11 Best Wood Bats Reviews (Baseball) 2019 | The Ultimate Buyer Guide
Fact:
Wooden baseball bats have no comparison when it comes to durability and quality. These bats use the tough wood material of various types. So, you are sure about your win. The density of such wood gives a heavier feel. This heaviness results in the better pop effect.
Problem:
Most of the wood bats use maple, birch ash, or bamboo material for their manufacturing. They are carefully designed to provide you with the best hit. But the problem is how to choose the best wood bats (Baseball)?
Way out:
In the write up below, we are going to discuss some of the best wood bats. Each of them has its own features and specs which we will be debating thoroughly.
Let’s begin!
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11 Best Wood Bat Reviews
1. The Nobel Collection - Harley Quinn Baseball Bat Prop Replica
The Harley Quinn Baseball Bat Prop has been officially authorized by Warner Brothers and DC Comics.
This bat is a replica of the bat used by the pop-culture legend Harley Quinn. It is a high-quality replica and is perfect for authentic cosplay. It is made from hardwood with a weight of about 2.82 pounds. Nevertheless, it is themed after one of the most badass DC Comics characters.
It further serves as a symbol of empowerment for young women. It is great for people interested in DC Comics and the character of Harley Quinn. This bat serves more as a collector's item, great for show and the occasional soft swing. But it cannot deliver in the field because it was never meant to.
2. Louisville Slugger Natural Baseball Bat
Louisville Slugger is the Official Bat of Major League Baseball and the number one name in all things baseball. They are known for manufacturing of some of the renowned bats, gloves and other baseball equipment worldwide.
The pure black finish gives the bat a very sleek and undeniably attractive look. Further, its white ash construction means that it is very lightweight and flexible. This means that there is less strain on your arms and you can spend long hours out on the pitch.
This bat is suited for people who spend a lot of time doing cage practice. In fact, it can even be used for games. It has a great pop.
3. Mizuno 2014 Classic Bamboo Wood Baseball Bat
Mizuno is a name that is a staple of sporting equipment all over the US. They manufacture goods for all sports including baseball, basketball, softball, golf, track, field, and volleyball.
It is a natural bat with a classic design and feels. Mizuno delivers high durability with this exceptional piece. It is considered to be one of the top training bats. The bat has an extended lifespan.
This Mizuno product features a sanded handle, this was meant to provide remarkable grip but fails to do so. It is suited for high school and collegiate players. The grip can be quite slippery and may need to be replaced with lizard skin soon after purchase.
4. Easton S1 Hybrid Maple/Bamboo Wood Baseball Bat
Easton is the world’s leading manufacturer of baseball and softball equipment and one of the most iconic brands as far as these sports are concerned.
This bat features incredible balance and pop. The design of the bat functions to augment the speed of each stroke delivered. The Easton S1 hybrid is an incredibly functional bat. It is known for its durable bamboo core and a maple barrel.
This hybrid combination allows the different woods to work in cohesion to deliver energy most efficiently from the handle to the barrel and then onto the ball. It also has a cupped-end cap that makes every swing lighter and freer.
5. DeMarini D271 Pro Maple Composite Baseball Bat
The DeMarini name is associated with remarkable innovations in the world of baseball equipment. They are trendsetters with their sleek and functional designs taking over the world in a matter of a few years.
This bat has a cupped end that adds to the light feel of the bat. It also helps to increase the speed of every stroke delivered. The DeMarini D271 is known for its remarkable performance and unmatched durability. The bat owes its longevity to the frame of the bat and the composite core.
Furthermore, the cup ends further functions to enhance and improve the balance of the bat as well. The single wall construction and standard knob make it a great choice for high schools and college level players.
6. Marucci AP5 Maple Baseball Bat
Marucci was a brand developed to create equipment by players for the players, and this provides them with an acute insight into what the players require from their equipment. It also allows them to deliver fully.
This Marucci product has been a remarkable addition to the ranks of baseball bats. It sets a new standard for quality and power. This bat features professional-level wood that helps you play like a professional player. It is excellent for players that love to put power into their every swing and is great for some hard and heavy bashing.
