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Know the Difference Between Stiff and Flex Handle Baseball Bats.
The Stiff vs. Flex Handle baseball bat debate is the centerpiece of the dispute between baseball bat manufacturers and a leading cause of confusion among baseball bat consumers. I wish Mythbusters had included this in their baseball special.At least they taught us a corked bat actually reduces batted ball speed.
Here’s how to understand the rating for baseball bat handles. 100 is the stiffest handle rating and a handle with maximum flexibility will have a rating of 60. You’ll see ratings anywhere between these two extremes. Unfortunately, the majority of manufacturers do not provide the exact flex rating for their bats, just that they are stiff or flex handles.
Manufacturers like Easton and Demarini have pushed the benefits of the flex handle design for years, while others like Louisville and COMbat push the benefits of the stiff handle design. Two completely different designs stating they’re superior to the other. Will someone please hit me in the head with either a stiff of flex handle bat? Some manufacturers, like Easton, have recently begun to offer both flex and stiff handle versions of the same bat.
The flex handle philosophy says it’s better because “whip action” allows the bat to uncoil and release energy stored during the swing and increases the bat speed up to the moment of impact. Whip action is the bending of the bat when brought back and then swung forward before the point of contact. The top of the barrel is supposed to move behind the handle when it’s brought back and then move in front of the handle when it’s swung forward. Think of a diving board and a golf club as examples. See photo demonstrating the whip action of a golf club.
Stiff handle manufacturers say that stiff handles allow the trampoline effect in the barrel to be more effective thus improving batted-ball speed. The premise is all bats flex on contact (which is true) but the stiff handle makes that barrel flex more pronounced on contact and increases batted ball speed. Also, that rigid handles hit balls faster because a flexible handle messes up your swing, and if not timed exactly right, can actually reduce batted ball speed.
Continue reading →2011 Baseball Bats
The majority of the 2011 bats have hit the market. Although there hasn’t been a lot of change from the 2010 models, there has been some change. More detailed information will be posted in the reviews for each manufacturer, and in My Baseball Bat Recommendations will provide my recommendations in each category. Take a look at the listings on the right side to check them out. Here are the 2011 baseball bats:
2011 COMBAT BASEBALL BATS
Combats first steps in 2010 have been backwards. They’re trying to recover from a poor 2011 model year by bringing back what created the buzz a few years ago in a new name and package.
Combat B3
It appears Combat has abandoned the B2 and its and is essentially bringing back the B1 as the B3. The B2’s nanocomp and MAP technologies have disappeared, essentially making this bat very similiar if not identical to the B1. As of early March it only appears to be available in youth models. It has the same single wall, stiff handle balanced design.
2011 EASTON BASEBALL BATS
I have to hand it to Easton. The NCAA bans composite bats in college baseball, so what does Easton do? The re-adjust their Stealth Speed, 100 % composite bat, and get it approved! It is the first composite bat that is approved for use in the upcoming 2010 NCAA season. If I’m ever indicted for murder my first choice for someone to represent me is Easton. These guys will do anything to sell a bat. But after this news it looks like their remaining 2011 bats are a repeat of the 2010 models. You can pre-order the bats now but they do not go on sale until April 3. Oh yeah, I’m not crazy about the look of the 2011 Easton line-up. It’s a sophomoric look that makes the bats look cheap.
Easton Stealth Speed II BSS1, BSS2 and BSS3
Let’s start with the BSS1 and BSS2. These are identical to the 2010 Easton Speed bats. They are 100% composite, two-piece bat with a slightly end-loaded design (MOI of 80). The difference between the BSS1 and BSS2 is the handle flex. The BSS1 has a flex handle (75) and the BSS2 a stiff handle (95). The BSS3 is Easton’s answer to the NCAA’s composite bat ban. They most likely re-layered the composite material in a manner where it does not break in any farther. The NCAA’s concern was that the BESR rating for a new composite bat crossed the line once it broke in a month or so later. This apparently solves the problem. Like the other Speed II’s it is a 100 composite two-piece bat with a MOI of 80. It is only available in a 33” model and there is no reason to purchase the BSS3 unless you’re in college. The BSS1/2 have white grips while the BSS3 has a black grip. This was probably done to distinguish the one approved for college play. They all retail for $399 for the Adult -3 model.
