All-Season Hood vs. Thermal Winter Hood Comparison Guide

It’s that time of year to start thinking about winter gear, if you haven’t already been hit with cold temps. A must have for any outdoor winter activity is the thermal hood, our best selling winter accessory. You may have heard the hood referred to as a balaclava, ski mask, face mask, gaiter, skull cap, or neckwarmer. Whatever you call it, we will break down the differences between the All-Season Hood and Thermal Hood, so you can be prepared for whatever the weather brings.

Wearing a hood in the cold has many benefits, including:

  • Warmth: Hoods cover your head and neck, two of the areas of your body that are most susceptible to heat loss. This can help to keep you warm and comfortable in cold weather.
  • Protection: Hoods can protect your face and ears from the elements, including wind, snow, and rain. This can help to prevent frostbite, windburn, and other cold weather injuries.
  • Moisture management: Hoods are made from wicking materials that help to keep you dry. This is important because sweat can make you feel cold and can also lead to frostbite.
  • Versatility: Hoods can be worn on their own or under a helmet. This makes them ideal for a variety of cold weather activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

The comparison chart below shows the main features of the All-Season and Thermal Hood.

FeatureSU All-Season HoodSU Thermal Hood
TemperatureFor temperatures above 32 degreesFor temperatures under 32 degrees
ConfigurationsSix different configurations for personal comfort and needSix different configurations for personal comfort and need
DesignForm-fitting, can be worn under helmet or on its ownForm-fitting, can be worn under helmet or on its own
Moisture managementYesYes
Stretch4-way4-way
SeamsFlatFlat
LiningNylon lining for comfort and wind protectionSoft, fuzzy lining for maximum warmth
Head sizeFits 22-25″Fits 22-25″
Material95% polyester, 5% spandex92% polyester, 8% spandex

With 6 different ways to wear a hood, it’s such a diverse accessory. Find your most comfortable fit, and change the way you wear it when temperatures fluctuate.

Along with our traditional all-season and thermal hoods, we also have football hoods for both adult and youth players, so you stay warm on the field! They are designed to be worn under your football helmet, for a comfortable, distraction-free fit.

Give the Gift of Sports This Holiday Season with $15 OFF Orders Over $100

Halloween is behind us, which means one thing, yep you guessed it…Holiday shopping season is right around the corner. We know you’ll be flooded with email promotions, TV commercials with Christmas jingles, and stores fully stocked with Candy Canes and wrapping paper. So, let’s get to it before Holiday promo overload hits!

Sports Unlimited is kicking off the season with a $15 off orders over $100 deal. Just add your favorite sports gear to your cart, and the discount will be automatically applied to your cart as soon as you reach that $100 mark. Buy for family, buy for friends, buy for yourself! You can’t go wrong with some fresh gear for your favorite athlete.

Whether you’re looking for a new football helmet, field hockey stick, or basketball, Sports Unlimited has got you covered. We carry a wide selection of top brands like Riddell, Easton, Schutt, Nike, and more. And with our fast and easy checkout, you can get your new gear in time for the holidays.

Here are some additional tips for shopping the Sports Unlimited Holiday Kickoff Sale:

  • Shop early: The best items tend to go quickly, so it’s best to shop early in the sale.
  • Sign up for the Sports Unlimited email list: This way, you’ll be the first to know about exclusive deals and promotions.
  • Check the Sports Unlimited website and social media pages regularly: Sports Unlimited often announces new deals and promotions on their website and social media pages.
  • Use a coupon code: Sports Unlimited often offers coupon codes that can save you money on your purchase. Be sure to check the Sports Unlimited website and social media pages for the latest coupon codes.

Small Business Owners – Beware of ADA Compliance

This blog post is to warn small businesses of a situation happening across the United States where law firms are trying to take advantage of small business owners. I want to share first hand my experience of how I was threatened and overcame a potential law suit / settlement.

