Home » Bat Reviews » Old Hickory Wood Bats Reviewed: Pro-Grade Bats on a Budget
If you are looking forward to owning a baseball bat from one of the best bat manufacturers today, we recommend you check out Old Hickory wood bats. Trusted by Major League Baseball players, you can never go wrong with the quality Old Hickory provides. Therefore, we have collected the best Old Hickory Wood Bats to accompany you in the cage and on the plate.
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Who is Old Hickory?
From humble beginnings, the Old Hickory brand started in a car garage in 1999 and developed into the Old Hickory Bat Company we know and love today. Furthermore, the Old Hickory Bat Company is trusted even by countless Major League Baseball players, proving that Old Hickory Wood Bats are of the best quality. In addition, every Old Hickory Wood Bats came from the same wood and processing MLB players receive; therefore, buyers receive top-of-the-line baseball bats from the factory straight to their hands.
What to Look for When Buying Old Hickory Bats?
As stated, Old Hickory wood bats offer high-quality specifications and feature out of the box. However, buyers must pay close attention to how a bat would fit them during games or drills. As a result, we recommend buyers three things to consider when buying Old Hickory wood bats.
Bat Drop:
Since a baseball bat drop is a length of a baseball bat in inches subtracted to its weight in ounces, knowing the bat drop of a wood bat gives the buyer a general idea of the size and weight of a bat. For example, a wood bat that measures 30” and weighs 27oz has a bat drop of -3. In general, we recommend youth players to pick a -6 bat drop; conversely, adult players should get a -3 bat drop.
Feel:
Similar to Marucci wood bats, Old Hickory also features various weight feel on their wood bats. However, Old Hickory wood bats offer more range in terms of weight feel. The Old Hickory brand offers three different weight feels, very balanced, moderately balanced, and end-loaded models.
We recommend the very balanced models for players transitioning from aluminum, composite, or two-piece bats to wood bats. On the other hand, the moderately balanced models are for batters that prefer a balance between weight and power. Lastly, the end-loaded bats are for experienced hitters that can handle a heavier bat that unleashes a tremendous amount of force.
Barrel Size:
The barrel size of a wood bat varies depending on the preference of its user. However, we recommend players to purchase at least between 2 ¼” and 2 5/8” to ensure that their bat is within the USA Baseball Bat standard.
The Best Old Hickory Bats from Amazon
Old Hickory JD28 Maple Wood Baseball Bat
Product
Price: $159.95
If you are a highly skilled player ready to take up the gears of the pros, the Old Hickory JD28 is an excellent choice for you. Trusted by MLB All-Star J.D. Martinez, the Old Hickory JD28 surely delivers the needs of professionals and experienced players alike.
Crafted from Professional Grade Maple Wood, the JD28 boasts a long barrel and a thin handle that ends on a traditional knob, providing the bat with an excellent balance between power and weight. In addition, the Pro-Cupped End of the JD28 ensures that unnecessary weight will not bother your swing.
Take the specifications of MLB All-Star J.D. Martinez and dominate on the plate with the Old Hickory JD28 Maple Wood Baseball Bat.
Specification:
- Pro Grade Maple Wood
- D. Martinez Pro Model
- Meets the Pro Ink Dot Standards
- Traditional Knob
- Pro Cupped End
Bat Drop: -3 bat drop (32” / 29oz and 33” / 33oz)
Feel: Very Balanced Swing Weight
Barrel Size: 2 ½”
PROS:
- Features pro-level specifications.
- Trusted by J.D. Martinez himself.
- Passed the Ink Dot Testing.
- The long barrel of the JD28 does not compromise weight.
CONS:
- Only recommended for experienced players.
Old Hickory MT27 Maple Wood Baseball Bat
Product
Price: $159.95
Experience the exact bat MLB player Mike Trout uses with the Old Hickory MT27 Maple Wood Baseball Bat! Perfect for experienced players, get ready to possess the pinnacle of bat quality trusted by players in the Major League Baseball League.
Boasting a Professional-Grade Maple Wood construction, the MT27 passed the ink dot certification, proving that it is durable and unparalleled by other wood bats. In addition, the Old Hickory MT27 features a long barrel that provides a large sweet spot for the best pop on the plate. Furthermore, the MT27 features a medium-sized barrel tapered into a thin handle that offers a balanced swing.