Easton Surge XL
Say hello to the SV12. The Surge is the SV12 with a different label and color. It’s a two-piece bat with a composite handle, Easton’s V12 alloy barrel, and a balanced design (MOI of 70). I’ve only seen the stiff handle version, but I’m assuming there will be a flex handle version also. The Adult -3 model retails for $299, the same as the SV12 last year.
Easton Rival XL
The Rival is identical to the 2010 V12. A 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle and low swing weight (MOI) of 60. I’ve only seen the Senior model at the present time. I’d guess the Adult -3 will retail for $199, as the 2010 V12 did.
2011 Demarini Baseball Bats
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Demarini’s line-up has been popular over the last several years and they’ve decided not to mess with it for the 2011 model year. They’re sticking to their bread and butter, two-piece, flex handle bats with their “half and half” technology. The only change being the “rotation index”. These are markings on the handle to help you grip the bat in a different spot and supposedly prolong bat life. Here’s a look at their 2011 bats:
CF4
The CF4 is a two-piece, double wall, 100% composite bat with a flex handle and extremely low swing weight (MOI). It is made with Demarini’s top tier composite, pitch black and is identical to the 2010 model. They say they added more silver trace technology, but they made the same claim last year. It’s made with Demarini’s pitch black plus composite, half and half technology and “hub” end cap. The CF4 is very popular but some do not like the extremely low swing weight. The Adult -3 retails for $399.99 putting it in the high end composite category. If you like this bat you can save a few dollars by finding the gold 2010 model. Continue reading →
2010 Combat Bat Reviews
Before we review their baseball bats, COMbat (the company) started in 1998 when they began manufacturing softball bats for other brand name companies. COMbat bats were born in the last few years when they decided to put out the same bats they make for other companies in their own name, including baseball bats.
The big news for 2010 is that COMbat finally is offering their most popular bats, the B1 and B2, in Adult and Senior League models. It’s hard to believe it took them so long to do this but at least the light bulb finally went on. Also in 2010, they’ll finally get to push the B2 which had a delayed introduction last year because it initially did not meet regulations.
Another change for 2010 is COMbat’s introduction of a 100% alloy bat. They’ve been exclusively focused on composite bats since their inception and this is a big move for the company.
COMbat needs to make a name for themselves in high school and college baseball to become a true player in the industry, and offering all their bats in Adult and Senior League models is a giant leap forward. We’ll see if the emphasis on big barrel bats can get them some traction in 2010.
Here’s the COMbat line-up for 2010:
COMbat Composite Bats
- COMbat B2: As stated, the 2009 B2 had a slow start because of approval issues. This is the same design as the “redesigned” version that was finally approved for the 2009 model year. It a one-piece, single wall bat with a stiff handle and a low swing weight. The difference between the B2 and B1 is that the B2 has COMbat’s “Variable Stiffness Technology is said to allow for lower barrel wall stiffness on both sides of the normal sweetspot, resulting in an enlarged sweet hitting area.” It also has their “Blended Fiber Technology, where Arimid fibers ( found in bullet proof vests ) is combine with carbon and glass fibers in varying proportions and precise angles to get more trampoline effect and absorb vibrations resulting in more energy transfer to the ball and greater distance.” Did you get all of that? My favorite is the bullet proof vest comment. My opinion is this doesn’t amount to much and that it’s not much different than the B1. The B2 Adult -3 model retails for $369 putting it just below the other top tier composite bats. There are better options in this category and price range.
