Old Hickory Wood Bats Reviewed: Pro-Grade Bats on a Budget

If you are looking forward to owning a baseball bat from one of the best bat manufacturers today, we recommend you check out Old Hickory wood bats. Trusted by Major League Baseball players, you can never go wrong with the quality Old Hickory provides. Therefore, we have collected the best Old Hickory Wood Bats to accompany you in the cage and on the plate.

Who is Old Hickory?

Old Hickory Wood Bats

From humble beginnings, the Old Hickory brand started in a car garage in 1999 and developed into the Old Hickory Bat Company we know and love today. Furthermore, the Old Hickory Bat Company is trusted even by countless Major League Baseball players, proving that Old Hickory Wood Bats are of the best quality. In addition, every Old Hickory Wood Bats came from the same wood and processing MLB players receive; therefore, buyers receive top-of-the-line baseball bats from the factory straight to their hands.

What to Look for When Buying Old Hickory Bats?

Old Hickory Wood Bats

As stated, Old Hickory wood bats offer high-quality specifications and feature out of the box. However, buyers must pay close attention to how a bat would fit them during games or drills. As a result, we recommend buyers three things to consider when buying Old Hickory wood bats.

Bat Drop:

Since a baseball bat drop is a length of a baseball bat in inches subtracted to its weight in ounces, knowing the bat drop of a wood bat gives the buyer a general idea of the size and weight of a bat. For example, a wood bat that measures 30” and weighs 27oz has a bat drop of -3. In general, we recommend youth players to pick a -6 bat drop; conversely, adult players should get a -3 bat drop.

Feel:

Similar to Marucci wood bats, Old Hickory also features various weight feel on their wood bats. However, Old Hickory wood bats offer more range in terms of weight feel. The Old Hickory brand offers three different weight feels, very balanced, moderately balanced, and end-loaded models.

We recommend the very balanced models for players transitioning from aluminum, composite, or two-piece bats to wood bats. On the other hand, the moderately balanced models are for batters that prefer a balance between weight and power. Lastly, the end-loaded bats are for experienced hitters that can handle a heavier bat that unleashes a tremendous amount of force.

Barrel Size:

The barrel size of a wood bat varies depending on the preference of its user. However, we recommend players to purchase at least between 2 ¼” and 2 5/8” to ensure that their bat is within the USA Baseball Bat standard.

The Best Old Hickory Bats from Amazon

Old Hickory JD28 Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Product

Price: $159.95

If you are a highly skilled player ready to take up the gears of the pros, the Old Hickory JD28 is an excellent choice for you. Trusted by MLB All-Star J.D. Martinez, the Old Hickory JD28 surely delivers the needs of professionals and experienced players alike.

Crafted from Professional Grade Maple Wood, the JD28 boasts a long barrel and a thin handle that ends on a traditional knob, providing the bat with an excellent balance between power and weight. In addition, the Pro-Cupped End of the JD28 ensures that unnecessary weight will not bother your swing.

Take the specifications of MLB All-Star J.D. Martinez and dominate on the plate with the Old Hickory JD28 Maple Wood Baseball Bat.

Specification:

  • Pro Grade Maple Wood
  • D. Martinez Pro Model
  • Meets the Pro Ink Dot Standards
  • Traditional Knob
  • Pro Cupped End

Bat Drop: -3 bat drop (32” / 29oz and 33” / 33oz)

Feel: Very Balanced Swing Weight

Barrel Size: 2 ½”

PROS:

  • Features pro-level specifications.
  • Trusted by J.D. Martinez himself.
  • Passed the Ink Dot Testing.
  • The long barrel of the JD28 does not compromise weight.

CONS:

  • Only recommended for experienced players.

Old Hickory MT27 Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Product

Price: $159.95

Experience the exact bat MLB player Mike Trout uses with the Old Hickory MT27 Maple Wood Baseball Bat! Perfect for experienced players, get ready to possess the pinnacle of bat quality trusted by players in the Major League Baseball League.

