ProXR Pro Model

Maple. Dense and hard, the most common pro wood. Hits hard and holds up when the player squares the ball up; breaks rather than flakes when mis-hit. Quality varies a lot by maker.

Tip: Maple from a good maker is the best wood bat money can buy; maple from a cheap one is the worst.

Birch. Softer than maple and more forgiving of mis-hits; hardens with use. A good choice for a first wood bat and for younger players.

An angled, one-sided handle shaped like an axe. It lets the bat rotate through contact and reduces wrist and hand torque; makers recommend it for bat speed and for players who get sore hands.

Tip: Worth a try for a player who complains of hand or wrist pain.