- COMbat B1: This bat has had the same design for several years; the only news is the introduction of the big barrel models. It’s a one-piece, single wall bat with a stiff handle and low swing weight. The B1’s claim to fame began in the 2007 Little League World Series when the U.S. team won the championship game on a walk off home run off a B1 bat. Not that it wasn’t exciting and a plus for COMbat but is this really that big a deal? First if you’re playing in the LLWS championship game you’re probably a pretty good player. Second the fences in Williamsport are only 205 feet from home plate! In the world of 12U travel baseball this is a F7, F8, F9 or double. This is just a bunch of hype based on one dramatic home run and nothing else. I’m sure the folks at COMbat did their best to stoke this magical story. The truly intelligent move by COMbat was pricing the B1 as a second tier composite bat ($299 for the Adult -3 model). Why they didn’t do this last year when the B2 was introduced is anyone’s guess. The big barrel option and new price might get some Middle and High School players to use it and give them much needed exposure above the age of twelve. It’s one of my two recommendations for second tier composite bats. Continue reading →
2010 Rawlings Reviews
Rawlings has introduced a new line of baseball bats for 2010. Their Rush Comp/Gold Lite line lasted only one year before becoming extinct. I’d like to take credit for this as I stated last year that Rawlings is the “Rodney Dangerfield of baseball bats.” My guess is the extremely low swing weight of the Lite line turned off a lot of players because it exerted very little mass/inertia on the ball.
For 2010 Rawlings has put all their eggs into the 5150 basket, they must be huge Van Halen fans, as their entire line-up carries the 5150 name. Actually, the 5150 name seems to be a carried over from their parent company K2 (the ski company). K2 has a line of snowboards and bindings with the 5150 name. K2 also owns the Rawlings and Worth brands so I’m sure a lot of the technology is shared between their baseball bats.
They’ve addressed the mass issue by increasing the swing weight of the Composite 5150 and Hybrid 5150 compared to last years Lite models. They’re not end-loaded bats; they just don’t have as low a swing weight as the Lite line putting them in the intermediate swing weight range. They say this provides the “ultimate combination of bat speed, power, and control.” A few well known college teams, such as Virginia, Georgia Tech and Tulane swing Rawlings bats. My main problem with the 5150 technology is that Rawlings doesn’t explain why it’s superior to other technologies. All they talk about is finding the right bat based on a player’s actual performance and testing their bats with radar. How does this convince me 5150 bats are better than other bats? They also have an additional “Speedcap” that screws onto the end of 5150 bats to measure your bat speed. It sounds interesting on the surface, but it’s just comparing the different 5150 bats. This doesn’t help me compare Rawlings to Easton, Louisville or Demarini bats. In addition, why would I spend the money (I believe this thing costs $79) to compare only Rawlings bats? You’ve got to be kidding me!
I don’t see any reason to purchase a Rawlings bat as there are many other proven options available in the price range for their bats. If Rawlings wants to make any kind of progress in the baseball bat industry they need to be the low cost option in every category.
Here’s a breakdown of the Rawlings 2010 line-up:
Rawlings Composite Bats
·5150 Composite: The 5150 Composite is a multi-wall bat with a stiff handle and a balanced design. It’s slightly more end-loaded than last year’s Comp Lite, which had a very low swing weight, but it’s still a balanced bat. Rawlings claims a superior feel achieved through a custom blend of carbon, fiberglass, and aramid fibers. In my opinion this bat should be in the lower cost composite category. If it were in this category it might actually sell. Unfortunately it’s priced as a high end composite bat with a retail price of $379.99 for the Adult -3 model. There is absolutely no reason to purchase this bat when you can buy an Easton, Louisville, Demarini or ComBat composite bat for the same money. Continue reading →
2010 Demarini Baseball Bats
Demarini’s 2010 line-up of baseball bats includes some minor adjustments to their 2009 line. The new “buss word” for their 2010 models is Silver Trace technology which claims to be a unique blend of carbon combined with the “Silver Trace” technology. They say it is a bonding agent that adds strength to maximize power transfer to the barrel. I’d say it’s more hype than anything else but at least they’re trying to make it seem like there’s something new going on. The new CF4 is essentially the same as the CF3 with a slightly larger barrel and they’ve adding a new option in the low-priced composite category. They’ve also dropped the Vexxum which has been in their line-up for quite a long time. Don’t forget to check out the My Bat Recommendations section for my recommendations on bats segmented by material and price.