I was sitting at my desk working away when an employee dropped off a FedEx overnight letter.  The letter was addressed to someone that didn’t work at the company and the return address was from a law firm.  My first thought through me head was, UGH! This can’t be good!

There was a document inside with the subject Re: Request for a Reasonable Accommodation to Access to your Website.  The letter started out like this: This letter is sent on behalf of client, ABC, who suffers from neuropathy, ataxia retinitis pigmentosa, or NARP.  As a result of this genetic disorder, this person lost all useful vision in 1986. Today, he is totally blind. He uses JAWS screen reader technology to navigate the Internet.  Screen reader “software translates the visual internet into and auditory equivalent. At a rapid pace, the software reads the content of a webpage to the user.”

Then the letter went on to talk about how our website www.SportsUnlimited.com is a service of public accommodation that must be accessible to screen ready technology pursuant to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).  I’m thinking to myself, I have never heard of this, I’m angry, scared, and what the heck am I going to do.

On and on the letter went detailing items on our site that were not ADA compliant. The letter was extremely threatening!  The law firm said they would seek further action if we did not comply, quickly.

The law firm referred to the following standards… Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/

After reading through the entire document, I started doing some research.  I did a quick google search on the law firm that sent the letter. Sure enough, many, many results appeared.  There were dozens of companies that had received the exact letter I received. This was basically a law firm out to get money from small businesses.  I don’t know if the plaintiffs mentioned in the letters are really people or not. Now, I’m really mad.

I contacted my attorney and shared the letter with him.  He did his research and found out that there was a ruling that was made and would make our site in need of being ADA compliant.  He asked that I start working on making our site ADA compliant.

After researching the web for a few hours I stumbled onto a company called Accessibe that claimed they could make your site ADA compliant within minutes.  I thought to myself, no way it’s that easy. I reached out to Accessibe and they shared a demo of the product and allowed us to test it on one page on our site. We tested it out and it worked great.  The next day the code was deployed on the entire site and just like that our site was ADA compliant. Accessibe designed and tested their software with the JAWS screen reader technology. Our site now has screen reader technology.

I responded to the letter I received from the attorney and told them our site is now ADA compliant back in February 2019 and I have not heard from them yet. Fingers crossed!

Best Field Hockey Sticks by Position and Skill Level

 

Which field hockey stick is best for my position and/or skill level?

With the vast amount of options these days, it can be difficult to choose which field hockey stick to purchase based on your position and skills.  Here we break down which sticks are best for each position or skill level and why, and we’ve included our stick recommendations for you to check out.

Beginners

It is recommended that a beginner player use a stick with a standard bow shape and no larger than 20 millimeters in size.

Beginner field hockey players should choose a stick with a wood or fiberglass composition.  Wood sticks will provide the most forgiving feel and the best touch on the ball, while fiberglass sticks also provide an excellent first touch with a lightweight feel.  Having a flexible stick will help them learn the fundamentals, so they can get accustomed to trapping the ball without too much rebound off the stick.  It should feature a larger hitting surface to help players get a touch on the ball.  A maxi toe or hook head shape will offer you the largest surface area, ensuring you make great contact with the ball when trapping it or driving it down the field.

Beginner Field Hockey STRYK Field Hockey Stick - Burst

When choosing a stick, you must also consider the bow size and shape.  It is recommended that a beginner player use a stick with a standard bow shape and no larger than 20 millimeters in size.  This will help him or her learn the basics while maintaining excellent control over the ball.  A larger size or later shape will more easily cause the ball to pop up in the air and earn yourself a dangerous play whistle.  A standard bow is very versatile and can be used on offense or defense, making it the ideal stick shape for beginners who have yet to discover which will be the best position for them.
Our recommendations:
and

Defenders

We recommend buying a stick that has a higher fiberglass content since carbon can be more brittle in a compound stress way.

