Frequently Asked Questions

Maple

Pros:

Maple is a very dense wood, which tends to make it one of the best species to use for wood bats. Density is directly related to hardness and durability. The denser the wood used to make a bat, the more durable a bat will be and the more pop it will have. Also, maple is a diffuse-porous wood (close-grain). The properties of diffuse-porous wood are such that it will hold together under high intensity impact. 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.

Cons:

Maple must be dried to a very low moisture content, making it susceptible to gaining moisture over the lifespan of the bat. As the bat gains moisture it gains weight. A maple bat being used in a humid climate will tend to pick up a half ounce to an ounce or possibly more, depending on the climate. Maple is a rigid, sturdy wood and tends to be less forgiving than ash and birch when striking the baseball off the end of the bat or near the trademark.

Ash

Pros:

Before maple bats became popular, most traditional wood bats were made of ash. Ash is more flexible than maple, which many players believe allows them to “whip” the barrel through the hitting zone creating more bat speed. Due to this flexibility ash also, tends to be more forgiving than maple when striking the baseball off the end of the bat or near the trademark.

Cons:

Ash also needs to be dried to a very low moisture content in order to be used for wood bats. Ash is a ring porous wood (open-grain). The properties of ash are such that the bat will continue to dry out during the life span of the bat. This will cause the grains on ash bats to flake and splinter. Hitting off the face grain (the grain where to logo is placed) will also cause the bat to flake and splinter. Players that are not experienced using wood bats often rotate the bat while hitting, causing them to hit balls of the face grain. This will result in flaking and splintering and cause the bat to be less durable.

Birch

Pros:

Birch is a softer wood which causes it to be more flexible. This flexibility may allow a player to create more whip and generate more bat speed. This softness also tends to make birch more forgiving than maple when striking the baseball off the end of the bat or near the trademark. Like Maple, Birch is also a curly grain wood which lends it to be more durable when making repetitive contact with the baseball in the same area of the bat. In this sense, birch holds together similarly to maple. Birch bats will not flake apart like ash bats.

Cons:

Birch is softer than many other wood species, causing it to dent slightly when first used. Most birch bats will need to have a “break-in” period in order for the bat to harden as a result of repetitive impact from hitting the baseball. The surface hardness of a new birch bat is not near as hard as a new maple bat which may slightly decrease exit speeds.

Conclusion:

Over the course of the last 20 years Maple bats have emerged as the most popular species of wood used by players at the major league level. This is due to the hardness, durability, and overall performance of the wood. Maple bats make up approximately 75% to 80% of all bats used at the major league level. While there are some benefits to ash and birch, most players choose the performance of a maple bat over any other species.

The ink dot test, mandatory at the professional level since 2009, is being applied to all Old Hickory Maple Game Bats regardless of the level of play. The ink dot shows the slope of the grain of each bat and allows the slope to be measured.  The straighter the grains through this area, the stronger the bat will be.  This is another way to ensure that you receive the same quality bats as our Pro Players.

A stock bat is a pro grade bat model that we keep in stock. Stock bats come in one of 16 models and are pre-made and ready to ship within one to two days (Please allow for shipping time according to location) Stock bats are available in pro grade maple with some models also available in birch. These bats have the pro ink dot and are made from the same professional grade wood that we use to make our Custom Pro bats. Each stock bat comes in the color you see listed. 

A Custom Pro bat is a pro grade bat that can be completely customized. Customers may choose specific models, colors, lengths, weight, and wood types. These bats can be made in maple, birch, and ash. Manufacturing time on Custom Pro bats will vary but will typically will be between 3 to 6 weeks depending on the time of year (Please also account for shipping time according to location) Each Custom Pro bat is made to order and is produced according to when the order is placed unless the expedited service is selected. If you don't see a model listed that you would like to order, please contact us. 

old hickory LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY

Terms and Conditions

Use of this product constitutes your acceptance of the Old Hickory Warranty and all conditions, limitations and restrictions set forth herein. If you do not agree to all conditions, limitations and restrictions described below, you may return the unused, non-custom product in its original condition and with the original proof of purchase to Old Hickory for a full refund.

 

Customized wood bats may not be returned or exchanged for a refund.

Eligible Products

Old Hickory Bat Company offers a warranty policy on our Custom Pro Series wood bats, Pro XR ™ handle models and BBCOR aluminum and aluminum composite bats. .

Limited warranty only applies to the above wood bats manufactured with maple wood or birch wood.  Ash wood bats are not covered by the warranty.

We do not currently offer a warranty policy on Black Label bats, Commemorative/Trophy bats, apparel, accessories, or other products.

Wood Bat Warranty

Old Hickory offers a 45 day limited warranty on Custom Pro (both stock and custom order) and Pro XR ™  handle models listed on our website. Ash wood bats, Commemorative/Trophy and Black Label bats are not covered by the 45-day warranty. Every wood bat made by Old Hickory has been handcrafted to exact specifications. We take great pride in making the best wooden baseball bats on the market. Every bat is thoroughly inspected by every member of our production team to ensure there are no defects or blemishes. Due to the nature of the game, hitting baseballs at high speeds with a natural piece of wood will occasionally result in breakage.  If that happens within 45 days of purchase, and there is no evidence of misuse or abuse, we will provide a one-time replacement of your bat. 

All return shipping charges are the sole responsibility customer.

Examples of misuse that will not be covered under warranty include, but are not limited to:

-       Making contact outside of the sweet spot of the bat (down by the logo or towards the end of the bat)

-       Hitting on the back/front side of the bat (must make contact with logo up or down)

-       Hitting anything other than baseballs (this includes hitting dimple balls)

-       Slamming the bat down

-       A collapsed cup that does not affect the performance of the bat

All bats will be inspected upon return, and if the bat in question falls under our warranty, it will be replaced. If a returned bat falls outside the warranty (outside 45 days, evidence of misuse/abuse, bat is in a usable condition, etc.), we will send the bat back to the customer with an explanation of our findings.

