How Good is The Goods & Other Tales of Bat Inflation
Marketing hype meets reality. 'The Goods' tests average, costs premium. Industry-wide grade inflation exposed. Every bat claims 'hottest ever.' Data says otherwise. Trust testing, not taglines.
The Bat Blog of All Bat Blogs
The longest running independent bat reviews since 2015. Insights, analysis, and data-driven content from the baseball and fastpitch world.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Learn more ›
The Best Bat For Home Defense
The best bat for home defense depends on the type of threat and defender, with options ranging from the indestructible Cold Steel Brooklyn Crusher to the versatile Streetwise Baton Light. While bats offer practicality and versatility in close encounters, considerations like weight, durability, and swing speed make choosing the right one crucial.
Wood Bat vs Metal Bat
Wood bats offer a traditional feel, can improve swing mechanics, and honor the sport’s heritage. Metal bats provide durability, a larger sweet spot, and more consistent performance, making the choice ultimately dependent on personal preference, skill level, and league rules.
4 Biggest Fastpitch Barrels
Barrel size differences among fastpitch bats are minimal, spanning about 1.5 inches and influenced by taper speed. While a larger barrel may slightly improve contact chances, factors like swing weight and overall quality have a far greater impact on performance.
Do USA Bats Get Better Each Year?
Some 2020 USA bats, like Easton’s ADV 360 and Rawlings’ VELO ACP, improved over their 2019 versions, while others, like the Quatro Drop 10, regressed. For a 10-year-old, the DeMarini Voodoo Balanced (29/19) is a top choice for performance, value, and ease of use without overspending.
LXT vs XENO | Slugger’s Fastpitch Head to Head
The Louisville Slugger Xeno and LXT fastpitch bats offer distinct features to suit different player preferences. This detailed comparison highlights their key differences, helping you choose the best bat for your game and budget.
What Bat Has The Most Pop? Find Out How To Find It
Exit velocity isn't everything. The best bat balances pop, sweet spot size, and feel. Spoiler: it's different for every player. Here's how to find yours.
The BBCOR Test Isn’t Broke and Other Things We Learned From Tracking NCAA Baseball Bats
Data from over 10,000 swings shows no clear performance differences among BBCOR, USSSA, USA, or fastpitch bats when measured in controlled cage settings. Factors like swing weight, scale weight, and balance point don’t consistently predict exit speeds, highlighting that the player’s skill and mechanics matter far more than the specific bat chosen.
Is the DeMarini CF Zen Illegal?
The 2017 CF Zen Drop 8 (2 5/8) and Drop 10 (2 3/4) USSSA bats were deemed illegal for excessive performance. Re-tooled versions with orange end caps were introduced to meet compliance, but the original models remain highly sought after for their unrivaled power.
Easton Ghost X vs Rawlings Quatro | Exit Velo Data
The Easton Ghost X and Rawlings Quatro face off in a detailed comparison of exit speeds, barrel size, and player preference. While both bats perform similarly, the Ghost X edges out with slightly better exit speed and a larger barrel, offering a smoother feel on mishits.