When searching for the perfect stick, defenders will often choose heavier sticks with the weight concentrated in the head of the stick.  This allows them to make stronger block tackles, and the extra weight will help generate more momentum when hitting the ball down the field.  Also, often times, defenders will buy slightly longer sticks than their player height recommends to give them a little extra reach when tackling and jabbing at the ball.
TK 1.1 INNOVATE DEFENSE FIELD HOCKEY STICKSince defenders see a lot of stick-on-stick contact when tackling their opponent, they require a stick with a lot of durability.  We recommend buying a stick that has a higher fiberglass content since carbon can be more brittle in a compound stress way.  Including aramid in the composition can also help improve the strength and durability of the stick, and it dampens the vibrations felt in the handle of the stick for less sting in your hands.  In addition, we recommend choosing a stick with a maxi toe as it provides the largest sweet spot, allowing you to make better contact with the ball when hitting or trapping it.
Our recommendations:
STX Apex 901 Field Hockey Stick or other sticks in the STX Apex line
and

Midfielders 

The attribute we find most important in a midfielder’s stick is control.  Midfielders are responsible for controlling the ball and delivering it safely to the attackers to put it in the back of the net.  They are also sometimes trying to score themselves, or they are trying to stop their opponent from advancing down the field.  Therefore, a lightweight and well-balanced stick with a lot of versatility is a must.
The presence of aramid in a stick’s composition can make all the difference.  Aramid dampens vibrations to keep the ball from rebounding too far off the stick, allowing you to have great control when trapping the ball and dribbling.  It also adds durability to the stick, helping to prolong its life even with all the stick-on-stick contact it sees when making defensive blocks and tackles.
GRYPHON TOUR PRO STICK FIELD HOCKEYSince midfielders play with the defense and the offense, they need a lightweight stick that can keep up with the speed of their game and offer the necessary precision for ball handling and passing skills.  A midi toe provides a well-balanced feel that’s great for all around stick skills, especially reverse stick work, and it provides a decent sized sweet spot for quickly trapping the ball and passing to your teammate.  A standard or mid bow size (19 – 23mm) is recommended for midfielders because of its versatility, but any shape you are most comfortable with can be used.
Our recommendations:
and

Forwards

Offensive players, or forwards, prefer to use lightweight sticks that are well-balanced, giving them the necessary agility to move the ball around their opponent.  A lightweight stick is not only more effective when dribbling, but it allows you to swing your stick faster and quickly get a shot off before the defender can intercept it.  A midi toe also helps to enhance a forward’s abilities.  The toe is smaller in size and lighter in weight, and it increases maneuverability and offers more precise ball control.  It allows you to quickly and easily move the ball from side to side to dodge your opponent and dribble towards the goal.
OSAKA PRO tour gold pro bow field hockey stick for forwardsA forward demands power from his or her stick.  They must be able to generate extreme power when shooting and when passing to an open teammate across the field, which is why they need sticks with a high carbon content.  The higher the carbon content the more powerful the stick will be and the harder it will be for your opponent to stop you.  This added power will also improve your drag flicks and aerial skills to enhance your 3D game.  The attacking position is defined by speed, accuracy, and precision, so their sticks should be too.
Our recommendation:

Aerial players

The most important element of a stick that the aerial player should consider is the shape and size of the bow.  A stick that bends closer to the head will allow you to get under the ball more to perform aerials and lifts.  A low bow or late bow is most recommended since their point of maximum bow is the closest to the head the FIH will allow (200mm).  Also, the more the stick bends the easier it will be to execute 3D skills with precision and accuracy.  A large bow, such as a 24 or 25 millimeter, will help generate high velocities when drag flicking.
Another feature that has recently become more popular is incorporating a slight concave channel onto the face and shaft of the stick.  This helps to channel the ball where you want it and keep the ball on your stick as you lift it up for aerials.
Our recommendations:
If you’re uncertain which position you will be playing when purchasing your stick, it would be best to buy a medium-weight stick that’s versatile and can be used in any position.

