Unbiased and comprehensive baseball bat reviews that cut through the clutter and hype. A must read for anyone who will purchase a baseball bat.

The Baseball Bat Reviews Blog is dedicated to providing you with quality information on baseball bats for the sole purpose of helping you make an informed decision. This site is run independently of any baseball bat manufacturer or retailer and prides itself in offering an independent non-biased opinion.

Purchasing a baseball bat can be an agonizing and expensive experience. I’ve learned the hard way over the last 13 years with good, bad and horrific experiences purchasing a bat. One day I came to the frightening realization of how much money I’d spent on baseball bats for my sons, and decided it was time to understand the industry and pass along the knowledge.

This site will help answer some of the confusing questions about baseball bats, including:

• The differences between composite and aluminum (alloy) material
• The differences between one and two-piece bats
• The differences between an end-loaded and balanced bat
• The differences between a flex and stiff handle bat
• The differences between the major manufacturer’s line-ups
• Diffusing the spin and hype the manufacturers throw at us, such as: “the same fibers as found in bullet proof vests” and “utilizes aerospace technology”

You can navigate through the site by clicking the links under the categories or recent posts tab on the right side of the page. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: baseball, Baseball Bat Reviews, bats, combat, composite, DeMarini, easton, louisville, nike, review

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama, along with every college under contract with Nike, has been released from its obligation to use Nike baseball bats in the upcoming season.

Alabama requested that Nike allow the school to use other manufacturers’ bats following the 2010-11 season.

The move came after a Tuscaloosa News report in May revealed a striking difference in the performance of Nike bats as compared to other manufacturers.

A search of the Nike Store online Monday showed that the company no longer sells bats certified for college use on its website. Nike released a statement Tuesday stating that it is still committed to selling bats and that the company continues to believe in the technology used in their production.

While using the Nike bats last year, Alabama hit just 23 home runs, down from an average of 86.6 over the previous three seasons.

The effects, though, were not specific to The Capstone. Of the top 20 team leaders in home runs this past season, none used Nike bats. Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, North Carolina and Southern Cal – all Nike schools – showed signs of substandard offensive performance. Prior to the 2010-11 season, Miami had not missed the postseason this millennium, reaching the College World Series five times. The Hurricanes blasted an average of more than 93 home runs a season from 2008-2010. This past year Miami hit just 33.

The power numbers of all six schools known to swing Nike bats in 2010-11 were well behind the national average. Home runs were 20 percent lower and slugging percentages 44 percent lower than the NCAA as a whole.

Alabama head coach Mitch Gaspard said his team will use fall practice to test out bats from other manufacturers. So far, players have swung everything short of an Easton bat, which will arrive this week.

“We’re still in the evaluation stage,” Gaspard said of the process. “We’ll narrow down our choices in the next three weeks and talk to our players about what they like.

“Right now they’re kind of like kids in a candy store checking everything out.”

Under the revised agreement with Nike, Alabama can use other bats so long as it does not sign a contract or sponsorship with another manufacturer. By not being locked into a contract with a specific manufacturer, UA has the flexibility to use a number of different bats simultaneously and change at any point in the season.

“Nike is allowing partner schools and athletes the freedom of choice in baseball bats for the 2011-2012 school year,” Nike said in a statement released Tuesday. “We believe in our technology and look forward to seeing it continue to perform on the field of play.”

Gaspard said the university will continue to use all other Nike apparel and field equipment

Technorati Tags: "nike baseball bat reviews", bats, college, commitment, contract, nike, Nike Bats, nike bbcor bats, released, teams

The Speed Series Bats:

• S1 – Two-Piece IMXTM Composite

• S2 – Two-Piece IMXTM Composite/THT100TM Scandium Alloy

• S3 – One-Piece THT100TM Scandium Alloy

The XL Series Bats:

• XL1 – Two-Piece IMXTM Composite

• XL2 – Two-Piece IMXTM Composite/THT100TM Scandium Alloy

• XL3 – One-Piece THT100TM Scandium Alloy

Technorati Tags: bat, bats, brigade, easton, easton power brigade, power, Reviews, s1, s2, s3, series, speed, xl, xl1, xl2, xl3

EASTON BASEBALL BATS Easton is far ahead of the competition when it comes to BBCOR. They are the only manufaturer with a BBCOR 100% composite bat. They continue to push their two-piece design in their top tier bats. Their bats only seem to be available in stiff handle designs. This is a big change as Easton pushed flex handles for years. They started offering both flex and stiff handle editions of the same model in 2010, and now seem to have moved only to stiff handles.

