One of the biggest keys to success at the plate is mastering the art of bat control. It's a difficult skill that all players strive to perfect from their youth days of tee ball until their final days as professionals. The combination of barrel size, swing weight, and player strength all play significant roles in finding the sweet spot with every swing.
However, the one element that is often overlooked in bat selection is finding the right bat grip, even though the best bat grips can significantly impact control and comfort. If a bat grip is too slick, swinging the barrel correctly can be challenging. This becomes especially noticeable during practice sessions, where repetitive swings can expose issues with grip stability, comfort, and hand fatigue long before game day. If the bat grip is too thick, you might find yourself engaging your muscles before you even begin to turn at that belt-high fastball. Players with smaller hands often prefer thinner grips for better bat control, while those with larger hands may benefit from slightly thicker grips that reduce excessive tension during the swing. It can be challenging, but like a great Christmas sweater, just the right amount of tacky can go a long way.
These factors all play a role in determining which options qualify as the best bat grip tape for a player’s specific needs. The right grip can vary depending on hand size, swing style, and whether the bat is used for training or competition.
Let's take a look at some of the best bat grips and bat grip tape options available today.
The Best Bat Grip Tape Options
Lizard Skins Bat Grips
You may have already heard that you can get Lizard Skins pre-applied at JustBats with the order on any baseball or softball bat, but if you hadn't, now you know!
Important Lizard Skin Features
- Applicable for all alloy, composite, and wood bats
- 1.1mm thickness
- Official grip supplier of MLB
- Great for use in all types of weather
- Options available in 10+ different colorways/designs
Lizard Skins grips are also known for their straightforward installation process, making them a popular option for players who want to rewrap their bats quickly without specialized tools.
Having started off making cycling grips back in 1993, Lizard Skins has continued to strengthen their "grip" on the competition by evolving their reach into baseball, hockey, and even gaming. They offer many different designs and colorways for their bat grips that allow every player to maximize their style. Even notable bats like the Rawlings Quatro (baseball) and the Easton Ghost Advanced (fastpitch) come standard with a Lizard Skin bat grip already in place. Look for even more notable models to incorporate these elite-level bat grips into their manufacturing process in the future.
Vulcan Bat Grips
While Lizard Skins are often favored for their tacky feel and consistent thickness, Vulcan grips stand out for their textured tread patterns, offering players a different style of grip feedback through the swing.
Designed to bring a little extra flair into the batter's box, Vulcan softball and baseball bat grips offer what every player wants. Each grip delivers a great feel in hitters' hands while also providing exceptional bat control through the zone.
Important Vulcan Bat Grip Features
- Made with Advanced Technology Polymers
- Vulcan Maze tread patterns improve player grip
- Patented edge resists grip movement
- Multiple performance options for player choice
Vulcan grips have been a staple in baseball and softball games for the better half of the past decade. Their wide range of colors and patterns also makes Vulcan a popular choice among youth players, who often look for grips that combine performance with visual style. They have since ventured into the realm of pickleball (and if you haven't heard, we recently launched in the pickleball world with JustPaddles ourselves!) Vulcan offers an exceptional amount of different grips to suit any type of hitter. Be sure to keep Vulcan in mind the next time you're thinking about buying a new bat grip.
SniperSkins Custom Fit Grips
One of the newest names in the world of bat grips is SniperSkins. Based out of Canada, SniperSkins delivers a world of customizable bat grip options. Anywhere from camo to country flags, they can gear you up to take on any pitcher.
Important SniperSkins Bat Grip Features
- Every grip comes with a vibration-dampening foam
- Grips can be applied over the top of another grip
- Wraps will even cover bat knobs
The unique element provided by SniperSkins is that their bat grips don't just stop at the knob. Instead, they make options to customize the bat grip and knob to provide a beautiful finish to every application seamlessly. SniperSkins is definitely a bat grip name to know going forward.
Athletic Tape / Pine Tar
The final two entries into our list of the top bat grip tape options for baseball and softball are the oldest two on the market—the classic options. Athletic tape and pine tar also remain some of the most cost-effective grip solutions available, making them appealing to players who want reliable performance without investing in premium grip products. Whether you want the clean feel of athletic tape or the rugged, hyper-controllable feel of pine tar, these tried and true measures have stood the test of time.
Athletic tape is an excellent option for players that like the feel of the bat in their hands. However, athletic tape typically requires more frequent replacement than modern grip tapes, as it can wear down quickly with repeated use and exposure to moisture. It creates the thinnest handle (besides no grip at all) and allows you to really feel each swing. You'll likely run into a few extra stingers as a result, but some classic athletic tape on a wood bat is one of the more traditional looks of all time.
Lastly, we've gotta talk about pine tar. It's sticky, dirty, and everything we love about the game. Buy a stick at your local sporting goods store, and you'll instantly turn heads in your dugout. While typically used with wood bats, pine tar can even be applied to metal bats to give you the beneficial tact for controlling bats swung at high speeds. Just for the sake of all things baseball, avoid spreading it beyond the length of the plate, or you might just have this happen...
Many leagues enforce specific rules regarding pine tar placement and grip modifications, so players should always check league regulations before applying any substance to their bat.
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Choosing the Right Bat Grip for Your Swing
Choosing the right bat grip ultimately comes down to player preference, hand size, budget, and how the bat will be used during both practice and games. Whether you prefer a premium grip tape, a fully customized option, or a classic solution like pine tar, the right grip can make a noticeable difference at the plate.
Bat Grip FAQs
What type of bat grip is best?
The best bat grip depends on player preference, hand size, and how the bat is used during practice and games. Some players prefer thinner grips for increased bat control and feel, while others choose thicker or tackier grips for added comfort and reduced vibration.
What bat grips do MLB players use?
Many MLB players use high-performance bat grips from established brands like Lizard Skins, which is an official grip supplier of Major League Baseball. Professional players often choose grips that provide consistent tack, durability, and comfort throughout long seasons.
What is the best grip tape for bats?
There is no single best grip tape for every player. Premium grip tapes like Lizard Skins and Vulcan offer advanced materials, strong grip feedback, and multiple thickness options, while traditional choices such as athletic tape and pine tar remain popular for their simplicity and classic feel.
Is 1.1 or 1.8 bat grip better?
A 1.1mm bat grip is typically better for players who want a thinner handle and maximum bat feel, while a 1.8mm grip offers more cushioning and vibration reduction. The right choice often comes down to hand size, comfort preference, and how much feedback a player wants from each swing.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team of Bat Experts via phone at 866-321-2287, email at support@justbats.com, or live chat. Don't forget, we'll be here for you from Click To Hit!
