Sports equipment doesn’t last forever. Though you may want to keep using your lucky baseball bat for years, a time will come when you need to replace it. The experts at Sports & Sports Ashtabula and Madison, OH, explain when a bat is “dead” and how you can tell it’s time for a new one.

Sports Equipment Store Guide to Dead Bats

What is a Dead Baseball Bat?

A dead baseball bat is one that has lost its normal "pop" reaction when hitting a ball. Rather than flying with normal momentum, the ball will move much more slowly and won’t go as far. In other words, a dead bat is defective and may be harming your performance.

How Do You Tell a Dead Bat From a Normal Bat?

There are many ways to identify a dead bat—most of which involve using it. The first step is to check for declining performance: Aside from the pop, pay close attention to any difference in the feel of the ball hitting tthe batAlso, pay close attention to the bat’s sound. A dead bat will almost certainly sound unlike it has in the past. Finally, examine the body for any large cracks or a lost knob. Both are clear signs it’s time to replace your bat.

Why Do You Need to Replace a Dead Bat?

Whether you’re hitting the batting cages for fun or playing competitively on a team, you don’t want faulty sports equipment hindering your performance. A dead bat can be frustrating for a casual player and catastrophic for a serious athlete, so replace it as soon as possible.

For all your sports equipment needs, from bats and gloves to helmets and pads, Sports & Sports is the premier source for residents of Northern Ohio. They’ve been serving customers in and around Ashtabula and Madison since 1983. Check out the clearance bats available online, or call (440) 998-4664 for information on inventory.