Easton Omen BBCOR A two-piece bat made of 100% composite material with a stiff handle. The only BBCOR approved 100% composite bat. It’s made with Easton’s IMX composite and is slightly end loaded (MOI rating of 80). This bat is very similar to the Easton Speeds, but made to BBCOR specifications. It is an extremely popular bat for experienced players at every level. The Adult -3 retails for $399.

Easton Surge BBCOR This two-piece bat, with Easton’s IMX composite handle and their new THT 100 alloy barrel, has a stiff handle and balanced design with a MOI rating of 70. Essentially, it’s the old SV12 with a new alloy barrel. This is another extremely popular Eaton bat. The lower MOI (swing weight) makes it popular at all experience levels. The Adult -3 model retails for $299.

Easton Rival BBCOR A one-piece bat made of 100% alloy and a stiff handle design. It has the lowest swing weight of the top Eason bats (MOI 60) and is made with their new THT 100 alloy. It is similar to the older V12 which was never popular. Most go to Eaton for the two-bat design and their one-piece models do not get much attention. The Adult -3 model retails for $199.

DEMARINI BASEBALL BATS

Like the others, Demarini is scrambling to put out BBCOR bats. While the current CF4 and Vendetta C6 are approved for play in 2011, they will not be allowed in 2012. Demarini is sticking to their bread and butter, two-piece, flex handle bats with their “half and half” technology. Here’s a look at their 2012 BBCOR bats:

Demarini BBCOR CF5

The change to make it BBCOR compliant is the new “Tri Strut TR3 composite material”, otherwise it’s the same design as the CF4 & CF3. Demarini is claiming a new “triangle formation” but it’s just hype around the new material needed to make it BBCOR certified. It’s a two-piece design with a flex handle and light swing weight. Most college players stayed away from the CF4 due to it’s light (or too light) swing weight. The Adult -3 retails for $399.

Demarini BBCOR Voodoo

A two-piece, single wall hybrid baseball bat with a flex handle and slightly end-loaded design. The handle is made with Demarini’s pitch black composite material and the barrel with their SC4 alloy. It is Demarini’s top tier hybrid bat. It is great choice for those looking for a top tier hybrid bat. The Adult -3 retails for $299.99 putting it in line with the other top tier hybrid bats.

Demarini BBCOR Vexxum

The old standby Vexxum, a two-piece hybrid bat with a balanced design and flex handle. It has Demarini’s C6 composite handle and a SC4 alloy barrel. It is a solid choice for those looking for a low cost hybrid bat with a great reputation. The Adult -3 retails for $199.99.

Demarini BBCOR Versus

The Versus provides a different approach for Demarini. It is a 100% alloy bat that doesn’t have a taper ring (a bump). This is a big change as Demarini hasn’t showcased a 100% alloy bat and has always used the taper ring design. Although it looks like a on-piece bat, it is a two-piece design using Demarini’s SC4 alloy. But they’re not done with the changes! It has a stiff handle which is different than the other Demarini bats that have a flex handle design. The Versus is slightly end-loaded and the Adult -3 retails for $199.

LOUISVILLE BASEBALL BATS

Louisville was a little slow out of the BBCOR gates, but they seemed to have caught up. They are the second manufacturer to release a 100% composite BBCOR model . The Exogrid 2 has also hit the shelves with minor revisions. The Triton will be allowed in most High Schools for 2011 only.

Louisville TPX Z-1000 (BBCOR)

Louisville’s first BBCOR approved certified 100% composite bat. The new composite material is called LS-2X. It’s has a one-piece design with a stiff handle and a balanced swing weight. Their pitch is that “two inner discs” create just enough barrel flex to produce good pop, but limit it enough to pass the new BBCOR legal limit. Louisville has finally done well on their top tier composite entry and should compete with Easton and Demarini in this category. It’s one of the few 100% composite BBCOR options. The Adult -3 retails for $369.