New Team Travel Bags for Summer – 30% Off All Mojo Brand Luggage

Summer is just around the corner, which means you’re probably making travel plans, if you haven’t already. Whether you’re flying across the country, visiting the beach, or making a weekend getaway, you’ll need a travel bag to carry your luggage. If you’re a sports fan, then you have to check out our selection of sports luggage from Mojo! With College, NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL bags, there is something for every fan. And these aren’t some cheap bags that have a logo slapped on them. Mojo takes pride in making premium travel gear, and applies high definition logos on every bag. If you’re a frequent traveler, then I’m sure you’ve noticed many similar looking bags at the airport. With a team logo suitcase or carry-on, you’ll be able to locate your bag in a sea of black travel bags!

Philadelphia Eagles NFL Carry-On Luggage

Mojo has a number of different travel bags for each team. From carry-ons, to duffles, backpacks, business luggage, and checked-in bags, they have a bag to fit your needs. One of our best selling pieces is the 21″ carry-on. This bag maximizes your storage space, while still meeting the requirements for a TSA approved carry-on. It features a two inch expandable main compartment for extra storage, telescoping handle, and smooth rolling in-line wheels. The interior is fully lined, and has garment straps to keep your gear secure and organized. A zippered mesh interior pocket can store shoes or toiletries, while two exterior pockets are perfect for quick access to magazines, a phone charger, or anything you need handy on your travels. The padded top provides added protection, while side and bottom grab handles make it easy to load in your car, and overhead storage on the plane. And finally, it’s finished with a high quality embroidered team logo, so you can represent your favorite team no matter where you’re headed!

Rather than going into detail on every piece of luggage we have to offer, I’ll let you browse our selection of Mojo travel bags. Just visit the bags and backpacks section for your favorite team on the Fan Gear section of Sports Unlimited, and find your new travel bag for this summer! See the links below for each league and then use the filtering system on the site to choose your favorite team!

NFL Travel Bags
NCAA Travel Bags
MLB Travel Bags
NBA Travel Bags
NHL Travel Bags

To kick the summer off, we’re offering customers a 30% discount on Mojo luggage. From 6/8-6/29, all Mojo bags and luggage will be discounted, no promo code necessary. At Sports Unlimited, we like sports and travel just like you, and want to provide you with the best sports luggage available. Enjoy your summer!

2017 Best Gifts – For Her

Black Friday has past, and so has Cyber Monday. But we know most guys won’t start their holiday shopping until the last minute leaving them desperately searching for the right gift. Sure jewelry is always a great choice, but we know what you like and what she likes aren’t always the same thing. In an effort to avoid the inevitable scenario where you get her something you think she’ll like, only to find it stashed away a few months later, we’re here to help. We’ve had the female staff select a few gifts we’re sure any lady in your life will enjoy receiving this holiday season. So for all the procrastinators out there, here is a guide to some gifts she’ll love, whenever you get around to it.

Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Fleece

One thing everyone loves is to be comfortable and cozy during the winter. What could be better than to gift that feeling in a piece of clothing every time they put it on? Look no further that the Re-Tool Snap-T Fleece pullover from Patagonia. Even just from the look of it, you know that it’s going to have you feeling like you back in bed under the covers. Its Deep-pile fleece of 51% recycled polyester keeps the warmth in with its extra-long fibers. The stand-up collar features double fleece, keeping your torso warm from the neck down. Complete with yoke and princess seams (we know you don’t know what that means) that add contour the fit. So if you are looking for a smart and easy decision, the Re-Tool Snap Fleece from Patagonia is lay-up when it comes to gift giving this holiday season.

Sorel Joan of Arctic Snow Boots

Now getting any women a pair of shoes is territory most men will steer clear of, and for good reason. But these Sorel Joan of Arctic Snow Boots are totally different story. When the deep of winter is here, and the snow is piling up, there are few boots that will stand up to the elements like pair of Sorels. Waterproof from top to bottom with seam-sealed construction keeps you dry and a removable felt lined inside keeps you warm. Faux fur cuffs keeps them fashionable and the vulcanized rubber outsole makes them functionable in wintery conditions. These are the perfect choice to get that, “Wow, I actually like these!” reaction.

