Making its reveal as of November 6th 2020, the Bauer Nexus Geo Hockey stick replaces the previous 2N model stick with various improvements in weight and new energy loading technology. Coming in at 390g (SR), it is 20 grams lighter than its Nexus predecessor.
The Trigger 5 Pro is a top prospect for being the best stick of the year. The Ribcor Trigger 5 Pro is the elite quick-release hockey stick from CCM. Coming in at 395 grams (SR), and loaded with the latest tech from CCM's lab, this twig stands above previous RibCor stick models. Be sure to check out the new features of Trigger 5 Pro, you won't regret it!
Yes. There are differences but they are very similar. If you practice with skates off-ice, your on-ice skating will likely improve. The skills aren't 100% transferable but you're using most of the same muscles, improving your balance, and will likely improve shooting ability if you practice shooting in inlines.
Ice Skating vs Inline Hockey Skating
When it comes to the history of both these sports, ice skating dates thousand years back while rollerblading, which is only a few hundred years old, evolved from ice-skating. While there are many similarities between the two, they also have differences as well like the skating surface and how you stride .
If you look at the ice skates, they have a blade like bottom which slides on the ice whereas, in rollerblades, there is a line of wheels. Both look very similar though! Inline skates don’t slide like Hockey skates do make turning and stopping different.
Here are some more differences between the two different types of skates:
Stopping
The way you stop is probably the main difference between ice skating and inline skating. In inline hockey skates , you need to transition your weight too the back quickly and make sharp turns or you can also drag your back foot.
In ice skating, you have to maintain your weight more towards the middle of the blades. This way, you can use that particular section of blades to shave the ice nicely and finally stop. It is not easy as it may seem because shifting your weight too much on either side will throw you out of balance and you’ll have a hard fall.
Balancing
As mentioned above, inline skates have wider wheelbase which offers a good balance and helps you to learn rollerblading easily. Also, rollerblades have multiple locking systems which secure your feet in place and helps build the confidence to skate.
Whereas in ice skating, there is a thin blade underneath your boot and balancing is quite tough. It takes quite a while to master it and to stop is even harder.
What can I do to practice?
There are a number of drills which can be used on the ice which transition very well to the rollers. The reason for this is that there are certain strides which is found to be almost exactly the same whether you are on the ice or inlines. For example, turning maneuvers and some transition moves are almost identical. Again, however, the key to making inline skates work for the ice hockey player is to try to create new habits, or what is referred to as making “perfect practice.” So proper techniques are vital!
The following drill can be used in both arenas and the pavement:
Two-foot crossunders
This drill is designed to keep the feet low while turning and to build up the strength in your inside, crossing-under leg so that it can tug harder to allow you to accelerate better in your turns. Be sure and perform this exercise both forward and backward and in both directions while going in a circle. The techniques:
• Bend the knees so they are 2” over the toes of your skates.
• Keep both skates touching the ground or ice at all times.
• Make a half-moon cut (C-cut) with the outside foot, maintaining it on an inside edge.
• The inside foot should cross under forming a letter “y” but again never leaving the surface (this leg is actually performing a half-moon cut on an outside edge.
• Put 100% body weight over each push.
• Don’t get frustrated. This is a difficult exercise in the beginning. Keep trying it and it will begin to sink in.
Not always a two-way street
One of the major problems I see involves body weight and getting it adjusted to new skate. The reason for this is that you have a much more solid grip when digging an edge into the ice than you do when trying to dig in on an edge on inlines. Therefore it is natural for you to feel awkward when it comes to how long to keep your weight over a push. Do not worry, because everyone feels this slight instability when leaving the inline for the ice. This will be corrected the more often you get on the ice.
In this article, we will present some of the best softball bats 2020 has to offer.
Sports Zone is committed to providing softball enthusiasts with the highest quality equipment and apparel available, all at unbeatable prices. Visit us today to get your next bat.
Now, let's dig in and take a deeper look at the best softball bats for 2020.
Best Softball Bats 2020
Sports Zone offers close to 50 softball bats for you to choose from before taking to the field this season. But how do you choose which one is best for you? First, check out our softball bat sizing guide, and then consider the following top options.
1. Miken Freak 54 Maxload
Miken is a very popular name when it comes to softball bats, and for good reason. They have a reputation for creating some of the best softball bats out there.
Brand new for 2020 is the Miken Freak 54 Maxload. This is a limited edition bat featuring two-piece construction.
The 14" barrel features Miken's Maxload technology that gives this bat a powerful end loaded weight with a large sweet spot and excellent pop. Also, the Freak 54 offers an optimal handle flex for increased swing power.