Louisville Exogrid 2 (BBCOR)

For all intense and purposes the 2012 Exogrid 2 is very similar to Louisville’s best selling bat for the last 6 years. It’s a hybrid bat with an alloy barrel so there wasn’t much needed to be done to make it BBCOR compliant. The change for 2010 is the addition of the “Power Disc Technology”. Two independent discs are positioned inside the barrel to supposedly allow for peak performance around the sweetspot, and provide an oversized hitting surface and balanced swing weight. Like most claims, this is more hype than any real benefit. It’s the same technology, a one-piece design with carbon composite inserts in the handle and the same AC21 alloy barrel material. The real news is that the price has gone down to $299 for the Adult -3 making it a viable option in the hybrid category.

Louisville Omaha (BBCOR)

It’s the long running Omaha that we’ve seen for the last ten years now as a BBCOR. It’s a one-piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle, a balanced design and Louisville’s older ST-20 alloy. This bat, while a good choice for those looking for a 100% alloy bat, will not be seen much at the high school or above levels. The Adult -3 model retails for $199.

RAWLINGS BASEBALL BATS

Here’s all Rawlings has in the BBCOR category:

Rawlings 5150 BBCOR Composite

A two-piece 100% composite bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. This is Rawling’s first bat with a multi-wall barrel. The Adult -3 model retails for $349.99 putting it in the low end composite category.

Rawlings 5150 Machine BBCOR

A two-piece hybrid bat with with a flex handle and slightly end-loaded design. The barrel is the same 5150 alloy as the 5150 alloy, and the handle has the same 5150 composite as the 5150 composite bat. The difference, other than the hybrid design, is the flex handle (2x the flex of the other 5150′s) and the end-loaded design. The Adult -3 model retails for $299.99 which is in line with the other top tier hybrid bats.

Rawlings 5150 BBCOR Exogrid with Ph. D Features

Yes, the design for this bat is very similar to Louisville’s Exogrid. It is a one-piece bat with a carbon sleeve inserted into the handle. It is made from Rawlings 5150 alloy, has a stiff handle and a balanced design. The Ph. D feature is supposed to reduce handle vibrations. As I’ve mentioned before, go with the original Louisville Exogrid if you like this design.

Rawlings 5150 Velo BBCOR

The next generation 5150 alloy bat. It’s a single wall, one-piece, stiff handle bat with a balanced design. It is made from Rawlings 5150 alloy. The Velo technology claims to have increased the barrel size. The adult -3 model retails for $249.99. Way too high a price in my opinion. I’d recommend the Omaha or Surge in this category.

Rawlings 5150 BBCOR Alloy

It’s a single wall, one-piece, stiff handle bat with a balanced design. The Adult -3 retails for $199, the same as the Omaha or Surge, and as mentioned, these are better options.

Technorati Tags: 2012 baseball bat reviews, Baseball Bat Reviews, bat reviews, bbcor, cf5, Combat Bats, Demarini Bats, Easton Bats, omen, z 1000

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
December 30, 2010

Little League International has placed a moratorium on the use of composite bats in the Little League (Majors) Division and all other baseball divisions of Little League, effective immediately.

“Today’s decision of the Little League International Board of Directors Executive Committee is based on scientific research data from the University of Massachusetts (Lowell), which was contracted by Little League Baseball,” Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “The maximum performance standard for non-wood bats in the divisions for 12-year-olds and below is a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.15. The research found that composite bats, while they may meet the standard when new, can exceed that standard after a break-in process.”

Local Little Leagues were first informed of the research last September.

“From the beginning, and throughout this process, we wanted to keep everyone informed,” Patrick W. Wilson, Vice President of Operations at Little League International, said. “Our intent was to provide local league constituents clear direction regarding composite bats. There is a process through which manufacturers can submit individual models for a possible waiver if they wish to seek it. Going forward, we will let our leagues know which ones meet the standards for the Little League Baseball (Majors) 12-and-under divisions, if any.”

On Sept. 1, Little League International placed a moratorium on composite bats in the Junior, Senior, and Big League Baseball Divisions of Little League. Subsequent to that moratorium, some composite bat models have received a waiver and may be used in those divisions. Information on the composite bats that have received waivers for the Junior, Senior, and Big League Baseball Divisions of Little League may be found here:

http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/approvedcompbats.htm

At present, no composite bats for the Little League (Majors) Division and below have received a waiver. If and when any models do receive a waiver, Little League International will inform its leagues of that decision.

