Baseball Reviews

Choosing a baseball bat should be a pleasurable experience. But for many newer players, things can get complicated. Baseball and softball have changed over the years and so did the bats themselves. Players can now get newer models with countless research aimed at maximizing the responsiveness and comfort of the bats. I am going to tell you how to choose a baseball bat, WITHOUT wasting your money. Here are the top things to consider when purchasing a baseball bat:

Materials

The materials dictate the experience you will have as a player. There are a few options to choose from which include aluminum and composite. Many higher end bats are using a composite material which is known for its good response when hitting the ball. The material can provide a good balance between the strength needed to maximize your efforts and the speed required to improve your skills. Some players have started to analyze the material over long term use and say that it might work better in warmer environments, but at the end of the day, it is up to the players to dictate the way in which the bat performs.

Then you can choose the alloy bats which are usually more reliable in all weather conditions. But the material has its own disadvantages as the bats can have a smaller sweet spot. This may be an impediment for beginner players which need more forgiveness. But at the same time, it can be a strong point for the experienced player which knows exactly how to use the bat to get the full benefit of the materials. Some hybrid materials are also available.

This can be a combination of the composite and alloy features which can cater to the large mass of players which are not looking for a very specific bat. The sweet spot of the hybrids is bigger than the bats made from alloy but smaller than composite options. This makes it the most attractive and recommended option for a first-time purchase. It may also be recommended to look for hybrid bats if you are planning a holiday and need a single, quick option to play.

More on materials

But the materials themselves are not enough to make a bat. It will be up to the manufacturers to make the material work with the design and also make it comfortable to use. This is why we have so many models which vary from one piece design to multiple pieces.

The connection between the pieces is often times patented by the manufacturers. So why is this important? The connectors can have a massive impact on the way energy is transferred from the handle to the barrel. They also play a crucial role in balancing the weight of the bat which requires specific calibration to achieve the highest standards.

This is also a good way of reducing manufacturing costs. So make sure you study the connective technology if you decide to buy a multiple piece bat. There is no certain recommendation between a one-piece bat and a multiple piece bat. Even a one-piece bat can perform poorly if not properly engineered. So make sure you take the time to inform yourself on the latest technologies as they seem to change from year to year. It may also be recommended to look for models which are made in collaboration with professional players. These players have tested numerous bats and know exactly what is needed to push your skills to the next level. Some manufacturers offer these types of bats made in collaboration with popular players and they might be a good option if you are uncertain of your choice.

Comfort

Comfort is among the top features to look for in any bat. The truth is that you can have the best bat on the market and it may feel uncomfortable. This will certainly negatively impact the playability of the bat and it will make you underperform. Keep in mind that comfort has come a long way in the past few years. There are better materials which protect your hands even with longer games or training sessions. Make sure you look for a bat which is not only comfortable but which has proper energy transfer engineering.

Energy transfer is crucial for comfort and performance. While many manufacturers may be tempted to deliver products made solely for performance, it may be worth considering this might not be achievable without good levels of comfort.

More on comfort

This is why even wooden bats still have their own fans. There is nothing which can quite match the traditional craftsmanship required to produce top wooden bats. You can still find ass wood options or bats made from denser maple wood. If you are thinking about moving to a wooden bat it may be a good idea to start with ash. It is considered to be more forgiving in my opinion. Once you get accustomed to the material you can move up to maple or birch. They come with denser fibers and require a better technique to fully grasp.

You should also consider that with some bats you may be required to pay a bigger price which is usually based on the research which has to go with a new product. While the bigger brands may do a better job at keeping research costs lower, smaller brands may have a more difficult time to come with new, patented, designs. Of course, bigger brands don`t always offer better products, but they can be better when it comes to cost.

Conclusion

When you`re looking to choose baseball bat you need to make a list with a number of products which you will consider. The smaller the list, the easier it will be to make a final decision. It may also be wise to set a budget which may find you in the position where the choices are already made for you. Regardless of your budget though, there are some important aspects such as the choice of materials and the level of comfort which should be the starting point of any successful purchase.

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