Green Pop Toss - My Setup & BP

[ImminentDanger]

Just dropping a current note here...

I got some new o-rings for the plunger - Could not really see any wear on the old ones, but was having some trouble getting a consistent timing release. This is the vacuum model.

I thoroughly cleaned the inside & exhaust valve, installed the new o-ring on the plunger and lubed them up with silicone grease. The unit is now back to working great with very good consistency of timing. I have been out hitting several times a month when the temps get above 45°. Itching for the season to start (about another 4 weeks).

I still find this GPT unit very helpful. I have hit the trash can a number of times (by accident) which saved hitting the pop toss. I duck-taped the cracked plastic and keep using the same can. BTW, I did drill holes near the top & added two rope handles to carry the can from the car to the field. All my equipment (bat bag, tee, GPT, ball bucket, lawn chair) all fits in the trunk of my car.

I purchased inexpensive silicone grease from Amazon - It works great:

https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Waterproof-Sealant-Lubricant-Plumbers/dp/B0BN82MJVK

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[arther itis]

Did you gain more distance with this setup?

I don't think dunkky posts here anymore

 

[OG_WhenPigsFly]

Did you gain more distance with this setup?

I modeled my setup from Dunks, I definitely gained some distance but it’s not like 10 ft or anything, maybe 2-3

 

[ImminentDanger]

I have been working on watching the ball (not taking my eye off it just before contact) and (always) timing.

Satisfying my goal is not measured by distance but by perfect contact with the ball - although higher hits (most times) do translate into longer distance. But more importantly, especially for line drives and grounders, that translates into high speed thru the infield.

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[OG_WhenPigsFly]

I modeled my setup from Dunks, I definitely gained some distance but it’s not like 10 ft or anything, maybe 2-3

Just wanted to add, I measured the distance the other day. It was just over 22 feet by a couple inches from the pop toss ball to the back of the plate, most pitches were landing at least a foot behind the plate.

Forgot how much I liked this thing, softball is just ramping up for me and it’s been 6 months since I’ve used it.

 

[OG_WhenPigsFly]

Wanted to add my setup. The prop arm is at a funky angle because I reused all the lumber from a previous version but it’s stable. It has two angles for a flatter (7-8 ft) and higher (little over 9) pitches.

All 3/4 plywood, some hinges from an old ikea kitchen island thing and some long screws with wing nuts. Comes all apart and fits in my rear hatch thing in the car, that’s what I sized it to.

Pitches are from near a standing release height of a normal pitch, about, a little higher probably. As mentioned before I did gain a little distance removing the stock base, bottles and attaching to this contraption. Total pitch distance from the Poptoss to where the pitch lands is approximately 23-24 feet.

Might remodel it sometime this season but it works really well as is. I am somewhat concerned of blasting it with a hot middle shot, I do have some ideas to protect it, as of now I just either go backside or full pull so it’s not an issue, would be nice to shoot middle though. Hit a tad over 100 balls this evening in around an hour, great practice and fun.

 

[ImminentDanger]

Wanted to add my setup.
<SNIP>
I am somewhat concerned of blasting it with a hot middle shot, I do have some ideas to protect it, as of now I just either go backside or full pull so it’s not an issue, would be nice to shoot middle though. Hit a tad over 100 balls this evening in around an hour, great practice and fun.

You definitely don't want to blast the GPT - It's sturdy, but a hard hit line drive will definitely do damage.
My setup, at ground level, allows me to use a tall house trash can to protect the GPT while also holding all the balls I'm going to launch from it.

Thanks for posting - it's always nice to see how other's are working on their game skills.

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[arther itis]

Board bros helping board bros

 

[bigcam406]

I have used my pop toss numerous times over the summer and more so recently as im off for 6 week vacation. One thing I have noticed with mine is the air temp and humidity effects the timing valve. We had a heat wave up here recently and numerous times when I used it, the timing was very inconsistent. Recently a cold front moved through our area, humidity drastically reduced and the timing was spot on consistent. Yesterday, I hit 150 balls off of it and it was most enjoyable, especially when you dont have to mess with the timing constantly.

