Independent tests?

[Garnerbaseball]

Does anyone know of an independent entity that actually tests bats? I'm getting jaded from all the hype. Based on some of the marketing claims, a 85 lb kid can stand at the plate, hold their particular bat, and hit 500 ft shots! It's ridiculous. Wonder what all these manufacturers are going to do when the BBCOR requirements take effect? Is there such an independent test facility?

[Union-LL-AA-dad]

Never been to one, but if there's one near where you live, you might want to check it out.
http://www.batwars.com/2010eventpage.htm

Since each person's swing is different, and it comes down to personal feel/confidence, I'm not sure if independent testing would provide anything more than just another few data points. It's still up to you to dissect the data available (through others' opinions, own testing, manufacturers' claims, etc.) and trial-and-error in the end.

[Garnerbaseball]

I totally agree everyone's swing is different, and it does come down to individual preference. My point is that there really is no data available. MAYBE I can get other's opinion on certain bats, but not others, but because of swing, etc differences, will it be valid to me? And manufacturer claims appear to be total bunk at this point. Locally, we are only able to hit with very few demo bats. It helps, but there are tons of other bats that we don't get to test. Of course in another year and a half, it may not matter due to requirement to comply with BBCOR. It'll be interesting to see what happens to the whole bat market then.

[Hookem74]

Too many different bats to do a conclusive test. How do we categorize them???:confused:
we have:
end loaded/balance bats
different drop weights(assuming we're testing all levels or just adult sizes?)
flex/stiff handles
barrel length
bat length
alloy/hybrid/composite
single/mult-wall
concave/external end caps
original vs weighted lead tapped grip(which is used to change the weight of the bat)
sticker vs true weight of the bat
brand new/broken in
core balls that are rock hard(favor composite) or soft broken ones(favor alloys)
Color/graphics (test studies have been done that the average hitter does better with a bat matching his favorite color)


There are too many variables, does one bat rank higher because because it reaches the same distance in a shorter period of time? Do we go by consistency, distance or ball exit speed?

I'm bias to a certain brand but I have been using it for over 25 yrs. I try other brands to see what is out there, if it's something i like then I'll add it to our arsenal. I don't buy into hype or car salesman's pitch which is really turning me off from this site.
I honestly believe every bat company makes a good bat but I'm not gonna pay $400 to find out. If I come across one at a good deal then it's worth trying. I also keep up with what other teams are using both good/bad.

As of right now, my godson's bat "A" outhits "B" but come game time he only uses "B" because he loves the color & graphics. I tried explaining to him but he wants to use what is "cool" I guess.

bottom line, it's the hitter not the bat! I'll take hard work and practice over a $400 handicap any day.

[EastonEngineer]

The reason there isn't really any independent testing is because it is actually pretty expensive to do accurately. The University of Massachusetts Lowell tests every single model that has a BESR stamp on it. They use a large air cannon and very accurate speed sensors to determine the speed of the ball coming off the bat. The cost of this machine is probably near $60,000. As part of their agreement with NCAA, they do not release any of these results to the public. Though the test is very accurate, it still won't tell you which bat is the best, because it really does depend on the player. The performance of the bat is definitely measurable, but the performance that each person can get out of it is a very different story.

[Garnerbaseball]

Thanks Easton, that is a great response. At the end of the day, it's about advertising as far as the bats are concerned. Most are essentially the same I'd guess, with the only valid difference as to how it performs is the batter and his swing (and the pitch may be a factor as well).

A good hitter can take a 5 yr old pos and hit a homer with it, while a poor hitter can take the most expensive bat on the planet and not make contact off the same pitcher.

[mcp]

Good thread. I agree, its the hitter...not the bat. And Easton nailed it...every bat is different in different hands.

Marketing and hype definitely plays into it....I see 60lb kids swinging double wall bats, that there is no possible way they can get the real benefit of - BUT its "the new latest greatest popular" bat, or whatever. I know of one dad that has bought his son 5 different bats in the past 12 mos - looking for the magic pill that will make him a better hitter. Poor kid is a worse hitter now at 12, than he was at 10. All that change certainly can't be helping him.

I think any of the upper end bats are very good....even if they are 4-5yrs old. There isn't that much REAL difference in them from year to year. Its really what fits the kids well and they like and are comfortable with. Then its up to them to make it happen. My son uses a 2007 voodoo, and is out hitting his entire league right now except for 1 kid who's a beast. I have parents asking me "what bat is that?" I just laugh when I tell them what it is....and they can't understand how he can hit well with it - cause its 4yrs old. :cool:

[tom2p]

For sure it is the batter and not the bat.
.
I have seen this - up close and personal. Best youth hitter I have ever seen used the cheapest/least expensive bat - a low-end $30 LS 30-22 (2 1/4). This kid hit one shot after another with this bat. In one home run derby - 5 swings - hit 4 over and 1 hit the fence. He used this bat until it was dented and cracked. He replaced it with another cheap bat - $40 31" bat. The 31 lasted a few weeks until he put a big dent in it.
.
This is why I am sometimes amused when I read glowing reports of bat when a kid hits a ball 220 ft. A (11-12 yr old) kid with size and a good swing swing will put a ball over a 200 ft fence with just about any bat. And especially if/when kid is facing fast pitching.
.

[Iceman778]

There isn't that much REAL difference in them from year to year.