We get two general communication via admin@batdigest.com from our faithful readers. The first asks us which bat performs the best and the second tells us which bat performs the best. I always hesitate before responding to either---not because I haven't thought about the answer---because the answer isn't nearly as simple as people hope it is.
Models Overview
Let me give you one example to prove my point. How much does the paint job of a baseball bat effect on base percentage? Your knee jerk reaction is probably to say 'it doesn't'. Next question: What role does confidence play in hitting a baseball effectively? Your answer should be a lot. In fact, hitter confidence may be the most important things in attacking a pitch correctly and ultimately getting on base. Another question: can you imagine any scenario where a little leaguer might find more confidence at the plate because he thinks his bat looks cool? If you answered no, then I suggest you don't know many 11 year olds. Therefore, I ask the first question again, how much can the paint job of a baseball bat effect on base percentage?
Construction & Technology
We often have long conversations with bat manufacturers about how their bat is the best on the market because they somehow figured out a way to make the best performing bat while everyone else is behind the curve. We have come to expect this and are comfortable in saying it should be the case---bat companies should indeed think their bat is the best.
The Dirty South War bat company, it turns out, also thinks their bat is the best. And they have good reason to think so even compared to companies that dwarf them in distribution and marketing budgets. The Dirty South War is a stiff one piece composite design that allows for maximum power transfer to the ball on contact. The composite design gives durability and longevity to the bat's performance at peak powers. After using the bats for a couple weeks we have no reason to doubt they perform at anything but the allowable 1.15 standard. They sound like pure composite bats and their swing weight fits well with the biggest grouping of players.
The company also comes with a little bit of mystique. We suspect there are more than just a few players that might improve their confidence to swing big if they know they are holding a novel American made bat with high standards of quality control from company with a swarthy name. Further, the viral marketing of the bat via youtube videos adds to that reputation of a small manufacturer making big hitting bats.