ARMOR SPORTS: April 2011

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

How to choose a softball bat?

No matter the softball league you play in, buying a bat is a personal decision. New technology has delivered bats that not only enhance performance but also are tailored to an individual player's strengths. It is essential that you select a bat that fits your unique body configuration and skill level--height, weight, and hitting strength.

Understanding Bat Materials

The world of bats now offers a large variety of choices in materials. These can be broken into two primary categories--aluminum and Graphite/Titanium lined. Virtually no softball bats are made of wood any longer. Each provides its own unique characteristics.

Aluminum

This has been a player favorite for several years now
Aluminum bats provide a lighter weight for increased control and bat speed
Aluminum and the other metals also offer durability
Despite generally higher costs, players can save money since the bats are extremely difficult to crack or break
Aluminum bats come in a variety of alloys, each with a different weight. Generally, lighter aluminum alloys are thinner and more durable. These lighter weights also increase the "sweet spot," the hitting zone on the bat's barrel that gives the maximum place to put metal to ball.
Aluminum bats, and those enhanced with other alloys, also come in single-layer or double-layer construction

Double-layer bats offer more durability and power, since the ball rebounds off the bat with more authority

Graphite/Titanium lined

Technology has enabled bat makers to use lighter, stronger materials. Graphite and titanium are just two of these.
Both are usually added to thinner-wall aluminum bats, enabling bats to be lighter and increasing a player's swing speed
These materials also increase durability and the batter's sweet spot
Graphite and titanium also help reduce vibration and the sting of ball shock, the tingling feeling sent to the hands usually when you miss hitting the ball in the bat's sweet spot

Determine What Bat Fits Your Body

There are some standard rules of thumb in selecting the appropriate bat length. The charts below offer some guidelines based on age and weight and height:

Age

Using your age as a guide, use the chart below to determine the bat length that fits your body.

**Determine Your Bat Length by Age**
Age	Bat length
5-7 years old	24"-26"
8-9 years old	26"-28"
10 years old	28"-29"
11-12 years old	30"-31"
13-14 years old	31"-32"
15-16 years old	32"-33"
17+ years old	34"

Height and weight

Height and weight are usually better ways to determine what bat length may work best for you
Once again, use the height and weight chart to give you a general idea of the length of bat that fits your body

**Determine Your Bat Length by Weight and Height**
	Your height (inches)
Your weight (pounds)	36-40	41-44	45-48	49-52	53-56	57-60	61-64	65-68	69-72	73+
Your weight (pounds)	Bat length
less than 60	26"	27"	28"	29"	29"
61-70	27"	27"	28"	29"	30"	30"
71-80		28"	28"	29"	30"	30"	31"
81-90		28"	29"	29"	30"	30"	31"	32"
91-100		28"	29"	30"	30"	31"	31"	32"
101-110		29"	29"	30"	30"	31"	31"	32"
111-120		29"	29"	30"	30"	31"	31"	32"
121-130		29"	29"	30"	30"	31"	32"	33"	33"
131-140		29"	30"	30"	31"	31"	32"	33"	33"
141-150			30"	30"	31"	31"	32"	33"	33"
151-160			30"	31"	31"	32"	32"	33"	33"	33"
161-170				31"	31"	32"	32"	33"	33"	34"
171-180						32"	33"	33"	34"	34"
180+							33"	33"	34"	34"

Determining the Right Bat Weight

Most bats are weighted in ounces
Manufacturers have done a great job in balancing the bat's weight to its length
Many bats have a weight-to-length ratio, often shown as -4, -6, etc.
This basically means a 34-inch bat with a -6 ratio weighs 28 ounces
Selecting weight really depends on two critical factors--your strength and your hitting style
It also depends a lot on your personal preference in weight and length, so the following are simply guidelines to follow:
- Bigger, stronger players prefer a heavier bat since they get the benefits of both the heft and swing power
- Smaller players with less strength should consider a lighter bat to generate a quicker swing
- Younger players, too, should consider that a lighter bat increases control, great for singles hitters, while also reducing the risk of injury

Understanding Bat Technology

Bat technology may seem a little confusing but it's not rocket-science. There are three essential elements to a bat: barrel size,bat taper and grip.

