2012 Combat Bats

Combat (the company) started in 1998 when they began manufacturing softball bats for other brand name companies. Combat were born in the mid 00’s years when they decided to put out the same bats they make for other companies in their own name, including baseball bats.

Combat has a following in youth leagues but has never caught on in middle school, high school or college baseball. It is extremely rare to see their bats in the hands of those over 12 years old. Their claim to fame was a walk off home run with a Combat B1 in the 2007 Little League World Series. It created a big buzz and a lot of kids wanted a Combat bat. The buzz has long faded and, while still enjoying a small loyal following, their 15 minutes of fame has past.

Combat introduces new models in youth only, with the adult model coming the following year. The new 2012 model is the youth only B4. As with all the bats they have ever produced, the 2012 model year bats have a stiff handle and low swing weight.

As stated before, Combat needs to make inroads in high school baseball to become a true player in the industry.

Click here to check out my 2012 recommendations in each bat category.

Combat 2012 B4YB (-12) Composite Youth Baseball Bat

Their new 100% composite bat is only available in a youth model. It’s a single wall one-piece bat with a “longer barrel”, low MOI and stiff handle. They claim it’s made from the same Aramid fibers “found in bulletproof vests”! Umm, are you selling baseball bats or suits of armor?  While the Youth -12 & -10 models retail for relatively low $199.99, I’d go with the Easton Omen in the 100% composite low priced category.

Combat 2012 B3 AB BBCOR (-3) Adult Baseball Bat

A 100% composite, single wall, one-piece bat with a stiff handle. Essentially this is Combat’s B1 made to BBCOR specifications. To me this demonstrates how little Combat has progressed in the last 5 years. As stated before, you won’t be seeing this bat in anyone’s hand during a high school game. The Adult -3 model retails $349.99, and I’d go with the Easton Omen in the 100% composite low priced category.

Combat 2012 Grifter Hybrid (-3) BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat

Combats foray into the hybrid bat category. The Grifter is a two-piece bat with a stiff handle and low swing weight. Very odd choice for a name as it means “a person who swindles you by means of deception or fraud.” Not a good idea when you’re trying to sell an item. The composite handle is made from Combats new “mongrel composite” that is supposed to “remove the whip feeling in traditional two-piece bats”. The alloy barrel is supposedly made from “titanium enhanced alloy”. The Adult -3 model retails for $249.99. I’d go with the Easton Surge in the low cost hybrid bat category.

Combat 2012 52 CAL BBCOR (-3) Adult Baseball Bat

A 100% composite, single wall bat with a stiff handle and low MOI. What’s the difference between this and the B3? It appears the only stated difference is that the B3 is supposed to maintain its pop longer due to a “higher grade carbon composite resin”. But, the 52 Caliber Adult -3 retails for $269.99 making it a wash with the B3!  I’ll say once again, go with the Eason Omen for a low cost composite bat.

In a nutshell, there are better options than Combat in every category. To see more information on rules and regulations go here.