Hack Attack vs Jugs BP3 Pitching Machine
A question we get asked all the time - "What's the difference between the jugs and Hack Attack pitching machines?" If you're on the market for a quality 3 wheel pitching machine, you probably looked at some Jugs machines, the Hack and Jr. Hack Attack, and maybe even a Spinball hitting machine.
All this information can be overwhelming, which is why we created this resource for you - to highlight the main differences between each of these 3 wheel pitching machines, so you can make an informed buying decision.
For the sake of clarity, I'll be comparing the Hack Attack 3 machine, not the Jr Hack Attack, with the Jugs BP3 machine. For more information on the Jr Hack, check out this article where we compare the Jr. Hack with the Hack Attack 3.
And for those who don't know me, my name is Kevin and I am the founder of Anytime Baseball Supply. I either own, have used, or have demoed the pitching machine mentioned in this article. Let's take a look at the highlights, pros and cons of each machine! You can also explore Jugs pitching machines for softball at our store.
Jugs BP3 Highlights
- Speed Range: 40-90 mph
- 9 Pitches: Fastballs, changeups, right and left handed curveballs and sliders, right and left handed cutters and split-finger fastballs
- Price Point: $4395 + FREE shipping
- Pitch Selector: Use the select-a-pitch dial to choose preprogrammed pitches with the turn of a dial along with an easy to use speed dial.
- Infield and Outfield Drills: Throws pop ups, grounders, line drives, etc.
- 64" delivery height
- Vertical micro and horizontal adjuster to fine tune pitch location
- Macro adjuster and horizontal adjuster allow you to easily throw fielding drills
Hack Attack Highlights
- Speed Range: 50-100 mph
- Pitches: Fastballs, right and left handed curveballs, right and left handed sliders, and split fingers.
- Price Point: $3,499 + FREE shipping
- Pitch Selector: 3 speed dials with a pitch chart to tell you how to set the dials for each desired pitch.
- Throws pop ups, grounders, line drives, etc.
- 380 ft. fly balls to the warning track
- Micro adjusters make it easy to hone in on pitches and to run infield and outfield drills
- Comes with transport wheels for portability
BP3 Pros
- Throws 2 more pitch types - cutters and changeups
- Pitch selector is more user friendly
- Features a button that can switch to changeups without the batter knowing
BP3 Cons
- Pitches slightly slower than Hack Attack (5-10 mph slower)
- Price is higher - Roughly $896 more expensive than the Hack Attack
Hack Attack Pros
- Pitches faster than the Jugs BP3
- More portable - comes with built in transport wheels
- $896 cheaper than BP3
- Throws deeper pop ups for outfield drills
Hack Attack Cons
- Can't throw changeups or cutters
- Changing between pitches is slightly more difficult
Overview
The truth is, both of these quality pitching machines are very similar in features. I highly doubt that buying one over the other will have you regretting your decision, or have you thinking you should have bought the other.
Obviously, if you need a machine that can throw cutters and changeups, and budget isn't an option, the BP3 is made for you. But, chances are the Hack Attack will be more than enough.
What I would do: The BP3 is an excellent machine, but if I had a limited budget I would buy the Hack Attack 3. Then, with the leftover money, I'd buy the solo ball feeder and a dozen pitching machine balls. That would put the total at $4,228 which is still a lower price point.
What most customers do: Most customers do exactly what I would do, Hack Attack with the solo feeder and balls. Many customers even throw in the extended timing chute to help with timing the machine.
Bottom Line
Again, both are excellent machines with exceptional craftsmanship and engineering. We hope that with this information, you can make the best purchasing decision for you, your team, or your kids!