One of the toughest things to do in sports is to hit a baseball. Whether it’s a high-speed fastball, a breaking ball or even an off-speed pitch, making solid contact is very difficult. But nobody ever said hitting a round ball with a round bat would be easy. There are a variety of tools hitters can use to improve their hitting. Practicing their hand-eye coordination in a batting cage, hitting off of a batting tee or facing live pitching are a few ways to do so.

It probably goes without saying but the higher level a baseball player gets, the harder most pitchers will throw the ball. So a hitter’s bat speed becomes very important. The need to get the bat around quickly enough to catch up to fastball can be critical. One piece of equipment players of all ages have used to help with this is adding some weight to the bat and taking swings. These weights come in the form of a round batting donut or a weighted batting sleeve. We’ve looked at some of the products and have researched some information for you on them.

Types

Traditional accessories for batting weights are the batting “donuts”. Players can add the weight by placing the donut on the barrel of the bat. The added weight when swinging is supposed to help strengthen the players muscles so that when they swing their standard weight bat they can create quicker overall bat speed.

Another popular accessory is the batting “sleeve”. Batting sleeves are longer and spread the weight more efficiently throughout the barrel of the bat. Both types come in a variety of different weights.

Here are a few products we found that players and coaches can look for and some general information on them.

Donut Batting Weights

[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”B0000C8WFB” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/312V-UFNC-L._SL160_.jpg” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″ width=”160″][easyazon_link identifier=”B0000C8WFB” locale=”US” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″]Easton Bat Weight, Royal, 16-Ounce[/easyazon_link]
Easton sells these donut type bat weights. They are small, easy to throw in your equipment bag and won’t cost you a lot. You get get them in multiple colors and they come in two different weights, a 16 oz or a 28 oz weight.

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[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”B000059EG4″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41zNodWMXeL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″ width=”160″][easyazon_link identifier=”B000059EG4″ locale=”US” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″]Rawlings Doughnut Style Bat Sleeve[/easyazon_link]
Another of the baseball donut style weights, Rawlings also can provide these. They fit most bat sizes but check the fine print to see if it will fit your specific bat size. Rawlings offer their low-priced bat weight in a 16 oz size.

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[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”B008C2B5JI” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41uOFBrAZWL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″ width=”160″][easyazon_link identifier=”B008C2B5JI” locale=”US” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″]Champro Bat Weight Blister Pack (Green, 8-Ounce)[/easyazon_link]
If you’re looking for a company that can provide the donut style bat weight in a few different weights, check out Champro. Their weight have a 2 ¼ inside diameter and are available in six different weights. They offer an 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz, 24 oz and 28 oz batting weights.

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Sleeve Type Weights

[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”B01M5K8M1V” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41UV3rDpsrL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″ width=”160″][easyazon_link identifier=”B01M5K8M1V” locale=”US” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″]Varo ARC Baseball Bat Weight, 12 oz, Hyper Lime/Graphite[/easyazon_link]
The ARC® 12oz bat weight distributes weight to the end of the barrel, creating a game-like swing that improves a player’s mechanics and strengthens baseball-specific muscles. Designed to dial-in your swing before stepping up to the plate, and for off-field conditioning when away from the game. New Cushion-Fit Technology, with rubber infused fins eliminate friction on the bat, safeguarding the barrel from rings and scratches. The ARC® provides optimal performance for all skill levels, from Youth to Pro. Fits 2 3/4″ & 2 5/8” Barrel Bats.

The Varo ARC weight is available in a variety of weights and colors.

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[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”92″ identifier=”B00A3OORHU” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41rMQDtrt%2BL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″ width=”160″][easyazon_link identifier=”B00A3OORHU” locale=”US” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″]Rawlings Pro Style Bat Sleeve[/easyazon_link]

- Deluxe professional model bat sleeve weighs 24 oz.
- Longer “sleeve” design is for better balance of weight on bat during on-deck warmup or training drills
- Made of durable red rubber with Rawlings logo
- Tapered design with inside diameter measuring 2″ at the smaller end

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[easyazon_image align=”left” identifier=”B0085O7RD6″ locale=”US” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″][easyazon_link identifier=”B0085O7RD6″ locale=”US” tag=”myyouthbaseball-20″]Pow’r Wrap Bat Weight for Baseball, 24-Ounce, White[/easyazon_link]
It fits 2 5/8″ and 2 3/4″ diameter bats, either wood or alloy/composite and it weighs 24 ounces.

- Legal for use in all adult baseball leagues.
- Used by all the major teams.
- Made of tough and durable polycarbonate plastic. Virtually unbreakable and will last for years.
- Weighs more than the old stale doughnut weights and distributes weight more evenly on barrel of bat.
- Works the specific muscles used when hitting.
- Great for game use in the on-deck circle or as an off season training weight.
- Easily fits into equipment bag.

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So those are a few of the products available for players and coaches looking for bat weights. Make sure the product you select will fit your bat size.

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