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Product Reviews

MaxBP: Will This Pitching Machine Make Your Child A Better Hitter?

Written by Chris 

Published on February 22, 2024

If you're a baseball parent, then you know that one of the most important things you can do for your child is to help them develop their hitting skills. Hitting is the bread and butter of baseball, and if your child can't hit, then they're not going to have much success on the diamond. That's why so many parents invest in hitting aids like the Wiffle ball MaxBP pitching machine. But is it really worth the money? If you're looking for an honest review of the Max BP, then you've come to the right place.

MaxBP Wiffle Ball Pitching Machine Overview

Living in a baseball-obsessed household, I was given a little creative freedom from the Mrs. to make our almost finished basement really fun for the kids. So what does a baseball dad in the Northeast do when working with a blank space? 


That’s simple. He looks into the feasibility of installing an indoor batting cage. There is a 40-foot front-to-back unimpeded section of the basement that looked to be perfect for something like this. The only problem was that the ceilings were a bit low as was the width. I was concerned about baseballs or traditional dimpled pitching machine balls putting dents in the wall. That's when I went back to the drawing board. 


After an exhaustive search of potential solutions and workarounds, I came across MaxBP.

What is the MaxBP?

This mini Wiffle ball pitching machine is a new and revolutionary tool for baseball players of all levels. It can be used for both solo practice and team training sessions. It has been used by some of the top hitters in the MLB and can help players improve their batting average, strike zone discipline, pitch recognition, hitting curve balls, and overall performance.


This compact pitching machine throws mini Wiffle balls, and it can be adjusted to throw different speeds and pitches. One of the best things about this product is that it is so versatile.


The machine itself is fairly lightweight and portable, so it can be easily transported to and from the baseball field. It can also be used indoors without damaging the walls. Without the required space necessary for a full-size batting cage, this was the next best option. It may even turn out to be a better investment for my child's development.

MaxBP Review: What do I think?

In a market saturated with dozens of training options, (we've tried a lot) the Max BP is by far my 10-year-old son's favorite so far. It could be the novelty of having a basement batting cage but I truly believe that this USA-made product is an exceptional hitting tool that anyone can benefit from. I'll report back to talk about his progress but in just a few weeks, he's consistently hit the small balls with the skinny barrel bat. I do, however, want to see how it translates to the field once the season begins.


We elected to go with the MaxBP original pitching machine vs the MaxBP pro pitching machine because it was described as being the best option for youth or travel teams. My young sons didn't need all of the functionality of the more expensive pro version. We also decided to skip purchasing the MaxBP professional package #1 since we didn't need all of the extra accessories. The plan was to keep it in the basement so all those items weren't necessary.

MaxBP Features

In addition to being solidly built, the product also comes loaded with features that make it worth the price tag. First and foremost among those features is its ability to pitch both fastballs and curveballs. Batters can practice against both pitch types, increasing their chances of success in real games.


Another great feature is its easy-to-use controls. You can quickly and easily adjust both the speed and height of pitches, making it simple to customize each batting session to meet the specific needs of each hitter. The ease of use factor cannot be overstated. You'll save time setting up and taking down the machine, which means more time for hitting (and less time wasted fiddling with knobs and buttons). 

Benefits Of Using The Max BP Reaction Training Machine

This training aid takes an unconventional approach to hone a player's skills. By introducing smaller Wiffle balls, the machine helps develop improved swing accuracy and hand-eye coordination by forcing players to focus on their target area in greater detail. As a result, batters become more precise with each swing of the bat.

How Fast Does The MaxBP Pitch?

This machine ranges from 35mph all the way up to 140mph. With six speed settings and the ability to adjust for right-hand or left-hand curveballs as well as fastballs, this pitching machine offers plenty of customized options.

Ability To Hit The Curveball

There's nothing more frustrating for a young hitter than watching a curveball sail by for a called strike. But why are curveballs so difficult to hit? They are tough to hit because they come in at an angle. They also tend to drop at the last second, making them hard to track. Young hitters often swing early, only to find themselves whiffing at thin air.


The ability to select curveballs from right or left-handers sets this pitching machine apart from its competitors. Other pitching machines that offer this feature are usually the three-wheel options and the prices typically start in the thousands.

Hand-eye Coordination

Hand-eye coordination is a key skill for baseball hitters, helping them track pitches, judge their trajectory, and connect with the bat. This ability allows hitters to time their swings better and adjust mid-swing when facing unpredictable pitches. While hitting involves many factors, good hand-eye coordination plays a big role in helping players succeed at the plate.

