Is a Maple or Ash Wood Bat Right for You?

Big leaguers choose the Rawlings wood bat that works best for them, and you can too.

There are key differences between ash and maple to meet your preferences.

Rawlings' maple wood bats are durable bats. Their closed grain structure makes for a bat that will not flake, splinter or separate.

Maple also provides a hard hitting surface because it is dense. Maple bats have a moisture content of 8 percent to 10 percent.

Additionally, Rawlings' maple bats are subject to the Pro Ink Dot Test. This mark on the handle of the bat bleeds in the direction of the grain, allowing the straightness of the bat to be measured. The straighter the grain, the stronger the bat.

Rawlings' ash wood bats are also durable, but are better known for their feel.

Ash wood is strong, but its porous grain structure makes it feel more lightweight than maple.

Ash bats are flexible because of their higher moisture content (10 percent to 12 percent).

Rawlings Gear carries maple and ash wood bats from Rawlings' Professional Collection, Big Stick Wood and Velo Wood bats series.

Outperform your rivals with the right wood bat.

Visit RawlingsGear.com or contact a Rawlings Gear Customer Care representative at 866-678-GEAR(4327) to purchase your Rawlings wood bats today.