The moratorium on composite bats, which now applies to all baseball divisions of Little League, does not apply to any softball divisions of Little League.

A moratorium on the use of composite bats in the Junior, Senior, and Big League Baseball Divisions of Little League was enacted on Aug. 27, 2010, by the Little League International Board of Directors, effective immediately. The moratorium shall be in effect until further notice by Little League International.

The moratorium covers all games and practices only in the three divisions referenced above. It closely follows a similar moratorium approved in July 2010 by the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS), based on a recommendation from its Baseball Rules Committee. The NFHS Board enacted a rule to prohibit the use of composite bats until they can produce consistent compliance with the standards through the life of the bat.

Waivers of the moratorium may be considered by Little League International in certain circumstances. For 2011, a manufacturer may apply for a waiver of the moratorium for a particular model of composite bat if all of the requirements for a waiver, as established by Little League International, are satisfied. Composite bats that are certified by an approved independent testing laboratory as meeting the current Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR), and the Accelerated Break-In (ABI) procedure, will be eligible for the waiver in 2011. Little League International will provide a list of bat models, if any, that receive waivers of the moratorium.

Not covered under the Little League moratorium are wood bats, metal bats, or bats that have composite materials in the handle only. A composite bat is one that has a metal shell, but a woven composite of fibers on the inside of the barrel portion of the bat.

“Currently, the moratorium on composite bats does not apply to the Little League Baseball (Majors) Division and below, nor does it apply to any division of softball,” Patrick W. Wilson, Vice President of Operations at Little League International, said. “Little League International, in consultation with independent experts, anticipates being able to provide local league constituents clear direction regarding composite bats in the Little League Baseball (Majors) 12-and-under divisions, prior to the start of the 2011 season.”

The rule changed is NFHS 1.3.2, which requires (starting 1/1/11) all non-wood bats to meet the Batted Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) standard.  This is a much stricter standard than the old BESR standard.

So why is this happening? According to the NFHS, “the new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities”. They say “After working with the NCAA and having access to its research, we’ve concluded it’s in our best interest to make this change”. “BBCOR includes the BESR standard, so we’re actually expanding upon our current standard, which will be more appropriate for our age and skill level.

It is expected that many composite barrel bats will not meet the new BBCOR standard and will not be legal in 2011. While composite handles are OK, most composite barrels won’t make the cut. Here’s a list of the current bats that “seem” to be approved for now http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=4155. Oddly enough, they’re all Demarini’s.

This rule change is based on research done by the direction of the NCAA. This research found that composite barrel bats, over time, fell out of compliance with the BESR standard. BESR measures the ball exit speed. Specifically, over time, the composite barrel bats were shown to have increased ball exit speed of 10 to 15 mph faster than what is allowed when broken in.

Now, manufacturers may come up with composite barreled bats that meet the new BBCOR standard and the NCAA could lift its ban. However, the issue is that the bats change significantly (for the better if you are a hitter) over time. So, we don’t see the NCAA allowing these bats again. Since the NCAA has done the research, we would expect the NFHS to use it to ban the composite barrel bats, too.

As mentioned, this will certainly stand the baseball bat world on its head.  The baseball bat manufacturers are hard at work to make the best quality bats that fit within these new standards available for the 2011 season. Youth baseball is fine for now but is sure to follow. See the NFHS’s press releases on this topic here.

The majority of the 2011 bats have hit the market. Although there hasn’t been a lot of change from the 2010 models, there has been some change. More detailed information will be posted in the reviews for each manufacturer, and in My Baseball Bat Recommendations will provide my recommendations in each category. Take a look at the listings on the right side to check them out. Here are the 2011 baseball bats:

2011 COMBAT BASEBALL BATS

Combats first steps in 2010 have been backwards. They’re trying to recover from a poor 2011 model year by bringing back what created the buzz a few years ago in a new name and package.

Combat B3

It appears Combat has abandoned the B2 and its and is essentially bringing back the B1 as the B3.  The B2′s nanocomp and MAP technologies have disappeared, essentially making this bat very similiar if not identical to the B1. As of early March it only appears to be available in youth models. It has the same single wall, stiff handle balanced design.

