WOOD BAT FAQ's
Where is the sweet spot on a bat?
The best area for hitting the ball consistently, known as the sweet spot, is situated approximately 2 inches from the end of the barrel, extending down to around 6 to 7 inches on an adult bat. It's essential to understand the correct side for striking to maximize your performance.
WHAT "SIDE" OF THE BAT SHOULD I HIT THE BALL?
While taking a swing at the plate, with the bat perpendicular to your body, preparing to strike the ball, ensure that the Phoenix label is either facing upwards or downwards. This positioning allows you to make contact with the layered grain area, which is the strongest side of the bat. The same guideline applies to all adult bats, youth bats, softball bats, fungo and training bats, as well as standard logo-placed baseball bats, or those with the "Traditional Logo Placement & No Ink Dot" option selected under the "INK DOT (MAPLE & BIRCH ONLY)" drop-down menu.
For baseball bats where the option "Pro Style Logo Placement & Ink Dot" is selected, typically for professional players' maple and birch bats, use the ink dot as your point of reference. Ensure that the ink dot, not the logo, is facing either upward or downward when making contact with the ball. Refer to the FAQ section on "What is the black dot I see on some baseball bats" for further information on ink dotting.
We prioritize durability, understanding that our customers value this too. Therefore, we position our logo (or ink dot, if selected) in a location that allows you to successfully strike the ball on the bat's strongest side. This placement has been traditionally practiced since the inception of wood bats. Crafting bats with this reference, along with quality wood and precise dimensions, results in the production of durable Phoenix Bats!
For more insights on hitting with wood, click here. Additionally, every Phoenix Bats order is accompanied by detailed tips for achieving successful hits and maintaining the bat in optimal condition.
WHAT IS THE BLACK DOT I SEE ON SOME BASEBALL BATS AND WHY IS THE LOGO AND ENGRAVING ON A DIFFERENT LOCATION ON THESE BATS?
Professional players in baseball have recently started using bats with logos and engravings rotated 45 degrees from the traditional position, along with a black dot on the handle. This change was prompted by concerns about increased bat breakages, especially with maple bats, due to demands for larger barrels and thinner handles. However, hitting on the weaker side of the bat to minimize breakage has sparked criticism from wood experts.
Some manufacturers compromised on durability by using wood that didn't meet quality standards, while others applied ink dots without ensuring compliance with the 3-degree rule. At Phoenix Bats, we source wood from a mill that guarantees straight grain, eliminating the need for extra ink dotting charges. For those preferring the Pro style logo placement and ink dot, we ensure the ink dot faces the sky or ground upon contact.
WHY DOES MY BAT HAVE A CUPPED-OUT BARREL END?
Baseball pros have recently shifted to bats featuring logos and engravings rotated 45 degrees, accompanied by a black dot on the handle. This adjustment arose from concerns over increased bat breakages, particularly with maple bats, driven by the demand for larger barrels and thinner handles. However, the practice of hitting on the bat's weaker side to reduce breakage has faced criticism from wood experts.
Some manufacturers compromised durability by using substandard wood, while others applied ink dots without adhering to the 3-degree rule. At Phoenix Bats, we secure wood from a mill ensuring straight grain, eliminating additional ink dotting costs. For those preferring the Pro style logo placement and ink dot, we ensure the ink dot aligns with the sky or ground upon contact.
HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY BAT?
Extreme moisture and cold is not a bat's friend. Our recommendation is take your bat indoors (not just in to the garage!) if it is going to sit in those environments for an extended period of time. Lean it up against a corner in as verticle position as you can get. Learn more about caring for your bat. You will also find these tips and more to come with each order.
RUBBER BALLS IN THE BATTING MACHINES EAT UP MY BAT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The tough rubber balls commonly used in batting cages for their durability can be particularly harsh on wood bats. To protect your bat, consider applying first aid tape around the barrel; it's easily removable and leaves minimal residue. Alternatively, you can purchase a protective sleeve from various sporting goods stores.
WHAT DOES THE NEGATIVE (-) MEAN NEXT TO THE BAT DESCRIPTION?
It refers to the difference between the bat length and bat weight. Ex.: a 34" bat with a -2 means it weighs 32 ounces (34-2=32). This is commonly referred to as drop weight or just drop. For example, drop 3 is the same as saying -3 drop weight
WHAT IS DROP WEIGHT?
Drop weight refers to the difference between the bat length and bat weight.
Normal range for bat drop weights:
- Baseball: -2 to -3
- Softball: -3 to -5
- Youth: -7 to -8
- Youth Transition: -5
- Fungos: -8 to -10
Vintage bats are often heavier than they are long. So, don't be surprised to see a "+" number for a vintage bat. In this case, add that number to the length for weight.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT BASEBALL BAT?
Let our bat experts help you out with an immediate answer! For general information about wood types and other helpful resources, click here. Of course, always feel free to email or call for any additional help needed.
HOW DO I MEASURE A BASEBALL BAT?
Hold your arm out and measure from the middle of your chest to the end of your middle finger. This in old-school method but will get the job done. Contact us if you need more help.
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I START SWINGING A WOOD BAT?
If you're capable of wielding an aluminum bat, you can also benefit from using a wood bat. Learning to hit with a wood bat can significantly enhance a player's hitting skills, even when using aluminum. Embracing wood from an early age fosters the development of a proper swing form, leading to better ball contact and increased chances of getting on base.
