Used Baseball Bats

Baseball bats are expensive, new ones can go for well over $400, so why pay full price when you can find better deals on used baseball bats. Used baseball bats are usually in pretty good condition when bought from somebody else however, there are important things to check for such as denting which can significantly affect bat performance.

When you're looking to buy a used baseball bat, there are five main areas that should be inspected. Each of these areas can provide insights on the durability and quality of the bat.

Grip

You want to inspect the bat's grip. While the grip is easily replaceable, having to replace a grip will add approximately 15 dollars to the cost of the bat.

Handle

You will also want to inspect the bat's handle and make sure it is not bent. if the handle is bent or crooked you do not want to buy the bat.

Dents or Cracks

When buying a used baseball bat you want to check the barrel for dents or cracks As this can affect performance and accuracy when hitting the ball. Visually inspect and roll the bat in your hand while holding a towel feeling for cracks and dents. If the bat has any cracks or dents do not buy it.

End Cap

Another important aspect of a I bet you will want to check when buying used is the endcap. You want to make sure that the end cap is in place, is not loose and it's not cracked. If there are pieces missing, it's loose or damaged do not buy the bat.

Spidering

Spidering on a composite bat is not necessarily a bad thing as long as you inspect the area carefully to make sure it is not cracked. Spidering occurs with some bats showing that it is “hot” and broken in meaning that the bat is at its peak performance. Similarly, don’t instantly write off a used bat if there are paint chips. The cosmetics falling off of your bat is typical with regular use.

The best way to clean a baseball bat is to simply use soap and warm water. Oftentimes, heavy duty cleaners and chemicals can damage the bat surface, coating, or graphics.

Used baseball bats aren’t all that different from used cars. Like used cars, used bats don’t come with a warranty. This means that if you buy a bat and it breaks, you have no recourse in regards to it. After all, they don’t have built-in warranties like new bats do. When purchasing a used baseball bat, take into consideration the possibility that it might break down on you at some point in the future.

Regardless of whether a bad is new or used you will want to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Here are some good strategies to easily maintain a bat for long-term performance:

• Try not to use the bat in temperatures colder than 60°F (16°C).
• Avoid storing your bat in extremely cold or hot areas.
• Don’t clean metal cleats with the bat.
• Regularly inspect your bat for any damage.
• Rotate your bat each time you swing to prevent one side from wearing down faster.
• Use regulation leather-covered balls.

Rolling a baseball bat is an old-school method for increasing bat performance. For decades, hardcore baseball players have rolled their bats to ensure optimal performance the first time they step into the batter's box. However, rolling a bat does not only produce short-lived performance gains — it can also shorten its lifespan in the long run.

A rolled bat is one that has been mechanically compressed by rolling along the barrel dimension. This compression loosens the fibers in the barrel area making it more flexible and easier to compress. Rolling’s effectiveness is a proven theory. Rolling will also shorten the total lifespan of your bat and void warranties. It is difficult to recognize a rolled bat.

The easiest way to spot a rolled bat is to check for visible cracks on the outer portion of the barrel or for ripples across the barrel wall (it does not need to be perfectly smooth). Also, look just inside the end cap where you can see the grains of fiber protruding around sharp edges on the inner walls.

A dead baseball bat is the opposite of a live one that can send the baseball flying. A dead bat tends to make an empty sound when you swing into a pitch, has low durability and overall poor performance.

Have you ever wondered how to tell if your baseball bat has lost its pop? Truth be told, sometimes it is obvious that a bat is no longer hitting right. Usually this is because the bat has suffered major compression damage like a split down the middle, significant cracking or denting, or end caps that are detached.

Bats losing their 'pop' happens due to lost compression from cracks, loose connection points, end caps that come undone, etc. Most bats are good for about 1 – 2 years, depending on use (less if shared amongst entire teams). Dead bats don't have the same pop off the barrel, causing the ball to fly slower and shorter.