of the bat hitting a baseball?....just got back from the batting cage....felt good to hit that sweet spot..

Poll: Pitcher or Catcher
You're more than welcome sweet Charlotte, my pleasure:):)

By: mrhappy

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Softball bats were at one time made chiefly of wood, but advances in technology have introduced materials such as aluminum, graphite, and composites. Each material has its positive and unique features.

Wood: Wood softball bats are very rare but are slowly regaining favor with softball enthusiasts who would rather hear a whack and not a ping when the bat meets ball. A wood softball bat is bottle-shaped and can weigh between 32-35 ounces (around 8 ounces heavier than an aluminum bat). Traditionally, wood bats have been made from ash. However, ash is light and soft and bats made from ash tend to splinter and dent fast. Wood from maple, oak, and bamboo is also used for these bats. Maple is harder and its grain is denser as compared to ash, making it less susceptible to splintering and chafing. Bats made from Chinese bamboo are the closest wood bat equivalent of an aluminum bat. Bamboo is extremely light-weight and ha a tensile strength higher than that of steel.

Aluminum: The increased research and engineering in the science of bat making has resulted in high-tech aluminum softball bats that can cost upward of $300. Aluminum bats are lighter thereby enabling batters to generate greater bat speed and control. They are stronger and more durable than wood bats and they do not break; however, they may dent or crack over a period of time. Aluminum bats are available in different alloy and weight combinations. Light aluminum alloys that are thinner are more resilient and provide a larger hitting zone or "sweet spot". Aluminum bats are made in single-layer and double-layer combinations; double-layer bats are used by the power-hitters.

Graphite/Titanium lined: Aluminum bats are lined with graphite or titanium. These light, durable, and strong materials are added to aluminum bats with thin walls in order to make the bats lighter. Lighter bats help batters to generate more power in their swing. Bats lined with graphite or titanium have a greater hitting zone or "sweet spot". These materials are shock-absorbent as well and aid in reducing the shock felt when a stroke is mistimed.

Composite materials: Bats made from composite materials such as carbon, glass, or Kevlar are light weight, rigid, and sturdy. Composite materials enable bat manufacturers to incorporate varying strengths and stiffness in different parts of a bat. The result is a bat with stiff bat handles for greater control, low stiffness hitting areas for better performance and reduced shock, and differentiated swing weights. Bats made from composite materials have a large hitting surface with a more pronounced "sweet spot". However, the extreme velocities at which the ball rebounds off the bat can pose a safety hazard to the pitcher who has to react in a very limited time.

Softball Bats That Are Prohibited

If your league is anything like most leagues in Colorado, you probably receive a list of illegal bats at the beginning of each softball season. Maybe the list is handed out at your manager's meeting, or maybe it is posted on your softball league's website, either way, you need to be conscience of that list when selecting a bat.

Why are there illegal bats?

There are two main reasons that softball leagues issue illegal bat lists. The first is for the protection of the players, mainly the pitcher. Every day the bat companies are inventing new technologies that are equipping players essentially with bats that more resemble artillery launchers than traditional softball bats. This puts the pitcher, in particular in danger. Depending on your league rules, the pitcher will be around 40-50 feet from the mound after the release. (Also, depending on your league rules, the pitcher may be 4 or 5 beers into the evening after the release).

The strength of some of the players, combined with the new technology of the bats put the pitcher in a very precarious position as a line drive comes scream towards his/her head. And don't forget the pitcher isn't the only one who should be concerned for their safety, infielders, particularly third base and shortstop, when righties are up, and second base and first base, with lefties, also can get quite a lump on the noggin from a hot shot off some of these enhanced technology bats.

The second reason behind issuing illegal bats is fairness of play. Recreational softball should not be won by the team that can pay the most for bats, and rest assured the newer the technology, the higher the price.

Recreational softball is played by millions so that they can go out and have fun for an hour or so a week. If a team is plunking homerun after homerun into the lake on the other side of the fence, the game will get tedious and boring. Restricting the power behind the bats, will keep more balls in the park and make the game more fun for both teams.

These are the two main reasons that recreational softball leagues issue an illegal bat list. Before you purchase a bat, make sure you check the illegal bat list for your league.



By: Jeffrey Fang

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Demarini Baseball Bat Review

Is Demarini the best Baseball Bat on the market? The 2009 line up of baseball bats may well be the best bats Demarini has ever made! Established in 1989 Demarini Bats, a sub-division of Wilson, is making a strong case to take over the baseball bat market. All of the Demarini bats have flexed tuned carbon composite handles which are lighter than alloys and will flex 2 to 4 times more providing more power at contact. Demarini makes 3 collegiate and high school approved bats, each having a different patented end cap. New for 2009 Demarini is touting their new “Pitch Black” composite technology claiming it is stronger than competing technologies.

