What to Look For In Used Batting Cages

By Jacob Bennet

Many used batting cages and pitching machines for sale act as multifunctional pieces of sports training equipment for all skill levels. When put together as a tandem, the purported primary function of this equipment is to improve upon batting average: timing, technique, bat speed, etc., yet this one-two-three dimensional approach can often lead to being short-changed.

While fine-tuning offensive prowess is a great thing, many other aspects of the game are also involved, such as learning the finer points of pitching, catching, fielding and defensive baseball savvy in general. If purchasing a brand new cage, setup may not be in the cards. A number of used batting cages are available for the backyard, the basement, or for those who are involved with commercial sports training facility operations.

One of the bigger bonuses of acquiring a pre-owned cage comes in the form of tremendous savings. The heavy hitters such as Jugs, Atec and Heater build these cages based on trusted durability, meaning that many of these cages perform well beyond their extended warranties. While most pitching machine models outlast their warranties as well, occasional mechanical malfunctions have been known to occur.

When it comes to used batting cages, the first thing to keep in mind is the shelf-life of the baseball cage netting. Depending upon how much the cage has been used will determine the wear-and-tear of any given baseball net, but also the different types of weather exposure. Indoor nylon blend models will obviously be in better shape if used indoors, rather than the Poly cages that were designed for outdoor use for extended periods of time.

Fortunately, baseball cage netting in general is easily affordable and takes very little time and effort to replace. It's also good to know that a variety of used batting cages can be found online at reasonable rates, however knowing what to look for is one of the key elements to making a wise purchase.

The chances of getting a good deal increase when more information is presented on any given piece of pre-owned sports equipment. Some cages have only been used once while others have logged thousands of pitches being thrown or baseballs being batted. Either way, paying attention to the smaller details such as the twist count being frayed, or the connection knots starting to slip, is just as important as having a complete set of fittings and sleeves and checking for frame corrosion.

Just because a cage has been used only once doesn't necessarily mean that it hasn't been outside and exposed to a few winter seasons. With used batting cages, it's best to try and get some sort of guarantee, although many are sold in "as is" condition. Seeing the cage already constructed and being able to test it out is an ideal situation, which may ultimately be a deal-sealer.

Once finding a potentially suitable cage, the price may also become a deciding factor. Sometimes retailers will offer slight discounts on returned products, yet there's less wiggle room on the showroom floor. When dealing with private sellers, the price on used batting cages is subject to negotiation. The list price is what the private seller hopes to get, yet a well educated shopper will be able to point out certain flaws and use them to whittle the price down.

A package deal may also be presented, which may include a baseball pitching machine, an L-screen, or a backup supply of baseball cage netting. Taking advantage of such an offer still requires a little patience and good timing. While the sales end of sports equipment can often be a battle of attrition, it's all in the name of saving some money. Many used batting cages are now online and ready for inspection, however just make sure they are fully assembled before you make your final purchase.

Jacob Bennet is a father of 4 boys and loves to coach his son's baseball teams. His reviews of various team softball and baseball sports equipment including various types of batting cages, pitching machines and even likes to share his expertise on researching and purchasing used batting cages. He is eager to help both players and coaches make good sound decisions when searching for specific baseball equipment including baseball supplies and pitching machines, batting cages along with the best ways to create and experience an effective practice for your team.

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