Frequently Asked Questions
No. The end cap is an integral part of the original design and construction of a baseball or softball bat and should not be removed, replaced or modified.
The end cap is more than simply a cover fitted to the end of the barrel. It forms part of the bat's overall construction and can affect characteristics such as the bat's weight distribution, balance, swing weight and performance.
When a certified bat is manufactured and tested, it is tested in its original factory configuration — including the end cap fitted by the manufacturer.
We do not recommend replacing or repairing an end cap yourself.
Removing the original end cap, fitting a different end cap or modifying the existing end cap alters the bat from the configuration in which it was manufactured and certified.
This may mean the bat no longer complies with the certification or equipment rules under which it was originally approved, such as USA Baseball, BBCOR or USSSA, depending on the bat.
Even replacing a damaged end cap with one that appears identical does not necessarily mean the bat remains compliant.
If the end cap becomes loose, cracked, damaged or separates from the barrel, we recommend that you stop using the bat.
If the bat is still within the manufacturer's warranty period, contact Red Stitches to determine whether the damage may be covered under warranty.
Do not attempt to glue, repair or replace the end cap before making a warranty claim, as modifying the bat may affect both its eligibility for warranty coverage and its certification.
No. Red Stitches does not replace or repair end caps on certified baseball or softball bats.
If you purchased the bat from Red Stitches and believe the end cap has failed due to a manufacturing fault, contact us and we can help you determine the appropriate next step.
If a certified baseball or softball bat has a damaged or loose end cap, don't modify it yourself.
The end cap forms part of the bat's original design. Altering or replacing it can change the bat from its certified factory configuration and may make it unsuitable for use in competitions requiring an approved bat.
At Red Stitches, the stock availability shown on our website reflects the products we currently have available to order.
Unless a product is marked “Out of Stock” or “Unavailable”, it is in stock and available to purchase.
Yes. We aim to keep our website inventory as accurate and up to date as possible. If an item is available to add to your cart, it is normally physically in stock and ready for us to process your order.
Unlike some online retailers, we do not routinely advertise products as available and then order them from a supplier after you place your order.
On rare occasions, there may be a discrepancy between the stock quantity shown on our website and the physical stock available in our store or warehouse.
If this happens after you place an order, we will contact you as soon as possible.
Where possible, we will suggest a suitable alternative product, size or colour. If there isn't an appropriate alternative, you can choose to receive a refund for the unavailable item.
Products marked “Out of Stock” or “Unavailable” cannot currently be ordered through our website.
Stock availability can change as new deliveries arrive, so an out-of-stock product may become available again.
If the product, size or colour you need is currently unavailable, contact the Red Stitches team. With our experience in baseball, softball and Tee Ball equipment, we can help you find a suitable alternative.
“Is my bat dead?” is a question we hear quite often, particularly from players using composite baseball and softball bats.
In most cases, a change in the sound of a bat does not mean the bat is dead.
Bats can change sound as they are used, and this is particularly common with composite bats.
Composite barrels can change as they break in. As the composite material is repeatedly flexed through normal use, the bat may begin to sound different from when it was new.
Some composite softball bats also use multi-wall or inner-barrel designs that are intended to change as the bat breaks in. As these components begin to move more freely, the bat can develop a distinctive cracking, clicking or rattling sound.
A change in sound by itself does not necessarily indicate that the bat has failed.
There isn't a simple test that can definitively tell you whether a bat is “dead”.
The two most useful things to consider are visible damage and performance.
Inspect the barrel carefully for cracks, splits, significant dents or other obvious damage. Then consider how the bat is actually performing.
If there are no visible signs of structural damage and the ball is still jumping off the barrel as expected, there is a good chance that there is nothing wrong with the bat.
A bat that sounds different but continues to perform normally is not necessarily a dead bat.
Some things are worth investigating more closely:
Visible cracks or splits in the barrel
Significant dents or deformation
A loose or damaged end cap
A loose connection between the barrel and handle on a two-piece bat
An obvious and consistent loss of performance
Unusual movement between components of the bat
Some cosmetic marks, paint cracks and surface wear can occur through normal use and don't necessarily mean that the structure of the bat has failed.
If you're unsure, stop using the bat and have it inspected before continuing to use it.
One method we do not recommend is tapping or bouncing the handle or knob of the bat against the ground and listening to the sound it makes.
This is not a reliable test of whether a bat is dead.
More importantly, repeatedly striking the knob or handle against a hard surface can damage the bat. It may damage the knob, handle or internal components and could potentially create a problem that wasn't there in the first place.
Judge the bat by its condition and performance, not by how it sounds when you hit it against the ground.
This is one of the confusing things about composite bats.
A new composite bat and a well-used composite bat can sound noticeably different. In some cases, the change occurs as the barrel breaks in and reaches its normal playing characteristics.
So a louder crack, different pitch or unusual barrel sound doesn't automatically mean it's time to replace the bat.
If your bat has developed a new sound but has no visible damage and is still performing normally, continue to monitor it.
If you notice cracking, structural damage, loose components or a significant reduction in performance, stop using the bat and investigate further.
If the bat is still within its manufacturer's warranty period, don't attempt to repair or modify it yourself. Contact the retailer or manufacturer first, as attempting a repair may affect a warranty claim.
If you purchased your bat from Red Stitches and aren't sure whether what you're seeing or hearing is normal, contact us and we'll be happy to help.