Here are the 2010 Demarini Baseball Bat Reviews:
Demarini 100% Composite Bats
- Demarini CF4: According to Demarini the new CF4 Gold is their most technologically advanced baseball bat. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be much change from the CF3. The handle is now “Pitch Black Plus” instead of just “Pitch Black” composite material and the aforementioned “Silver Trace” technology to the barrel. They say this adds 11% to the barrel length compared to the CF3 (so about an inch). It also has a redesigned end cap called “The Hub” that has a noticeably concave design. It’s a two-piece double wall composite bat with a flex handle and a very low swing weight, although Demarini does not supply any numbers. The odd thing about the CF4 or CF3 is that most college players do not use it. In the 2009 College World Series teams that use Demarini bats, like Arizona State, have nobody swinging a CF4 or CF3. My guess is that these advanced players do not like the extremely light feel of the CF4/CF3 and are looking for a little more mass.The Adult -3 model has a retail price of $399.99. I still think the CF3 is a very viable option on the discount racks.
- Demarini Vendetta C6: This is where Demarini is using their brain. The Vendetta C6 is Demarini’s first attempt at a second tier composite baseball bat. With the high cost of composite bats it’s critical for manufacturers to offer a second tier model. The all new Vendetta C6 is a two-piece single wall bat with a flex handle, balanced design and Demarini’s second tier (C6) composite material. The Adult -3 model retails for $299 which puts it in the same price range as the other second tier composite bats. This is a solid option in this category. Continue reading →
Nike Baseball Bat Reviews
Nike is a relatively new member of the baseball bat community and is trying to make a name for themselves in the industry. Many still have a problem associating Nike with anything other than athletic shoes and may never accept them in the baseball bat industry. They do have a small following and several big name college teams have to swing Nike bats due to contracts their universities signed with Nike. It has been reported that many players on these teams are not fond of the agreement. In fact, the Georgia Bulldog players blame their 2008 CWS loss on their Nike bats. They even demanded an out in the contract so they could switch to Easton.
The 2010 Nike bats are very similar to their 2009 models. The big news is that they’ve dropped their alloy model, the Torque, and are focusing exclusively on composite and hybrid models. Nike bats are very similar in design to Demarini bats which begs the question why consider a Nike bat when Demarini bats cost the same, receive better reviews and are much more popular? Therefore, if you love the design of Nike bats I’d recommend you take a hard look at the Demarini line-up.
Nike Composite Bats
2010 Aero Fuse CX2: Nothing new here but the color, it’s the same model as last year. It’s a balanced multi-wall, two piece bat with a flex handle and Nike’s “multi-layer cross react carbon”, “speedlink system”, “powerbelt technology” and “aero cap”.The Adult -3 model retails for $399. This bat has an extremely similar design to the Demarini CF4. The CF4 has a slightly longer barrel and hands down would be my recommendation over the CX2 if you love this design. If you must have the CX2 I’d recommend you find last year’s model on the discount rack for a lot less money.
2011 Louisville Baseball Bats
Louisville has a long and respected history in the baseball bat industry, but they’ve falling behind in the composite and hybrid categories. They’re entries into these categories, now 3 years old, have not received a positive response. They are seldom seen at the high school or college level (when composite bats were legal in the NCAA). For 2011 they’ve only made some minor changes. This is extremely disappointing from what most consider the holy grail of baseball bat manufacturers. Louisville must go back to the drawing board in 2012 and come out with a brand new high end composite and hybrid design. The “bonded together to a one piece bat” claim has fallen on deaf ears. They must come out with a true two-piece design for their hybrid and either a true two-piece for their composite or a true one piece bat and stop the bull. Don’t forget to visit My Baseball Bat Recommendations for my choices in each category.