Boasting a Professional-Grade Maple Wood construction, the MT27 passed the ink dot certification, proving that it is durable and unparalleled by other wood bats. In addition, the Old Hickory MT27 features a long barrel that provides a large sweet spot for the best pop on the plate. Furthermore, the MT27 features a medium-sized barrel tapered into a thin handle that offers a balanced swing.

Trusted by MLB Player Mike Trout, you can never go wrong with the MT27’s high-quality performance and specifications perfect the most crucial games.

Specification:

  • Pro Grade Maple Wood
  • Mike Trout Pro Model
  • Meets Pro Ink Dot Standards
  • Standard Knob
  • Pro Cupped End

Bat Drop: -3 (32” / 29oz.)

Feel: Moderately Balanced Swing Weight

Barrel Size: 2 ½” medium/large barrel

PROS:

  • Feature’s Mike Trout’s pro-level specifications.
  • Passed the Ink Dot Testing.
  • The Pro-Cupped End removes excess weight from the long barrel.
  • Features the durable Professional-Grade Maple Wood.

CONS:

  • Recommended for experienced batters only.

Old Hickory 28NA Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Product

Price: $149.95

An excellent choice for batters looking for a hybrid Old Hickory wood bat model, the Old Hickory 28NA features the tried and tested specification of MLB All-Stars Player Nolan Arenado. In addition, the Old Hickory 28NA passed the ink dot testing, proving the high-quality standard Old Hickory provides to their wood bats.

Furthermore, the hybrid construction of the Old Hickory 28NA merges a J154 barrel and KG1 handle to provide a very balanced swing on the plate. Moreover, the 28NA features a medium barrel with a medium taper connected to a thin handle with a flared knob.

Experience professional-level bat quality and specifications with the Old Hickory 28NA Wood Baseball Bat today!

Specification:

  • J154 barrel and KG1 handle hybrid
  • Medium barrel with a medium taper
  • A thin handle with a flared knob
  • Nolan Arenado Pro Model
  • Pro Ink Dot Certificate

Bat Drop: -3 drop (32” / 29 oz)

Feel: Very Balanced Swing Weight

Barrel Size: 2 ½”

PROS:

  • Enables its users to swing the same bat MLB Player Nolan Arenado uses.
  • Features the same wood specifications used by most MLB players.
  • The hybrid construction of the 28NA provides a very balanced swing feel.
  • The flared knob makes swinging the 28NA comfortable.

CONS:

  • Only recommended for experienced hitters.

Old Hickory YP66 Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Product

Price: $149.95

Based on the specifications of Yasiel Puig, the Old Hickory YP66 provides its users with a long barrel and a huge sweet spot while retaining a balanced feel. In addition, the pro-cupped end of the YP66 lightens its long barrel, keeping the weight down.

Furthermore, the Old Hickory YP66 wood bat boasts a pro ink dot certification, providing users with an MLB level of quality on the plate. Moreover, the flared knob of the YP66 provides excellent comfort when swung.

Dominate the plate with one of the most popular Old Hickory wood bat models. Get your Old Hickory YP66 today!

Specification:

  • Meets Pro Ink Dot Standards
  • Specifications based on Yasiel Puig’s signature
  • Pro-Cupped End
  • Rock Maple Wood Material
  • Flared Knob

Bat Drop: -3 bat drop

Feel: Balanced Swing Feel

Barrel Size: 2 ½”

PROS:

  • The YP66 passed the ink dot testing for game bats.
  • Features some of Yasiel Puig’s professional specifications.
  • Provides a balanced swing feel despite having a larger barrel.
  • The pro-cupped end of the YP66 brings down the weight of the barrel.

CONS:

  • The finish of the YP66 easily chips.

Old Hickory Bat Co. Crown Series Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Product

Price: $99.95

If professional signature models aren’t your thing but still want professional-level specifications, then you’ll love the Old Hickory Crown Series! When professionals turn down an exclusive model due to minor details such as cosmetics, Old Hickory Bat repurposes them to become a Crown Series model. Therefore, this provides all levels of players with a professional-level bat for a lower price.

Furthermore, the Crown Series features maple wood materials turned from pro-grade maple billets. Nevertheless, the Crown Series is on par with professional-level MLB specifications for an excellent price.

