Baseball Equipment Reviews - Demarini CF3 and Easton Stealth Composite Baseball Bats Compared

Are you tired of the ping, ping, ping of aluminum bats? Many people have complained about the high pitched sound before. Well, there is good news for you because the 2008 baseball bats are made of a carbon reinforced composite material. So, instead of the ping of aluminum you hear more of a crack of thud when the ball hits the composite bats. It sounds more like a traditional wood bat. Now you can get the distance of a metal bat without the annoying sound.

As a baseball equipment retailer and, quite frankly a person who loves the game, we often get asked to pick the best bat. Rather than play favorites, the following is a review of two of what will be the best selling bats in the 2008 equipment line up.

New for 2008 the Demarini CF3 is making waves all over the college baseball world. The CF3 is Demarini first attempt at a composite baseball bat and they past the test with flying colors. The Demarini CF3 is the first double wall composite bat that has 2 walls acting independently of each other for maximum trampoline effect. This combined with the new clutch end cap give this bat the biggest sweet spot in the game and allows for maximum performance on off center hits.

The Easton Stealth Composite is new for 2008 and is Eastons second attempt at a composite baseball bat. The new Easton Stealth Composite comes two different ways the regular flex (BCN7) and the stiff flex (BCN8). The difference between the 2 is the amount of flex in the opti-flex composite handle. The regular flex has 3 times more flex than aluminum handles and the stiff flex has 1.5 times more flex than aluminum handles.

Easton second go around at a composite baseball bat is a huge improvement over the first. Last years version was very end weighted and a had a very heavy swing weight. In the new models Easton moved the kick point baseball the handle giving this bat an incredible balanced feel.

Whether you choose the Demarini CF3 or the Easton BCN7, BCN8 baseball bats, you are swinging baseball of the hottest bats on the planet. So, keep you eyes and ears out for these new bats at a field near you.

And if in Omaha, stop by Prime Time Sporting Goods (10933 Harrison St. LaVista, NE 68128) and take a gander at our array of

softball and baseball bats and equipment.

And read our Coach's Corner blog for fun commentary on the world of baseball and more reviews for items like fielder's gloves.

Youth Baseball Drills - Pitching in the Tunnel

Many times young pitchers tend to open the front side of their body much too soon when delivering a pitch. In order to fix this problem I use a nifty tunnel analogy. Picture it this way. Let's say you're driving a Mac Truck down the freeway and baseball encounter a tunnel. It's an easy fit for you with clearance on all sides unless you change your direction and run into the side of the tunnel! Of course this would produce an enormous amount of sparks, some body damage, and baseball you to panic until you (hopefully) corrected your path. The goal for Mac Truck driving through tunnels is simple then: stay away from the sides to insure a frictionless passage.

Fortunately pitching a baseball works much the same. During your baseball drills and mound practice, simply envision an imaginary tunnel that stretches from you straight to home plate and your catcher. If any part of your body runs into the side of the tunnel, sparks will fly, and your delivery will be hindered because of the friction you will cause.

The reason why this makes sense is because if your body is fully in line with home plate, your energy will move in this direction. If your body veers off the path, you will lost valuable momentum. Having said this, it is the back side of the body that begins this energy creation process for pitchers (and for hitters for that matter). Simply make sure when the front foot hits the ground that the front arm does not move away from your body, but instead your chest moves toward your glove. This will help you stay in the tunnel and give you the best shot at throwing strikes consistently. Work on it during your baseball instruction.

Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball designed to improve the mental game in athletes. Come download a free ebook on dealing with failure in baseball.