces.
High tensile, tough heat-treated alloy, weather-resistant aluminum casting throwing head, protects throwing mechanism.
Rugged powder-coated rust-proof steel frame ensures limitless seasons of use.
The throwing wheels out-last all other baseball pitching machine wheels and don’t melt in direct summer heat. Sports Attack has never replaced a wheel from wear or heat exposure.

Specifications

Weight / Shipping Weight: 230 lbs / 195 lbs

Dimensions / Shipping Dimensions: 41D x 30W x 43H in / 32D x 38W x 43H in

Shipping Method: LTL freight

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Performance Metrics

Speed: 80+ MPH

Distance: 43 feet

Fungo: Pitches only

Vision: Complete ball vision provides a realistic sense of timing

Accuracy: Gripping in three locations provides tremendous control and accuracy

Recovery Time: Less than 8 seconds, with three wheels it is almost instant

Efficiency: Use touch screen for pitch selection, no throwing head adjustments

Resources

Documentation:

Elite eHack & I-Hack Brochure

I-Hack Attack Operation Manual

I-Hack Attack Installation Manual

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How-to Videos:

I-Hack Attack General Functions and Home Screen

I-Hack Machine Manual Mode

I-Hack Machine Favorites & Sequences

I-Hack Pitching/Breaking Ball

I-Hack Pitching-Change of Speed

I-Hack Pitching Locators

I-Hack Random Mode

I-Hack Machine Utilities

I-Hack Fungo Mode

FAQs

For eHack, I-Hack, Hack Attack models

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What is the weight of the Hack Attack broken down?
Without the Hack Attack legs – approx. 145 lbs, including the base. With legs 152 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 softball 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 softball!

What type of balls will the Hack Attack throw?
12 Inch softballs, regulation full grain leather, pitching machine leather balls, polyurethane pitching machine balls, whiffle balls or foam balls. Do not use synthetic leather balls under any circumstances as they will not only wear rapidly, but will often leave a ball material buildup on the throwing wheels. (Do not mix ball types). Please see softball accessories.

What is the height of the ball release point of the machine?
The release point for the Hack Attack is 28”.

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 up to 12 amps when running; a 15-20-amp service is recommended for 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 30 to 80 mph.

What type of pitches can the Hack Attack deliver?
Any pitch can be delivered, including, but not limited to fastballs, risers, drops, both right and left hand screwballs, etc.. (Note that all of these can be accomplished by simply changing the speed of the wheels unlike all 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 any breaking pitches.

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 softball machine to a baseball machine?
It is extremely uncomplicated. To convert the Hack Attack it takes about 20-30 minutes. For details see our manuals (I-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 (I-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?
We stand behind the material and workmanship of our machines as well as all wear components (i.e., throwing wheels, controllers, and motors) for a period of two (2) years from the date of original purchase based on the serial number and date codes on the unit.

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, international, college, high school, youth league and backyard, by hundreds of teams across the country.

Tabbed Tables

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

THE ADVANTAGE OF WHEELS

	HACK ATTACK	JUNIOR HACK ATTACK
Level of Play	High school, college, professional and commercial	Youth league, backyard, machine-pitch games, travel teams, drills at all levels including high school, college and professional
Pitches	Fastballs, risers, drops, right- and left- handed screwballs	Same as Hack Attack
Fungo	Pivots instantly for pop-ups, fly balls and grounders	Same as Hack Attack
Assembled Weight	145 lbs	75 lbs
Transportability	Fits into any SUV or full size car, fits through standard doorway	Fits into any compact car, including a Mini Cooper
Automatic Feeders	Can use either Solo Feeder (15 ball) or the Team Feeder (150 ball)	Same as Hack Attack
Electrical Requirements	110V and 220/240V also available	Same as Hack Attack
Ball Types	All types, including leather	Same as Hack Attack
Ball Sizes	Can be converted to softball using conversion kit	Same as Hack Attack
Shipment Details	Ships via LTL Freight	Ships via UPS

	HACK ATTACK	JUNIOR HACK ATTACK
Speed	80+ MPH	60+ MPH
Distance	43 feet	Same as Hack Attack
Vision	Underhanded motion and complete ball vision provides a realistic sense of timing	Same as Hack Attack
Accuracy	The ball is gripped in three locations, providing tremendous control and accuracy	Same as Hack Attack
Efficiency	Dial-in pitch selection without throwing head adjustments, maximizes practice time	Same as Hack Attack
Fungo	250 ft. fly balls	175 ft. fly balls
Portability	Quickly rolls on and off the field	Same as Hack Attack
Recovery Time	5 seconds, because of the three wheels, it’s almost instant	Same as Hack Attack
Price	$3,499	$2,599

Features	3-WHEEL HACK ATTACK & JUNIOR HACK ATTACK	2-WHEEL MACHINES	1-WHEEL MACHINES	ARM MACHINES
Vision	Complete Provides a realistic sense of timing	Poor	Poor	Poor Motion hidden by arm guard
Timing	Excellent Natural	Poor Limited Vision	Poor Limited Vision	Good
Accuracy	Excellent Three-point contact	Good Two-point contact	Fair One-point contact	Good
Breaking Pitch	All Quick Adjustment	All Awkward – Slow adjustments	Unrealistic Spin	Fastball Only Single pitch
Fungo	Excellent Pivots instantly	Good – Fair	Poor Limited distance	Poor No pivot
Safety	Excellent Wheel guards protect operator	Poor Limited – no wheel guards	Poor Limited – no wheel guards	Excellent
Portability	Excellent	Good	Good	Very Poor Completely immobile
Ball Grip Area	Excellent Three contact points	Good Two contact points	Poor One contact point	N/A
Spin Control	Exceptional No cumbersome adjustments of throwing head	Good - Poor Must move throwing head	Unrealistic Excessive spin	Backspin Only
Wheel Diameter	Excellent Large 14″ wheels, pin-point accuracy, less ball wear	Good Smaller wheels, increase wear	Poor Requires pinch pad, heavy ball wear	N/A Propels ball using a mechanical arm
Throwing Head Size & Weight	Excellent No recoil of any kind	Good - Poor Lighter, some recoil	Poor Snubbing action causes recoil	Poor Recoil requires bolting to concrete base