BaseballAmerica.com: Equipment Guide

Rawlings

The South Carolina Gamecocks are back to back College World Series champions, and they use one bat: the Rawlings' 5150. The 5150 ($199.99/rawlings.com) meets BBCOR standards, of course, and features one-piece alloy construction that has been formulated for higher strength and increased flex. The aerospace-grade 5150 alloy formulation provides unparalleled durability. Rawlings' Precision-Optimized Performance Technology isolates the added weight to a smaller region on the barrel than any competitors bats, translating into a lower swing weight. POP Technology meets BBCOR standards without using inserts. Rawlings' proprietary metal forming process allows for precision-controlled wall thickness, resulting in a more even weight distribution. The bat's maximum rebound zone is surrounded by thin walls that create additional flex and a larger sweet spot.

For more information, visit http://www.rawlings.com

Mizuno

Mizuno fortifies its leadership in craftsmanship and innovation in premium gloves with the Global Elite VOP Glove ($300/mizunousa.com.) The Vibration Oil Process adds to the feel and performance that top players expect. Structure and support are enhanced through a special Roll Welting method, and each glove comes with a special Mizuno Global Elite Bag.

For more information, visit http://www.mizunousa.com

Under Armour

The UA Heater IV ($89.99/underarmour.com) features a combination UA engineered leather and perforated nubuck upper for great step-in comfort with maximum durability. The 4D Foam collar creates a more comfortable custom fit and provides ankle protection. Full-length Micro G midsole cushioning delivers light, ultra-responsive performance for better stability and comfort. The molded 4D Foam insole forms to the foot, providing shock absorption as well as stability. UA's Rotational Traction Technology features extra-wide UA Fang steel spikes in a circular, 6-3 configuration for an extra boost of speed and power-enhancing torque. The ArmourGuide TPU outsole enhances support and stability, and forefoot flex grooves provide flexibility.

For more information, visit http://www.underarmour.com

Louisville Slugger

Louisville Slugger makes TPX bats for all levels of play. And whether you're playing in Little League or the big leagues, the goal is to hit the ball and make someone else go chase it. The 2012 Louisville Slugger TPX Z-1000 is the latest and greatest in terms of technology, allowing the player to focus on hitting and take the bat technology for granted. LS-2X Composite technology features new thinner, high-strength and lightweight graphite fibers that allow use of more layers for added strength but a thinner wall. This creates better performance while maintaining durability. S1iD (Swing 1 Inner Disc) technology allows the barrel to flex to its maximum allowable level from the first swing, making the bat game ready from the time it comes out of the wrapper.

For more information, visit http://www.slugger.com

KŌR Glove

Baseball players and parents say that KŌR batting Gloves ($17.49 per pair/korglove.com) give a player confidence when batting by allowing the player to focus on his batting instead of worrying about the ball hitting his hands. With KŌR Glove the players' hands are protected with a Kevlar overlay covering the carpal and metacarpal bones in the hand and wrist. Baseball players have also commented that the gloves last a long time as well. Durability is a hallmark of the product, as well as high-quality workmanship. Users also tell the company, KŌR Glove looks cool when you are wearing it." Adult and youth players like the look of the glove and the variety of colors that are available. Parents comment that they like the fact that it is an engineered product designed by a mechanical engineer. They also say that they like the price of $17.49 per pair, which includes tax and shipping.

For more information, visit http://www.korglove.com

Mattingly Baseball

Mattingly Baseball is proud to introduce the new Demon BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat ($199.99/mattingly baseball.com). The bat features a traditional round handle, as well as one-piece atomic alloy construction. It is BBCOR compliant and features a massive sweet spot, the TRU balance weighting system, as well as direct power transfer stiff handle technology.

For more information, visit http://www.mattinglybaseball.com

M^Powered Baseball

M^Powered Baseball was founded with the mandate to supply professional-quality baseball gear to all levels of players: professional, amateur, college and youth leaguers. The new 777POWR BBCOR ($199.99/mpoweredbaseball.com) meets this standard, allowing you to feel the power and feel the pop at a great price. The 777POWR is available in white or black.

For more information, visit http://www.mpoweredbaseball.com

Beacon Athletics

The Beacon Triple Play Batter's Box Template ($129.00/beaconathletics .com) is a groundskeeper's best friend, with all of your batter's box sizes in one template. This durable, lightweight PVC template provides the outline for all three standard sizes of batter's boxes: 3-by-6 feet for youth baseball, 4-by-6 feet for baseball, and 3-by-7 feet for softball. Simply align with home plate and scribe the outline of the box needed. Then use your field chalker to create the finished batter's boxes. Perfect boxes every time.

For more information, visit http://www.beaconathletics.com

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro Professional Mound Clay (diamondpro.com) is a screened heavy clay with a natural yellowish-brown color. This heavy clay has a higher clay content than Diamond Pro's red Mound Clay and will require more attention. Professional Mound Clay can be used in conjunction with other Diamond Pro products, or as a standalone, everyday maintenance clay. This clay can be used to construct, rebuild or repair pitcher's mounds, catcher's and batter's boxes. In a recent independent study by Virginia Tech, Diamond Pro's PMC was voted as "favorite product" in a comparison of baseball mound clay. Diamond Pro provides professional groundskeeping products and equipment nationwide, and their product line includes Infield Conditioner (red or gray), Calcined Clay, Mound/Homeplate Clay, Professional Mound Clay and Bricks, Athletic Field Marking Dust, Infield Mix and Warning Track Mix. The Red Infield Conditioner is available in bulk to save you both time and money!

For more information, visit http:///www.diamondpro.com

DeMarini

DeMarini's 2012 BBCOR bats are a lineup designed to meet the needs of a changing game. At DeMarini, some things never change: technical excellence and our commitment to the player. This is how they continue to create performance bats that meet players' needs and exceed their expectations, with aluminum, wood and composite bats tuned for each player's unique hitting style. Elite baseball players demand the best, and DeMarini works with more than 250 top college teams designing bats for the demands of today's top players. You can try all new 2012 BBCOR models by visiting any DeMarini Demo House. Find a Demo House near you at www.demarini.com/demohouse.

For more information, visit http://www.demarini.com

New Balance

The New Balance 4040 ($95/newbalance.com), which debuts for December 2011, is a lightweight, low-profile cleat that offers dynamic performance and a bold look on the field. A new anatomically designed spike plate features engineered cut-outs and sculpting to enhance traction and reduce weight. A form-fitting synthetic and mesh upper offers breathable support, and full length ABZORB cushioning relieves spike pressure.

For more information, visit http://www.newbalance.com

Americas' Bat Co.

Americas' Bat Co. (americasbat.com) has quickly established itself as one of the best wood-bat makers around. Americas' Bat makes bats for players from Little Leagues to the big leagues, and will always treat you like a pro. Professional bats are made from canadian maple and northern white ash, customized and personalized to the smallest detail. Se habla Español y contamos con representantes en Hermosillo, Reynosa, Mexico D.F.

For more information, visit http://www.americasbat.com

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