Apr032009
Shopping for baseball bats is as confusing as algebra
Filed under AAU Sports, Baseball, Equipment, Gadgets, General, Spring Sports, Summer Sports by bob hammerstrom at 1:55 pm
If your son comes home from baseball practice and says he wants a “drop three,” don’t panic. He’s not a born loser or a gambler - just a baseball player wanting a new bat.
Baseball bats come in many lengths and weights. They’re made of aluminum, wood, and many other composite materials. And, as with many other products, “you get what you pay for.” High end bats for serious ball players, and/or parents with big money to spend, can be purchased at sporting goods stores like Indianhead Athletics in Manchester, N.H., M&N Sports in Nashua, N.H., and Sports Authority. There are also online businesses, like Eastbay and Baseball Express, that carry just about every bat made.
For the young Little Leaguers, the inexpensive bats at the retail stores will do just fine. As your child gets older and plays AAU baseball or softball, their needs and wants will increase. The drop (-3) simply stands for the difference between the length and weight. At bat can be 33 inches long, and weigh 30 ounces, or 32 inches and 29 ounces - the latter being the most popular size for those players transitioning to high school teams. One ounce can make a huge difference in the bat speed of their swing against a pitcher throwing 75-80 m.p.h.
Driven by the “pop” of the fancy bats, it won’t be long before you drop a few hundred dollars on a new Easton - Stealth or Louisville Slugger - Exogrid bat. My son prefers the Exo, otherwise known as the “cow bat.” The bat got its nickname, from the black spots on the white bat made a couple years ago.
Each year the bats’ color change, as well as the marketing tactics. Don’t be determined to buy next year’s model at twice the price. It may be no different than this year’s, with a different paint job. You’ll find some good deals on ebay for last years models.
Key things to consider when buying a new bat:
*Don’t buy a heavier bat than what is needed. The extra weight only slows down the bat speed.
*Buy the bat from a business where it can be returned if needed. Warranties are usually one year on the better bats. Believe it or not, they do break occasionally.
*Consider last year’s model at half the price. Remember, it was the newest model only a year ago!
Once you have your new bat, don’t use it in cold weather. Use a wood bat, or older aluminum. The composites in the better bats can’t handle the cold. Also, remember to protect your new bat with a cover or store in a bat bag. A simple dent from dropping it, or missuse, can ruin it.
-Bob Hammerstrom
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