SKLZ Hurricane Swing Trainer Review: Worth Buying?
The SKLZ Hurricane Batting Swing Trainer for Baseball & Softball emerges as a polarizing piece of training equipment—scoring around 7.9/10 across platforms. While many players and coaches praise its ability to deliver solo, repeatable swing practice with instant feedback, durability concerns and portability issues prevent it from being universally recommended.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—excellent for youth teams and home practice, but less ideal for older players seeking long-term durability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Builds hand-eye coordination and swing mechanics | Elastic bands prone to breaking |
| Adjustable height for multiple age groups | Carry bag zipper and fit issues |
| Instant feedback on swing quality | Heavy and awkward to transport |
| Can be used indoor or outdoor | Frame stability problems on hard hits |
| Easy setup, no tools required | Parts arriving damaged or missing |
| Versatile static or dynamic target | Price considered steep by some |
| Replacement parts available | Assembly/disassembly can be tedious |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing from SKLZ highlights the Hurricane Category 4’s “four power bands for adjustable pitch speeds” and rugged, anti-dent head as hallmarks of durability and versatility. It’s promoted as suitable “for all ages” with quick setup and storage.
However, multiple reports suggest that while the adjustable bands do allow varied resistance, they are also a weak link in the system. A verified Trustpilot review stated: “...yellow band broke after hitting only a couple of weeks,” and Reddit user feedback warns that elastic bands broke multiple times, leading some to avoid paying full price.
The “rugged construction” claim is also challenged by stability issues. One Trustpilot reviewer noted, “...frame twisting and falling over... had to place weighted plates at the base to keep it from falling over,” contradicting the non-slip base marketing narrative.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Walmart, Quora, and Reddit, coaches and parents consistently appreciate how the Hurricane allows players to practice solo without chasing balls. A Walmart buyer shared: “Instead of getting some good practice in once or twice a week, we can go out in our smallish backyard and do twenty minutes of swings a day… this makes a huge difference!”
For youth teams, coaches find it a convenient station during practice. Reddit user feedback confirms: “It’s a great easy hitting station that doesn’t require any additional balls… provides instant feedback so hitters can adjust their swing accordingly.”
The adjustable height feature is valued for accommodating different pitch zones. As one Quora reviewer explained: “It’s easily adjusted for different strength and they can both set it up to what feels right for them.”
Common Complaints
Durability of the bands remains the top frustration. Reports of bands snapping within weeks are echoed by multiple Trustpilot entries: “Elastic bands broke multiple times… recommend to not buy this product.” The carry bag zipper breaking after minimal use is another recurring theme, with one user noting: “The zipper broke on the 3rd time… heavy so not having a reliable method of carrying it is a big issue.”
Portability is hampered by weight and awkwardness. While the 34–37 lbs frame helps stability, Walmart reviewers note the downside: “It’s very heavy… difficult for a child to carry, especially for transport to practices.”
Assembly is easy, but repeated disassembly frustrates some. A Walmart reviewer admitted: “You have to keep assembling/disassembling each time—it’s a hassle and annoying.”
Divisive Features
Some players find the feedback from the ball’s spin invaluable for refining swing mechanics, while others prefer the flexibility of a traditional tee and net setup. Reddit users split on this: one said “Fun for beginners, but takes up a lot of space,” while another argued “I wouldn’t pay full price… a tee and net were better for backyard practice.”
Indoors use is possible, but stability depends on surface. Grass or dirt stakes help outdoors, yet hard surfaces can expose the trainer’s tendency to shift under powerful contact.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns reveal issues with receiving damaged parts—“numerous parts came damaged, which is very disappointing considering the cost,”—and missing components upon delivery. While SKLZ does offer replacement parts, follow-up support experiences vary. One customer described: “Their promise to send a replacement went unfulfilled… low confidence this will have a long life.”
Long-term Reddit stories show many owners stop using the trainer once players age out of beginner levels. One parent said: “I have one but haven’t used it since my daughter got older… good for hand/eye and getting good contact, but now it just sits in the backyard.”
Alternatives
Community comparisons often pit the Hurricane against a Tanner Tee and Bow Net combo. Reddit advice suggests: “You’ll get more out of a good Tanner Tee, a Bow Net, and a bucket of balls… find a used Hurricane if you feel you need it.” The tee/net setup offers greater flexibility for drills, though lacks the moving target simulation.
For lighter, more portable options, some users mention RBI Vortex as an alternative: “It folds flat in seconds… weighs just 18 lbs… sometimes spending more can bring less headache in the long run.”
Price & Value
Prices on eBay range from $143.99 pre-owned to $216.25 new, with some auctions closing around $75 for used units in good condition. Given durability concerns, several buyers recommend looking for second-hand deals. One Reddit user found a used one for $80 on Facebook Marketplace, calling it “good for when she wants to go out and hit on her own… should build strength.”
At retail ($179–$199), the value hinges on intensive use by beginners or teams. For casual backyard hitters, the investment may be better directed toward more versatile equipment.
FAQ
Q: Can the SKLZ Hurricane be used for both baseball and softball?
A: Yes, it’s designed for both sports, with adjustable height and resistance bands to suit different bat sizes and swing speeds.
Q: How portable is the trainer?
A: While it can be disassembled and stored in a carry bag, its 34–37 lbs weight and bulk make transport challenging, especially for children.
Q: Are replacement parts available?
A: Yes, SKLZ sells replacement impact heads and power bands, though user reports on fulfillment speed vary.
Q: Does it work indoors?
A: It can be used indoors in spaces like garages, but securing stability may be harder without stakes.
Q: Is it suitable for advanced players?
A: Feedback suggests it’s most effective for beginners to intermediate players; older or more advanced athletes may prefer other training setups.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a coach or parent of youth players seeking a self-contained hitting station that provides instant swing feedback without needing balls. Avoid if portability and long-term durability are critical, or if you want a more versatile all-ages solution. Pro tip from community: look for used models to offset potential replacement part costs.