Here is the line-up for 2009

CF3 Black (or special edition white) is a 100 % composite, two piece bat with double walls and “Pitch Black” technology. This technology touts 22% more carbon fibers than any other bat on the market with no fillers added which should give it a distinct advantage when it comes to power. This enables Demarini to double re-enforce a vertical and horizontal weave. This process provides the strongest and tightest composite weave resulting in more over-all power. The 2009 CF3 comes in collegiate or high school sizes as follows:



31/28

32/29

33/30





34/31



For senior league:



29/21

30/22

31/23

32/24



The 2009 Demarini Voodoo Black is made with pitch black composite handles combined with the newest SC4 Alloy. The Voodoo is a high quality bat with a proven reputation at a very reasonable price. The Voodoo is a very popular bat with a larger sweet spot that the ball really explodes off of. The line-up of 2009 Demarini Voodoos come in Collegiate and High School sizes as follows:



31/28

32/29

33/30

34/31



The 2009 Voodoos come in Senior League sizes as follows:



29/20

30/21

31/22

32/23 (-9’s)



The Demarini Voodoos also come in minus 10 as follows:



29/19

30/20

31/21

32/22



The Demarini Vendetta.

Demarinis slogan for the 2009 Vendetta is “Attack the ball with a vengeance.” This bat is completely re-designed using “Rail” technology to completely re-define bat handle technology. The 2009 Vendetta comes with 4 flat composite rails with varying flexes that run through the handle and reduces vibration, increases bat speed and delivers a nice combination of handle to barrel flex. New SC4 Alloy in the barrel rounds out this bat of choice for many Division 1 Programs. The 2009 Demarini Vendetta comes in the following sizes for Collegiate and High School baseball:



31/28

32/29

33/30

34/31



For Senior League the following sizes are available:



29/20

30/21

31/22

32/23



Last but not least is the 2009 Demarini Vexxum. This bat comes with a 100 % composite handle and exclusive SC4 Alloy comprised with Long Barrel technology giving hitters the longest barrel in baseball providing maximum plate coverage and a larger sweet spot. Even though the Vexxum is on the low end of the range for Demarini, it is still a quality bat. The Demarini Vexxum comes in the following sizes for the Collegiate and High School player:



31/28

32/29

33/30

34/31



Senior League bats are available in the following sizes:



31/26

32/27

33/28

34/29



Youth and Little League are available in the following sizes:



28/19.5

29/20.5

30/21.5

31/22.5

32/23.5 (-8’s)



Youth and Little League also are available at -10 in the following sizes:



27/17

28/18

29/19

30/20

31/21

32/22 (-10’s)



Demarini is a player in the baseball bat industry and provides quality bats in both the high and low price range. You can’t go wrong with a Demarini Bat. To see more of my Baseball Equipment reviews visit me at Rick’s Bats and Gloves, ETC.



By: Rick Cates

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When rolling a bat, it\'s placed between two rollers of a Bat Rolling Machine and then pressure is applied to the rollers like a vice. As the bat passes through the rollers the bats fibers are stretched out and the glue holding the layers together is broken down. The is the same thing that happens as you take hours of batting practice. This causes the fibers to become more flexible which greatly improves the bat\'s trampoline effect. This trampoline effect is what produces the batted ball speed and distance. It will also widen the sweet spot of the bat which will make you a more consistent hitter.

Types of Bat Rolling Machines

There are 2 types of Bat Rolling Machines that are currently being used. Those types are Perpendicular and Parallel. Perpendicular Bat Roller roll your bat perpendicular to the barrel and the Parallel rollers roll parallel to the barrel. The perpendicular type is the preferred method of rolling. Bats are designed to be compressed in small areas similar to hitting a ball. Parallel rolling machines allow you to roll the entire barrel all at once. The only benefit to doing this is to be able to roll your bat faster. It is not recommended to roll via the parallel method as it puts too much stress on the barrel of the bat. 

Bat Rolling works

Composite bats are made from carbon fiber and polymer resin. It is an excellent manufacturing material combination and they are used to make a number items in every day use, including car and boat parts. However; for a bat, the finished product is slightly more rigid then is optimal for maximum distance on a hit ball

Currently legal

Currently rolling is legal in only 1 slow pitch softball association. This association (ISA) clearly state in their rule book that rolling is legal. In another association (ASA), they have recently adopted a bat certification process that requires all bats to be tested after they have been rolled. This ensures each bat that is certified by them does not exceed their performance factor after being rolling. You can interpret this as rolling being legal even though it doesn\'t specifically say so. In USSSA, they do clearly state rolling is against the rules. Rolling your bat is doing nothing more than taking 500 BP swings. You\'re just doing it in a more controlled fashion and in a shorter period of time. Please check with your local association or league and find out what their stance is on this subject.



