Phoenix Bats

Phoenix Bats are a new brand that i was very exited about, i was sent 2 samples of their ash and their maple bats, the samples i received where extremely good baseball bats, they where strong, well made and the ash did not "Splinter" almost at all.

I then decided i would order 6 ash bats from them in the 243 model which features are large barrel and a slightly smaller handle. The bats arrived quite fast which was great because as a pro player i need bats fast, the flame tempered ash looked amazing and the engraving on the barrel was done precisely how i wanted.

However these bats felt lighter then the sample bats i tried, i thought this was strange at first but i continued to try them, the first bat splintered very fast so i taped it up and used it for Batting Practice.
The second bat broke when i barreled up a fast ball, i hit a line drive to center field but my broken bat annoyed me a lot.

The 3rd and 4th bats did nearly the same thing, they broke on well hit balls which should almost never happen!

The 5th bat was very good i must say, i have been using it for nearly a month and it has provided me with some nice hits and is yet to splinter or break and the 6th bat is still in the plastic bag it came in.

So what i am saying is that Phoenix Bats have the ability to make very good baseball bats, it just depends on the batch they send you i guess or maybe i just received a fluke batch which was not very good.

So if you want to try Phoenix bats they do offer a 10 day risk free money back guarantee which is a very good incentive to try their products.

Sam Bat

Sam bats are the bats i have used my entire pro career, they are great bats and they are the level on which every other maple bat is compared to!

This is not a review as much as it is a recommendation and i will not do this for any other company however i feel Sam Bats are so good and such a great company that they deserve this, each time i make an order they are very helpful and cooperative.

They make my own custom baseball bat to my exact dimensions, I know that each bat i receive is hand made, hand painted and personalized by hand.

Check out Sam Bat at http://www.sambat.com/

Rawlings Heart of the hide dual core.

The Rawlings Heart of the hide gloved have always been a very respected glove in baseball, they are a cost effective glove made from good leather. The glove is light weight and now with the addition of the new "Dual core technology" (first featured on the Primo) makes the glove a little heavier but much more durable and will keep its shape for a longer period of time.

Here is what Rawlings had to say.
"This Heart of the Hide Dual Core model features a conventional back and the Modified Trap-Eze Web pattern, which is an extremely strong web that provides ball snagging functionality. This popular 11 1/2" model is primarily used at the shortstop/pitcher position at the Pro Level. It can also be used at 2nd and 3rd base positions at the college/high school level. This new Heart of the Hide leather is tanned softer for that game ready feel with the durability and consistency remaining the same. The softness of the new leather allows for less break in time. This Series of gloves now features Dual Core Technology, which is position specific break points in the glove pattern."

The Good
-Great Leather.
-Durability.
-Dual Core Technology.
-Only $210.00
-Can be customized.
-Sturdy Glove.

The Bad
-Slightly heavier then previous HOH models.

The Overview
This is an exceptionable glove for a great price, i would recommend and use this glove at the professional level.

New Balance 823

The New Balance 823 molded cleat is a very well made and comfortable molded cleat, as i am no longer an infielder i use these cleats for pre game drills and On Field Batting Practice. These cleats have a wider body and a low cut top, they have a 16 cleat spike design which is extremely comfy to use!

This is what New balance say about these cleats.
"The low-cut, lightweight 823 puts New Balance running comfort in a molded baseball cleat."

The Good
-Wide Base.
-16 spikes.
-Light weight.
-NB gel.
-$62.00

The Bad
-Not the best looking cleat.

The Overview
I really like this baseball cleat, i think NB have done very well in making these cleats.

Nike air max diamond elite

The Nike air max diamond elite cleats are what i am currently wearing for my Home Games, i did however get mine customized from NikeID For $135 but the not custom ones are now on sale for $80. I really like these cleats, they are very comfy and have a nice foot sleeve, they also look really good. They are a little heavy though and can be a pain to clean sometimes. Also the white bottom on the shoe looks great at the start but will however get stained and ruined from the playing field.

Here is what Nike say about them.

