2019- Gear Guide

TECHNOLOGY AND STYLE MARK THE LATEST IN BASEBALL-CENTRIC GEAR

- Tim Newcomb

Bats that are enhanced with new technology, cleats that bring style to the game and gloves embracing the most premium of materials mark just a few of the trends cropping up in the latest baseball gear.

As companies look for new inroads into the game—no matter the age of player—the mix of technology, style, and materials mark the path to creating something new.

Companies are using the latest advancements to not only enhance the performance on their products but also the look and feel. These products are made for all levels and most can be bought off the rack (or online) and personalized.

This year’s Gear Guide explores the intersection of trends and gear across bats, gloves, cleats, protective gear, accessories, and gifts, highlighting a crop of the latest products now available to keep the game—and the gear that fuels the game—moving forward.

Bat-Makers Embrace Technology for Unique Performance

Technology surrounds the bat game. As strict organizational rules regulate so much of the BBCOR, USSSA and USA bat market, every brand looks to put their own distinctive spin on the barrel, the connections, the materials, and the manufacturing specifications to give their creations a special place in the batter’s box.

The intensity of options across bats, from aluminum to composite and even to wood, seems never-ending. We’ve waded through the options to highlight the best of what brands have to offer.

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER has updated its popular Meta-model with the 2020 LS Meta BBCOR (-3). Using a special composite barrel engineered for a lightweight swing that includes a large barrel and a “true” sound, the three-piece design features a stiff connection to reduce vibration. The special endcap design allows for a larger BBCOR barrel length, while the balanced swing strives for a combination of speed and power.