The North Face Aconcagua Vest

Keeping with the “Warm and Comfortable” theme, the Aconcagua Vest from The North Face comes in as another sure fire gift for her this holiday season. Soft to the touch and insulated with 550 fill goose down, this vest is perfect for those who want to keep their core warm on the go. The active fit means there are no restrictions, giving her mobility and a generous range of motion. This insulated down vest is ideal as a layer in the coldest winter months, or as an in-between as warmer weather approaches. This again is a great option for the guy who has left himself little time to decide.

Spyder BRRR Berry Hat

 

It may be smaller in size, but that won’t diminish its ability to make her happy on the morning of the 25th.  The Spyder BRRR Berry hat is just the right size to make it a great stocking stuffer. With a hand knit construction and popcorn style stitch, you may be able to convince her you knitted it yourself! But a warm fleece liner and logo charm on the side will let her know that it was made by the trusted people at Spyder. Keep their ears warm and the smile large with the BRRR Berry hat this Christmas.

Nathan Chroma Steel Ombre Water Bottle

Our final pick for our suggested gifts for her is simple in concept. The Nathan’s Chroma Steel water bottle is exactly as it sounds. A steel water bottle that keeps your hot drinks warm and cold drinks cool. Perfect for the office, home, or on the go. But the Ombre color styling on the outside lets her know you picked it out just for her. Great for that last gift for the stocking, or even an additional gift if you aren’t sure the first one is good enough. Whatever the situation may be, the Nathan’s Chroma Steel Water Bottle is never a bad solution.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

 

2017 Best Gifts – For Guys

This time of year, you are probably already being hit with a wave of holiday decorations, Christmas music, and seasonal sales. And while the last of the Halloween candy may not be eaten, many of us are already shopping for the perfect gift. We aren’t sure what this year’s hottest gift will be, but we’ve got a pretty good idea what will make any guy smile on the morning of the 25th.

We’ve gathered some of this year’s coolest gear, in an effort to help you sift through endless advertisements and keep you out of the crowds on the morning of Black Friday. With a wide range of sporting goods and apparel, there’s little doubt that there is something for every guy here.

Hyperice Vyper 2.0 Foam Roller

Anyone who’s active these days seems to have roller laying around the house or gym. But what you’ll quickly discover is that this isn’t your typical piece of cylindrical foam. The Hyperice Vyper 2.0 is the next generation in muscle recovery, which is why it’s trusted by professional athletes across the globe. The Vyper 2.0 provides three speeds of high intensity vibration which make it twice as effective at helping you warm up, activate, and recover.  You can use this new piece of fitness technology to improve your flexibility and circulation, while also reducing soreness and stiffness. Complete with a rechargeable battery that lasts over two hours, you can be sure any active guy would love this addition to their workout routine.

Timbuk2 Command Messenger Bag

Sleek and chalked full of thoughtful features, the Command Messenger Bag from Timbuk2 is a must have for any guy on the go. With seemingly an endless number of pockets, organized storage is at a premium. Quick entry storage is obtained through it Napoleon side-entry pockets (think of any portrait painting of Napoleon) allowing you to get to things on the move without the hassle of undoing the flap. You’ve also got a zipper secured lap top and tablet pocket on the back, which keeps your most valuable items safe and close by. The list of features seems to go on and on, but what you can know for sure is that this bag was meticulously designed to meet the demands of any situation.

Patagonia Better Sweater ¼ Zip

You may be hesitant to pick up any gift with the word “sweater” in it. But if you haven’t owned a Better Sweater from Patagonia, you truly are missing out on one of life’s joys. This is not a new product for 2017, but there is a reason it continues to be a best seller. The outside is sweater-knit polyester, which feels as good as it looks. The inside is lined with a soft fleece that keeps you warmer than you could have imagined. The ¼ zip version of the Better Sweater is notably popular for its versatility. Fashionable enough to be worn on a night out and durable enough to survive a relentless winter. “Man, I’m really disappointed with this Better Sweater” – No Guy Ever.

