ProVelocity Bat Product Review

ProVelocity Oveview

ProVelocity Bat is an ingenious hitting training tool that is designed to increase bat velocity and improve swing path. The product is a “bat” that has a plastic cylinder that slides up and down the barrel based on how fast a player swings. The ProVelocity cylinder is connected to the neck of the bat by several bands of various thicknesses that create resistance. The more bands that are used the more difficult it is to get the cylinder to slide. The goal is to find the optimal resistance to slide the cylinder at the point of contact. Too early and there’s not enough resistance; too late and there’s too much.

The bat comes in three sizes with the biggest one named Extreme Impact is 33″ and usable against velocities up to 95 mph. It includes the most band resistance and is recommended for college players due to its weight of 46 ounces. The standard size is 32″ and 42 ounces and can handles speeds of up to 70 mph. The youth size is 30″ and weighs in at 36 ounces. It has the least resistance and can handle speeds of 60 mph with a smaller barrel of 2.5″ compared to 2.75″ for the other two.

Over/underweight Training

Though difficult to verify the claims about increasing bat velocity, the bat is effectively a variable overweight resistance tool. Overweight and underweight training, generally +/- 20% of normal bat weight range, has been shown in some research to improve swing speed. This bat ranges from 20% overweight for the youth model to 40% for the Extreme Impact version with the standard model landing in between at 30%.

ProVelocity Benefits

ProVelocity also claims that the bat helps with timing and sequencing as well as helps prevent casting and rollovers. Based on our use, the real-time feedback the bat provides through the feel of the sliding cylinder clicking at the end is valuable. With calibration of the band resistance, a player can adjust the timing of the barrel to align with ball contact such that the barrel path is tighter and has less of a cast. I’m not sure I can say the same for preventing rollovers or improving sequencing from our limited testing.

Overall, the ProVelocity bat is built with sturdy materials and handles ball contact well. The only downside I see is that the bands are beginning to fray and crack after only a couple of months of use. Replacement bands are available on the website, but given the high price tag, I would have expected to receive a couple with the original purchase if it truly becomes an issue.

Next learn about the Junior Hack Attack pitching machine