 

[TWmccoy]

I have used my pop toss numerous times over the summer and more so recently as im off for 6 week vacation. One thing I have noticed with mine is the air temp and humidity effects the timing valve. We had a heat wave up here recently and numerous times when I used it, the timing was very inconsistent. Recently a cold front moved through our area, humidity drastically reduced and the timing was spot on consistent. Yesterday, I hit 150 balls off of it and it was most enjoyable, especially when you dont have to mess with the timing constantly.

How you clean and oil the Pop Toss can also drastically alter how well the timer works. Also, you have to occasionally replace the little white plastic valve.

If the timing gets off, take the Pop Toss apart and look at the valve. Sometimes bits of dirt or grass will get in it and keep it from working properly. Once you clean the valve and put it back on it'll start working fine again.

I bought my Pop Toss in 2019 and it still works fine. Probably replaced the timing valve 2-3 times.

 

[bigcam406]

I bought mine in 2021, and had to change the valves 3 months into it. I have cleaned, oiled and inspected the machine numerous times, and i have always noticed that temperature and humidity effect the timing. On mine anyways. Your mileage may vary. I recently looked into obtaining new valves and springs, and was shocked to learn that Pop toss is charging $95 shipping to my location here in Canada. That's $138 CAD. I fell out of my chair when I saw that.

 

[TWmccoy]

I bought mine in 2021, and had to change the valves 3 months into it. I have cleaned, oiled and inspected the machine numerous times, and i have always noticed that temperature and humidity effect the timing. On mine anyways. Your mileage may vary. I recently looked into obtaining new valves and springs, and was shocked to learn that Pop toss is charging $95 shipping to my location here in Canada. That's $138 CAD. I fell out of my chair when I saw that.

They've always sent me new valves and springs for free.

 

[ImminentDanger]

bigcam406 - See my maintenance posts #37, #52, #61 -​

From #61 - I got some new o-rings for the plunger - Could not really see any wear on the old ones, but was having some trouble getting a consistent timing release. - I purchased inexpensive silicone grease from Amazon - It works great:

https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Waterproof-Sealant-Lubricant-Plumbers/dp/B0BN82MJVK

This has made a difference in consistency - I don't know whether it's the new o-rings or the silicone grease - but the timing is now consistent. Just clean it up before each session & put a fresh, thin coat of silicone on the o-rings of the ball striker. I do think the previous recommendation of motor oil was way too thin to keep a good vacuum seal over time (and maybe in the heat).

Also, try to brush the softballs clean if the field you use has dusty dirt or loose grass. Keep that stuff out of the launcher & it won't get trapped in the vacuum valve.

My post #54 mentions that they are now charging shipping (at $20), but $95 to Canada seems crazy - Tarrifs? VAT? Customs?

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[bigcam406]

bigcam406 - See my maintenance posts #37, #52, #61 -​

From #61 - I got some new o-rings for the plunger - Could not really see any wear on the old ones, but was having some trouble getting a consistent timing release. - I purchased inexpensive silicone grease from Amazon - It works great:

https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Waterproof-Sealant-Lubricant-Plumbers/dp/B0BN82MJVK

This has made a difference in consistency - I don't know whether it's the new o-rings or the silicone grease - but the timing is now consistent. Just clean it up before each session & put a fresh, thin coat of silicone on the o-rings of the ball striker. I do think the previous recommendation of motor oil was way too thin to keep a good vacuum seal over time (and maybe in the heat).

Also, try to brush the softballs clean if the field you use has dusty dirt or loose grass. Keep that stuff out of the launcher & it won't get trapped in the vacuum valve.

My post #54 mentions that they are now charging shipping (at $20), but $95 to Canada seems crazy - Tarrifs? VAT? Customs?

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Thanks for the tips concerning the silicone grease. I have been using 0-20 w synthetic motor oil on the o rings and chamber.
As far as the outrageous shipping costs, it is probably due to the cost of duty to get it over the border. Im not blaming Pop Toss at all, its just a sign of the times I guess.

 

[bigcam406]

I took the advice given and used silicone grease instead of low viscosity motor oil. I went out this afternoon for 3 hours and hit 150 balls. The pop toss worked perfectly. Timing and distance was consistent throughout the afternoon. Thanks for the tip. Much appreciated.

 

[ImminentDanger]

Glad to hear this - Thanks for the follow-up post - I guess the thin oil was my problem as well.

Being able to take 30 pitches in the air, then hit them back off the Tee, is a great combination workout.
I'm glad I have the Green Pop Toss.

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