Trusted by MLB Player Mike Trout, you can never go wrong with the MT27’s high-quality performance and specifications perfect the most crucial games.
Specification:
- Pro Grade Maple Wood
- Mike Trout Pro Model
- Meets Pro Ink Dot Standards
- Standard Knob
- Pro Cupped End
Bat Drop: -3 (32” / 29oz.)
Feel: Moderately Balanced Swing Weight
Barrel Size: 2 ½” medium/large barrel
PROS:
- Feature’s Mike Trout’s pro-level specifications.
- Passed the Ink Dot Testing.
- The Pro-Cupped End removes excess weight from the long barrel.
- Features the durable Professional-Grade Maple Wood.
CONS:
- Recommended for experienced batters only.
Old Hickory 28NA Maple Wood Baseball Bat
Product
Price: $149.95
An excellent choice for batters looking for a hybrid Old Hickory wood bat model, the Old Hickory 28NA features the tried and tested specification of MLB All-Stars Player Nolan Arenado. In addition, the Old Hickory 28NA passed the ink dot testing, proving the high-quality standard Old Hickory provides to their wood bats.
Furthermore, the hybrid construction of the Old Hickory 28NA merges a J154 barrel and KG1 handle to provide a very balanced swing on the plate. Moreover, the 28NA features a medium barrel with a medium taper connected to a thin handle with a flared knob.
Experience professional-level bat quality and specifications with the Old Hickory 28NA Wood Baseball Bat today!
Specification:
- J154 barrel and KG1 handle hybrid
- Medium barrel with a medium taper
- A thin handle with a flared knob
- Nolan Arenado Pro Model
- Pro Ink Dot Certificate
Bat Drop: -3 drop (32” / 29 oz)
Feel: Very Balanced Swing Weight
Barrel Size: 2 ½”
PROS:
- Enables its users to swing the same bat MLB Player Nolan Arenado uses.
- Features the same wood specifications used by most MLB players.
- The hybrid construction of the 28NA provides a very balanced swing feel.
- The flared knob makes swinging the 28NA comfortable.
CONS:
- Only recommended for experienced hitters.
Old Hickory YP66 Maple Wood Baseball Bat
Product
Price: $149.95
Based on the specifications of Yasiel Puig, the Old Hickory YP66 provides its users with a long barrel and a huge sweet spot while retaining a balanced feel. In addition, the pro-cupped end of the YP66 lightens its long barrel, keeping the weight down.
Furthermore, the Old Hickory YP66 wood bat boasts a pro ink dot certification, providing users with an MLB level of quality on the plate. Moreover, the flared knob of the YP66 provides excellent comfort when swung.
Dominate the plate with one of the most popular Old Hickory wood bat models. Get your Old Hickory YP66 today!
Specification:
- Meets Pro Ink Dot Standards
- Specifications based on Yasiel Puig’s signature
- Pro-Cupped End
- Rock Maple Wood Material
- Flared Knob
Bat Drop: -3 bat drop
Feel: Balanced Swing Feel
Barrel Size: 2 ½”
PROS:
- The YP66 passed the ink dot testing for game bats.
- Features some of Yasiel Puig’s professional specifications.
- Provides a balanced swing feel despite having a larger barrel.
- The pro-cupped end of the YP66 brings down the weight of the barrel.
CONS:
- The finish of the YP66 easily chips.
Old Hickory Bat Co. Crown Series Maple Wood Baseball Bat
Product
Price: $99.95
If professional signature models aren’t your thing but still want professional-level specifications, then you’ll love the Old Hickory Crown Series! When professionals turn down an exclusive model due to minor details such as cosmetics, Old Hickory Bat repurposes them to become a Crown Series model. Therefore, this provides all levels of players with a professional-level bat for a lower price.
Furthermore, the Crown Series features maple wood materials turned from pro-grade maple billets. Nevertheless, the Crown Series is on par with professional-level MLB specifications for an excellent price.
Specification:
- Pro-cupped End
- Rock Maple wood
- Crown Series Insignia
- Turned from Pro Grade Maple billets
Bat Drop: -3 bat drop
Feel: Balanced swing weight
Barrel Size: 2 ½”
PROS:
- Features MLB-approved wood types.
- Excellent price for its specifications.
- Premium-looking finish.
