ProBatter homers with new pitching simulator

By Andrew Lippe

ProBatter Sports whose pitching simulators recreate the experience of facing
live pitching this fall will release its newest model the ProBatter
Professional PX2. The PX2 priced at $44,950, condensed costs by designing a new
feeder system and a touchscreen interface that makes the system more customable
for developing and accomplished hitters.

Our redesign reduced costs and that is huge deal for professional teams,
said Adam Battersby, Executive President of ProBatter Sports. Due to recent
advancements in computer and video technology the PX2 is a modification of the
ProBatter design and is now more cost effective. Previously it sold for
$75,000.

The ProBatter PX2 measures 11 ft high and 68 by 14 inches wide. The system includes
an 8’x10′ projection screen, on which a DVD quality image of actual pitcher is
displayed. It utilizes all pitching types from fastballs, to sinkers, to splitters,
to curve balls, to sliders, and to change-Ups. The ball comes through the
screen from the machine perfectly synchronized with the video image. The
ProBatter offers video of left or right-handed pitchers throwing from wind-up
or the stretch to simulate real game conditions.

The
new technology includes a state of the art touch panel. There is no need to
change DVDs or adjust the machine each time a new batter steps up to the plate.
This not only improved graphics but made interaction with graphics very user
friendly, said Tim O Reilly engineer at Pro Batter Sports. The new software
eliminates the need to adjust the machine for individual hitters.

The
300 ball capacity feeder system was updated to improve quality and deliver
balls more reliably. We put the wheels on one moving belt and that made things
simpler and less costly, said O Reilly. They also upped the voltage of the
system to 220 VAC 30 amp.

The
PX2 delivers pitches at speeds between 40 and 100 mph, in increments of 2 mph,
all with precise accuracy. Hitters can choose nine selectable sequences in a customized
strike zone. The system offers Manual, Auto or Repeat Modes based on age and
skill level. A special catcher’s sequence is also included for training
catchers to block pitches in the dirt.

Our new cost-effective model has already received pre-orders and we expect
many more in the future, said Battersby.