Here’s the breakdown of the Louisville line-up:
Louisville Composite Bats
- TPX Triton – A 3-piece bat made with 100% composite material with Louisville’s stiff handle and a balanced design. The 2011 Triton is the exact same bat as the 2010 model, with the exception of a better paint job. I’ve only seen the 2011 Triton in a Senior or Youth model, nothing in the Adult -3. This bat has by far the largest barrel I’ve seen on a baseball bat. As I’ve stated in the past, it would be in Louisville’s best interest to either call this a multi-piece bat or stick to a true 1-piece design. Instead they continue to market it as a three-piece bat bonded together as a one-piece bat. I’ve hit with the Triton and seen it used in some youth games and it seems to hit well and has a great sound. You will rarely see it in a high school game. Even when composites were legal in the NCAACollege teams using Louisville bats choose the Exogrid, Omaha or H2 (in that order) and not the Triton. I recommend the Easton Speed for experienced players who want a 100% composite bat.
- TPX Dynasty Composite – This 100% 7C composite, one-piece bat has the Louisville stiff handle and a balanced design. This bat is the same bat as the 2010 Dynasty, 2009 Omaha Comp and 2008 Catalyst. Louisville has been playing musical chairs with the name of this bat and decided the old Dynasty name would make sense. I believe this bat is an excellent second tier composite bat choice for several reasons. First, it has a great price at $259 for the Adult -3 model. Second, it has a proven track record being a Catalyst/Omaha Comp. Third it’s a true one-piece bat! No claims of being bonded together to act like a one-piece bat. An excellent choice for those looking for a lower priced composite bat.
Louisville Hybrid Bats
- H2: There is a slight change to the 2011 H2 model. It’s a two piece bat that bonds the pieces together to make the claim that it’s a one piece bat (we’ve already covered this). The 100% composite handle is Louisville’s stiffest which is saying something, and barrel has been changed to Louisville’s new AC21 alloy, replacing their long running ST+20 alloy. It has a balanced swing weight design. The new alloy was added because it bonds together better with the composite handle, not because it provides better pop. I’m guessing they had one too many returns of a bat that broke in half at the “bonding” point. The Adult -3 model retails for $299 as it did last year. It’s not one of my top choices in the hybrid category, but still a decent bat.
- Exogrid: Louisville’s best selling bat is back for a 5th year. There is a slight change for 2011 as it too has changed to Louisville’s new AC21 alloy. The EXO has been Louisville’s best selling bat for the last few years and, quite honestly, has saved them from total disaster with the Triton and H2 debacles. Clearly their going to milk this golden goose for as long as possible because the Adult -3 continues to retail for an amazing $369. The really big news is Rawlings release of their own Exogrid in 2011 (see Rawlings reviews). It will be interesting to see if Louisville loses some sales because of this. In my opinion this bat is closer to a 100% alloy bat then a hybrid but with the carbon sleeve cut into the handle it’s in the hybrid category. I believe the price of this bat is way too high and I can’t recommend it when for an additional $30 I can get a 100% composite bat. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good bat but I just can’t recommend pulling the trigger at $369. If you love this bat find the 2010 model. It’s the same bat and will cost you a lot less money. It’s still a one piece, hybrid bat with some metal cut out of the handle and replaced with composite material. It comes with Louisville’s stiff handle and a balanced design. As mentioned earlier, most players on College teams who use Louisville bats swing the Exogrid.
