FAQ
Wood Bats 101
1. Why should you use a wood bat?
Wood bats make you a better hitter. The smaller sweet spot forces better mechanics, improved contact quality, and a more consistent swing — you feel every mishit, which accelerates development faster than any other bat. Wood bats are also required at the professional level, and more high school and college programs are making the switch to wood bat leagues every year. If you’re serious about the game, training with wood is the best way to prepare.
2. What wood types do you offer?
Old Hickory bats are available in maple and birch. Maple is the most popular choice at the professional level, used in approximately 75–80% of MLB bats. It’s an extremely dense, hard wood that delivers exceptional durability, pop, and surface hardness. Birch offers more flexibility and a forgiving feel, making it a great option for players transitioning from aluminum or those who prefer a little more whip through the zone. New birch bats require a short break-in period as the surface hardens with use.
3. What is the Ink Dot Test on a wood bat?
The ink dot test is an MLB-mandated quality standard that measures the straightness of the wood grain on maple and birch bats. Straighter grain means a stronger, more durable bat. A drop of ink is applied to the handle and measured with a protractor — MLB regulations require the grain angle to be no greater than 2.86 degrees. Every maple and birch bat Old Hickory produces passes this standard. (Commemorative/Trophy bats excluded.)
4. What is a cupped end on a wood bat?
A cupped end is a small concave indentation carved into the top of the barrel. It removes a small amount of wood from the end of the bat, shifting the balance point slightly toward the handle for a quicker, more balanced feel through the zone. No cup means more weight in the barrel for an end-loaded feel, while a full cup creates a more balanced swing. A half cup falls right in between.
Old Hickory Custom Pro bats are available with no cup, half cup, or full cup — the choice comes down to your swing style and personal preference.
5. How do I care for my wood bat?
Taking care of your wood bat extends its life and protects your investment. Here are the key things to keep in mind:
- Always hit with the logo facing up or down — this ensures contact is made on the strongest part of the bat
- Only hit real leather baseballs — dimple balls and cage balls can cause premature damage and void your warranty
- Store your bat indoors in a climate-controlled environment — avoid car trunks, garages, and anywhere with extreme heat, cold, or humidity
- Do not slam your bat or use it to hit anything other than a baseball
- Inspect your bat regularly for cracks or damage before use
Ordering & Products
6. What is the difference between a Stock bat and a Custom Pro bat?
Stock bats are pre-made bats ready to ship within 3–5 business days. Available in a selection of models and colors in maple or birch.
Custom Pro bats are made to order and fully customizable — choose your model, length, weight, wood type, colors, and finish. Manufacturing time is 3–6 weeks plus shipping.
7. How do I choose the right wood bat model?
Choosing the right bat comes down to your hitting style and personal preference. Players who generate power through the lower half typically prefer an end-loaded bat with a larger barrel. Contact hitters often do better with a balanced bat and a thinner handle for quicker bat speed. Wood type matters too — maple for maximum hardness and durability, birch for a more flexible feel with a break-in period. Not sure where to start? Email us at mail@oldhickorybats.com and we’ll help you find the right fit.
8. How do I customize a wood bat with Old Hickory?
Old Hickory Custom Pro bats are fully customizable. Choose your model, wood type, length, weight, barrel color, handle color, and logo color. We have over 1,500 models on file — if you don’t see what you’re looking for on our website, contact us at mail@oldhickorybats.com and we’ll make it work. Ready to build yours? Start your custom bat here
Production & Shipping
9. How long does it take to get a Custom Pro wood bat?
Custom Pro bats are made to order with a standard manufacturing time of 3–6 weeks depending on the time of year, plus shipping. Need it faster? Expedited processing reduces manufacturing time to 7–10 business days. Orders are produced in the order they are received. Stock bats ship within 3–5 business days.
Warranty & Returns
10. Does Old Hickory offer a warranty on wood bats?
Old Hickory offers a limited warranty on the following bats:
- 60-Day Warranty: Custom Pro Series (stock and custom order), Steel Pressed, High Density Series (HDS)
- 30-Day Warranty: Drop 5 Series, Youth Bats
If your bat breaks under normal use within the warranty period and shows no evidence of misuse or abuse, we will provide a one-time bat replacement. Warranty claims are not eligible for a monetary refund of any kind.
The following are not covered: Black Label bats, Commemorative/Trophy bats, Sale/Clearance bats, apparel, and accessories.
For full details, visit our Warranty Policy
11. What voids an Old Hickory wood bat warranty?
The following are examples of misuse or abuse that will not be covered under warranty:
- Contact made outside the sweet spot (near the logo or toward the end cap)
- Hitting on the face grain — the logo must face up or down at contact
- Water damage
- Hitting anything other than baseballs, including dimple balls
- Slamming the bat down
- Chipping of paint
- A collapsed cup that does not affect bat performance
12. How do I submit a wood bat warranty claim?
To submit a warranty claim, visit our Warranty Claim You’ll need proof of purchase and photos of the bat and damage.
Key deadlines to know:
- Your bat must be received by Old Hickory within 14 business days of submitting your claim
- Allow 3–4 weeks for processing and replacement bat shipment
- All return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility
Do not return your bat to a retailer — all warranty claims must be submitted directly to Old Hickory.
13. Does Old Hickory offer refunds on warranty claims?
No. All approved wood bat warranty claims are fulfilled with a one-time bat replacement only. Monetary refunds are not available through the warranty program. For return and refund eligibility outside of warranty, visit our Refund Policy
14. Can I return or exchange my Old Hickory bat?
Non-custom bats purchased directly through Old Hickory may be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase. Items must be new, unused, in their original packaging, and include proof of purchase. Engraved or used bats are not eligible. Returns are subject to a $10.00 restocking fee; original shipping costs are not refunded.
Custom bats are non-refundable and only eligible for return or exchange in the case of breakage within the warranty period or if you received an incorrect order.
For full details, visit our Refund Policy
Still have questions? Email us at mail@oldhickorybats.com