If you are a slowpitch player looking for an elite end loaded slowpitch bat, look no further than the Miken Freak 54
2. Worth Krecher XL Ryan Harvey Best Softball Bat 2020
Ryan Harvey was selected 6th overall by the Chicago Cubs at the 2003 MLB Draft, and turned to softball after giving up his big league dreams back in 2013. Harvey became an internet sensation in 2016 after launching a softball into the American flag at Tropicana Field in Florida.
Today, Harvey's name is on Worth's latest softball bat. The Krecher XL is a two piece 100% composite bat that comes equipped with a 13.5" barrel. The Krecher bat series features Worth's 220+ Advantage, which makes for a larger sweet spot for max performance throughout the barrel, as well as CF100 Carbon Fiber for top notch durability.
The Krecher also utilizes Flex 50 Technology, which gives you a thinner handle for increased whip and hitting power.
Start mashing like Ryan Harvey with his namesake bat
3. Miken Psycho MaxLoad Corey Briggs Bat
Miken is back on our list of best softball bats 2020 has to offer.
Corey Briggs is another prolific softball player who, along with Harvey, is a member of the 2020 USA Men's National Slo Pitch team. His signature Miken Phycho MaxLoad is a two-peice, end-loaded composite softball bat which comes equipped with a 14" barrel length.
The Psycho line brings Miken's Triple Matrix Core+ Technology. This enlarges the sweet spot for maximized performance throughout the 14" barrel.
For this bat, Miken also uses their signature composite material for unmatchable durability.
The Psycho features a Flex 2 Power handle which ensures optimal flex and whip for barrel loading through the zone
4. Mizuno Crush 12" End Load
The legendary Mizuno Crush is more powerful than ever!
Featuring a smaller 12" barrel for more compact hitting surface, the 2020 Crush is constructed with Black Onyx Carbon and a Triple Wall barrel to increase durability with a shorter break-in period.
A thin Micro-Whip™ Grip gives you a better feel, while 2-Piece LINK™ technology reduces vibrations to the hands to give you the amazing feel of solid contact every at-bat.
Engineered details like an Optimized End Cap create a booming sound and an increased sweet spot!
The Mizuno Crush features end Loaded swing weight for added distance
5. DeMarini Uprising
If you're looking for one of the best softball bats in 2020 but are working on a tighter budget, DeMarini has you covered.
The DeMarini Uprising sotftball bat is a great aluminum piece at a great value.
It features revamped DX1 Alloy and Hybrid Performance gripand and has been greatly tested to ensure that they have the perfect balance of performance and durability at a more affordable price.
Rise up with the 2020 DeMarini Uprising Slowpitch Bat
Best Softball Bats 2020 - Find The Best Option For You
Softball bat sizing
When looking for a softball bat, you want to select:
A comfortable weight
The correct length for your size
The right weight distribution for your ability level
1. Select a bat that you can hold outstretched for 30 seconds: You need a bat that is an appropriate weight in order to increase the power in your hits.
Hold the bat in your dominant hand in front of you at a 90-degree angle for 30 seconds. If your arm starts shaking or even begins to drop, the bat is too heavy. Repeat this process until you feel comfortable with the weight.
2. Pick a bat that is an appropriate length for your height: Here's a general idea of what length you should use based on your height.
If you are 5ft 5in (1.65m) - 5ft 8in (1.72m), opt for a 32 inches (81 cm) or 33 inches (84 cm) bat
If you are over 5 ft 9 in (1.75m), opt for a bat that is 34 inches (86 cm)
Best Softball Bats 2020 - Get yours at Sports Zone!
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands with high-quality softball gear, and we can do the same for you.
We’re a serious player in the sporting store market. Because we purchase our sports products in volume, we provide the same discount levels offered by national chains and big box retailers.
Our price match promise means we won’t just match another store’s advertised price - we’ll beat it by an additional 5%! We also offer free shipping on all orders over $100!
Click the image above to be directed to our softball bat selection
Visit us today to get the best sports equipment you need to compete and take advantage of our in-store services.
You can also order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area!
"The owners, staff, and products are second to none at sports zone. The customer service and family owned feel provide a great platform for their customers. Highly recommend!"
If you're in the Kitchener-Waterloo area or are interested in shopping online, Sports Zone is where you want to go for slo pitch bats, gloves, cleats, batting gloves, softballs, helmets, training aids, or even umpire products - check out our extensive slo pitch section today!
Check out this video for help with choosing the best slo pitch bat.
Slo pitch equipment near me - what you need!
Sports Zone has a tremendous selection of slo pitch equipment and related products.
