The Best Wood Bats of 2021

Best Wood Bats Buying Guide & Reviews of 2020

As tracing back to history, the change in the style and type of baseball/softball wood bat was at a snail’s pace. After the first invention of a baseball bat, the modification happens several years later. Whereas the invention of aluminum bats made a lot of changes, and the run rate started skyrocketing. The standard wood bat is replaced with aluminum bats in several Little leagues, yet, in professional baseball match wood bat has been using despite the new advanced inventions. Why famous professional baseball players stick to wood bats and why it is better to select wood bats over aluminum bats?

Wood Bats Vs Aluminium Bats

The pace of ball jumping off from the aluminum bat is very fast, and it led to the frequent beating of world records of run rate. It is lightweight and easy to use plus comes with a lower price compared to a wood bat. Even though for beginners, aluminum is considered to be the best, wood bat beats it with its perfection.

The best thing about the wood bat is its responsiveness. Unlike the aluminum bat, the wood bat is heavier, and it won’t vibrate by a strong hit. It helps the hitter all over the play. Coming to the weight part, the bat will be in perfect weight. Since it is not very heavy or lightweight, it provides a better balance to swing and hit. The most discussed issue of the aluminum bat is the danger it brings to the pitchers, infielders, and spectators. Since it is very lightweight, the jumping off the ball will be rapid and strong. Even though both have advantages and disadvantages, experts suggest using wood bats for learning new hitting mechanics.

Which Is the Best Wood Bat?

In the old times, ash was the most popular and most used wood bat. But the invention of Maple changed the scenario. Other woods used are Birch and Bamboo. Let us see what the merits and demerits of each are.

Maple: The popularity of Maple increased after Barry Bonds introduced swing maple in the league. In the 21st century, it became more popular than ash. Maple is a hardwood, and that makes this item to hit the ball with a lot of vigor. This is durable than ash and as the grains are closer nothing to worry about it. The flex is also very less since it is harder. Victus wood bats and Mizuno wood bats will be better options if you go for a maple bat.

Ash: The best part of ash is its spring effect. Instead of a quick jump-off, it compresses the wood at first place. It makes the ball moves faster than using any other wood bat. It made ash as the king of wood bats for several years. The same spring feature reduces the durability of the bat over time, and breakability is more than other woods. This is not much flexible too. Louisville Slugger wood bats made of ash is a perfect selection.

Birch: Birch is trending but still not much used, and many manufacturers have not introduced it. It has certain features that lack for Ash and Maple. Compared to ash, birch is harder. But the main feature of birch is its flexibility. No other bat can beat its flexibility and its very convenient to swing efficiently.

Bamboo: Bamboo is the latest and not much in the market, yet can be expected to steal the heart of baseball players with its strength and high tension.

Composite Wood Bats: Going for a single wood is not a good idea all the time, and that is the reason some manufacturers go with the combination of woods. This is the most durable wood bat. Rawlings wood bats and DeMarini wood bats are most popular in this category.

Consider These Aspects Before Buying A Wood Bat

Length of the Bat

Choosing the right length of the baseball bat is very important. The basic criterion to choose the perfect length of your bat is the comfortable swinging. But it’s not always the case since most of us prefer buying a baseball bat online. The length varies for children and youth wood bats. According to the regulation, the maximum length should be less than 42 inches (1.067 m) in length. For youth, the better measure is 30-36 inches wood bats.

Weight of the Bat

As the length, weight also has the golden measurement. The most common weight is 33 ounces (0.94 kg), and it will be reaching  36 ounces (1.0 kg) too. And the heaviest part of the bat is the barrel.

Barrel

The barrel is the vital part of the part we use to hit the ball. For the same reason, it is also called a sweet spot. The thickness and grain determine the quality and durability of the bat. The diameter of the barrel cannot be more than  2.75 inches (7.0 cm), according to the rule. The surface area changes for different bats. If the barrel is small, don't be confused; compared to aluminum, wood has a smaller sweet spot, and it is better for training and to improve your own mechanics while hitting.

Handle

The thinnest part of the bat, the handle is very smooth, and it needs more grip. Since it is very smooth check the handle with sufficient grip. At the same time, it is not a problem if it is very smooth, you can use pine tar or a rubber tap to provide enough grip, and that’s what most of the users do.

Pricing

Indisputably, wood bats are much more expensive than aluminum bats. The reason behind the high price for wood bats is because of its finest quality.  In addition, the scarcity of wood, let it be Maple or Ash has added to its ever bulging cost. The making is also needed more efficiency. Still, there are wood bats available at $40 and you can see very expensive at $190 too. Above all, you need to study your budget, requirements, and the bat’s features before you buy one.

Conclusion

All and all a wood bat helps you to master the hitting mechanics that aluminum bats cannot offer. So, purchase the one suitable for you, physically and economically, and choosing one is a hassle-free matter since we have curated the perfect list of top 10 Wood Bats.