BAT TECH
WHAT GOES INTO A BAT?
A bat is more than just a hunk of metal or wood. It is a carefully-engineered tool that allows players to get the most out of every swing. Every component of the bat, from the knob to the end cap, is designed to maximize every ounce of performance. There are four main tech components you need to know for your bat: material, barrel diameter, construction, and weight balance.
One of the biggest influences on bat performance is its material. Bats are made of metal, composites, or wood. Metal and composite bats, are typically made of composite or alloy material, are traditionally used for youth baseball through college baseball. Wood, meanwhile, is used throughout the professional levels, as well as for specific amateur and travel ball leagues/organizations. Please read below to learn more about bat materials and how they affect performance.
WOOD
A baseball bat is more than just a hunk of wood. Every aspect of the bat – from the knob to the barrel flare and cup style – play an integral role in how the bat feels in your hands and swings. There are some key parts of wood bats that you need to take into account: wood species, swing weight, finish and knob style.
ASH
Still widely popular among big leaguers, Ash provides the ultimate in flexibility due to its unique grain structure. More forgiving than Maple, Ash rarely sees multi-piece fractures when the bat breaks. Visible grain lines allow for noticeable quality, giving you the confidence you need when you step up to the plate.
MAPLE
The species preferred by most pro players, Maple features the ultimate surface hardness and provides an unmatched sound and feel at contact. Naturally harder, Maple offers added strength at impact. Closed grains eliminate flaking commonly seen with Ash, allowing for superior durability.
BIRCH
The fastest-growing species in professional leagues, Birch delivers a hardness similar to that of Maple with the flexibility of Ash. This translates into a more forgiving barrel, a light feel and the surface hardness that players crave.
WHICH TURNING MODEL IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The turning model refers to the specific shape of the bat. Different turning models have different specifications. The areas where turning models differ is in barrel measurement, barrel taper, handle thickness, and knob taper.
M110
This is the most basic turn model and can be used by hitters of any hitting style. It features a 2.5" barrel diameter and a 1" handle diameter. This gives the bat a larger contact surface. The 110 turn model is lighter than most turn models because most of the weight is distributed through a long, slow taper. This is the perfect bat for players swinging a wood bat for the first time or for contact hitters who want a faster bat.
C271
The C271 turn model is one of the most common turn models. This model is very similar to the 110 turn model. It has a 2.5" diameter barrel and a 15/16" diameter handle. The main difference is that it has a quicker taper transition which defines the barrel a little bit more and gives it a slightly more end-loaded feel. This bat can be used by both contact and power hitters.
I13
Like the 271 turn, the I13 turn model has a 2.5" barrel diameter and 15/16" handle diameter. The main difference is that the I13 turn has an even sharper taper transition than the 271. This puts even more mass into the barrel. This model is preferred by power hitters.
Bat Sizing
Wood Bat Sizing
Many baseball players believe a longer bat means better plate coverage – but that’s not always the case. A longer bat is often swings heavier, and if it’s too long for you, can reduce your swing speed and keep you from catching up to certain pitches. Even some professional players swing bats as short as 32”. When choosing your bat length, keep plate coverage in mind – but also consider your swing and stance, as well.
LENGTH, WEIGHT, AND WHY IT MATTERS
Many baseball players mistakenly believe a longer bat means more plate coverage, but this is not always true. Since a longer bat often means a heavier feeling bat, a bat that is too long for you can slow down your timing and prevent you from catching up to and hitting inside pitches. Even some Major League players swing bats as short as 32 inches. When choosing your bat length, you should keep plate coverage in mind. You should also consider your swing and stance relative to the plate.