The right slo potch equipment can help you dominate!
Slo Pitch Equipment Near Me - Where You Can Use It
Now that you're fully equipped, you may be wondering where you can play this season. The City of Waterloo operates multiple co-ed and men's summer slo pitch leagues for anyone aged 18+.
You've found the best "slo pitch equipment near me" - now get playing!
Slo Pitch Equipment Near Me - Trust The Sports Zone Difference!
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best.The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service.
As a family run business, we offer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.
Sports Zone has all the slo pitch gear you need at the best price, guaranteed!
Visit us today to get the best "slo pitch equipment near me." Take advantage of our in-store services. Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Now, let's dig in and take a deeper look at the best baseball bats for 2020.
Best Baseball Bats 2020
Where to buy in Canada
Sports Zone offers almost 50 hardball bats for you to choose from before taking to the field this season. But how do you choose which one is best for you? First, check out our bat sizing guide, and then consider the following top options.
If you're in the Kitchener-Waterloo area or are interested in shopping online, Sports Zone is where you want to go for baseball bats, gloves, cleats, batting gloves, softballs, helmets, training aids, or even umpire products - check out our extensive baseball section today!
Now let's take a look at some of the best bats of 2020.
1. Easton Alpha 360
Easton is a massive name for baseball bats, and for good reason. They have a reputation for creating some of the best bats available year in and year out.
New for 2020 is the Easton Alpha 360, a one-piece power balanced aluminum bat that delivers solid feel with the thinnest walls in the game.
Advanced Thermal Alloy Construction (ATAC) is reinforced with Carbon-Core, and the Speed Cap provides a more flexible, responsive barrel with natural sound on impact.
It features a Speed Balanced swing weight that provides optimized balance point for fast swing speed, as well as Custom Lizards Skins grip for best-in-class feel, cushion, and tack.
The Alpha 360 provides "Hot Out Of The Wrapper Performance"
2. Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro End Loaded
Rawlings is the other big player when it comes to baseball bats. Brand new for 2020 is their second generation Quatro Pro, and it does not disappoint.
Proven on-field at the professional and collegiate levels, the 2020 Quatro bat continues to advance off its popular predecessors. Starting with the barrel, a composite inner barrel combined with a reactive high performance outer layer makes for a massive sweet spot and adds just enough weight to create a end-loaded feel.
The Quatro comes equipped with a thin, incredibly reactive outer barrel that creates a huge sweet spot that maximizes pop. Reconstructed collar assembly gives the Quatro a stiff, focused flex while reducing barrel drag and vibration.
Rawlings also added Vibration Dampening Technology (VDT) on the Quatro for a smoother feel at contact as well as Lizard Skins grip for top quality comfort and tack.
Rawlings 30 Day performance guarantee also comes with the Quatro, meaning if you don't like it after 30 days it can be returned for full refund - so grab one risk free from Sports Zone!
This promo video gives you a great look at one of the best baseball bats 2020.
3. Easton Fuze 360
Easton's has another one of the best baseball bats for 2020 with the Fuze 360.
The Fuze 360 is a one-piece ATAC alloy design that pushes the limits of performance with the thinnest walls in the game.
Advanced Thermal Alloy Construction is reinforced with Carbon-Core technology and 360 Engineering for 360° of barrel tuned precision. The Forged Composite Cap is lighter and stiffer to increase barrel trampoline and provide a Speed Balanced feel for fast swing speed.
Additionally, this bat's Power Boost Soft Knob technology provides more leverage and power potential, all while reducing vibration and improving comfort for the bottom hand.
Check this preview video of Easton's Fuze 360.
4. Rawlings 5150
Masterfully engineered from the finest aerospace alloy materials, the Rawlings 2020 5150 was developed for heavy hitters who like going deep.
The Hyper-Lite Speed Cap provides batters with a lighter feel so you can have a quicker swing without losing any power.
In addition, the redesigned barrel gives batters a bigger sweet spot too. As a result you'll watch the ball explode off your bat with every contact.
If you want to crush the ball over outfielders and fences alike, you need this bat at the plate.
Become your team's go-to clutch hitter - order your 5150 USSSA bat from Sports Zone now!
It lays claim to the longest barrel and biggest sweet spot in the game. The Maxum 360 combines Seamless Carbon Construction with 360 Engineering for 360° of barrel-tuned precision, delivering pure flexural energy, uniform barrel strength and maximum performance from knob to cap.
Computer-controlled precision molding technology produces an ultra-consistent, lightweight wall for optimal performance in every swing, and speed balanced swing weight provides optimized balance point for fast swing speed.