2011 EASTON BASEBALL BATS

I have to hand it to Easton. The NCAA bans composite bats in college baseball, so what does Easton do? The re-adjust their Stealth Speed, 100 % composite bat, and get it approved! It is the first composite bat that is approved for use in the upcoming 2010 NCAA season. If I’m ever indicted for murder my first choice for someone to represent me is Easton. These guys will do anything to sell a bat. But after this news it looks like their remaining 2011 bats are a repeat of the 2010 models. You can pre-order the bats now but they do not go on sale until April 3. Oh yeah, I’m not crazy about the look of the 2011 Easton line-up. It’s a sophomoric look that makes the bats look cheap.

Easton Stealth Speed II BSS1, BSS2 and BSS3

Let’s start with the BSS1 and BSS2. These are identical to the 2010 Easton Speed bats. They are 100% composite, two-piece bat with a slightly end-loaded design (MOI of 80). The difference between the BSS1 and BSS2 is the handle flex. The BSS1 has a flex handle (75) and the BSS2 a stiff handle (95). The BSS3 is Easton’s answer to the NCAA’s composite bat ban. They most likely re-layered the composite material in a manner where it does not break in any farther. The NCAA’s concern was that the BESR rating for a new composite bat crossed the line once it broke in a month or so later. This apparently solves the problem. Like the other Speed II’s it is a 100 composite two-piece bat with a MOI of 80. It is only available in a 33” model and there is no reason to purchase the BSS3 unless you’re in college. The BSS1/2 have white grips while the BSS3 has a black grip. This was probably done to distinguish the one approved for college play. They all retail for $399 for the Adult -3 model.

Easton Surge XL

Say hello to the SV12. The Surge is the SV12 with a different label and color. It’s a two-piece bat with a composite handle, Easton’s V12 alloy barrel, and a balanced design (MOI of 70). I’ve only seen the stiff handle version, but I’m assuming there will be a flex handle version also. The Adult -3 model retails for $299, the same as the SV12 last year.

Easton Rival XL

The Rival is identical to the 2010 V12. A 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle and low swing weight (MOI) of 60. I’ve only seen the Senior model at the present time. I’d guess the Adult -3 will retail for $199, as the 2010 V12 did.

2011 Demarini Baseball Bats

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Demarini’s line-up has been popular over the last several years and they’ve decided not to mess with it for the 2011 model year. They’re sticking to their bread and butter, two-piece, flex handle bats with their “half and half” technology. The only change being the “rotation index”. These are markings on the handle to help you grip the bat in a different spot and supposedly prolong bat life. Here’s a look at their 2011 bats:

CF4

The CF4 is a two-piece, double wall, 100% composite bat with a flex handle and extremely low swing weight (MOI). It is made with Demarini’s top tier composite, pitch black and is identical to the 2010 model. They say they added more silver trace technology, but they made the same claim last year. It’s made with Demarini’s pitch black plus composite, half and half technology and “hub” end cap. The CF4 is very popular but some do not like the extremely low swing weight. The Adult -3 retails for $399.99 putting it in the high end composite category. If you like this bat you can save a few dollars by finding the gold 2010 model.

Vendetta C6

The C6 is a two-piece, single wall, 100% composite bat with a flex handle and balanced design. It is made with Demarini’s second tier composite material, C6 and, hence, is their second tier composite bat. As the others, it is identical to the 2010 model. The Adult -3 retails for $299.99 putting it in line with the other second tier composite bats.

Voodoo Black

The Voodoo Black is a two-piece, single wall hybrid baseball bat with a flex handle and balanced design. The handle is made with Demarini’s pitch black composite material and the barrel with their SC4 alloy. It is Demarini’s top tier hybrid bat, and is identical to the 2010 Voodoo (except for a new knob). The Adult -3 retails for $299.99 putting it in line with the other top tier hybrid bats. Same story here, if you like this bat find the 2010 model and save a few dollars.

Vendetta

The Vendetta is a two-piece, single wall hybrid bat with a balanced design and flex handle. It has Demarini’s C6 composite handle, with the rail technology, and a SC4 alloy barrel. The Adult -3 model retails for $249.99. You’re essentially paying an additional $50 over the Vexxum to have the rails technology in the handle.

