International endorsements make new RapidArm+ a must-have for clubs

Katchet launch RapidArm+, the new-generation ultimate ball thrower, this year. Rohan Kulkarni speaks to Colin Smith to find out more

Former Scotland teammates Colin Smith and Neil MacRae know what it takes to get the competitive edge over their opponents on the international stage, and now they're committed to enhancing the training experience for recreational cricketers too through their business Katchet's latest innovation.

The new RapidArm+ ball throwing device, which ensures enhanced accuracy and pace up to and over 160kph, is described as "a game-changer in the UK market" and looks set to fly off the shelves this season after receiving ringing endorsements from players and coaches at both international and county level.

"At Katchet, our mission is clear - to scout and deliver the most cutting-edge and beneficial products tailored for coaches and players alike," says owner and director Smith. 

"With a background rooted in playing international cricket, Neil and I bring first hand expertise to the table. Neil's transition to an esteemed international coach has further enriched our perspective and, as a very part-time coach myself, I've encountered my fair share of struggles with existing products so I know I'm not alone in this sentiment."

^{The RapidArm+ has won approval from international cricketers including Alex Tudor}

The RapidArm+ features what Smith calls a "staggering level of engineering prowess and attention to detail", the handle alone had more than 25 iterations, representing the “pinnacle of craftsmanship and refinement”.

The new + also boasts a reinforced handle and fiberglass shaft for added power and because each part of Rapidarm, the Cup, Shaft and handle are designed and made in materials specific to the role.

It delivers unparalleled durability, stiffness and speed.

Its cup mimics the way bowlers hold and release the ball, which is different from other throwers, the intuitive material adjusts to the size of ball being used, meaning different sizes including youths', women's, standard men's and larger machine balls can be used. 

Smith, who represented Scotland 182 times between 1999 and 2009, said: "My introduction to RapidArm+ was nothing short of revelatory. From the moment I took hold of it, I was struck by its precision and ease of use. 

"With each throw, I found myself effortlessly hitting the mark, allowing me to fine-tune my delivery with unprecedented accuracy. What truly sets RapidArm+ apart is its accessibility to coaches of all levels who deliver to different levels of player - a testament to its intuitive design and user-friendly interface.”

If you are jumping from one session to the next and throwing to players of different abilities, why change ball thrower, just adjust the RapidArm. It's 4 products in one.

Players and coaches to offer their endorsement so far include Lancashire’s Steven Croft, former Glamorgan and England batter Matthew Maynard, ex-England and Surrey captain and current Pakistan batting coach Adam Hollioake, ex-Pakistan and Afghan coach Umar Gul, Hampshire youth coach Max Smith and former Scotland teammates Dougie Brown and Kyle Coetzer. All were impressed by the accuracy, speed and ability to make use of the model across different age groups.

The Cricketer team, alongside former England fast bowler Alex Tudor, recently put the RapidArm+ through its paces at Reed's School too.

Reflecting on the experience, Tudor said: "The RapidArm+ is truly impressive, and I'll certainly be incorporating it into my training regime for the upcoming season." 

Katchet also provide a one-year guarantee unmatched by any other ball thrower on the market.

"We stand firmly behind the reliability and durability of RapidArm+," said Smith. "It's a reflection of our unwavering confidence in the product's ability to revolutionize your coaching experience."

Expected to hit the market as the upcoming season approaches, RapidArm+ is poised to redefine the coaching landscape, offering unparalleled performance and reliability. 

For more on RapidArm+ and Katchet’s cricket range, click here.