Baseball remains one of the most popular sports for kids in many countries. If you have a little slugger who dreams of hitting homeruns or striking out batters, a light up baseball can make for an exciting and unique gift. These baseballs have LED lights inside that flash when the ball is hit or thrown. In this article we talk about Light “Up Baseball – Sports Gifts for Boys- Pros, Cons & Reviews”.
Pros of Light Up Baseballs
Here are some of the main benefits that light up baseballs provide:
- Encourage Activity & Practice: The lights provide instant feedback when the ball is struck, making practice more entertaining and rewarding. This can encourage kids to play catch, take swings, or play games more often.
- Enhance Hand-Eye Coordination: Tracking the flashing lights as the ball arcs through the air helps sharpen hand-eye coordination which is key for baseball.
- Improve Focus: Keeping eyes locked on the ball and reacting to the lights forces kids to concentrate more intently, which develops key baseball skills.
- Fun Factor: The lights add a cool, exciting element that makes playing with the ball more engaging and enjoyable. This can help kids fall in love with the sport.
- Visibility for Night Games: The LEDs inside the ball make it much easier to see and track in dim evening lighting. This makes neighborhood night games more feasible.
- Affordable Price: Light up baseballs are very reasonably priced compared to higher-end equipment. They can make great gifts without breaking the bank.
Cons of Light Up Baseballs
While definitely fun, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Limited Durability: Light up balls are more susceptible to damage if hit forcefully with metal bats. Seams can split and lights/electronics can malfunction.
- Battery Life: Depending on use, the batteries may need frequent replacing every week or two. Replacement batteries add ongoing costs.
- Distraction: For some kids, the flashing lights could be a distraction rather than an aid while batting or fielding in games.
- Night Vision Adjustment: Going back and forth between light up and regular balls may require eyes to readjust to seeing traditional balls in low light.
- Not Regulation Size/Weight: The lights and batteries add weight and increase the ball’s size slightly. This may throw off pitching and hitting mechanics practiced with regulation balls.
While these cons should be considered, for most young kids the pros generally outweigh the downsides. The lights add engagement and enjoyment that get them playing and practicing more frequently. The durability issues also matter less with soft toss games.
Reviews of Best Light Up Baseball Options
Now that we’ve covered the key pros and cons, here is a comparison of two top-rated light up baseballs to consider as gift options:
- Franklin Sports MLB Electronic Baseball
- Price: $$$
- batteries included
- official league branding
- bright LEDs with long battery life
- suitable for ages 5+
- 90 day warranty
PROS: authentic MLB team logos, very vibrant flashing colors, excellent durability for cost
CONS: on the heavier side, batteries not replaceable
- SKLZ Light Up Baseball
- Price: $$
- replaceable batteries
- soft exterior shell
- 3 brightness settings
- suitable for ages 3+
- 30 day warranty
PROS: very affordable cost, replaceable batteries, soft shell reduces risk of damage
CONS: less bright LEDs, less durable seams with intense use
For a kid’s very first light up ball, the SKLZ option may be the best fit thanks to the softer shell and lower price tag. But for an avid young player, the Franklin Sports MLB ball is a great balance of quality and cost. It also features official team branding.
No matter which option you select, supervise the first few uses of any light up ball to ensure proper use and maximum enjoyment!
Conclusion
A flashing, glowing LED baseball can ignite excitement and passion for America’s pastime with the kids in your life. While light up balls have some drawbacks, their benefits for activity, skill building, and fun are hard to overlook. Just make sure to set expectations around gentle use and battery longevity. I sincerely hope you find this article helpful.
