Softhands

Evidence public reviews and break reports, with links

Public reviews of SKLZ are there, in moderate numbers. They are gathered by maker; each source says which product or line it covers.

• Bat Digest (Sep 15, 2024; affiliate link present)Independent review: SKLZ AMMO bat systemThe review likes: Three-bat aluminum set (standard, about 20 percent heavier, about 20 percent lighter) with a program, in Pro, Junior and Youth sizesThe review raises: Branded programs not clearly worth roughly 359 to 400 dollars; research does not cover youth (read it there)
• ScheelsRetailer ratings: Hit-A-Way baseball trainerRating: 3.2 of 5Reviews: 33 (12 five-star, 6 four-star, 1 three-star, 5 two-star, 9 one-star; 10 shown)Buyers like: High swing volume per session and solo practice; Popular with teams; some say it lasted a season or more; one calls it the best swing trainer used despite fragilityBuyers report: Breakage is the top complaint: cable snapping, ball pulling through or detaching, plastic cap or ball coming apart within days or weeks; Exposed hardware chipped or nicked bats; Warranty replies slow, and one company did not reply to a complaint; Hook-and-loop straps too short for some poles; A repeat buyer says a newer unit felt lower quality (read it there)
• eBayRetailer ratings: Hit-A-Way portable training systemRating: 4.4 of 5 (header shows 4.35)Reviews: 23 ratings; 17 written reviewsBuyers like: Easy assembly and portable; Parents and coaches report better swing mechanics and hand-eye coordinationBuyers report: Cord and a top piece broke within about 90 days (one); worn out sooner than expected, one replaced it three times in four years; Heavy yet still shifts during hitting; loud contact that can dent bats; cord does not rewind neatly; One seller took payment for an out-of-stock item (read it there)
• WalmartRetailer ratings: Hit-A-Way baseball swing trainerRating: 4.4 of 5Reviews: 19 ratings, 9 written reviews (58% five-star, 32% four-star, 5% three-star, 5% one-star)Buyers like: Good quality and a young child enjoyed it (visible reviews, labeled incentivized)Buyers report: One 1-star and one 3-star rating with no visible text (read it there)
• WalmartRetailer ratings: Youth Pop-Back adjustable height batting teeRating: 3.9 of 5Reviews: 10 ratings, 4 written reviews (30% two-star)Buyers like: Sturdy, good value, good batting tee; used for T-ballBuyers report: Does not hold the ball well at taller height settings (one 4-star); Three 2-star ratings with no visible text (read it there)
• sklz.implus.comOn the maker's own site, chosen by the maker: Weighted baseballs0 reviews
• PissedConsumer (complaint aggregator, unverified)Other source: SKLZ products incl. Hit-A-Way, Goalshot, Sport-BellaRating: 1.0 of 5 per page overviewReviews: page overview says 3 reviews, six shownThe source says: A few call the products decent or would buy againThe source raises: Unanswered calls and emails, chat handled by a contractor; Replacement parts not stocked; a buyer refused a paid replacement Hit-A-Way cable and another a buckle clamp after the one-year warranty expired; Failures: pole lock, buckle clamp, worn-through cable, broken screw, weather-damaged bands (read it there)