SwingAway Hitting Systems - Good or bad?

My 11 year old loves it!! However, we had to purchase the upgraded cords because the ones supplied with the unit unrattled after one month. We purchased last winter and are now on our third set of cords. He does get a lot of quality swings. Highly recommend, but just be prepared to purchase additional cords. Also, assembly is not fun at all.

quote:

Originally posted by uvabaseballfan:
Hi, all...for anyone who has purchased one of the SwingAway hitting systems, what feedback can you offer? I am looking at one for my 10 year old to get some quality swings through the winter, but wanted to gather some reviews prior to making the purchase.

Thanks in advance for the help.

EH

I would spend the money on a Jugs pop up net and a good (Tanner) batting tee. You can use the net for soft toss or he can hit balls off the tee if he is on his own.

SwingAway is a well-designed, well-made product.

Parents/coaches need to understand how to keep it properly adjusted on a daily basis.

Like all training devices designed for use by skilled players (incl Tanner Tees), SwingAway will benefit highly dedicated players the most.

I bought the SwingAway Traveler which is the portable version.

I highly recommend this product as you can get many quality swings in a shorter period of time.

I bought the swing away this past summer and the cords are still good. I've had to re knot the ends but no big deal.

SwingAway Pro Traveler

SwingAway is a good product, but quite expensive.
If you have a net to hit into, Tanner tee and Ultimate Hitting Machine www.shop.beebesports.com are two good hitting aids to use. Your son could work on swing mechanics off the tee, then switch to the UHM and get a lot of swing reps in on his own.....hitting a moving ball. Lots more fun than hitting a stationary ball

A less expensive similar product is the Solo Hitter

Just picked up the Swing Away (MVP) for 119.00 at Sports Authority. With a small SoCal back yard i have been looking for a way to have Jr get some afternoon cuts in. I couldn't pass up the deal.

This product is outstanding, i have the professional model in my garage. It is awesome for working on specific things in the swing. I have been in profesional baseball 22 years and it is the best hitting product i have ever used.

How is this system better than a tee?

I'm thinking about about getting one for our team just to breakup the monotony of indoor workouts, but curious what it offers more than a tee does.

Any insight?

So far both the boys love it. The bungee cords that suspend the ball actually add some "resistance" to the ball... so you really have to swing hard and drive the ball with good mechanics to get the desired results. Much better than a tee, and worth the money IMO. Assembly requires 2 adult beverages and a large workspace to lay out all the parts.

quote:

Originally posted by ironhorse:
How is this system better than a tee?

I'm thinking about about getting one for our team just to breakup the monotony of indoor workouts, but curious what it offers more than a tee does.

Any insight?

SwingAway has only one advantage over a tee in that it doesn't require a second person to speed things up.

Tees are actually MUCH better in the sense that a hitter can watch the flight of the ball and adjust for proper trajectory and backspin.

Both are great tools but tees offer more usable feedback to the hitter.

How is it better, (1) you can set it up in a small space, garage, deck, porch, etc..and thers no chasing balls (2) you can adjust the height very easily(3) and the best reason, you can sit across from the hitter and really concentrate on the hitters swing. I am just telling you, been in pro ball a long time and this is a great machine, the number of quality swings a hitter can get is awesome. Nothing is better than live bp, and the tee is great, and hitting on the field to see ball flight is second to none. This machine is for the player that wants to be able to hit anytime, regardless of space, rain, cold, whatever..Not trying to sell it, but i know this will really help hitters.

Appreciate the input. I went ahead and bought some Tanner tees instead, simply based on economics really.

But this is on the list of things I will most likely purchase before next fall.

I purchased one in 2002, my son, who was a high school junior at the time, wore out the cords and the springs in a couple of months.

I'm sure the design is much better, by now. But, it is expensive. Get a good sock net, not one of the pop ups, and a good tee. Lower zone work, could be soft/drop toss.

I was a consumer looking for a quality supplemental product to use and found the swingaway pro xxl and travel pro to meet the standard. I also use the tanner tee which is what the pro's also use. If you are looking for a reasonable price call a distributor like James Cameron and you may find a price point that fits your budget 630-222-3128.

My son is 9 and you could also get a way with the lower grade model MVP. The pro series is great for older kids and adults. Note also that this product is interchangeable with a softball. Also, note the distributors can get the replacement cords at a great price as well.