FAQs

Yes. On the team trainer, the ball hopper and rail can be removed for easy storage. With the rail removed, the AcuSpike Spike Team Trainer base is designed to roll through a standard door. The individual trainer can be disassembled to fit in the back of an SUV for transport.

​The ball grip is made of a soft yet durable that will compress if accidentally struck. Technically speaking, it is 5 lb per cubic foot foam with a 30 lb. compression rating, similar to the foam that your car seat is made from. AcuSpike will warrant the ball grips for one year, and replacement setscan be purchased (by phone order only).

All AcuSpike Spike Trainer painted surfaces are powdercoated with a high quality 3 mil. powdercoat. This type of finish is the premier standard for creating the best aesthetic, durability, and longevity. Powdercoating is applied electrostatically and then cured under heat to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. The base frame, which is expected to be handled for rolling the unit, is textured during the powdercoat process for a rippled finish, while the rail and upper post have a glossy finish.

​Operating the AcuSpike Spike Trainer hand crank takes very little effort due to its gearing. A middle school student will have no problem raising or lowering the unit height. Each turn of the crank changes the height by approximately two inches. No additional mechanism such as a hook, ratchet, or direction switch is needed to operate the hand crank. Just turn it one way or the other, and it will stay automatically when you stop turning

All AcuSpike Systems are now sent a Ball Grip Adjustment kit within their Parts Bag(s). If you did not receive one, or have misplaced it - request one HERE!

​The AcuSpike Spike Trainer has a ruled height indicator and is infinitely adjustable with the bi-directional hand crank. Like a vertical jump tester, it will show you exactly how high each player is capable of jumping. Since each ball releases, you'll know if the player hit the top of the ball and the corresponding trajectory.

Keeping track of each player's vertical jump using the AcuSpike Spike Trainer is easy. With improvements in approaching technique, conditioning, and many repetitions, vertical jump will improve. Keep track of each player's max "hitting height" progress over time with the AcuSpike Spike Trainer's height indicator.

​​Yes. Loading the hopper does not interfere with the next hitter, so endless hitting with no waiting is possible if each person reloads one ball after their hit.

​Up to twelve balls can be pre-loaded in the Team Trainer, and up to five balls can be pre-loaded in the Individual Trainer. The rail accommodates eleven or four balls plus one which is loaded for hitting. Additional balls should not be loaded into the hopper when the rail is full. The hopper should be used only for funneling balls onto the rail. *PLEASE NOTE! ALL BALLS MUST BE FED INTO THE HOPPER ONE AT A TIME. When two or more people are training on the AcuSpike, it is very easy to load balls into the hopper simultaneously as others are hitting, so the rail never becomes empty.

Yes, the AcuSpike Spike Trainer can be left outside. While the Acuspike was designed for indoor use, the majority of parts are durable and will withstand outdoor conditions.

The base of the machine and its parts are resistant to the elements. All exposed painted surfaces are covered with industrial grade powder coat that contains UV inhibitors, which is the standard for all high quality outdoor equipment. The hand crank has a marine grade zinc coating that is made to be exposed to the elements.

The AcuSpike Spike Trainer will last longer against the elements if you follow these recommended steps. For best longevity, the rail assembly should be stored indoors and the top of the post should be covered to prevent water from entering (a plastic container would work well). Minimally, you should take off the rail assembly, cover the post and remove the hopper and foam ball grips (which are not UV inhibited and will degrade if exposed to long periods of direct sunlight) to be stored indoors. If the AcuSpike is left outside and unused for a prolonged period of time, covering the entire base will help to preserve it's appearance from degrading due to the build up of dirt.

​​In the Team Trainer, the two casters under the ballast do not swivel and do not lock. The two casters on the hitting side can lock both the swivel and roll function. The casters are extremely high quality, rated at over 350 lbs each, and have very little resistance. When unlocked, a middle school student would have no problem rolling the AcuSpike Team Trainer by themselves over a smooth floor surface. To lock the two front casters, simply step on the exposed foot switch. To unlock the two front casters, lift the two foot switches up.

​All AcuSpike Trainers must be loaded with weight before initial use. This is part of the one-time assembly process and will ensure complete stability. To load the Team Trainers, place 250 lbs of play-sand directly into the ballast and replace ballast cover. The Individual Trainer comes with four buckets, each to be completely filled with sand. *Please note: play-sand is not included in your shipment, and can be purchased at any home-improvement store for around $5/50 lb bag.