By: Michael Wilcox

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Higher Performance from a Composite Bat

When rolling a bat, it\'s placed between two rollers of a bat rolling machine and then pressure is applied so that as the bat passes through the rollers the bats fibers are stretched out and the glue holding the layers together is broken down. The is the same thing that happens as you take hours of batting practice. This causes the fibers to become more flexible which greatly improves the bat\'s trampoline effect. This trampoline effect is what produces the batted ball speed and distance. It will also widen the sweet spot of the bat which will make you a more consistent hitter.

Make your bat hotter by having it rolled or shaved by juicing

A juiced bat is just another name for a bat that has been altered in some fashion. Typically a bat is juiced by either shaving or rolling. When you juice your bat you are improving the performance of the bat. When shaving a bat you are thinning the inner walls out. By doing this you allow the barrel of the bat to flex more and this increases the trampoline effect which will increase the batted ball speed and open up the sweet spot. When rolling a bat you are breaking down the glue that binds the fiber together. In both cases the bat may exceed the design specifications of the bat and this could effect whether or not the bat is legal in your particular association. It is recommended that you contact your local association or league official to ensure you are not in violation of any rules. If you participate in any outlaw leagues or home run derbies then you most likely don\'t have to worry about this.

Risks associated with rolling or juicing

Currently rolling is legal in only 1 slow pitch softball association and shaving is not legal in any associations. Rolling,  is legal one association (ISA), they clearly state in their rule book that rolling is legal. In another association (ASA), they have recently adopted a bat certification process that requires all bats to be tested after they have been rolled. This ensures each bat that is certified by them does not exceed their performance factor after being rolling. We interpret this as rolling being legal even though it doesn\'t specifically say so. In USSSA, they do clearly state rolling is against the rules. Our opinion is that rolling your bat is doing nothing more than taking 500 BP swings. You\'re just doing it in a more controlled fashion and in a shorter period of time. Our advice to you is to check with your local association or league and find out what their stance is on this subject. Shaving your bat is without question illegal in ALL associations and you will get in allot of trouble if you are found to be using a shaved bat. This includes possible law suits and being banned from the association.



By: Mike Wilcox

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Its common knowledge these days that juiced bats are in play in games all over the planet. However; getting caught with one is harder then you think, if you use a juiced or doctored bat strategically. Heading up to bat with a juiced bat every time you go to bat is just not a smart thing to do, but having a Mr. Just-in-case on hand for crucial situations is something that you will find in more dugouts then most people realize.

More Prevelant than Most People Realize

The reason for this, is that juiced or doctored bats are more prevalent than most people realize. Sure you may choose to take the high road and do without them, but the problem is that your competition most likely isn't. Also, you aren't considered guilty of using one untill you are caught and they can only check your bats so many times in a season. After that you have the right to object.

Rolled Bats

Rolled bats are very common and they are virtually impossible to detect. Rolling just duplicates the same effect on a composite bat that seasoning it with 600 good solid hits will. It stretches and works the graphite fibers in the bat and makes the whole center of the bat one big sweet spot.

Bat Shaving

Shaving is an entirely different story and can be detected. First the bat is rolled and then the cap is removed. Then approximately 2 ounces is sanded away from the inside of the bat to make the walls thinner and more “reactive”. It is banned in virtually every park and if you are caught using one, saying you bought it at a yard sale and didn't know is not an excuse. In short, if you are caught with a shaved bat, its your ass, period.



By: Josephine Maxten

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Softball bats were at one time made chiefly of wood, but advances in technology have introduced materials such as aluminum, graphite, and composites. Each material has its positive and unique features.

Wood: Wood softball bats are very rare but are slowly regaining favor with softball enthusiasts who would rather hear a whack and not a ping when the bat meets ball. A wood softball bat is bottle-shaped and can weigh between 32-35 ounces (around 8 ounces heavier than an aluminum bat). Traditionally, wood bats have been made from ash. However, ash is light and soft and bats made from ash tend to splinter and dent fast. Wood from maple, oak, and bamboo is also used for these bats. Maple is harder and its grain is denser as compared to ash, making it less susceptible to splintering and chafing. Bats made from Chinese bamboo are the closest wood bat equivalent of an aluminum bat. Bamboo is extremely light-weight and ha a tensile strength higher than that of steel.

