The Popularity of the Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Much like a corked bat connecting with a fastball, the maple wood baseball bat has exploded in popularity in recent years. And it is little wonder why, as it is slugger Barry Bonds's wood of choice. But is there actually any real advantage to using a maple wood baseball bat over a more traditional bat wood, such as ash?

Some tests have revealed that a maple wood baseball bat is not only harder than most other alternatives, but it is also lighter and arguably more durable. This makes for a home run machine, as long as you use the correct stance and practice your swing – or at least that's what the manufacturers say.

The more popular models of maple wood baseball bat come from large companies like Louisville Slugger – and are usually carved out by a metal blade system. They are usually also made of compressed wood and then covered in a chemical coating to keep the wood together and from splintering.

Unlike metal bats, these bats wont necessarily come with grips. You might feel an unsettling shock and vibration when you connect with a baseball. This is why you should purchase tape to go along with any maple baseball bat purchase – as well as a good set of baseball gloves.

One popular line of bats on the market today is the Louisville TPX. This is constructed of dense maple and is often colored red and black. More expensive versions of the bat have a cupped end to decrease weight and allow for a faster swing. You should be able to find something in this line for under $100.

Whether you simply like Barry Bonds or whether you want to improve your distance hitting, the maple wood baseball bat is a highly functional and effective option.