The Louisville Exogrid has been a popular baseball bat for the last three years. When introduced, it had a unique design that separated it from the pack. In the 2009 model year, with the reemergence of composite bats and introduction of hybrid technology, the Exogrid is no longer a novelty.Louisville is a strong proponent of the stiff handle. Their material says “the last thing you want at the moment of contact is for your bat handle to flex thus the barrel can not. A stiff handle produces more barrel flex, resulting in maximum trampoline effect and greater performance.” The Exogrid is marketed as the premier stiff handle bat in their arsenal because of its design.
Easton has been the leader in composite bats for the last several years and will undoubtedly continue this trend with the IMX, their new 100% composite bats for 2009. Easton is extremely smart to their approach in manufacturing baseball bats by not putting all their eggs in one basket. They leave no stone uncovered by making top notch models in every category and design. Their top priority is pushing the 2 piece design and flex handle which they pioneered some 6 years ago with the Connection introduction. But they also make and market quality one piece bats with stiff handles that directly compete with manufactures that rely on this design, most notably Louisville and Rawlings.
They say the IMX or Integrated Matrix Technology optimizes composite design, materials and process for maximum performance. In this series Easton offers two bats made from the same IMX composite material in two distinct designs. They are the: Continue reading →
Louisville has finally responded to Easton and Demarini’s multi-piece bat designs with the Louisville Slugger TPX Triton, a unique 3 piece bat. What I find amazing about this bat is the size of the barrel. This is the largest barrel I’ve ever seen on a baseball bat. My initial thought is this thing looks like an oak tree!
The Reebok VECTOR O enters into the baseball bat arena with a unique bat design they hope will break through the clutter. These bats are just hitting the market (as of 10/15/08) so I have not held or used one. I therefore can only provide the published information at my thoughts at the present time. I hope to have my full review for the Christmas buying season.
The Reebok Vector O series of baseball bats has a unique feature is that the handle has three holes in it (called ports) that claim to do two things. First they say it can reduce drag and therefore increase bat speed. We all know bat speed is a critical aspect of hitting the ball farther. Second the holes offer the opportunity to redistribute the weight to the barrel making it longer.The longer barrel would therefore increase the sweet spot.
Choosing the Perfect Baseball Bat: A Handy Bat Size Chart
Whether you’re a seasoned slugger or just stepping up to the plate for the first time, selecting the right baseball bat can greatly impact your performance on the field. With the myriad of options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where a baseball bat size chart comes to the rescue! This essential tool can help you find the bat that suits your physique, swing style, and hitting goals.
The Importance of Bat Size
Picking the correct bat size is crucial for achieving optimal swing mechanics and maximizing your power potential. A bat that’s too heavy or too light can throw off your balance and timing, making it difficult to make solid contact with the ball. By referring to a bat size chart, you can ensure that your bat’s length and weight are tailored to your individual preferences and playing style.
Understanding the Bat Size Chart
A typical baseball bat size chart includes two primary factors: the player’s height and weight. These measurements are used to recommend an ideal bat length and weight. Here’s a breakdown of how to read and use a bat size chart:
Player Height: The player’s height is a fundamental factor in determining bat length. Taller players often benefit from longer bats, as they can cover more plate area, while shorter players might prefer a slightly shorter bat for better control.
Player Weight: The player’s weight helps determine the appropriate bat weight. A bat that is too heavy can slow down your swing, while one that is too light might lack power. Finding the right balance between bat weight and swing speed is key.
Bat Length Recommendation: The chart will provide a suggested bat length based on the player’s height. This recommendation is a starting point to consider when making your selection.
Bat Weight Recommendation: Alongside the suggested bat length, the chart will offer a range of bat weights that are suitable for your size. It’s essential to choose a weight that allows you to swing comfortably without sacrificing power.
Personal Preference: Keep in mind that personal preference plays a role. Some players may feel more comfortable with a slightly longer or shorter bat than what the chart suggests. It’s essential to try out different lengths and weights to find what feels right for you.
Fine-Tuning Your Choice
While a baseball bat size chart provides a valuable guideline, remember that your individual biomechanics, strength, and hitting technique can influence your ideal bat size. As you test various bats, pay attention to how the bat feels in your hands, your ability to control it, and your hitting performance.
In Conclusion
Selecting the perfect baseball bat doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By utilizing a bat size chart, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your physical attributes and playing style. Remember, while the chart provides useful recommendations, your comfort and performance are paramount. So, grab that perfectly sized bat, step up to the plate with confidence, and swing for the fences!
Stronger and lighter than high-grade aluminum, they are either made of a graphite-fiber composite material or have an aluminum core with graphite lining.
The main advantage is it’s lighter than aluminum and hence provides for a larger barrel and sweet spot within the designated drop ratio. They give a whole lot more forgiveness for the imperfect swing, and have the potential to make the average hitter a clean-up hitter.
So what is a hybrid baseball batand why would I want to buy one? These baseball bats are a combination of composite and alloy material. The handle is composite and the barrel is alloy.
Examples of include:
Louisville TPX H2
Easton SV12
Demarini Voodoo
Demarini Vendetta
Demarini Vexxum
Rawlings Rush Gold Lite
Nike Aero Fuse (not to be confused with the Aero Fuse CF2)
The lighter composite handle allows the alloy barrel to be made longer than a traditional 100% alloy bat. This increases the “sweet spot” compared to an alloy bat and provides more leeway to the batter. In contrast, a 100% composite bat has both a composite handle and barrel making the barrel, and “sweet spot”, even larger. Continue reading →