 

The MaxBP pitching machine makes this skill easier to develop by firing small Wiffle balls at various speeds with unpredictable movement—just like live pitching. Practicing against these tricky pitches builds confidence and helps hitters improve their timing and ability to find the barrel of the bat more consistently.

 

Training with a skinny barrel bat to hit these tiny balls makes hitting a real baseball feel much easier. After using the MaxBP, seeing a baseball in games or practice will feel like swinging at a beach ball.

 

Besides providing endless reps wherever you set it up, the MaxBP saves on the cost of renting batting cages in the off-season, making it a smart investment for year-round improvement.

When we purchased this, we thought we were getting just a pitching machine but in reality it’s so much more. We use this tool both inside and out, not only for hitting mechanics but also for fielding both infield and outfield. The versatility is exceptional, my son looks forward to your training sessions, this will be a regular in our development routine for years to come!


Aldwyn Seangio

Additional Benefits

The machine is light, which makes it easy to transport to different locations. It's also suitable for indoors which is perfect for continuing training during the cold winter months. The battery pack gives you hours of use and doesn't limit you to locations with electrical outlets.


Aside from hitting, the machine is a fantastic training tool for defensive positions. Fielders can work on hard-hit grounders, slow rollers, and short hops, while catchers can work on soft hands, framing pitches as well as hand-eye coordination. An add-on accessory also turns the machine into a pop-up training tool perfect for outfielders who want to work on their skills.

MaxBP Drills

Bunting with a skinny barrel bat - It's pretty difficult but it forces you to work on that hand-eye coordination. You will need to get behind that bat and see it hit the ball without stabbing at it.

Using the Mini Wiffle Catching Glove - The website sells these but it's basically webbing between your thumb and pointer finger. The goal is to have soft hands and secure the ball between the webbing. So start with your back facing the machine, which is set up about 15 feet away. Listen for the machine to pitch the ball. As soon as you hear it, quickly turn your body to be facing the machine. Repeat the process for each pitch. This will help generate quicker reaction times as well as softer hands.

Pop Fly Drill - You can purchase the pop-up attachment on the website and easily attach it to the bottom of the machine, just below the ball exit. This promotes soft hands and helps with your ability to track the ball. Even with a slight wind, every popup will be unpredictable. If you lower the speed and make your starting position next to the machine, you can also work on over-the-shoulder catches or try to beat the ball to the spot.

Catcher Drills - Rapid fire pitches at the catcher while someone is moving the machine slightly on each pitch. You can also point it to have the pitches bounce slightly in front of the catcher to help improve their blocking skills.

Customer Service

Aside from the machine itself, the customer service was phenomenal. I reached out to someone on their Facebook page with about 10 different questions and received a prompt response. They even called me directly to walk through the options and benefits of each machine.


I wasn't ready to purchase on the spot but over the course of the next week, they were politely persistent and even offered me a discount and free gift with my purchase. With so many baseball tools available for purchase, excellent customer service can truly set this company apart. Shipping was really fast so I had this set up in the basement in under a week.

Negative Max BP Reviews

Price

The first thing you need to know about this pitching machine is that it is not a cheap piece of equipment. In fact, it's one of the more expensive hitting tools on the market. But what you need to ask yourself is this: Is it worth the price? After all, if you're going to shell out big bucks for a hitting aid, you want to make sure it's going to be worth your investment.


At first glance, it may look like a simple plastic bucket, but this USA-made machine is built tough. It’s designed to handle heavy use while maintaining top performance, giving you years of reliable training—unlike cheaper models that break down and end up in the trash after just a few months.


So, when you factor in its long-term durability (if properly taken care of), portability, and training benefits, the Max BP starts to look like a pretty good deal after all, especially when compared to its bigger, more expensive competitors.


Despite the initial sticker shock of the stand-alone machine and even more so when adding all of the additional accessories, this product can be a difference maker in your child’s game. You may find a used Max BP for sale on Facebook marketplace, eBay, or Play It Again Sports. Also, the product prices often change so be sure to check their website or message them directly through their Facebook page for a discount code.

Other common complaints

The machine frequently moves a little bit on the tripod so the pitches can be a bit inconsistent

The ball feeder shoots two balls at once on occasion.

The loading light doesn't always work properly

These issues are all minor and as we said, customer service has been fantastic. Everything I've read before purchasing this device said the same thing. Whatever the issue is, the company stands behind its product and will promptly address any defects.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it's a quality hitting aid that is definitely worth considering if you're looking for an affordable way to help your child develop their hitting skills. Especially for younger kids who are still learning the games, reps are huge. This is why the machine is such a great investment. So if you're serious about helping your child become a better hitter, then we highly recommend giving it a try!