We've hit with the Baum bat for several years. Our first experience was in 2016 when we got one from JustBats and took it for a spin. Our hitters didn't like it, thinking hurt their hands too much and had too small a sweet spot. In 2020 Baum has had a sort of resurgence. Thinking something might have changed, we went out a bought our own. With rather high expectations, we took it for a spin. But, unfortunately, our hitters weren't nearly as impressed as some of the reviews we read online. They did like the idea of an indestructible wood bat. But, none of our hitters would choose the Baum Bat (white label 32/29) they tried over their aluminum or composite bat.
Models Overview
We were entirely surprised by the idea that the Baum Bat swings balanced. It isn't light, but it is by no means an end-loaded bat. Our hitters liked how easy it was to swing. Additionally, they liked how it is all but indestructible---so those required to swing wood bats could find a home in here.
Baum Bats may be the most popular bat in the lower levels of Minor League baseball. Their durability, MiLB approval, and wood bat-like performance make them a perfect fit for organizations uninterested in cutting down an entire forest and spending an entire bank account, on wood bats. As such, if you are a MiLB player where this composite-wood bat is approved, then the Baum Bat is a near-perfect fit.
Construction & Technology
We will save you a lesson in physics here. In short, the Baum bat consists of an Ash outer shell, a fiber-resin (think fiberglass plastic) second layer, and a super-secret foamy plastic inner layer. There is no hollow core in the bat which, if we understand it correctly, is part of the reason it is allowed in a number of other leagues that other so-called wood composite bats are not.
Comparable Bats
There are a few other bats on the market which claim they are composite-wood. However, not all of these bats are created equal---not necessarily in terms of performance, but in terms of pure construction. Any bat using a combination of composite materials and wood are lumped in a broad category of composite-wood bats.
For example, although designed entirely differently, Axe's Composite Maple Wood is also a composite-wood bat. DeMarini also makes one called the Corn-Dog. Both are intended to create a super durable wood-like experience. Both, as has been our experience, work to some extent. However, we'd be hard pressed to provide any proof they have anywhere near the uptake or maker acceptance as the Baum Composite-Wood Bat. The Baum Bat simply dominates the space.