Franklin Sports Baseball Rebounder Net - Baseball Pitchback Net + Throwing Trainer - All Angle Bounce Back Return - Multi-Position Fielding + Throwing Aid

I got this for my daughter to practice lacrosse with. While it probably wouldn't stand up to HS level shots, for bounce-back it works great. It also weighs about 1/4 what my full-size rebounder did, so taking it in and outdoors and adjustment is very easy. At the price, it is a great value. The ability to micro-adjust the angle is GREAT for beginners, since you can adjust the return angle and therefore, the reaction speed needed for the player. I played Lax in HS, and I would have LOVED to have had this thing.Also, in the grass, it doesn't really move much. You probably won't need to weight it or anything (yes, I am using NCAA spec balls with it).EDIT: An easy and needed mod: As many note, the clamp isn't strong enough, and the angle will slowly lower as the ball impacts. After a few hard throws, the ball return will climb up due to the angle. The harder you throw, the more "upright" the angle needs to be to prevent a loft that goes over your head on the return.SUPER EASY, free fix: drill a small hole straight through the tube at intervals and then use something as a cotterpin. I just used a spare Ikea allen wrench/key, attached to the bottom tube with a piece of sport tape---nothing fancy needed.A HUGE plus on this thing; it is stable, but very light. Easy to transport on a roof rack if needed, and super easy to move around.All I want now, is a slightly thicker netand a 6x6 form factor. Franklin, GET ON IT :).

I ordered a different model that was smaller and lighter, but it didn’t work nearly as well, so I returned it and bought another one of these and it works great. Very sturdy.The only issue is that the elastic bands can fray if you drag the bottom on concrete or asphalt. carry with two hands to keep it off the ground and you should be fine

Like the previous reviewer, we had trouble with the height adjustment latch. In our case, the friction binding stopped working after a month or two and the tubes would slide together dropping the height.I contacted customer service at Franklin Sports and a very nice lady took care of us. This was a holiday present for my son in 2009 and the product was very new then, so it took a little while before the parts were available, but Judy remembered us and sent them when they became available.However, email to Franklin did not generate a response. I waited one week after emailing and then called, at which point I received excellent service and was able to continue the communications in email.Hopefully, they've improved the material in the adjustment latch since then. At any rate, the new latch has not failed. Out of warranty replacement parts are also available on their website. For example the latch and associated poles (Adjustable Tubes) are $9.99. A replacement net is $15.99.The target ribbon does disintegrate after a time in the sun and rain, but is replaceable by any similar ribbon.This pitchback has a nice large size and returns the ball very well. The adjustable feature allows my son to adjust for anything from grounders to pop flies as a return.I'm a little dubious about the single support pole at the top. The two upper corners tend to get out of square (out of plane) with each other and the bottom corners, but it doesn't seem to affect the ball return, only my sense of aesthetics.The assembly instructions were clear and straight forward, with each part clearly identified. It does take a fair bit of hand strength to stretch the bungie tensioners around the poles and net and attach them. You will need someone with adult hand strength to complete the assembly.I don't know if other pitchbacks are better than this one, but this one does the job intended for it well. It is easy to adjust. Light enough to move around and provides a large area at which to throw. If not for the latch, and the need to call customer service rather than just emailing, I'd give it five stars.Edit addition, Dec. 10, 2012Leaving the pitchback out in the Central Texas sun and rain (I wish, more like lawn sprinkler) all year round, we seem to need to replace the net and bungie tensioners about once every two to two-and-a-half years.The ribbon disintegrated a long time ago, but if you go to Home Depot (or other HW store) you can get a whole role of 1" wide vinyl ribbon in the measuring and marking tools section. They have bright orange, and a nice violet/purple. A role of that will last long enough for your child to grow up and move out.Our replacement Adjustable Tubes are still working fine. I think one secret is to always remember to unlatch the adjustable tubes before adjusting them. If you slide them while they're latched, they probably lose their gripping ability.

Bought this after reading the other reviews on numerous similar products. Instructions are clear if you READ CAREFULLY. Only had head scratcher one time when the back ground level "U" shape bar had one side that went on either way and made the U too big, which threw off the alignment of the main upright frame. Once I got that figured out, it went together perfectly.Of course we haven't had it long so can't vouch for durability in weather or abuse by kids, but net, bungees, and frame seem great. Like another reviewer mentioned, don't force adjustment with plastic friction device engaged in back or you'll likely wear it out, but take a half second to open the latch and the frame adjusts angle very easily.The single back vertical support compared to two on other models doesn't seem to be an issue- baseballs, softballs and soccer balls have bounced back with a problem, and we're not even using ground stakes. The weight and a small rock behind the ground frame are holding everything in place just fine!And this was the first time I ever bought a used Amazon Warehouse Deals item. Saved me a bunch of money on this item, came with guarantee and only had a slightly squished end on one of the metal tubes, nothing I couldn't fix in 2 minutes with a hammer! Give it a chance if you see the option, still gives you Amazon Prime shipping and Amazon return policy is great.+++UPDATE+++Have had it outside for a couple months now. Sits in direct sun more than half the day, lawn sprinklers soak it regularly. This thing has done great! Still working perfectly, but did install the ground stakes to keep it positioned for the soccer ball hits. Glad I bought this one, holding up very well!