Barrel size

This includes both the length of the barrel--top part of the bat--and its diameter
The longer the barrel, generally, the larger the sweet spot for hitting the ball
The standard softball bat diameter is 2 1/2 inches
Fast pitch softball barrel standard is 2 3/4 inches
Many players prefer a smaller barrel that lightens weight and provides more swing speed

Bat taper

This is the diameter of the bat's handle
Standard bats are tapered 31/32 of an inch but can be slightly larger or smaller depending on whether you want a lighter or heavier bat
Some players like a narrower taper for the lighter weight and to rotate their wrists faster when hitting

Grip

The grip is simply the covering that bat manufacturers use on the handle of aluminum bats
Leather or synthetic leather gives a tackier feel for a surer grip
Rubber grips absorb more of the shock
Some bats come with a cushioned grip to decrease the shock even more

How to know which type of glove suits you best?

Baseball gloves is created to protect your palms from pain and injury while playing baseball. Baseball players use different baseball gloves or mitts for different positions. Depending on the position, each baseball gloves has a different purpose, size, shape, and design.

History
Baseball gloves first came in use in 1870's . Before that players have to catch the ball with bare hands. During the late 1800's players using gloves were teased. Gradually it became an integral part of the game. The basic idea behind the use of gloves was to create a glove that would pad and protect the players' hands and provide a cushion for catching the ball.

Different Parts of a Baseball Gloves: A Diagrammatic Representation

Size of baseball gloves: Baseball gloves vary in sizes. You should choose one which best fits in your hand. Good fitting gloves help you to perform better on the field. On the basis of age different sizes of gloves are available :

Youth baseball gloves are 8 to 12 inches.
Adult baseball gloves are 10.5 to 13 inches
Professional baseball gloves are up to 12 inches.

Baseball Glove Materials & Durability :
Baseball gloves are usually made of two materials : Leather baseball gloves and Synthetic baseball gloves.

Leather
The leather baseball gloves can be used in manufacturing the gloves of many varieties.

Full-grain leather: Full Grain leather is cow hide or steer hide leather on which the entire natural grain remains. Leather baseball gloves made of full grain leather are heavier, and tend to be stiffer than other gloves. It has not been excessively buffed and the long-lasting leather requires a lengthy break-in.
Premium steer hide: Steer hide is derived from neutered bulls, and is stronger than cow hide. The leather baseball gloves made of this type of leather is high-grade, heavy, and stiff. However its quality is lesser than full-grain leather gloves. These gloves need a longer break-in. Some gloves come pre-oiled.
Top-grain leather: Top grain leather is usually a leather in which the "top" grain i.e. the fur side, is sanded off until the thickness reaches to a desired level. Then it is filled or treated with an artificial grain. This artificial grain is introduced in leather by pressing. It is thinner than full-grain leather. Top grain leather baseball gloves are very durable. Some gloves come pre-oiled.

Few manufacturers uses other animal's skin for making baseball gloves/mitts. These are:
Wool is selected for the baseball's inner windings.

Buffalo Skin: Buffalo skin is used by few manufacturers. Gloves made of it is costly. Usually they are tougher and lighter than full grain steer hide, but breaks in easily.
Kangaroo Skin: Kangaroo skin is fairly new to the baseball glove market. It is stronger than steer hide of any grade. It is light weight so used for glove backs.
Pig Skin: Pig skin is much more flexible than cowhide and breaks in easily. However, it is less durable than cowhide and costs less. As the pig skin gloves are inexpensive which is ideal for youngster who looks for a cheap but good-performing glove.
Synthetic: Materials such as vinyl or plastic are commonly used for making baseball gloves. Synthetic baseball gloves are cheaper than leather baseball gloves. But can be stiff and awkward. These can be a good option for starting young players who quickly outgrow or miss their first glove.

