6. Wood is wood. The label on the bat doesn’t guarantee quality. There are A TON of small manufacturers that produce superior quality bats than the big manufacturers. Plus you’re supporting a small business and feeding someone’s family when you buy from smaller companies.

4. Double check the weight. Checking the weight is usually a good way to ensure the wood hasn’t dried out. If it’s lighter than advertised, it’s likely lost moisture and will be brittle. If you have a moisture meter that works too.

3. When possible. Buy direct from the manufacturer. You’re more likely to get quality wood that hasn’t dried out. Manufacturers [should] monitor the humidity in their storage facilities to ensure their wood maintains adequate moisture. Retailers don’t control their humidity.

1. Never. Ever. Ever buy a fully black bat unless you purchase direct from the manufacturer. “Black stain hides shitty grain. It’s easy to hide long grain under dark finishes. Even if your ink dot specs out, your bat could still fail specs for pro quality long grain.