I couldn't wait. I went and bought a set of foam grips this evening to put on my Jugs Hitting Stick. I paid $5.95 at the bike store for the two grips.
Turns out, the store I went to used to be a Schwinn Airdyne exercise bike dealer and they had a set of grips in stock. The actual grips look just like the Grobat pad pictured. They have a nice soft cushion feel. The hairspray worked like a champ.
Ben Z. Houston, Texas
Swing Smarter Response: We like the way you think Ben Z., perfect solution to re-creating a current hitting aid for cheaper and getting the same effect :) We couldn't of put it better ourselves. Nice job!
Jan 28, 2010 Rating
Cheap Bat Stick Solution to Protect Wiffles by: Anonymous
If someone already has a hitting stick and doesn't want to purchase a new one, all they have to do is drop by their local bicycle store that carries Schwinn Airdyne replacement parts and purchase a foam bike grip for $3. Specifically, they'll want to purchase an 8" Schwinn Airdyne Handlebar Grip, pictured here from SportSmith: www.sportsmith.net/ItemForm.aspx?item=P1490489
The grip weighs 2 oz. and fits perfectly on a hitting stick (i.e. Pujols Quick Stick, a SKLZ Lightning Stick, or a 1.25" broom handle). Advanced hitters might want to cut the grip in half to simulate a smaller sweet-spot. Since you have to purchase them as a set, you can split the cost with a buddy or start with an 8" pad as a beginner, and when you get better, cut the 8" pad off and put on a half of a grip 4" long.
To put the pad on, all you have to do is spray a little hair spray down into the cylinder of the grip (not too much). Then, slip it on, wait 24 hours, and hit away! Lay your game bat next to the stick to make sure that the stick pad is in the center of your game bats sweet-spot. After 24 hours, it's impossible to slide the grip!
This solution will extend the life of your practice balls, keeping them from warping and breaking.
