The longest running independent bat reviews since 2015. Insights, analysis, and data-driven content from the baseball and fastpitch world.
USSSA bats consistently outperform USA bats, offering a 5 to 10% improvement in exit speed and total distance. This performance gap is attributed to differences in design standards, making USSSA bats a preferred choice for players seeking maximum power.
BBCOR didn't ruin college ball—it revealed bad hitters. Offense dropped initially, then recovered. USA standard follows same path. Wood-like performance separates wheat from chaff. Evolution, not extinction.
From the shift to BBCOR and USA standards to mergers, bankruptcies, and changing sales channels, the past decade transformed the baseball and softball bat landscape. This era saw established titans challenged by rising brands, performance standards tightened, and a growing reliance on online distribution—an upheaval that continues to shape bat innovation and consumer choice.
Bat compression tests assess barrel flexibility, but don't reliably predict performance or ball exit speeds, varying with design and factors beyond mere stiffness.
Combat's death, Easton's sale, pricing wars. The bat industry's brutal consolidation left five major players from dozens. Behind the scenes of baseball's equipment apocalypse.
Tracking bat usage at the LLWS regionals offers a clear picture of real player preferences outside the sponsored Williamsport environment. While Easton’s ADV 360 often leads, recent years have shown rising diversity with brands like Rawlings, Marucci, and Slugger gaining traction, reflecting evolving bat technology and player choice in USA Bat-compliant equipment.
The Easton Jaw Guard offers enhanced protection for hitters, seamlessly integrating with Easton helmets and meeting certification standards. Praised for its design and visibility, it provides players with added confidence and safety without obstructing their vision or comfort.
Swing weight, not just scale weight, is the most critical factor in determining a bat's performance, as it affects the ability to generate power and timing. Measuring swing weight involves complex calculations, including balance point and pendulum period, but is essential for selecting the right bat for optimal results.
He who hath ears to hear...
Bat companies, big and small, don't publicize BBCOR test exit velocities, missing an opportunity to clarify performance claims and set industry transparency standards.