Vexxum

The old standby Vexxum is a two-piece, hybrid bat with a balanced design and flex handle. It has Demarini’s C6 composite handle and a SC4 alloy barrel. 100% alloy bat with a flex handle and balanced design. The Adult -3 retails for $199.99. A solid low cost bat.

M2M

The M2M is a two-piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff (that’s right, I said stiff and Demarini in the same sentence) handle, end-loaded (you read it right) design. It is made with Demarini’s SC4 alloy. This is Demarini’s answer to the stiff handle Louisville stands by and Easton has integrated into their line-up. It retails on the high end, $249.99 for the Adult -3 model and is identical to the 2010 model.

2011 RAWLINGS BASEBALL BATS

If you can’t beat them, copy their design and steal their name! This seems to be Rawlings strategy for the 2011 model year. Their first 2011entry is a hybrid bat called the 5150 Exogrid. Yeah, that’s right the EXOGRID! The exact name and design of Louisville’s best selling bat for the last several 4 years. I don’t know if this will replace or compliment their 2010 5150 hybrid which, by the way, had the exact design as Louisville’s 2010 H2 hybrid bat.

When K2 (parent company Jarden) bought Rawlings in 2003, Rawlings did not have bat manufacturing facilities. K2 quickly purchased Worth and Miken which provided the manufacturing facilities. So someone was making Rawlings bats (including their somewhat popular Liquid Metal model) at the time of purchase. This begs the question was Louisville manufacturing their bats, and do they still have a manufacturing agreement? We do know Louisville had an interest in purchasing Rawlings prior to K2. I just would have assumed Rawlings bats were moved to the Miken/Worth manufacturing lines soon after Miken & Worth were acquired by K2. Here’s what we know about Rawling’s 2011 line-up:

2011 5150 Exogrid

It’s a single wall, two-piece hybrid bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. As mentioned the Exogrid name and design were taken directly from Louisville. The Adult -3 retails for $299.99, which is $70 less than the 2010 Louisville Exogrid. At least they didn’t copy Louisville’s price. The composite material is inserted into the bat handle just like Louisville’s Exogrid. It is a change from the 2010 Rawlings hybrid which had the composite handle bonded to the alloy bat (just like Louisville’s H2). Their main selling point is “Ph.D technology” which is supposed to reduce vibration. This essentially means nothing. It has the same 5150 alloy barrel as their 2010 5150 alloy and hybrid models. The real question is not about this bat, it’s will Louisville continue with their Exogrid in 2011 and what will the price be?

2011 Louisville Baseball Bats

Louisville has made some minor changes to their alloy for the 2011 model year. They’ve replaced their long standing ST+20 alloy with their new AC21 Scandium alloy. They claim it’s stronger and offers a better bond with a composite handle. Since it’s only available on their hybrid models I’d say that’s the only reason they made the change. Here are the 2011 Louisville bats:

Triton

Let’s all be thankful they’ve changed the color of the 2011 Triton. It’s the same 3-piece bat made from Louisville’s 3X composite material that is “bonded into a 1-piece bat” via their bubble transition zone. The retail price remains at $399.99 for the Adult -3 model. If you like this bat you’ll save about $100 by picking up the 2010 model on the discount rack (if you can stomach the gold and blue design). Not bad for the exact same bat.

TPX Dynasty

This is Louisville’s second tier composite bat. It’s been around for awhile in a variety of names; Catalyst, Omaha Comp. It’s still a one-piece, stiff handle bat with a balanced design made with their 7C composite. The news is that they’ve price lower this year. I saw the Adult -3 model listed at $207.99 which is a fantastic price. This is a very good choice for those who want a composite bat but don’t want to break the bank. .

H2

It’s a two-piece bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. The handle is made from their 3x composite and the barrel from their new AC21 alloy. Otherwise it’s the same as the 2010 and 2009 models. The two pieces are bonded together making it appear like a one-piece bat. The Adult -3 model retail price stays at $299.99 for 2011. You may remember this bat was introduced in 2009 with a retail price of $369! It didn’t take Louisville long to figure out it was overpriced.