It has a large and incredibly dominating barrel with a knob created to allow more control. This allows each swing to be hard and precise, which is all anyone needs from a bat.
7. Easton S2 Birch Wood Baseball Bat
This bat features a hand-split professional grade maple. This thing results in a straighter grain effect. Also, the maple wood makes it hard. So, this will let you use it for a long time. This bat has a barrel size of 2 5/8 inches. With a larger sweet spot, it will give a better hitting option.
Not only this, the bat has a laser engraved barrel with a cupped end. It gives an optimum level of balance as you hit. Also, it is tested for grain straightness by pro ink dot test.
8. Marucci JB19 Maple Baseball Bat
A great bat for anyone obsessed with maple baseball bats.This bat by Marucci uses maple wood in its construction.
It has a traditional knob. You will feel comfortable with its medium category handle. It gives you a balanced feel as you hit the ball. Not only this, the bat is hand-crafted from a top quality maple material. This thing ensures its durability for a long time.
Also, this bat is bone rubbed for its ultimate wood density. This is an ideal bat for those who have the know-how of using a wooden baseball bat. With its good price, it is one of the top wood bats for professional hitters.
9. Marucci Chase Utley Pro Model Maple Baseball Bat, CU26
This CU26 bat comes with a thin handle with a traditional knob. It also features the traditional barrel. This bat gives a good amount of pop. Featuring a balanced feel, this bat gives you with the solid hits. The hand-crafted quality of the bat increases its durability.
Also, this bat is bone rubbed for its ultimate wood density. For those players having more experience of hitting wood, this bat is great to buy. It has an affordable price for the great strength.
10. DeMarini D243 Pro Maple Composite Baseball Bat
A DeMarini baseball bat is an ideal choice for those players wanting a great mass.This bat by DeMarini is a name of durability. It combines the characteristics of composite materials and pro maple. Together, they give you a top-notch performance.
These bats have a great pop. Not only this, they are for advanced wood bat leagues as well as serious baseball training.
Unlike many others, this bat features Urethane foam grip. This thing makes you hold it firmly as you hit. The strength of this bat can be seen by its Canadian hard maple material. That is what increases its overall performance and good delivery.
11. Rawlings Velo Composite Pro Wood Baseball Bat
This Velo bat by Rawlings has a weight drop ratio of -3. It has a medium Velo barrel design which makes it suitable for the perfect hit. This bat features maple/bamboo material. Together, they make it a harder and stiffer bat. Not only this, the bat is BBCOR 0.50 certified.
This bat comes with a good balance. So, this makes it useful to use by little players as well. The Rawlings Company is giving this bat with a warranty claim of 90 days. If there is an issue with it, you can always return or exchange it.
Baseball Wood Bat Buying Guide
Check the league's regulations and requirements before buying any bat. Having a good bat will contribute towards your win. Here are few tips which you can follow;
Which wood is best?
It depends on the performance value of the wood and its lifespan. There are maple, ash, birch and bamboo materials used in the construction of wooden bats.
Maple bats have tight grain structure. They are denser than others and have higher pop. They don’t flake any sooner. Their durability is the cause of their popularity.
Ash bats are light in weight and more flexible. They create a trampoline effect upon contact with the ball. They usually have larger sweet spots. Most of them are from Northern White Ash.
Birch also features a tight grain structure. They have light flexes. Also, they have enough strength.
Bamboo bats are also very strong. They have high density. They also offer high pop. They are popular because of their lightweight.
So, it depends on the need for the player to choose among them.
Size of the bat
Size matters a lot when it comes to buying the most suitable wood bat. Size in terms of weight should balance out the height of the player. For this, we have a chart which shows how you can find the right bat.
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Ink Dot Test
There is a test with the name of ‘’ ink dot test ‘’. It basically tells the slope of the grain. If the grains run straight along the edge, there is a lesser chance of bat breaking. So, a bat should be ink dot tested which you are buying.