This process helps eliminate the golf-like looping swing often associated with artificially lightweight metal bats. A well-weighted wood bat provides the necessary feedback for improving the hitter's technique. It's why numerous coaches and reputable hitting instructors incorporate wood bat practice, cage work, and lessons into their training programs.
Given that all Phoenix Bats are appropriately tailored to the age and specifications of the hitter, you can be confident that the valuable lessons derived from using wood won't be nullified by impractical bat design or weight, an issue we've observed particularly in competitors' youth bats.
WHEN SHOULD A CHILD MOVE FROM A YOUTH BASEBALL BAT TO A PROFESSIONAL SERIES BASEBALL BAT?
For young baseball players, we suggest starting with the K240 (ideal for 9-11-year-olds new to wood), the K455 (suitable for those aged 8 or younger or with prior wood bat experience), or the K271 (designed for larger children) youth bats until the age of 11 or 12. Subsequently, the transition to the DR100 or DR5S youth bats is recommended. While the barrel size increases from 2-1/4" to 2-1/2", the length-to-weight differential only shifts from a -8 to a -5, ensuring a smoother progression to a professional series bat a year or two later. By the age of 14, we anticipate young players will be adept at handling our pro series baseball bats.
When advancing to a professional series bat, opt for a -3 bat, as required by most high school programs. The BB71, along with its counterpart, the JK5 (featuring the same barrel but with a straighter transition from the handle to the knob), is an excellent choice. Additionally, consider the 271HD and 72HD, which offer increased durability, albeit with fewer customization options than the BB71 or JK5. The recommended length typically falls around 31", although it's available from 30" to 35". For all the listed bats, selecting birch as the wood type provides the most forgiveness overall, especially for newcomers to wood, aiding in minimizing miss-hits
HOW DO ASH, BIRCH AND MAPLE COMPARE TO BAMBOO?
Although bamboo, classified as a grass, is known for its durability, it doesn't deliver the same hitting experience as a traditional wood bat. Notably, bamboo bats are not single-piece bats. Feedback from players who have experimented with bamboo bats highlights the noticeable absence of pop compared to maple and ash bats. Moreover, it's important to note that bamboo bats are not authorized for use in professional leagues.
WHICH IS BETTER: MAPLE, BIRCH OR ASH?
Each of the three woods—white ash, maple, and birch—offers distinct advantages in the realm of baseball bats.
If you often make contact at the end of the bat, white ash handles such situations exceptionally well, boasting a slightly larger hitting area on the barrel. However, it is crucial to note that ash is the most susceptible to mishits on the inside and demands precision in hitting the ball on the correct "side" of the bat (refer to the FAQ question above: "What 'Side' Of The Bat Should I Hit The Ball?").
- Rock maple, known for its density, excels in propelling the ball when you hit it squarely. It serves as a great alternative to ash if you frequently experience hits off the handle or get jammed. However, it may not perform as effectively in scenarios where you encounter cue ball shots off the end of the barrel.
- White ash, a less dense and more flexible wood. Ash bats create a "trampoline effect" when the bat and ball make contact. Both the bat and ball compress slightly on contact, then explode outward like a trampoline. Ash bats also flex slightly on your downswing, creating more bat speed.
- Birch, a newer addition to the realm of wood bats, is an excellent choice for players prone to mishitting. It combines the hardness akin to maple, suitable for inside mishits, with some of the flexibility characteristic of an ash bat, ideal for barrel-end mishits.
Not all our bats are available in each wood type, primarily to ensure that the weight of the bat complements the style of wood bat play. Our selection prioritizes the best woods for each category, considering both durability and maneuverability.
For more insights on selecting the most suitable baseball bat, refer to our detailed guide on the topic.
ARE YOUR BATS BBCOR CERTIFIED?
Absolutely, our single-piece wood bats do not require BBCOR certification, and we take pride in this distinction.
BBCOR standards are specific to bamboo bats (a laminated grass, not a wood), as well as to metal, composite (wood, metal, ceramic, and others), hybrid, and other non-wood bats. These standards were established to ensure these bats perform similarly to single-piece wood bats, prioritizing player safety.
At Phoenix, we meticulously fashion our wood bats from a single piece of maple, ash, or birch, aligning with the standards applicable to every level of play. Most players find that the baseball travels farther when struck with their Phoenix wood bat compared to their BBCOR bat. Moreover, our wood bats are notably more affordable than most non-single-piece wood bats, making it the ideal time to embrace wood for both practice and game play.
In the event that your purchase of a Phoenix Bat is challenged by your league or umpire due to a lack of understanding about BBCOR, we're readily available to offer assistance at customercare@phoenixbats.com.
HOW WILL WOODEN BATS FOR LITTLE LEAGUE PLAY BE EFFECTED BY THE NEW USA BASEBALL BAT STANDARD?
Single-piece wood bats that meet Little League's regulations are permitted for play, whether or not they carry the USA Baseball mark. Phoenix wood youth bats, which are all single-piece wood, align with this standard. Additionally, our youth bats remain compliant with Little League regulations.
On the other hand, multi-piece wood bats (which are not part of our product range) require the USA Baseball mark for approval. This category encompasses two-piece wood bats, composite wood bats, laminated wood bats, bonded wood bats, bamboo bats, and any wood bat categorized as an 'experimental' design.