Exogrid 2

Louisville’s best selling bat is back for a fifth year. There is a slight change for 2011 as they have changed the alloy to their new AC21. The really big news is Rawlings release of their own Exogrid in 2011 (see Rawlings reviews). It will be interesting to see if Louisville loses some sales because of this. Unfortunately the retail price remains $369.99 for the Adult -3 model. For only $30 more you can own a 100% composite bat, or for $70 less a different hybrid bat with similar performance.

Omaha

No it’s not the energizer bunny, its Louisville Omaha and it’s still going. It’s the same bat they’ve been making for the last ten years, with some new paint. It’s a one-piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle, a balanced design and the same ST-20 alloy. They did not make this bat with their new alloy, which makes it clear the new alloy is only intended to help the bonding on their hybrid bats. Amazingly, they have increased the price to $229 for the Adult -3 model. It was priced at $199 last year. It’s very odd that the price would go up on a very old design, not the smartest of moves.

2011 MIKEN BASEBALL BATS

Maybe being a freak is not such a good idea after all? Miken has dumped their Freak name after only a single year, clearly not a good sign. It’s looking like their new line-up is a rehash of the Freak line. They seem to have the same material, R900 carbon fiber and MPa7 resin. We’ll need to investigate and post the findings when they’re known. Miken, a leader in softball bats’ just can’t find the sweet spot in baseball. It looks like the 2011 model year will be no different.

MV3 BBMV3C

One-piece, 100% composite bat with a stiff handle (haven’t yet seen an additional flex handle version like they had last year) and intermediate swing weight. They do not state whether this is a single or multi-wall design. The Freak was multi-wall which makes me believe the MV3 is as well. Certainly not a good idea when most prefer a single wall design. The Adult -3 model retails for $399 making this bat the top of their line. If Miken wants to dent the baseball market they have got to have a competitive price. At this price I’m going with a proven commodity.

MV3 BBMV3H Hybrid

It’s a two-piece, multi-wall bat with a flex handle and intermediate swing weight. Like the Louisville H2 the composite handle and alloy barrel are fused together to make the bat appear to be one-piece. Again, this seems to be a facelift of the Freak hybrid. The Adult -3 model retails for $299 putting it in line with the other high end hybrid bats. Again, not the best way to get Miken bats in the hand of players and I recommend going elsewhere.

2011 Nike Baseball Bats

There is absolutely nothing new from Nike in 2011. Here what they have to offer:

Aero CX2

It’s the exact same bat as the 2009 and 2010 models. The CX2 is two-piece, 100% composite multi-wall bat with a flex handle and a balanced design. The design is similar to the Demarini CF4. If you like this bat you can save a bundle by purchasing the 2010 model which I’ve seen for $250. The 2011 Adult -3 model retails for $399.99.

Aero Fuse

It’s a two-piece, single wall hybrid bat with a flex handle and balanced design. It’s the same bat as the 2010 Aero Fuse model. The composite handle is made from the same material as the Aero CX2. The barrel is made with Nike’s Zr91 alloy.  The Adult -3 model retails for $299.99.

Technorati Tags: 2011 baseball bats, 2011 bats, 2011 combat, 2011 demarini, 2011 easton, 2011 louisville, Baseball Bat Reviews

The rules committee proposed the action in July and met again via conference call August 17 after hearing comments from the membership and manufacturers about the recommendation. After considerable discussion, the rules committee concluded that composite bats will not be allowed for the time being.

The committee’s main concern about composite bats is that they are susceptible to performance improvement above standards set by the NCAA, either through normal use or alterations to the bats.

While committee members are not convinced that simple compliance testing of specific bats will solve what they see to be a significant problem in the sport, the committee agreed with a suggestion from the NCAA Baseball Research Panel to seek additional testing to determine if it is feasible to allow composite bats in NCAA play this season.

The research panel met with baseball bat manufacturers August 12 in Indianapolis to explore whether composite bats could be used within NCAA guidelines and parameters.

During the 2009 Division I Baseball Championship, composite bats were selected for ball exit speed ratio (BESR) certification tests. Of the 25 bats tested, 20 failed the official BESR test for current NCAA performance levels. Because all bat designs must pass that test before mass production, the results indicated that the performance of such bats changed thereafter, most likely due to repeated, normal use or intentional alteration.

