Everything You Wanted to Know About Wood Bat Turn Models
As the warm weather begins to break, I can't wait to hear the crack of a wooden bat. There is no feeling in sports like making great contact with a wood bat. If you don't know this you are simply robbing yourself of one of the very best parts of the sport of baseball. There are quite a few options for the player looking to swing lumber - and it extends beyond wood species, length, and weight. Wooden bats can also be made in different turn models.
Turn model? What's that?
Well, in simplest terms, it's just that - a model. It is a model number, so that you can identify a bat's characteristics by model number (or name). Understanding the manufacturing process and how your bat is designed can help you get the most out of your game.
The word "turn" comes from the manufacturing process, in which a billet (bat blank) is transformed into a bat by being turned on a lathe. Turning is a machining process in which cutting tools are moved in a linear fashion while the raw material rotates around an axis. YOU SHOULD ONLY USE BATS THAT ARE MADE FROM SPLIT BILLETS.
Every wood bat turn model has specs for barrel thickness, handle thickness, transition style, and knob style. Finding the right bat for your type of swing is a lot easier when you know a model's features. But don't worry - you don't have to know exactly what measurements you need - because the most common styles are found in these popular turn styles.
So let's dig in, and take a look.
271 Turn Model
The 271 is the single most popular turn model in baseball. Additionally there are many turn models that are variations of 271. The 271 sports a medium, 2-1/2" (2.5") diameter barrel, a medium 15/16" (0.9375") diameter handle with a tapered knob, and offers a quick taper transition. This quick taper defines the barrel of the 271, and gives it a slightly end-loaded feel. Though it is not considered a large barrel, many power hitters swing a 271; however, this is a balanced enough bat that tons of contact hitters love it too. The 271 turn model profile allows bat manufacturers to use the densest wood available. This of course means that the 271 model is a harder, more durable bat model.
SHOP OUR 271 SELECTION.
110 Turn Model
The 110 is similar to the 271 with a thicker handle and a longer taper; this gives the bat an even more balanced feel. The 110 has the same 2.5" barrel diameter as the 271, but has a 1" diameter handle, and a classic knob. This is a great bat for players transitioning to wood, thanks to its profile being similar to metal bats. Since it also has a thicker handle it is a very durable model. The 110 is slightly less end loaded than the 271. Contact hitters love the 110 because of its balanced feel.
i-13 Turn Model
Another turn model similar to the 271 is the i-13. Like the 271, the i-13 has the same 2.5" barrel diameter, and the same 15/16" diameter handle. The only major difference between the 271 and i-13 is the taper. The i-13 transition is sharper then on the 271 making this a more end loaded profile. Power hitters love the i-13 because of this extra mass in the barrel.
141 Turn Model
The 141 turn model has a thin handle at 15/16" diameter with a gradual taper into a long, medium barrel that comes in at 2.47" in diameter. This long barrel gives this model a large "sweet spot". This is an excellent turn model for players swinging wood for the first time, as it is exceptionally easy to swing.
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