Are you thinking about getting yourself a new wood bat but don't know for sure what turn model to look for? This guide will learn you more about different turn models and hopefully help you to find a turn models that suits your needs!
Swinging with a wood bat in baseball has that unique feeling no other material can match. The feeling of the ball meeting the barrel, that iconic sound upon impact. Indescribable.
When going for a wood bat to swing with, you’ll need to understand the options and know what you’re swinging with. Not only can a wood bat have a different kind of wood, also a different bat model. By understanding how your bat is cut and manufactured you can get the most out of it.
What is a turn model?
Just like their metal counterparts, wood bats also start as a blank of raw material. This piece of wood is then cut into the final product, a bat. The turn models are the essential blueprints needed for this process. Every manufacturer follows the turn models when producing their baseball bats. Each bat model has a specific measurement for barrel and handle thickness and taper style.
Are their any popular turn models?
There are a lot of wood bat models that suit all batting styles. You don’t need to know your measurements precisely. But to find the perfect fit for you, there are these very popular turn models available from bat manufacturers.
271
The wood bats that are cut to a 271 turn model are very popular among all athletes and are very common on the plate. The taper between the 271’s 15/16-inch handle and 2 ½- inch barrel feels quick. This gives the bat a little bit of an end-loaded feel.
110
The 110 wood bat turn model is a very balanced bat. This 110 turn model is great for players that are starting to swing with a wood bat. The 2 ½- inch barrel and 1-inch handle balance the weight of the bat through a slow taper. The 110 turn model is a basic model that can be very useful towards success for actually any style of hitting.
243
The 243 turn model is suited for power hitters. It has a 29/32- inch handle and a 2 5/8- inch barrel. These measurements suit nicely with a quick taper. This gives the batter a top-heavy feel, great for power hitters looking for that whip effect.
I-13
The I-13 turn model is vey similar to the 271 turn model. The only difference between the two models is that the I-13 has a sharp and quick taper. This distributes the weight of the bat more in the barrel. Therefore this model is also popular among power hitters.
Keep in mind that turn models can be cut from different materials. Find the right piece of wood for yourself by reading our other buying guide “How do I buy a wood baseball bat?”.
The knob of the bat
There are also different designs of bat knobs, just like the barrel, taper and the handle of the bat. There are a number of different styles of knobs, each of them has a different look and feel.
Standard bat knob
A Standard bat knob looks like the knob you’ll see on metal baseball bats. The knob transitions straight into the handle which is a great option for players that freshly walk into the wood game.
Tapered bat knob
This style is popular amongst the batters and often chosen on the plate. Instead of the straight transition like the standard knob, this tapered knob has a smooth transition form the knob to the handle.
Bell bat knob
These so called bell bat knobs are the largest knobs out of the different styles. This knob has the purpose to serve more as a counterweight for the batter. This can provide more swing speed and whip through the zone.
Cone bat knob
This style is often chosen by players coming back from an injury. This kind of knob offers a slow and gradual transition from handle to knob. It gives a comfortable and ergonomic feel. Players who often let their fingers dangle from the end of the bat might also find the cone knob a good option.
Hitting with a wood bat can be a very fun experience on the diamond. Use this buying guide in your advantage to find out more about the different turn models and bat knobs. But remember. Always handle your bat with care and attention.