Mobile Warming Vinson Touch Button Heated Vest

 

Many will spend the holidays dealing with cold conditions, and what could be better than the gift of warmth. Not quite a trip to the Caribbean, but the Vinson Heated Vest from Mobile Warming will certainly keep any guy a lot warmer this winter. Originally designed for the outdoor enthusiast, its water resistant outer shell is ideal for hiking, skiing, and hunting. This heated vest can be worn under a jacket for extra warmth, or all on its own. Its simple push button operation allows you to easily change the temperature settings, and has the power to reach up to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The 7.4V lithium-ion battery last up to six hours, meaning you can carry comfort around with you. Perhaps not the flashiest gift this Christmas, but a few hours into some cold weather exposure, and there surely isn’t anything they would be more thankful for.

The North Face Thermoball Mitts

Coming from The North Face, you know these Thermoball Mitts are all business when it comes to keeping you warm. Using the same features from their popular Thermoball Jackets, The North Face has repurposed this versatile warmth to cover the first thing that seems to get cold, your hands. Using clustered PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, you get the warmth of down but the improved performance in wet conditions. The synthetic material dries out quickly, meaning you’re back on the go in no time. Packs easily into a stowpocket (or stocking), making it a great little gift for any guy, big or small.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

 

 

A Universal Sports Training Aid Changing the Game

 

Athletes everywhere are always looking for a way to gain that extra inch, half second, or mile per hour that will change their game. Across all forms of athletics, sports training aids have been a way for competitors to increase strength and improve form through repetition. One of the more common types of training aids is a resistance device using weights or weighted equipment.  We have all seen the baseball bat weighted ring, a weighted basketball, or one of the countless golf training tools. But what these all have in common is that they are sport specific. Younger athletes are often involved in a multitude of activities, playing different sports every season of the year. This has meant you were buying different training aids for different sports, filling your garage up with gadgets that were going to get your son or daughter a full ride. One company addressed this issue and designed a weighted training aid that work for a variety of sports like never before.

This company was LaceUp, and their idea was the Training Lace. This bendable, weighted “Lace” allows you to add weight to your bat, stick, wrist, racket, and more! Available in several different weights, the Training Lace is making an impact across the sports spectrum. Originally designed as a weight for a lacrosse stick, the Training Lace has become more dynamic than was originally thought. Now it is being worn by  basketball players and swimmers on their wrists, tennis players on their rackets, baseball  and softball players on their bats, as well as ice and field hockey players on their sticks. The list seems to be continuously growing, and new ways to use this little device are being developed every day.

What makes the Training Lace so valuable beyond its versatility  is its adjustability. Specifically looking at it as a baseball training aid, this bat weight is different than your traditional ring. Unlike other baseball bat weights, the Training Lace does not move on contact, thus keeping the swing smooth which allows you to maintain form. The other unique feature is that you can move the weighted lace to different areas of the bat to focus on specific parts of the swing. Put the Lace on the middle of the bat to target bat path and plane. Move it down towards the handle to work on getting the “knob to the ball” and preventing you from letting your hands lag or drag. Using the Training Lace in batting practice or the cages can lead you to see an immediate improvement in your swing.

LaceUp has designed a product that truly can benefit athletes everywhere. From youth sports to the professional level, the Training Lace develops strength that will enhance performance. Lace up your training regime with the Training Lace today.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

 

Introducing the Schutt F7 Football Helmet

The football community has been anxiously awaiting the newest unveiling from helmet manufacturer Schutt. It’s been years of research, development, and prototypes, but the time has come. Worn by the best professional and collegiate players, and now available for purchase, is the innovative Schutt F7 football helmet. Using the most advanced impact absorption system on the football field, the F7 is a revolutionary new level of protection.