Specification:

  • Pro-cupped End
  • Rock Maple wood
  • Crown Series Insignia
  • Turned from Pro Grade Maple billets

Bat Drop: -3 bat drop

Feel: Balanced swing weight

Barrel Size: 2 ½”

PROS:

  • Features MLB-approved wood types.
  • Excellent price for its specifications.
  • Premium-looking finish.
  • Includes professional-level specifications.

CONS:

  • No pro ink dot certification.

Old Hickory J154 Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Product

Price: $149.95

An excellent choice for players who prefers an extremely balanced bat, the Old Hickory J154 Maple Wood Baseball Bat does not disappoint. In addition, the Old Hickory J154 passed the ink dot testing, ensuring users that their bat is durable despite its extremely balanced weight feel.

Furthermore, the Old Hickory J154 features the profile of a T141, providing players with professional-level specifications. Moreover, the J154 features a medium barrel with a medium taper attached to a medium handle with a standard knob. As a result, these specifications provide the J154 with an extremely balanced feel.

Specifications:

  • Pro Ink Dot Certification
  • Medium Barrel with a Medium Taper
  • Medium Handle with a Standard Knob
  • T141 Profile

Bat Drop: -3 bat drop

Feel: Very Balanced Swing Feel

Barrel Size: 2 ½”

PROS:

  • Excellent for players who prefer swinging lightweight bats.
  • The J154 Passed the Pro Ink Dot Certification.
  • Ideal for beginners and transitioning players from metal bats.
  • Professional-level specifications.

CONS:

  • Not ideal for power hitters.

Old Hickory KG1 Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Product

Price: $144.95

Similar to the J154, the Old Hickory KG1 Maple Wood Baseball Bat is an ideal option for batters looking for a very balanced bat feel. In addition, the Old Hickory KG1 features Pro-Grade Maple Wood, similar to most professional signature Old Hickory wood bats.

Furthermore, the Old Hickory KG1 features a flared knob attached to a 29/32 handle tapered to a medium barrel, providing its signature “very balanced” feel. Plus, the KG1 also features a pro-cupped end to eliminate the excess weight on its barrel, emphasizing its lightweight feel.

The turn model of the KG1 is similar to a 271 turn model that is excellent for contact and power hitters. Lastly, the Old Hickory KG1 Maple Wood Baseball Bat passed the pro ink dot certification, providing players with an extremely durable bat.

Specifications:

  • Professional-Grade Maple Wood
  • C271 Turn Model
  • Pro Ink Dot Certification
  • Thin 29/32 handle with a flared knob
  • Pro-Cupped End

Bat Drop: Approximate -2 and -3 bat drop (32” / 29oz)

Feel: Balanced Swing Feel

Barrel Size: 2 ½”

PROS:

  • Features professional-grade wood.
  • Provides batters with excellent weight distribution and a balanced feel.
  • Extremely durable wood.
  • The pro-cupped end lessens the weight of its already light barrel.

CONS:

  • Closely resembles the MT27 for almost the same price.

Frequently Asked Questions about Old Hickory Wood Bats

Q: Are Old Hickory bats made out of hickory?

A: No, Old Hickory uses hand-selected ashwood and maple from Canada and Northeastern United States to provide the same consistency and level of quality to all their wood bats.

Q: What MLB Players Use old Hickory Bats?

A: Old Hickory wood bats are one of the most trusted wood bat models in the MLB; therefore, many MLB players use and have Old Hickory models. Professional MLB players such as J.D. Martinez, Mike Trout,  and Nolan Arenado trust Old Hickory wood bats.

Q: Are Old Hickory bats good?

A: Yes, Old Hickory wood bats are trusted by countless MLB players. Therefore, you can never go wrong when you purchase an Old Hickory wood bat.

Q: Do wood bats lose their pop?

A: No, wood bats do not lose their pop. However, wood bats tend to break over time due to the wear and tear they experience during their lifetime.

Q: What bats do MLB players use?

A: Most MLB players use wood bats made from Maple due to their durability. Furthermore, the MLB trusts brands such as Marucci wood bats, Rawlings, Louisville Slugger, and Old Hickory to name a few.

ProBaseballGuide
Logo