04/12/2017

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 JustBats.com team can help determine the differences between contact hitter bats and power hitter bats so that you can 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, both types of players are vital to the success of a team. Strategy plays a huge part in the game, and if you have too much of one hitter without the other, the chances of success diminish. 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, as the 2015 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals used to say, "Keep the line moving!" If you can put the ball in play with success at least three times out of every ten (10) at-bats but can't remember the last time you hit a home run, you are without a doubt a contact hitter.

Now, the number one feature that a contact hitter should be on the lookout for is a balanced swing weight. Contact hitters almost always benefit most from using a balanced bat. 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 better combination out there when it comes to contact hitter bats.

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 Voodoo baseball bat (a two-piece hybrid design) tends to be one of the best baseball bats regarding end load and power. But, with the recent addition of DeMarini's "Insane" bats, players can now step up to the plate with a fully composite end loaded baseball bat.

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 support@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!