Orders can only be replaced 1 time per bat purchase.

 

All returns must be received by Old Hickory within 14 business days of a submitted warranty claim.

 

To begin a warranty claim, please go to www.oldhickorybats.com/pages/warranty-claims

DO NOT RETURN YOUR BAT TO A RETAILER FOR A WARRANTY CLAIM

 

Aluminum and Composite Bat Warranty

Our aluminum bats have a one year warranty from the date of purchase.

Please read below for proper care, use instructions, and warranty information.

 

PROPER BAT CARE & USE INSTRUCTIONS

To clean your bat, use only mild soap and water. CAUTION: Take care not to scratch or dent your bat. Hitting metal cleats, rocks, or anything other than a ball can damage your bat and will void the warranty. WARNING: While metal and/or composite bats are more durable than wood bats, these bats can break, so use care. Further, deep scratches, nicks or dents can cause these bats to break at any time. Metal and/or composite bats should be replaced approximately every two years assuming normal usage. Breakage can cause injury to the batter, other players or spectators. Inspect your bat frequently for cracks, nicks, dents, surface damage or excessive wear. DO NOT USE EXCESSIVELY WORN OR DAMAGED BATS. WARNING: Avoid using your bat in cold weather. Temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) increase the hardness of balls significantly. Old Hickory bats are warrantied, under normal wear and tear, for 365 days from the date of purchase. Please read the warranty for complete details. Abuse of the product will void the warranty.

365 DAY BAT WARRANTY FROM DATE OF PURCHASE

This warranty covers all manufacturing defects resulting from normal field usage including: Denting, Cracking, Breaking, Loose or Detached End Cap, Rattling.

This warranty does not cover:

-       Bats that have been abused, altered or mistreated.

-       Bats that have been used in a commercial batting cage.

-       Hitting anything other than baseballs (this includes hitting dimple balls

-       Bats that have been used in temperatures under 60 degrees F (15 degrees C).

-       Bats purchased from non-authorized Old Hickory dealers or individuals.

-       Bats purchased at auction, or on auction websites without the express written consent of Old Hickory Bat Company.

-       Used bats purchased from re-sellers.

-       Grip replacements.

-       Decals, graphics and/or stickers

  

To expend the life of your bat, Old Hickory suggests the following:

-       Use with leather covered balls only.

-       Limit the bat to your individual use only.

-       Rotate the bat 1/4 turn each at-bat.

To begin a warranty claim, please go to www.oldhickorybats.com/pages/warranty-claims

 DO NOT RETURN YOUR BAT TO A RETAILER FOR A WARRANTY CLAIM

 

TO START A WARRANTY CLAIM

Complete the Return Authorization Form here

Return your bat, along with proof of purchase and a copy of the Return Authorization Form  to:

 

Old Hickory Bat Company

Attn: Warranty Department

1739 Hwy 31W

Goodlettsville, TN 37072

*Please note: warranty returns missing an authorization form will experience delays in the replacement process.

 

RETURN/EXCHANGE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Custom ordered wood bats are only eligible for a return/exchange due to breakage within 45 days or receipt of an incorrect order..

Exchanges (non-custom items): If you purchased your non-custom item directly through Old Hickory Bats, you may exchange your item within 30 days from the date of purchase. Items must be new, unused, in their original packaging, and include proof of purchase. Old Hickory will not exchange any engraved or used bats. If the customer wishes to exchange the bat for a different priced bat, the customer will either pay or be refunded the difference in price between the two bats. Replacement product on exchanges will be shipped within 14 business days.

Returns (non-custom items): If you purchased your non-custom item directly through Old Hickory Bats, you may return your item within 30 days from the date of purchase. Items must be new, unused, in their original packaging and include proof of purchase. For qualifying returns, Old Hickory will issue a refund to your credit card within 5 business days from the date we process your return. Refunds will not include the original shipping and handling costs and will be subject to a $10.00 restocking fee.

  

Return Address:

Old Hickory Bat Company

Attn: Returns/Exchanges

1739 Hwy 31W

Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Please keep all tracking numbers to ensure your shipment has been received by Old Hickory Bat Company

For all warranty/returns/exchange questions, please email us at mail@oldhickorybats.com

HOW TO RETURN A DEFECTIVE BAT

Note: Save your receipt as proof of purchase.

It is required to return a defective bat. Bats returned without proof of purchase may not be warranted. WITHIN THE U.S. (INCL. HAWAII & ALASKA): Do not return the bat to your sporting goods dealer! Call Old Hickory Warranty Department at 1-866-776-2287 to obtain a return authorization number and return address.

• Send the defective bat along with the proof of purchase to the Old Hickory Warranty Department.
• If Old Hickory agrees that the bat is defective, we will send out a repaired or replacement bat of equal or greater value.
  
  

IN CANADA: 
In Canada, for a return authorization number, please call Old Hickory at (866) 776-2287. For further information, see our website www.oldhickorybats.com, or contact your local dealer for Canadian warranty criteria. Pour obtenir une authorisation de retour, veuillez appeler Old Hickory au 1-866-776-2287. Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter notre site web (www.oldhickorybats.com) ou contectez votre détaillant pour connaître les critéres de garantie Canadienne.

OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA: 
Do not return the bat directly to Old Hickory! Return the defective bat along with the proof of purchase to the sporting goods dealer from which ir was purchased. If the dealer agrees that the bat is defective, he or she should provide you with a replacement bat or order one from Old Hickory if the desired model and size is temporarily out of stock. If the dealer deems the bat as not under warranty, the bat will be returned to you.