Louisville Alloy Bats
- TPX Omaha: No it’s not the energizer bunny, its Louisville Omaha and it’s still going. It’s the same bat they’ve been making for the last ten years, with some new paint. It’s a one-piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle, a balanced design and the same ST-20 alloy. They did not make this bat with their new AC21 alloy, which makes it clear the new alloy is only intended to help the bonding on their hybrid bats. Amazingly, they have increased the price to $229 for the Adult -3 model. It was priced at $199 last year. It’s very odd that the price would go up on a very old design, not the smartest of moves. It’s a great choice for those who don’t want to break the bank. Many players on College teams with Louisville contracts prefer to use the Omaha instead of the Triton or H2.
Louisville makes quality bats but, as mentioned, they need to rethink their multi-piece design and marketing hype. They need to decide if they’re going to jump into the multi-piece bat market or not. If you’re coming out with a multi-piece design tell me it’s a multi-piece design and why that makes sense, or come out with a one-piece design and tell me why it’s better. Stop with the “bonded to be a one-piece bat” nobody believes it and that is why sales are lagging.
Here are Reviews of the Mattingly Baseball Bats
Mattingly has not produced ANY 2010 baseball bat models!!! They have absolutely no information on any 2010 model on their web site, no retailer (online or brick and mortar) is selling a 2010 Mattingly bat and their 2009 models are deeply discounted. I’m not sure what’s going on with the Mattingly brand but it can’t be a good sign. It would not surprise me if Mattingly bats become a thing of the past. Since I can’t review models that don’t exist, I’ve resurrected my reviews of their 2009 models to fill some space.
Okay, I’ll start by saying I hate the Yankees and therefore hate Don Mattingly. With that out of the way my review of these bats will be objective.
Mattingly bats main selling point is the V-Grip handle. The handle, somewhat shaped like a V, is designed to help you grip the handle correctly. Meaning your “door knocking knuckles” are aligned when grasping the handle. In my opinion, it’s the equivalent of the youth baseball gloves that have a notch to help kids close the glove better.
The problem is no kid in High School or College is going to be seen holding this bat, as they wouldn’t be seen wearing a glove with a notch in it. Quite frankly, any kid who’s reached puberty doesn’t want to be seen holding a V-Grip bat. It screams that the player is inexperienced and needs a crutch (sorry Donny, I’d say this even if you had played for a team I didn’t hate).
I’ve never seen these bats in the hands of a player at any age, anywhere. The bat reviews are below but my recommendation is to pass on Mattingly bats:
Mattingly Composite Bats
- Beast: one-piece bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. Besides the V-Grip they tout the Xtreme Weave Carbon construction for “maximum power and durability”. Needless to say I do not recommend this bat.
Mattingly Alloy Bats
%IMAGE%
- Ripped: 100% alloy, one piece bat with a stiff handle. Medium grade alloy (MB55Sc alloy) touting the same benefits as the Beast. It’s odd that two bats made out of completely different material have the exact same benefits. I do not recommend this bat.
- V Force: One piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle. This bat is only available in youth models and consists of alloy that’s been around for over 15 years (MB75 alloy). Unless you’re playing T-Ball there are better options.
Visit My Bat Recommendations for recommendations in each category and price range.
2010 Baseball Bats
The 2010 models have arrived but, for the most part, it’s a disappointing model year for baseball bats.
The only significant changes have come from Rawlings with the introduction of their 5150 series. Louisville and Nike did not make ANY changes to their 2009 line-up other than color. Combat only added Adult versions of their old bats, Easton and Demarini only made minor adjustments to their 2009 line-up of bats. I’d say the 2010 model year provides the perfect opportunity to purchase a 2009 model at a great price.
Here’s my opinion on what they’re saying about the 2010 bats. You can also get in-depth reviews by clicking on the corresponding tabs on the right side of the site.
2010 DEMARINI BASEBALL BATS
Other than a new option in the composite category that makes a lot of sense, not much new with the 2010 Demarini bats. Their new “buss word” for the 2010 model year is Silver Trace technology which claims to be a unique blend of carbon combined with the Silver Trace technology. It claims to be a bonding agent that adds strength to maximize power transfer to the barrel. In my opinion this is just an attempt to make it appear something is new.