What Are the Different Ways to Regrip a Bat?

The handgrip on a ball bat, such as a baseball, softball or cricket bat, is useful for providing a comfortable hold as well as improving a players performance by absorbing the vibrations that occur when the bat connects with a ball. Ball bats tend to last longer than their handgrips, causing a player to have to regrip the bat. Players can regrip a bat using different materials found in most sporting goods stores.

  1. Grip Material

    • The type of material used to regrip a bat largely depends on the preference of the player. Different types of material include leather bands, gel-like grips, tacky grips and various types of tape. Some grip materials are beneficial for absorbing moisture and vibrations, such as tape, while other materials are ideal for reducing hand slippage while gripping the bat, such as gels. Choose a material that best fits your needs as a player.

    Traction Application

    • While some players prefer a smooth application, others prefer a rougher application for added traction. To regrip your bat with traction, wrap the handle several times to provide a thick, padded base. Wind a few feet of tape into a small rope and spiral the rope as high on the handle as desired. Overlap into layers or leave space in between the wraps. Complete the application by using the finishing tape to seal the new grip.

    Smooth Application

    • One of the most common ways to regrip a bat is to wrap the material of your choice around the handle of the bat. Clean the bat and mark the points where you want your grip to begin and to end. Take your grip material and begin to wrap the material around the bat, starting at the bottom. Wrap as tightly as possible and overlap the layers to avoid any bulging areas. Once you have wrapped the handle of the bat, cut off the excess material and use the finishing tape to secure the new grip in place.

    Pre-Made Grips

    • One of the easiest ways to regrip a bat is to use a premade bat grip. To regrip a bat using a premade grip, roll the rubber grip into the shape of a doughnut. Place the grip into the accompanying cone applicator and roll the grip of the applicator and onto the bat handle. To make the application easier, soak the grip in warm, soapy water or use a lubricant such as liquid soap.