- Includes professional-level specifications.
CONS:
- No pro ink dot certification.
Old Hickory J154 Maple Wood Baseball Bat
Product
Price: $149.95
An excellent choice for players who prefers an extremely balanced bat, the Old Hickory J154 Maple Wood Baseball Bat does not disappoint. In addition, the Old Hickory J154 passed the ink dot testing, ensuring users that their bat is durable despite its extremely balanced weight feel.
Furthermore, the Old Hickory J154 features the profile of a T141, providing players with professional-level specifications. Moreover, the J154 features a medium barrel with a medium taper attached to a medium handle with a standard knob. As a result, these specifications provide the J154 with an extremely balanced feel.
Specifications:
- Pro Ink Dot Certification
- Medium Barrel with a Medium Taper
- Medium Handle with a Standard Knob
- T141 Profile
Bat Drop: -3 bat drop
Feel: Very Balanced Swing Feel
Barrel Size: 2 ½”
PROS:
- Excellent for players who prefer swinging lightweight bats.
- The J154 Passed the Pro Ink Dot Certification.
- Ideal for beginners and transitioning players from metal bats.
- Professional-level specifications.
CONS:
- Not ideal for power hitters.
Old Hickory KG1 Maple Wood Baseball Bat
Product
Price: $144.95
Similar to the J154, the Old Hickory KG1 Maple Wood Baseball Bat is an ideal option for batters looking for a very balanced bat feel. In addition, the Old Hickory KG1 features Pro-Grade Maple Wood, similar to most professional signature Old Hickory wood bats.
Furthermore, the Old Hickory KG1 features a flared knob attached to a 29/32 handle tapered to a medium barrel, providing its signature “very balanced” feel. Plus, the KG1 also features a pro-cupped end to eliminate the excess weight on its barrel, emphasizing its lightweight feel.
The turn model of the KG1 is similar to a 271 turn model that is excellent for contact and power hitters. Lastly, the Old Hickory KG1 Maple Wood Baseball Bat passed the pro ink dot certification, providing players with an extremely durable bat.
Specifications:
- Professional-Grade Maple Wood
- C271 Turn Model
- Pro Ink Dot Certification
- Thin 29/32 handle with a flared knob
- Pro-Cupped End
Bat Drop: Approximate -2 and -3 bat drop (32” / 29oz)
Feel: Balanced Swing Feel
Barrel Size: 2 ½”
PROS:
- Features professional-grade wood.
- Provides batters with excellent weight distribution and a balanced feel.
- Extremely durable wood.
- The pro-cupped end lessens the weight of its already light barrel.
CONS:
- Closely resembles the MT27 for almost the same price.
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Hickory Wood Bats
Q: Are Old Hickory bats made out of hickory?
A: No, Old Hickory uses hand-selected ashwood and maple from Canada and Northeastern United States to provide the same consistency and level of quality to all their wood bats.
Q: What MLB Players Use old Hickory Bats?
A: Old Hickory wood bats are one of the most trusted wood bat models in the MLB; therefore, many MLB players use and have Old Hickory models. Professional MLB players such as J.D. Martinez, Mike Trout, and Nolan Arenado trust Old Hickory wood bats.
Q: Are Old Hickory bats good?
A: Yes, Old Hickory wood bats are trusted by countless MLB players. Therefore, you can never go wrong when you purchase an Old Hickory wood bat.
Q: Do wood bats lose their pop?
A: No, wood bats do not lose their pop. However, wood bats tend to break over time due to the wear and tear they experience during their lifetime.
Q: What bats do MLB players use?
A: Most MLB players use wood bats made from Maple due to their durability. Furthermore, the MLB trusts brands such as Marucci wood bats, Rawlings, Louisville Slugger, and Old Hickory to name a few.
FAQs
What is the most balanced old hickory bat? ›
Very Balanced Models
One of the most balanced models is the J154. The J154 has a medium to thin handle with a medium barrel. It is one of the most balanced wood bats available.
Old Hickory BBCOR Review. Old Hickory makes an impressive line of wood bats. At least guys like Mike Trout, Yasiel Puig and Paul Goldschmidt would tell you so, and I don't see anyone disagreeing with them. Their wood bats are good and will continue to be.
What is the best cheap bat? ›...