Gloves Vs Mitts
Gloves and mitts are different thing and used by players played in different positions. Main differences are:

Gloves have fingers and mitts dont.
Mitts do a better job of controlling balls that don't hit in the pocket. They can aid scooping ground balls and short hops.
Catcher and first base are the only positions permitted to use mitts.

Types of Gloves Or Mitts:
Different players acquire different positions in the field during the game of baseball.. Some players field near the base, some outside in field and some behind the base. Each player has its own specific duties to perform so they have different gloves or mitts.

Catchers Mitts: Catchers mitts are specialized gloves made for fielders fielding at different positions. Mitts are fingerless gloves. These gloves are heavy padded to protect the hands. They have a smaller pocket to get the baseball out easily. The webbing is closed.

Catcher's mitts are measured by circumference rather than length. They are not used by any other position on the baseball field. Catchers' mitts are almost always made of full grain leather or premium steer hide.

Size of catchers mitts :

Young catcher's mitts are typically 31 inches or less.
Adult catcher's mitts are usually 32 inches or more.

First Base Mitts: First base mitts have a thin but stiff pad that runs around the circumference of the mitt. They have little padding in the palm or finger portions. They are designed for first base position and their common sizes are 12 to 12.5 inches.

Infielder Gloves: Infielder Gloves gloves are made for second basemen, pitchers, shortstops, third basemen. They are shorter and their sizes vary from 10.5 to 11.5 inches. These five-finger infielder gloves have shallow pockets for rapid transfer of the baseball to an infielder's throwing arm.

Outfielder Gloves: Outfielder gloves are longer and their sizes ranges from 12 to 12.5 inches. These gloves have deeper pockets. They are designed to cushion the impact of fly balls and maximize the fielder's reach and range.

Caring Tips For New Baseball Gloves:
New baseball gloves are stiff and not so favorable to fit in hands. For having a good game with it, you have to break in the baseball glove. Some effective ways of softening :

Wrap your new baseball gloves in a towel when not in use.
You can also use oils especially made for baseball gloves to soften it.
You should take precaution in oiling a baseball glove. The application of oil in the baseball gloves should not be more than three times a year. Too much of oil will tend to break the leather down.
Wear it as often as you can and catch ball with it. Continuous wearing and catching will soften it up and gradually it will bets fit in your hand.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Diamond 12 RFP Yellow Optic Leather Ball - 12"

Features :

Competition grade softballs built for maximum durability and consistent performance.
Maximum .47 COR, maximum 375 lb. compression.
Offer Price : RM35.00 each (Retail Price : RM42.00).

Louisville Slugger LSA 105 Umpire Indicator

Features :

4-Function Umpire Indicator
Deluxe molded black plastic; indicates inning, strikes, balls and outs
Easily opened for cleaning
Packed on blister card
Retail Price : RM18.00 each

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Louisville Slugger Softball Glove Z1275 Zephyr - 12.75"

Features :

Top grade, buffalo leather palm for soft feel
Lightweight nylon mesh back for easy closure
Cool Max finger lining wick away perspiration from player's hand
Velcro thumb and pinking lock for secure fit
Bruise-gard padding offers added protection
Dye-through lacing for durability
Genuine steerhide leather for strength and durability
"Checkmate" web with "X" stabilizer
Closed back with adjustable Velcro strap
Offer Price : RM220.00 each (Retail Price : RM250.00)

Louisville Slugger Softball Glove HS1302 Helix - 13"

Features :

Genuine steerhide leather for strength and durability.
Oil-treated leather for a great feel and easier break-in.
Slugger Touch finger linings wick away perspiration from the player’s hand for control and comfort.
Bruise-gard padding offers added protection in the palm and finger areas.
Dye-through lacing for durability.
Patterns developed by Major League players.
Unique horseshoe web
Closed back with Velcro strap
Offer Price : RM270.00 each (Retail Price : RM330.00).