In the meantime, the NCAA plans to conduct additional testing that will provide the baseball rules committee another opportunity for review. Additionally, the committee is open to providing an opportunity for companies to prove that their bats would meet current NCAA standards regardless of use or tampering.

As for beyond the upcoming season, the baseball research panel is recommending that an Accelerated Break-In (ABI) process be added to the certification process under the new Ball-Bat Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) standard to help address the issue of improved performance and further the goal of having all bats in NCAA play remain under the NCAA limit through the life of the bat.

The BBCOR is a method designed to measure the performance of the bat. The ABI is designed to replicate repeated use or intentional alteration of the bat. This process has been used with some success in the certification process for softball bats.

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COMbat (the company) started in 1998 when they began manufacturing softball bats for other brand name companies. COMbat bats were born in the last few years when they decided to put out the same bats they make for other companies in their own name, including baseball bats.

The big news for 2010 is that COMbat finally is offering their most popular bats, the B1 and B2, in Adult and Senior League models. It’s hard to believe it took them so long to do this but at least the light bulb finally went on. Also in 2010, they’ll finally get to push the B2 which had a delayed introduction last year because it initially did not meet regulations.

Another change for 2010 is COMbat’s introduction of a 100% alloy bat. They’ve been exclusively focused on composite bats since their inception and this is a big move for the company.

COMbat needs to make a name for themselves in high school and college baseball to become a true player in the industry, and offering all their bats in Adult and Senior League models is a giant leap forward. We’ll see if the emphasis on big barrel bats can get them some traction in 2010.

Here’s the COMbat line-up for 2010:

COMbat Composite Bats

• COMbat B2: As stated, the 2009 B2 had a slow start because of approval issues. This is the same design as the “redesigned” version that was finally approved for the 2009 model year. It a one-piece, single wall bat with a stiff handle and a low swing weight. The difference between the B2 and B1 is that the B2 has COMbat’s “Variable Stiffness Technology is said to allow for lower barrel wall stiffness on both sides of the normal sweetspot, resulting in an enlarged sweet hitting area.” It also has their “Blended Fiber Technology, where Arimid fibers ( found in bullet proof vests ) is combine with carbon and glass fibers in varying proportions and precise angles to get more trampoline effect and absorb vibrations resulting in more energy transfer to the ball and greater distance.” Did you get all of that? My favorite is the bullet proof vest comment. My opinion is this doesn’t amount to much and that it’s not much different than the B1. The B2 Adult -3 model retails for $369 putting it just below the other top tier composite bats. There are better options in this category and price range.

• COMbat B1: This bat has had the same design for several years; the only news is the introduction of the big barrel models. It’s a one-piece, single wall bat with a stiff handle and low swing weight. The B1’s claim to fame began in the 2007 Little League World Series when the U.S. team won the championship game on a walk off home run off a B1 bat. Not that it wasn’t exciting and a plus for COMbat but is this really that big a deal? First if you’re playing in the LLWS championship game you’re probably a pretty good player. Second the fences in Williamsport are only 205 feet from home plate! In the world of 12U travel baseball this is a F7, F8, F9 or double. This is just a bunch of hype based on one dramatic home run and nothing else. I’m sure the folks at COMbat did their best to stoke this magical story. The truly intelligent move by COMbat was pricing the B1 as a second tier composite bat ($299 for the Adult -3 model). Why they didn’t do this last year when the B2 was introduced is anyone’s guess. The big barrel option and new price might get some Middle and High School players to use it and give them much needed exposure above the age of twelve. It’s one of my two recommendations for second tier composite bats.

COMbat Alloy Bats:

• COMbat Exit: COMbat goes metal with the introduction of their first 100% alloy bat, the Exit. It’s a one-piece, single wall bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. The bat has “PowerMetal” alloy which is supposed to have been “Developed for Nuclear, Defense and Military Applications’. Once again a bunch of hype but at least they’re being creative. Other than that, the bat claims to have a “unique look” and increased durability.  The Adult -3 model retails for $199 where it competes with the Louisville Omaha and Easton V12 alloy bats. My recommendation is to go with those options rather than the Exit.

Take a look at My Baseball Bat Recommendations by Category for my recommendations in each bat category and price range.

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