Weight
Check the weight drop value of the bat. It is in a negative number. The more negative it is, the lighter will be the bat. This thing helps in the fast swing.
Baseball Wood Bat Buying FAQs
Q1. What is the sweet spot of the bat and where is it?
The sweet spot is the point where the bat hits the ball. It is at about 2’’ from the end of the barrel to about 6-7’’ on an adult bat. Larger sweet spots often help in better hitting. More barrel size leads to larger sweet spot.
Q2. Are there any warranties on wooden baseball bats?
Yes, most of the companies selling these bats give a warranty claims. They may last from 3-4 months up to a year. This allows you to set your bat. If you are not comfortable with your bat, you can always return it or exchange with another one.
Q3. What is the ink dot test in wooden bats?
Ink dot test indicates the slope of the grain. It is now a mandatory thing for all the companies to place it. It follows the grain structure. It makes sure that the grain does not deviate more than 3 degrees in any direction. This is the maximum deviation allowed by leagues. A bat with greater than 3 degrees is prone to breaking.
Q4. What are the cupped end and no cup meaning?
An indentation with no more than 2’’ in diameter and 1’’ deep in the barrel is a cup. They are for controlling the balance of the bat. Also, it helps to remove some of the weight from the bat. Otherwise, it would be heavier. Most of the bats have cupped ends. But, it depends on the player.
Q5. What is meant by the length of the baseball bats and how to choose the perfect length for one’s self?
Baseball bats come in a variety of lengths, and each player has to choose according to his height and age. Those players who are taller and heavier ideally select long and heavier bats. This is because they can have the advantage of swing power.
Small height and younger players choose lighter bats with small lengths to make a quick swing with better control. Note that the length and weight are often together expressed as a ratio. This means that a bat with a rate of 20/33 will weight 20 ounces and length of 33 inches.
The length of the bat also varies according to the age of the player. We can see in the chart below.
Q6. How should I take care of my bat?
To protect your bat, take the following precautions;
- Keep it away from moisture and cold. The moisture will degrade the life of its wood. It will make it less poppy and will soon be useless.
- Keep it indoors or at room temperature.
- Check regularly for any damages. It is good to timely know the damage so you may change it under warranty.
- Limit your bat to hit for games only. Hitting it for any other purpose will reduce its lifetime.
Q7. Usually ash and maple wooded baseball bats are available. So, what is the fundamental difference between them?
Both ash and maple are known for their high quality and durability. Most of the ash wood bats are made of northern ash. They are very durable and less expensive as compared to the maple bats. Maple bats are also known for their long-lasting and robust material.
Not only that ash and maple are available. There are bamboo baseball bats too. They are also very light in weight and durable to last for a long time. Also, they are environmentally friendly. But, a major disadvantage of them is that they don’t have that pop as of maple and ash. So, they are not much recommended for the use by professionals.
Q8. Which of the following is better? Ash, maple or birch?
Each of them has its own advantage in some way;
If you take the balls off the end of the bat, white ash is good for you. It has a bigger hitting area on the barrel. Maple is a dense wood. It drives the ball better. When you want flex, birch is a good choice for you.
Q9. What are the rules and regulations of the wooden baseball bats?
It varies from league to league in which you are participating. You should refer to your league association for that. All of them require your bats to be of wood or wood composite materials.
If you are considering a game in high school or college level, it should be BBCOR certified.
Q10. What is flame tempering process in the baseball bats?
Flame tempering is the process of burning the surface of the bat. It was to make the bat tougher. But, now it is commonly for aesthetics.
Wrap-Up
So far, some of the best wood bats (baseball) are reviewed for your guidance. They are stiffer, harder and durable. Among all the wood types, maple and ash are commonly manufactured by baseball bats. But, bamboo and birch are also becoming popular in the bats manufacturing industry.
Some coaches say that if you can hit with a wooden bat, you cannot hit with any bat. But for that, getting the right type of bat is very important. This includes its quality, grip, barrel size and most importantly the length. Also, certification from leagues is the most important thing to consider if you’re looking for a professional bat.