When first seeing the new F7, the most apparent and important new design feature is the Schutt Tektonic Plates. These separated panels of poly-carbonate, with TPU cushion below, are specifically placed in the areas of the helmet most susceptible to big collisions. Adding these independently moving external layers allows the helmet to better absorb the impacts experience on the field, and improves the helmets performance against rotational forces.

One staple in the Schutt football helmets is their use of TPU Cushioning. Proven as an elite absorption material in any climate, the new F7 football helmet is loaded with. Featuring TPU in the Tektonic plates, the lining of the inside, and a newly design front pad. Developed to provide the same level of protection hit after hit, throughout a long season.

A feature found in several of the new football helmets from Schutt is their Helmet Stabilization System (HSS). A large jaw pad configuration that frames the face delivers a more secure fit. Constructed from impact foam wrapped in fireman leather, the helmet is more comfortable than ever. Also part of the HSS design are the stabilizers on the inside and outside of the helmet, which provide strength and durability.

Just like a luxury car, the features on this seem to be endless. Titanium facemask make it 60% lighter and extremely durable. Rapid Release quarter turn hardware let you take the facemask on and off quickly. The SUREFIT Air Liner allows you to easily adjust the helmets fit with the addition or subtraction of air. All of this is found on the most advance helmet shell ever produced by Schutt.  Engineered Flexural Resistance in the back shelf and temporal wings allow the TPU Cushioning below the surface to perform at its best.

While the impacts on the football field are still momentous, and the repercussions significant, the Schutt F7 is an step in the right direction in making the game we love safer. It will take more creative thinking, like that which went into the designs of the F7, that will continue to push the advancement of protection for football players everywhere.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited

What you need to know about the new Youth Baseball Bat changes for 2018

Most of those involved in youth baseball have had the date of September 1st, 2017 circled on their calendar for some time now. That is because this will be the first day you can buy a new USA Baseball certified bat, which will be the requirement for a large majority of the youth leagues come January 1st, 2018. This is part of a campaign that was designed to create “wood-like” performance standard in hopes of preserving long term integrity of the sport. Bat manufacturers have spent the last two years redesigning their bats to meet the new certification standards, and will begin selling them this coming Friday.

So who is that affecting? These standards will now be enforced on players under the age of 14 player in the leagues sanctioned by the following organizations:

  • American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC)
  • Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
  • Babe Ruth Baseball/Cal Ripken Baseball
  • Dixie Youth Baseball
  • Little League Baseball
  • PONY Baseball

This does not affect those participation in leagues or travel clubs under USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association). Tee ball play will be impacted as well, but will allow more leniency as a certification sticker program that lets players to continue to use their current bats will be available.

So what is changing? With these new certifications comes a new standard of performance. Currently, the required Bat Performance Factor (BPF) was at 1.15. The new standard will be lower to replicate that of wooden bat. In a separate but comparable rating system, the performance testing used on NCAA/NFHS bats sets a limit at .500 BBCOR. The new USABats will be at .530 on that same BBCOR scale. Other changes will be that players in these leagues are now able to use the larger 2-5/8” barrels, and no drop weight limit means younger players can still use bats made from lightweight materials.

Some of that may seem a bit technical, but the gist is that the new standards will translate to a similar performance of a natural wooden bat. The good part of this process is that the bat manufacturers have done all the hard work. Companies like Easton and Rawlings have been tirelessly working to deliver the same reliability in the batter’s box that many players call on. As of Friday, you will get a look at their latest lab creations and see what they’ve cooked up for 2018. All you’ll have to be sure of is that the bats have the USABat certification stamp seen below.

You can also be sure that Sports Unlimited will have the best youth baseball bats for 2018 in stock and ready for same-day shipping. Check them out for all your baseball equipment needs for next season.

Written By Dylan Hamilton, Sports Unlimited