"Every 90 feet count in the game of baseball. Fly from base to base in the Nike Air Max Diamond Elite Fly mid-height metal baseball cleat. Made with a lightweight and durable leather upper with supportive synthetic overlays, these cleats feature Power Channel flex grooves that allow for better traction through the driving process and gives better contact with all nine spikes. Cushioning, thy name is Phylon™, and you spread full-length in the outsole of this dynamic baseball cleat. A large-volume heel Max Air® unit provides maximum comfort where you need it most. Wt. 15.1 oz"

The Good
-Comfortable.
-Lasting.
-Look great.
-Minimal foot movement.

The bad
-NikeID price $135 + shipping.
-Regular price $100.
-Heavy.
-Hard to keep looking great.

The Overview
These are a great cleat and you will enjoy and love them when you get them, if 16oz doesn't bother you and you are willing to give them a little TLC they are a great investment.

Wilson A2K

The Wilson A2K is the most popular middle infield glove made by Wilson and is used by many MLB and MiLB players, Wilson is a very respected baseball brand and makes quality equipment for all positions.

This is what Wilson have to say about this glove.

"Our most popular middle infield model (the 1786). Used by Major League Ballplayers like Brandon Phillips features a shallow pocket which helps you get the ball in, out, and keep your ankles in tact."

"The A2K has been further refined for perfection in 2012. Our most premium glove model - All the A2K's features work together to provide the same core benefit - a truly long lasting glove that breaks in as quickly as possible."

I used to use this exact Wilson glove in the middle infield and it was a great glove, had a very quick break in time and was easy to maintain, the glove is light and has a comfortable gel pad that sits above the hand, the "Double Welting" technology helps the glove keep it shape also.

The glove did not last very long though due to the light, easy break in leather and i found i had to replace the Wilson glove more often then i would for that of a Rawlings glove.

The Good.
-Light.
-Fast break in.
-Comfortable.
-Double Welting.
-Great Looking.

The Bad
-$319.00
-Goes Floppy easily.
-Does not last long.

The Overview
Very decent glove that you will like when you first break it in however when the time comes this glove will wear out and it will be time for a new one.

Nike Air show Elite2

The Nike Air Show Elite 2 is one of the biggest selling cleats in baseball, players love the cleat because they are comfortable to wear right out of the box and for the most part they are the coolest looking cleats going around.



This is what Nike say about them.
"The Nike Air Show Elite 2: Classic design, advanced speed

The Nike Air Show Elite 2 Men's Baseball Cleat blends timeless style with a sleek, low-cut design that's built for speed and outstanding traction.

Benefits
Premium synthetic leather upper for durability, support and a great fit
Nike Air cushioning in the heel for a comfortable ride
Nine-cleat configuration outsole for excellent traction

Comfort
The Nike Air Show Elite 2 Cleat features premium synthetic leather in the upper for a snug fit, along with perforations on the tongue and midfoot for breathable comfort. This cleat also has an inner- sleeve that helps keep the foot in place during quick cuts and side-to-side movement. A Nike Air unit in the heel and full-length Phylon midsole deliver lightweight, impact-absorbing cushioning for comfort and a smooth ride. The super-durable injected plastic toe tip delivered added protection at the front of the foot.

Traction
The full-length Pebax plate on the outsole of the Air Show Elite 2 adds strength with less weight for explosive first-step speed and maximum control. For outstanding traction, the nine-cleat design includes six full-length cleats along with three smaller cleats in the forefoot, all in an arrangement that helps reduce irritation from cleat pressure.

Additional Details
Toe guard on the medial side for durability
Rubber heel pull-tab for easy on and off."

So I am currently using these cleats for my away games and I must say I do really like them. They are a low top cleat which features leather and synthetic, they are extremely comfortable because of the sole cushioning and the 9 spikes.



These cleats are also quite wallet friendly because they only cost $63.97 which is great for cleats.. Especially Nike cleats.

Here we go.
The Good
-Great looking cleat.
-Many color options.
-Comfortable.
-Affordable.

The Bad
-Only come with white shoe laces.
-Overtime the laces come closer and closer together.

Overview
These are great affordable cleats and I would recommend them to anyone.