Tag Archives: bat

The Secrets Behind Moment of Inertia (MOI) and Swing Weight

Moment of Inertia (MOI) governs how a bat feels and is a more meaningful measure of how well it will swing for you than the actual weight of the bat. Bat speed, not bat size nor weight, is the main factor in driving a ball. Bat speed is affected by a number of variables including bat length, bat weight and bat Moment of Inertia (MOI) which is often referred to as swing weight or balance point.

The distinction between light or heavy swing weight really boils down to the location of the balance point (or center-of-mass) and the moment-of-inertia. The closer the bat’s balance point is to the handle, the easier it is to swing. The basic concept is that it is not the total overall weight of the bat which determines how fast you can swing a bat, but the way that weight is distributed along the length of the bat. For example, a bat with a balanced point closer to the handle will feel lighter and swing faster than an end loaded bat. This is true even through both bats are the exact same weight on a scale.The higher the rating the higher the MOI and the heavier the swing weight.

As a general rule, most players can hit a ball further with lighter (really low MOI) bats. It is only the biggest home run hitters, who can hit the ball further with a heavier (really higher MOI) bats. Also, lighter bats provide more bat control during the swing phase

Good players who are strong tend to prefer bats with a heavy swing weight because they can swing the bat fast enough and the extra inertia of the bat makes for a more effective collision with the ball. Players who are not as strong, or who cannot swing a heavy bat quickly, tend to opt for bats with a lighter swing weight so that they can increase their bat-swing speed and obtain faster batted balls that way.

Here’s a brief Easton video on MOI

Obviously MOI is only one factor to consider with material, handle flex, mass and design (1 or 2 piece) being the others. But, it is often ignored or misunderstood. You should take the time and effort to decide what MOI is best for you and what the ratings are for the bats you’re considering.

Louisville Slugger TPX Omaha Comp Review

The Louisville Slugger TPX Omaha Comp is their second tier composite baseball bat (the Triton being their top composite bat). It is a one piece 100% composite bat with a stiff handle.

Louisville is wise to offer a two tier composite baseball bat strategy, as the Omaha Comp should compete well against 100% alloy and hybrid bats. It is priced correctly at $299 for the Adult -3 and $149 for the Youth -11. It is my recommendation for second tier composite bats. Continue reading →

Reebok VECTOR O Baseball Bat Review, Let’s Take a Look.

Reebok VECTOR O Review

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.

Continue reading →

Get the Best Bat With Our Baseball Bat Size Chart

Baseball Bat  Size Chart
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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

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Do You Know What a Composite Baseball Bat is?

The composite baseball bat is here to stay, so know them, live them and love them.

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.

Continue reading →

Do You Know What a Hybrid Baseball Bat is?

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 →

Baseball Bat Pricing List

 

Sorting through the vast number of baseball bats on the market, their retail price and composition can be an overwhelming task.

I’ve taken the time to provide an Adult -3 Bat pricing list for the 2013 baseball bats I’ve reviewed on this blog and put them in a table below. This will help you put it all in perspective to make your decision. Continue reading →

Composite and Aluminum Bats, Know the Difference! – The Short Story

What Advantages do composite baseball bats have over aluminum baseball bats? And are they worth the extra cost?

Composite bats do offer distinct advantages to aluminum bats but they will certainly have a shorter life as they can, and probably will, break. They’re also much more susceptible to the cold. All bats warn you to not use them when the temperature is below 50 degrees. For aluminum bats it’s just a safety valve for the manufacturer. For composite bats it’s the real deal.

Here’s the short version of the advantages composite bats offer. For a detailed, in-depth analysis click here. Continue reading →