As a Coach, when it comes time to set your batting order, you need a strategic approach regarding where your contact hitters and where your power hitters should be in the lineup. On the other hand, as a player, you need to take a similar approach when it comes time to choose a baseball bat that is best for your hitting style.
The experts at JustBats can help determine the differences between bats for contact hitters and bats for power hitters in order to make make the most informed decision possible. Are you a contact hitter that aims for the gaps with a high on-base percentage? Or, are you a power hitter who swings for the fence during each at-bat? Maybe you're a combination of both.
Regardless of your hitting style, both types of players are vital to the success of a team. Have you ever wondered, "What bat is right for me?" Choosing the perfect baseball bat is one of the biggest decisions in the game, so here's what you need to keep an eye out for both contact hitter bats and power hitter bats:
Contact Hitter Bats
To simplify, contact hitters make contact with the ball more often than not. It is your job to put the ball in play and put pressure on the defense. If you can put the ball in play with success but can't remember the last time you hit a home run or at least rattled the outfield fence, you are without a doubt a contact hitter.
Now, the number one feature that a contact hitter should be looking for in a bat is a balanced swing weight. Contact hitters typically benefit most from using a balanced bat. A balanced bat always contact hitters to control the barrel through the zone and make quality contact more often than not. Beyond the swing weight, hitters need to know the right size of bat to shop for. Take advanage of our bat sizing chart to help you determine the right bat size. Once you have figured out the length and weight that you need, take a look at a bat's features and determine whether it is a balanced or end loaded design. A balanced bat will have the weight evenly distributed from the tip of the handle to the end of the barrel which allows for complete control through the hitting zone with increased swing speeds. Also, contact hitter baseball bats tend to have thick handles that not only provides a better grip but better durability as well.
One of the best examples of a contact hitter bat includes:
The Marucci CAT features a traditional one-piece, aluminum alloy construction with an extremely balanced swing weight. There isn't a more complete baseball bat on the market for contact hitters than the Marucci CAT series.
Power Hitter Bats
We all want to drop bombs and round the bases at our leisure. But, the fact of the matter is, some players will never be power hitters based off of their physical attributes regardless of the bat they use. While this may be true for some, keep in mind some characteristics that make up the best power hitter bats.
While contact hitter bats tend to feature a balanced swing weight, power hitter bats are the opposite. If you're planning on using your power to hit home runs, the number one thing you need is an end-loaded swing weight. With a portion of the overall weight of a bat geared towards the end of the barrel, this generates more mass behind one's swing which results in increased power and ball flight during big hits. These types of bats are not for the typical player. If you have no problem with bat speed or even find yourself getting ahead of the ball, then it may be time to consider switching to a power hitter's bat.
The best example of a power hitter bat includes:
DeMarini has given the power to the player by providing them with an array of options. Their DeMarini The Goods baseball bat (a two-piece hybrid design) tends to be one of the best baseball bats regarding end load and power. The ball jumps off the loaded barrel and power hitters claim it feels like "paradise" every time they square it up.
Yes, certain features and technologies may benefit a contact hitter more than a power hitter and vice versa, but the best baseball bats are ultimately decided by personal preference and will vary from player to player. Each player knows what they like, and you need to ensure you take a bat that makes you most comfortable at the plate. What do you say? Are you on the hunt for a new baseball bat? Would you consider yourself a contact hitter or a power hitter?
If you're still unsure of which model is best for you, please reach out to our friendly Bat Experts at any time of the day. You can shoot them an email at experts@justbats.com, give them a call at 866-321-2287, or click here to live chat! Don't forget, we'll be here for you from click to hit!
