Baden Axe Handled Bat
Anybody seen this thing? What's the science behind it? They were selling these things like Hot Cakes at Triple Crown Event in Norman, OK this past weekend. 2 moms on DD's team bought one. DD hit with it in BP. Didn't really notice anything different. Looks really gimicky to me. I think they should stick to making balls, but was wondering what everyone else thought.
Josh
I've seen them and hit with them. I like the concept, but I can't get passed the idea of hitting the ball on the same side of the bat every single time.
That was the first thing I thought of too. I just don't understand how they can promote that it "promotes palm up/palm down" position at contact, and that it "helps generate more bat speed." I'd really like to hear some science behind this. Another girl showed up at practice tonight with one, so DD can use one if it's going to be beneficial. DW said she took a few more hacks with it tonight, and still isn't seeing a big difference. Is this because she's already at palm up/palm down at contact? Do players with an already technically good swing get ANY BENEFIT from this particular product? I originally said that as a training tool, I did like the concept. But, just not sure about having it on a bat being used in a game. The Baden rep threw Ted Williams name around a lot too. MSRP is $299.99, and the guy is selling them (promotional deal) for $150.00 right now to get them out there. Anyone else?
Josh
Picked one up on Ebay for around $50; not impressed. Imo, deals mostly with grip issues; which can be handled in other, more cost-effective ways. Certainly wouldn't pay retail
LOL about the Baden rep throwing Ted's name around. Here is the connection the rep is trying to make to Williams;Originally Posted by CobraAssist
"...impact of bat on ball is reached not with the wrists rolling, or a wrist swing, but with the wrist square and unbroken, as they would be at impact when an ax is swung on a tree." -- Ted Williams
Ted is saying that the wrist do not roll into contact. Kids that are palm up/palm down at contact don't have a premature wrist roll problem. Plus, I bet you could still roll the wrist prematurely with the ax bat.
I felt the handle design could help some kids with their grip; but like pizza-boy01 said; their are other, less expensive ways to teach the proper grip.
The 3 times I have seen them in expos they have been quite the salesmen. I walked up every time and said "there's that bat that you have to hit the ball in the same spot everytime.". They always act like I am not there, page 2 paragraph 1 of their training manuel.
They are always set up next to the $200 wiffle ball on a stick.
Last edited by redhotcoach; 06-08-2012 at 08:11 AM.
I have a player with one. It does promote palm up palm down but what it really does is not teach the girl palm up palm down.
When she picks up any other bat she rolls the wrists because she never had to learn proper technique.
Former MLB player Morgan Ensberg discusses the Axe bat on this video clip from Fox in San Diego: why it works, etc. Homerun: New Bat Impresses Baseball Players | FOX8.com
Hope I can post links here!
Jim
I can buy an axe handle for $7.50 and have her swing at a soccer ball. With maybe 10m of drill, she's going to get the feel.
I could even put an old bat barrel, softball, or shrunken head on the end.
What I can't do is convince some sheep to spend $300 for the thing.
"All facts are friendly." --Carl Rogers
If adversity builds character, perhaps it's impunity that reveals it. --Me
They don't call them the "Tools of Ignorance" for nothing, and they aren't even using the full set. --Me
In internet legi, ergo debet esse vera. "I read it on the internet, so it must be true"
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