The Easton Maxum 360 lays claim to the longest barrel and biggest sweet spot in the game
Best Baseball Bats 2020 - Trust The Sports Zone Difference!
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best.The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service.
As a family run business, we offer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.
Sports Zone has all the baseball gear you need at the best price, guaranteed!
Take advantage of our in-store services. Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area and receive free shipping on all orders over $100!
If you're in Kitchener-Waterloo or interested in shopping online, Sports Zone is where you want to go for baseball bats, baseball gloves, cleats, batting gloves, catcher equipment, baseballs, helmets, training aids, or even umpire products - check out our extensive baseball section today!
Visit us today to get your hands on one of these top bats for 2020:
You can also watch this video to learn how to find the best glove:
Baseball equipment near me - What you need
Sports Zone has a tremendous selection of baseball equipment and related products.
For adults, Tri-Cities Baseball is a league that plays games around Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. This league is open to individuals age 18+ from all levels of baseball.
As an added bonus, Sports Zone features a batting cage where you can test out the latest in bats.
We also offer team wear options to make sure your squad looks good while excelling on the field.
If you live outside our area, search "baseball equipment near me" to get what you need to play
Baseball Equipment Near Me - Trust The Sports Zone Difference
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best.The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service.
As a family run business, we offer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
Click to visit our extensive baseball section
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.
Sports Zone has all the baseball gear you need at the best price, guaranteed!
Visit us today to get the best "baseball equipment near me." Take advantage of our in-store services. Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
"Great store! Awesome Staff. My daughter was in a ringette tournament and we needed some girls skates sharpened they were able to get all 3 pairs done while we browsed. While we were there Susan showed us the baseball bats that were marked down. I talked to my team and we ordered one off their website for a great price. It was shipped and delivered to my door 3 days later free shipping! Love Sports Zone!"
In this article, we take a look at one of the best bats for 2020 - the Miken Freak 54!
Here at Sports Zone, we are committed to providing softball players with high quality equipment at unbeatable prices, inlcuding the Miken Freak 54. Visit us today to get your next bat.
Now, let's dig in and take a deeper look at this particular softball bat.
Miken Freak 54 - Best Bats of 2020
The Miken Freak 54 is a limited edition bat available at Sports Zone in Waterloo
What Sets The Miken Freak 54 Apart?
This 100% composite slopitch bat is outfitted with flashy chrome graphics and a 1970s vibe.
The 14" barrel features Miken Maxxload technology, giving the bat a powerful end loaded weight with a large sweet spot. You can, therefore, expect excellent pop right out of the wrapping!
Additionally, the Miken Freak 54 features an optimal handle flex for increased swing power.
If you are a slopitch player looking for an elite end-loaded slopitch bat, look no further than the Miken Freak 54.
Get your Freak on with this limited edition Miken bat!
Miken Freak 54 - Key Features
Here are the key features you need to know about this limited edition bat:
Click the image above to get the Miken Freak 54 bat and accompanying glove
How The Miken Freak 54 Stack Up
We recently took a look at some of the best softball bats for 2020, specifically naming the Miken Freak 54. Here's how it stacks up against the rest of the field.
Black Onyx Carbon™: Increased durability with a shorter break-in period
Single Wall Construction
Barrel
14" Barrel
13.50 Inch Barrel Length, 2 1/4 Inch Barrel Diameter. CF100 Uses A 100% Carbon Fiber Barrel For Unbelievable Durability
2 1/4" Barrel Diameter, 14" Barrel Length
Cylinder Seaming: Allows for consistent performance and durability across the barrel
DX1 Alloy Barrel: High-strength alloy built for performance
Weight
Half-Ounce Maxload Swing Weight
XL (1/2 oz) Ounce End Load
Maxload Swing Weight - 0.5 Ounce End Load
End Loaded Swing Weight: End-Loaded swing weight for maximum distance
Handle
F2P Performance Handle
Flex 50 Technology Delivers An Ultra Thin Handle With Unmatched Whip
Colorway: White / Red / Grey
2-Piece LINK™: Significantly reduces vibrations to the hands to give you the amazing feel of solid contact every at-bat; Micro-Whip™ Grip: Smaller diameter grip for better feel
Other Features
Triple Matrix Core+
220+ Advantage Extends The Sweet Spot & Maximizes Performance Over The Entire Barrel
Flex 2 Power (F2P) Technology Optimizes Flex & Barrel Loading To Maximize Speed Through The Zone; Triple Matrix Core + Technology Improves Material Volume By 15% For Larger Sweet Spot & Greater Performance
Optimized End Cap: Great sound on batted balls, while also positively affecting the bat's sweet spot to give you more pop; Triple Wall: Gives you higher peak performance right out of the wrapper with a larger sweet spot for more power and forgiveness
Certification
Approved for Play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments
Approved for Play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments
Approved for Play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments
Approved for Play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments
Approved for Play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA Sanctioned Leagues and Tournaments
Product Review
The team over at 27swing recently tested the Miken Freak 54 and offered their thoughts:
Watch this video to see the Miken Freak 54 in action
Where To Get The Miken Freak 54 - Visit Sports Zone
Visit us today to get the best sports equipment you need to compete and take advantage of our in-store services. We also have a batting cage where you can test the Miken Freak 54 as well as any other among our wide selection of softball bats.