Aluminum: The increased research and engineering in the science of bat making has resulted in high-tech aluminum softball bats that can cost upward of $300. Aluminum bats are lighter thereby enabling batters to generate greater bat speed and control. They are stronger and more durable than wood bats and they do not break; however, they may dent or crack over a period of time. Aluminum bats are available in different alloy and weight combinations. Light aluminum alloys that are thinner are more resilient and provide a larger hitting zone or "sweet spot". Aluminum bats are made in single-layer and double-layer combinations; double-layer bats are used by the power-hitters.

Graphite/Titanium lined: Aluminum bats are lined with graphite or titanium. These light, durable, and strong materials are added to aluminum bats with thin walls in order to make the bats lighter. Lighter bats help batters to generate more power in their swing. Bats lined with graphite or titanium have a greater hitting zone or "sweet spot". These materials are shock-absorbent as well and aid in reducing the shock felt when a stroke is mistimed.

Composite materials: Bats made from composite materials such as carbon, glass, or Kevlar are light weight, rigid, and sturdy. Composite materials enable bat manufacturers to incorporate varying strengths and stiffness in different parts of a bat. The result is a bat with stiff bat handles for greater control, low stiffness hitting areas for better performance and reduced shock, and differentiated swing weights. Bats made from composite materials have a large hitting surface with a more pronounced "sweet spot". However, the extreme velocities at which the ball rebounds off the bat can pose a safety hazard to the pitcher who has to react in a very limited time.



By: Samuel Johnston

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If you are sick and tired of seeing your competitors getting away with using altered bats, then maybe its time that you took some action. Everyone has heard of bat corking and this was done to wooden bats in years past. However; new technologies have arrived at the table and this means that you can now have a high tech, altered bat created that can deliver up to forty extra feet to your hits.

A Professionally Shaved Bat

Bat rolling is no big deal any more and it is legal. It can't be detected and will deliver some level of results. However; if real results are what you are after, then what you need to look into is a shaved bat. A shaved bat is a bat that has had its walls thinned from the inside by way of a sanding process.

Outfield Hits Become Home Runs

First the bat is rolled and then the end cap is removed. Then precision instruments are used to evenly sand off a precise layer of the inner walls of the bat. The result is a bat with a sweet spot that you can almost taste and good outfield base hits converted instantly into home runs.

A professionally Juiced Bat

You can shave your own bat if you wish, using a barrel sanding device and  drill with a long extension. However; it will never deliver the kind of results that a top quality, professional, precision shave job will. Also, because a home job will inevitably be uneven and leave grooves inside the bat, it can't be expected to last as long as a good professionally juiced bat will.

Step Up Your Game

Its now easier then ever before to find out all that you need to know about altered bats, because there are a number of online sources for juiced bats and all sorts of information about them. So, if you are ready to step up your game, now is thew time to look into acquiring a professionally tuned juiced bat.



By: Josephine Maxten

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Discount baseball bats are abundantly obtainable online. In many cases, online stores can offer reduce baseball bats at great prices because there is less overhead than at a sporting goods store and, in many cases, there is no sales tax or shipping charged. When you shop for baseball bats online you have access to a endless and easily available selection user product reviews to help you get a feel for which bats are best for you, and also can save a great deal of time.

Make sure you're buying the best when you buy mark down bats. Of course you can get the same quality and top-notch selection when you buy your bats from a discount vendor online or wholesale that you could get from an expensive sporting goods store or specialty store. The key for you, the consumer, is to be able to pick out the quality from among the pack of other so-so, average, and below par bats out there.

This process is also very personal. Select a baseball bat as you would golf clubs. It ought to be perfect for your specific arm length, height, grip, and swing feel. You wouldn't take just any driver off the shelf and stride over to the tee. You would make sure that your driver has the right sweet spot for you. Then you'll qualified to drive 300 yards. It's the same with baseball bats. You want the bat that will help you to propel the center field fence.

First, contemplate the barrel size of the discount bats you're shopping for. The barrel size involves the top part of the bat. It measures both the barrel length and barrel diameter. When it comes to a sweet spot on a baseball bat, you want a longer barrel. The everyday wisdom is that longer barrels, generally speaking, have larger sweet spots.

This goes against customary practice, though. Most players tend toward smaller barrels and a lighter bat for faster swing speed. Your standard baseball bat will have a diameter of about 2.5 inches. Your standard fast pitch softball barrel will be slightly bigger at 2.75 inches.

Your second measurement of consequence for your discount bats is the bat taper, which is the diameter of the bat at its handle. Your normal baseball bat has a taper of 31/32 of an inch. This size varies, nonetheless, depending on the weight of your bat. There are players who claim that a narrower taper on a lighter bat allows them to turn their wrists faster, while there are others who say the bigger taper helps lessen the discomfort when you don't catch a ball with the sweet spot.

Many baseball bat dealers offer blemished baseball bats at severely slashed prices due to a cosmetic imperfection such as chipped paint.



By: William Smith

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