Batting grip tape helps players develop a "feel" for the bat to increase grip and control of the bat head while lessening the "sting" when contact is made on the handle or the end of the bat.
It's also a way for players to take ownership and a sense of pride in their role as hitters. When they apply the grip, they're preparing to reach peak performance in the batter's box.
In my opinion, applying batting grip tape is part of a ritual to become the best hitter than can be, in style!
WHAT IS BATTING GRIP TAPE EXACTLY?
The short answer is batting grip tape is a special kind of flexible tape that you apply on a bat handle to maximize the amount of grip a hitter has during their swing. This kind of tape has become a popular accessory for baseball players recently. It can also be a great way for ballplayers to express their unique style as athletes.
Here at Applied Vision Sports, we offer a line of colorful and fun batting grip tapes, and the best part is, we will match any price! Come check out our line of batting tapes at our shop as well as our Amazon store.
*Our batting grips are made with Polymer to help keep that grip as moister-proof as possible.
THE ADVANTAGES OF USING BATTING GRIP TAPES
How the bat feels in our hands is everything. It needs to be firm yet flexible in order to have a "tacit feel" for the bat. What we want is a secure grip to maximize our control of the bat-head.
*Our new batting grips help players hold onto the softball or baseball bat with a grip that helps with bat control.
WHY DO MLB PLAYERS USE GRIP TAPE?
Many MLB players tend to use grip tapes for the exact same reason. Peak performance and style. When a hitter feels good, they will play good!
Oftentimes, a new batting grip tape can switch things up for a hitter especially when they're in a bit of a funk at the plate.
So much of hitting is about creating confidence. Sometimes, a different "feel" or color of grip can help hitters hit the "reset" button.
MATERIALS USED IN BATTING GRIP TAPES
Typically, grip tapes come in a variety of materials and dimensions such as polyurethane foam. In the recent past, as well as the present day, hitters would use athletic tape to develop a grip on the bat to increase "feel". As previously mentioned, our grips are made with Polymer to keep the grips practically water and sweat-proof.
HOW TO APPLY BATTING GRIP TAPE
Step #1: Find the pre-cut end on the grip tape and place it close to the bat’s knob.
Step #2: Apply tension on the tape and start to wrap the grip around the handle of the bat.
Step#3: Continue wrapping up the handle until the grip is covered completely.
What you're looking for are the edges of the batting grip tape to be aligned at the edges with as little overlap as possible.
MAINTAINING AND REPLACING BATTING GRIP TAPE
In general, batting grip tapes tend to last anywhere between six months to two years depending on how often you use the bat. Maintaining the grip tape is important so that it gives you the performance you need. If you feel that the grip is slipping off your hand, you can replace it with a fresh one.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BATTING GRIP TAPE
With lots of manufacturers around, you may find it difficult to choose the right batting grip tape for your needs.
Here's where we suggest players should start.
Go with what's comfortable - Find a thickness, color scheme, and design that feels right for you. It's YOU standing in the batter's box. Typically, a thicker bat grip decreases the level of "sting" while holding the bat but also puts the grip less in the fingers and more in the palm. Again, comfort is king.
Find a grip that addresses moisture - The last thing you want is sweat or a rainy game taking away max grip performance. Sure you can use pine tar and rosin, but a good batting grip tape made with Polymer should help keep the grip as free from moisture as possible.
Try different grip types - You can get two free batting grips when your purchase a bundle at our shop.
HOW TO GRIP BATTING TAPE
My mentor Steve Springer would tell me often that on a scale from 1-10, holding a bat should feel like " 6" in your hands, and then when you prepare to swing, the grip goes to 10.
What you want to avoid is the tension that comes from "white-knuckling" the bat before you even begin to swing. Why? Because loose muscles are quick muscles. Tense muscles are slow muscles.
WHEN TO REPLACE BATTING GRIP TAPE
When you notice that your baseball batting grip starts to shred or tear, it is time to replace the old bat grip with a new one.
Also, if you're in a funk and you need to switch things up, it could be time to switch the grip altogether to keep things fresh!
BATTING GRIP TAPE FAQ
- HOW THICK SHOULD MY BAT TAPE BE?
Although there are three standard sizes for baseball grip tape, it is good to choose the grip with 1.8mm thickness. Also, it matches the average industry size for grip tapes.
- DO MLB PLAYERS USE BAT TAPE?
You bet they do. If maximized bat speed, grip strength, and the ability to drive the ball consistently is the goal, and it is, then anything that gives an edge is utilized. Bat grip is definitely one of them.
- WHAT IS THE BEST GRIP TAPE FOR A BASEBALL BAT?
As of recent trends, the Lizard grip tapes have become a popular choice for many professional baseball players. Still, some players prefer to use brands such as Vulcan, Franklin, Clutch. However, we're pretty happy with our Polymer anti-moisture batting grip tape at our Applied Visio Sports Store.
- WHAT IS THE PROPER GRIP FOR BATTING WITH GRIP TAPE?
Start the grip tape rolled down the bat’s handle. Roll the grip towards you by about 3 inches. Check whether the binding is in good condition. Wash, rinse, repeat. If it looks and feels eve, you're on the right track.
- SHOULD YOU LINE UP KNUCKLES WHEN BATTING?
Not necessarily. I've trained and worked with 1,000's of hitters so here's my suggestion. Line up the door-knocking knuckles on your top hand in between the door-knocking and top knuckles on your bottom hand.
In other words, with both hands, imagine holding a hammer. Is it in your fingers slightly or in the back of your palm? It's the same with holding a bat and hitting a baseball.
Ultimately, batting grip tapes should help you feel like a confident hitter because it doesn't matter how great your swing is, if you're not confident, you'll underachieve.
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