Top 3 USA Baseball Bats Under $50
- 2020 Rawlings Raptor. Best Cheap USA Bat. ...
- 2020 Rawlings Impact. Best Cheap USA Bat (Option) ...
- 2022 Easton Havoc. Best Budget USA Bat (Runner Up)
Ash: Ash wood bats are the most forgiving of all the wood materials. Most players that prefer ash bats talk about how ash allows them to feel the ball on contact. Because of their softer and lighter characteristics, ash bats are most commonly used by contact hitters.
What wood bat breaks the most? ›Wood and metal bats differ primarily in their balance point and barrel size; a composite bat will imitate wood's performance while being more forgiving to a new hitter. Otherwise, Hickory is the hardest bat to break, but also one of the worst-performing.
What is the hardest hitting bat? ›- 2022 Easton ADV 360. ...
- 2019 Louisville Slugger Solo. ...
- 2020 Easton ADV 360 Drop 11. ...
- 2021 Easton ADV 360. ...
- 2018 Rawlings Quatro. ...
- 2018 Easton Beast X Hybrid. Best USA Bat 2018. ...
- 2019 Rawlings Threat. Best Drop 12 USA Bat. ...
- 2021 Rawlings 5150. Best Drop 5 USA Bat.
Maple will not flake apart on the barrel or splinter. Thus, the more you hit with a maple bat the grains will compact and press together. This makes the bat harder in this area of frequent impact. Maple has the hardest surface of the three major species of wood typically used to manufacture wood bats.
What bat did Derek Jeter use? ›He made over 12,500 plate appearances in his 20 seasons in MLB, and every single one of them was with a Louisville Slugger P72. With Derek's retirement, we thought it was fitting to retire his bat model in recognition of his brilliant career.
How many MLB players use old hickory bats? ›Old Hickory Bat Company produces bats for over 200 Major League players a year. While many of these players swing a standard Old Hickory model, several others will have their own custom model made to their exact specifications.
What is the longest bat lifespan? ›The longest-living bat is 41 years old.
Although most bats live less than 20 years in the wild, scientists have documented six species that life more than 30 years. In 2006, a tiny bat from Siberia set the world record at 41 years .
What bat lasts the longest? ›
Pros for Maple bats
Harder, more dense piece of wood, compared to ash, so a perfectly hit ball will travel farther. Doesn't flake, making it last for ever as long as you don't break it.
Ash bats will break just as easy, but usually they just wear out. The grain of an ash bat will delaminate over many uses. Birch is tougher than ash, and more flexible than maple.
Do more expensive bats really make a difference? ›Probably the biggest benefit is the slight bump in bat speed. Other than these benefits, I don't see how an expensive balanced bat can generate better hitting results for a 10-year-old batter than a less expensive, more end-weighted bat that is 1-2 inches shorter with the same MOI, if the same materials are used.
What type of wood bat breaks the least? ›Bats that are made with harder, more durable wood have more pop, making them a good fit for power hitters. Due to its close grain structure, maple bats hold up well under high-speed impact so they do not break easily either.
What is the most balanced wood bat turn? ›The most basic of turn models, the 110 has the most balanced swing weight and is lighter than most turns because most of the weight is distributed through a long, slow taper. The larger barrel diameter gives the bat a large contact surface, and the thicker handle adds durability.
Who makes old hickory bats? ›Jon Moyer, founder of Old Hickory Bat Company, proudly holds up a bat made for J.D. Martinez of the Boston Red Sox. Next, he took me up to the office where I was introduced to Jon Moyer, the man who founded the company in his garage some thirty years ago.
What bat did Babe Ruth use? ›Look at the Louisville Slugger logo from The Bambino's bat, pictured above. See the notches along the top? Babe Ruth carved those: One notch for every home run. In 1927, Babe used – and notched – this Louisville Slugger bat for 21 of his record-setting 60 home runs that year.
Does a heavier bat hit the ball farther? ›So, using a heavier bat should result in faster hit balls, which means the hit ball will travel farther. If a player can maintain the same bat swing speed with a heavier bat, the heavier bat will produce higher batted ball velocity and an increase in distance.
Do wood bats hit farther? ›The unique composition of wood bats and the balance of pop and density are unmatched by metal bats. A good hit with a wood bat will come off the bat faster and go farther than the same hit with a metal bat.