You can also order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Trust The Sports Zone Difference
Sports Zone is Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer. Over the years, thousands of softball players have been equipped with high-quality gear, and we can do the same for you.
Because we purchase our sports products in volume, we provide the same discount levels offered by national chains and big box retailers. Our price match promise means we won’t just match another store’s advertised price; we’ll beat it by an additional 5%!
We also offer free shipping on all online orders over $100!
"Great store! Awesome Staff. My daughter was in a ringette tournament and we needed some girls skates sharpened they were able to get all 3 pairs done while we browsed. While we were there Susan showed us the baseball bats that were marked down. I talked to my team and we ordered one off their website for a great price. It was shipped and delivered to my door 3 days later free shipping! Love Sports Zone!"
In this article, we are going to discuss why Sports Zone is your expert equipment store for all things softball Waterloo.
Whether you're looking for bats, gloves, cleats, batting gloves, catcher equipment, balls, helmets, training aids, or even umpire products, Sports Zone has you covered - check out our softball section today!
Now let's dig in and take a look at why Sports Zone is the best store for all things softball Waterloo can offer.
Softball Waterloo - Sports Zone Is Your Expert Equipment Store
The Sports Zone difference is our personalized level of service.
We pledge to offer the customer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.
Sports Zone has the best selection of softball equipment and related products
In fact, Sports Zone was selected to carry the re-release of the popular Freak 30 USSSA Softball Bat. This model was limited to 1500 in quantity, with each one laser engraved numerically!
Check out this video for help with choosing the best softball bat!
Softball Waterloo - Where You Can Play
The City of Waterloo runs co-ed and men's summer leagues for people aged 18+. There are multiple league options in which you can play one game per week from May into September.
Softball Waterloo - Trust The Sports Zone Difference
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best.
Click on the images below to see our selection of softball bats and gloves:
Sports Zone has all the softball gear you need at the best price, guaranteed!
Visit us today to get the best sports equipment you need to compete and take advantage of our in-store services. Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
In this article, we will discuss batting cages Kitchener-Waterloo and how Sports Zone's is a hidden gem.
Whether you're looking for baseball bats, baseball gloves, cleats, batting gloves, catcher equipment, baseballs, helmets, training aids, umpire products or batting cages in Kitchener-Waterloo, Sports Zone has you covered - check out our baseball section today!
Now let's dig in and take a look at why Sports Zone is the best baseball store Kitchener residents can visit.
If you're looking for batting cages in Kitchener-Waterloo, stop by today!
Batting Cages Kitchener-Waterloo
A batting cage is an area for batting practice and testing baseball or softball bats that is enclosed by fencing or netting.
Practice makes perfect, so the best thing is to hit the batting cages as often as possible.
Once there, here's how you can imporve your swing:
Stand comfortably beside the plate. Check that you’re in the right place by standing in the batter’s box and trying to touch the opposite side of the plate with your bat. If so, you should be able to hit the ball anywhere in the box.
As the ball approaches, shift your weight to your back foot. Your front foot should move toward the ball while staying in line with your back foot.
At this point you should be balanced and positioned in such a way that you’re ready to absorb the energy of the hit and direct it back outward through your swing.
Be sure to also keep your hard still and concentrate on hitting through the ball, maintaining power and speed so that both are peaking just before the moment of contact
Watch this video for more tips prior to visiting batting cages in Kitchener-Waterloo
What Else We Offer
Sports Zone has a tremendous selection of baseball equipment and related products.
Watch this video to get the most out of coin operated batting cages Kitchener-Waterloo.
Trust The Sports Zone Difference
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best.The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service.
As a family run business, we offer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
Click to visit our extensive baseball section
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.
Sports Zone has all the baseball gear you need at the best price, guaranteed!
Visit us today to get the best "baseball equipment near me." Take advantage of our in-store services. Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
"The owners, staff, and products are second to none at sports zone. The customer service and family owned feel provide a great platform for their customers. Highly recommend! "