How To Apply Lizard Skin To A Bat

Okay, so picture this: Last summer, I was watching my little cousin try to hit a baseball. Bless his heart, he was swinging with all his might, but his bat grip was slicker than a greased piglet. Every swing sounded like a wet slap against the ball. Afterward, he throws the bat down and shouts, "This bat is killing me!". That's when I thought, there has to be a better way.

And that, my friends, is where Lizard Skins bat grips come in. They're not actually lizard skin (phew!), but they're a super popular, grippy, and comfortable alternative to the factory grip on your bat. They can transform your handle and give you better control, more confidence, and maybe, just maybe, a few more base hits. So, here's the lowdown on how to apply Lizard Skin to your bat.

What You'll Need

First things first, gather your supplies. This isn't rocket science, but having everything ready makes the process smoother than a newly paved road.

You'll need:

• Your Lizard Skins bat grip (duh!). Make sure you get the right length for your bat.
• A pair of scissors or a utility knife. Be careful! Sharp things are sharp.
• Electrical tape. You'll use this to secure the top of the grip.
• A clean rag or paper towel.
• Rubbing alcohol (optional, but recommended). For cleaning the handle.

Pro Tip: Lay down some newspaper or an old towel. This process can get a little messy, especially if you're working with an older bat that has some residue on the handle.

Prep Work: Out With the Old, In With the New

Before slapping on that fancy new grip, you gotta deal with the old one. This is usually the most tedious part, but trust me, it's worth it. A smooth surface makes for a better Lizard Skins application.

Start by peeling off the existing grip. If it's stubborn (and they usually are), you can use a utility knife to score it lengthwise. Then, just peel it off like a banana. Try not to get too frustrated when it comes off in tiny, sticky pieces – we've all been there!

Next, clean the bat handle with rubbing alcohol and a clean rag. This removes any leftover adhesive residue. Let it dry completely before moving on. Seriously, wait for it to dry! Moisture under the grip is not your friend.

Applying the Lizard Skins

Okay, now for the fun part! Unroll your Lizard Skins grip. It should have an adhesive backing that you'll peel off as you wrap. Start at the bottom of the handle (the end closest to the knob). Remove a small section of the adhesive backing, and carefully line up the grip along the edge of the handle.

Begin wrapping the grip upwards, overlapping each layer slightly (usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch). Keep the grip taut as you wrap, but don't stretch it too much. You want a nice, consistent tension. Too loose, and you'll have a squishy, uncomfortable grip. Too tight, and you risk tearing the Lizard Skins. It’s a Goldilocks situation.

Continue wrapping until you reach the top of the handle. Almost there! At the top, you'll likely have some excess grip. Use your scissors or utility knife to trim it down to the desired length. Make sure you cut a clean, straight line for the best results.

Securing the Grip

Now, for the finishing touch. Use electrical tape to secure the top edge of the grip. Wrap the tape tightly around the grip and the handle, making sure to cover the entire edge. This will prevent the grip from unraveling.

Pro Tip: Use black electrical tape for a seamless look. Unless, of course, you’re going for a bold, contrasting vibe. In that case, neon pink is totally acceptable.

And that's it! You've successfully applied Lizard Skins to your bat. Now get out there and start swinging!

Final Thoughts

Applying Lizard Skins is a simple way to upgrade your bat and improve your grip. It's a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can make a big difference in your performance. Plus, it just looks cool, right? So, if you're looking to take your hitting to the next level, give Lizard Skins a try. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.

Happy hitting!