What is the fastest bat ever? ›The fastest-flying bat, and the fastest-flying mammal overall, is the Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), native to southern USA, Mexico, Central America and most of South America, with maximum ground speeds of 44.5 metres per second (145 feet per second; 160.2 kilometres per hour; 99.5 miles per hour).
What is the hottest bat ever? ›
DeMarini Voodoo Black
It packed a powerful alloy punch and would casually hit balls over 400 feet. You simply cannot have the hottest bats of all time discussion without including the DeMarini Voodoo Black.
The Sheath-tailed bat Coleura seychellensis is one of only two mammals endemic to the Seychelles, this means that it cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Yet it is possibly the rarest bat in the world with only about 30-100 individuals left in Seychelles.
What bat does Chris Gayle use? ›The cricket bat used by Chris Gayle is the Spartan CG Bat, which weighs around 1.36 kg.
What bat did Griffey use? ›Throughout his career, Griffey clearly preferred Louisville Slugger bats, although he did occasionally use other brands such as Cooper, Rawlings/Adirondack and even the very scarce Nike bats during the mid-1990s.
What bat did Bryce Harper use? ›The Phillies MVP has hit a lot of home runs with Victus bats, including the one that sent the team to the World Series. "He always swings with maple bats," said Jared Smith, CEO of Victus. "We've made him a three-pack essentially for every series so far.
Who swings old hickory bats? ›Top players such as Mike Trout, Nolan Arenado, Yasiel Puig, Paul Goldschmidt, and J.D. Martinez swing their sticks. Started in 1999, as a one man operation in a one car garage, they now manufacture and sell their bats all over the world.
What bat do most pros use? ›- Maple Wood Baseball Bats (70% USE MAPLE) Maple bats are stiff and offer little flexibility when a ball is struck with them. ...
- Ash Wood Baseball Bats (25% USE ASH) ...
- Birch Wood Baseball Bats (5% USE BIRCH)
The baseball bat that Robinson used in the 1949 MLB All-Star Game sold for $1.08 million on Sunday, Hunt Auctions announced. The company purchased the bat on behalf of a private client. The bat is a Louisville Slugger, Hillerich & Bradsby S100 model that was made specifically for Robinson for use in the All-Star Game.
What is the average life of a baseball bat? ›That said, a composite or aluminum bat will last around 1-2 years if it is well taken care of and not used by multiple players. There is not a lot of risk in planning to get a new bat every couple of seasons.
What bat company is used most in MLB? ›- Marucci Baseball Bats. According to surveys, Marucci is the most popular baseball bat brand used by Major Leaguers for 2021. ...
- Louisville Slugger Bats. Louisville Slugger holds the designation of Official Baseball Bat of Major League Baseball. ...
- Victus Baseball Bats.
What is the longest legal bat in MLB? ›
According to the Official Rules of Major League Baseball [1]: 1.10. (a) The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood.
What bat did Ken Griffey Jr swing? ›Throughout his career, Griffey clearly preferred Louisville Slugger bats, although he did occasionally use other brands such as Cooper, Rawlings/Adirondack and even the very scarce Nike bats during the mid-1990s.
What wood bat does Mike Trout swing? ›Mike Trout's Bat is an Old Hickory. He uses a 33.5 drop 1—meaning the bat weighs 32.5 ounces.
What bat did Mickey Mantle swing? ›in 1964, a Mickey Mantle model Louisville Slugger, 35 inches long and weighing 32.6 ounces. Taube identified it as an M-110, the model Mantle twice ordered from Louisville Slugger in March 1964.
What is the hardest wood baseball bat? ›Hickory - Hickory bats are the heaviest and hardest of all the types of wood. They have no flex and little feel. Hickory bats were the most popular wood baseball bats in the early days of Major League Baseball, but have since been passed in popularity by maple, ash, and birch wood bats.
What is the rarest bat in America? ›America's rarest bat, the endangered Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus), was once relatively common. It often lived in tile roofs of Coral Gables and Miami, and its loud, low-frequency echolocation calls made it easy to detect.
What kind of bat did Babe Ruth have? ›Look at the Louisville Slugger logo from The Bambino's bat, pictured above. See the notches along the top? Babe Ruth carved those: One notch for every home run. In 1927, Babe used – and notched – this Louisville Slugger bat for 21 of his record-setting 60 home runs that year.