FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here's a list of the most commonly asked questions that we get at Direct Sports. We have tried to answer these as best we can, but many of these are just our opinions. 

1. What does the C.O.R. rating mean on softballs ?

The c.o.r. rating is a measurement of the hardness of the inside of the ball.  The higher the c.o.r. rating, the hotter the ball. This is just the tip of the iceberg. But that's the basic measurement.

 

2. What does BPF 1.20 mean?

BPF stands for Bat Performance Factor.  This is determined by a ball fired at a high rate of speed, at a stationary bat. If the ball comes off the bat 20% faster than it was fired at the bat, then it exceeds 1.20. Many leagues will not allow the use of a bat that rates higher than 1.20 BPF.

 

3. What is BESR?

BESR (Ball Exit Speed Rating) is a term used by the NCAA to rate the performance of baseball bats. All baseball bats must meet this rating to be legal for collegiate play.

 

4. How is a ball glove measured?

Each manufacturer seems to have a different way to measure fielding gloves.  Ideally, take a glove on your hand,  palm facing you. Take a tape measure and run it down the inside of the glove, with the tape touching leather all the way. Take the measurement from the top of the pocket to the bottom of the heel.

 

5. Do leather softballs perform better than synthetic?

In our experience, there is no major difference in performance.  Leather costs more but many players like the feel of a leather ball better.  Under wet conditions, synthetic balls may be the choice because they tend not to retain water as much as leather balls.

 

6. What’s better, end-loaded or balanced?

Different types of hitters prefer different types of bat weights. A power hitter tends to favor end loaded bats while base hitters tend to like a balanced bat. However, every hitter has different preferences, so what applies to one player may not apply to another.

 

7. Why do some types of bats have a warranty and others do not?

Certain bats will offer no warranty. These bats typically have thinner walls. A thinner walled bat will tend to have greater performance, but will dent easier. Many companies offer these “Advanced Player” bats. Some offer "Advanced Player Bats with warranties, but these are basically custom bats that have the same wall thickness as stock bats.

 

8. What is the most common weight for slowpitch softball bats?

Without a doubt, 28 oz.

 

9. What size bat should I buy?

Personal preference is a big factor here. The best weight for your teammate may not be the best weight for you. One of the latest and greatest things in slow-pitch softball is bat speed. But when all is said and done you want the heaviest bat that you can swing the fastest.

 

10. Is my softball bat legal?

With the way the associations change the standards, its best to check their websites and look for approved bats list. The ASA site is www.softball.org.

 

11. Why do bat companies list a minimum temperature rating for using bats?

Because cold temperatures are guaranteed to dent thin walled bats.  Most manufacturers recommend a minimum of 60-65 degrees.

 

12. Do you play ball, if so, what bat do you use?

The majority of the employees at DIRECT SPORTS play softball.  We get to choose from every bat out there. And it is a rarity that all of us use the same type of bat.  It all boils down to personal preference.

 

13. Can you give me a comparison between the top of the line bats? Which one will perform the best?

It would be impossible to count the times we have been asked this question. And I don’t think there is really an answer. The best bat for one player may not necessarily be the best for another. Too many factors come into play; bat weight, barrel length, handle diameter, alloy, end loading, shell wt, etc. Once again, each individual player is the best comparison. Personal preference says it all.

 

14. What’s the best way to break in a ball glove?

We’ve heard everything from A-Z. Some were very good, some were not. Here are some of the best we have found: 1. Use glove oil, glove foam, shaving cream, Hot Glove etc. rub it in well then use the glove. 2. Put a ball in your glove, wrap the glove up, put it under the mattress.   Ultimately, USAGE, is the best way.

 

15. Do you match prices?

If you find a bat advertised from another company, we MAY match the delivered price. Not so in all cases.. However, please check the SHIPPING RATES of other mail-order companies. In many cases we are ultimately cheaper.

 

16. How long will it take to get my package?

Most packages are shipped within 24 hrs. If you place an order during business hours, your order will NORMALLY be shipped the next business day.  On the East coast you can expect your ground package in 2-3 business days.  On the West coast, 5-6 business days. If you place an order over the weekend or Friday evening, your order will not be shipped until the following week.  We do offer express shipping at an additional cost. If you have a backordered item, you will be notified via email.  We try to keep the items that we have listed on the website in stock at all times. But at times in the year, some popular items may or may not be in stock. If you place an order and would like to inquire about whether the item you requested is in stock or out of stock, just make a comment with your order. You will be emailed back. Items that are out of stock for a lengthy amount of time will be noted on the website.

 

17. If I buy something and I don’t use it, can I return it?

Any item may be returned for exchange or refund provided it is unused, in the  original packaging, and is returned within 30 days of the purchase date.  Please call for authorization before returning merchandise.  Shipping charges are not refundable.

 

18. Can I add to my order?

In order to ship our packages within 24 hours, they are immediately sent to the shipping department.  Therefore, it is not possible to add to your order.

 

19. Can I have my order shipped to my work?

To prevent credit card fraud, we are required to verify all credit card orders and match the card holders billing address.  When the cardholders billing address is verified we can ship to an alternate address.

 

20. Who do I return my defective item to?

Most items have a manufacturer’s warranty, which is passed directly to the customer.  Direct Sports has no control over the terms or contents of the warranty.  Items that do not have a warranty are clearly noted.  Many companies prefer that you deal with them directly.  If you have a defective item, we will be happy to assist you in receiving a refund or replacement as quickly as possible. PLEASE CALL FOR AUTHORIZATION.

 

21. How long does it take to get something replaced?

If your item is defective and the replacement is in stock, we will try to replace it as soon as possible. Usually your replacement will be shipped within 2 business days of receiving the defective item.

 

22. Do you give any team discounts, or and discounts to any schools?  Do you offer any large quantity discounts?

Yes. We offer quantity discounts and discounts for schools. CALL FOR PRICES!!! We also offer Net 30 Days for Schools.

 

23. When is your next catalog?

We mail our catalog twice a year. Normally the Summer catalog is mailed in July and the other is mailed around the 2nd week in December .

24. How do I find what I'm looking for on the website?
There a couple ways to look for items. On each page of the website, there is the navigation bar. This shows the various types of equipment that we stock. If you click on one of these items, there will be a subheading below showing each company that we have. So for example if you are looking for a slowpitch bat you would click on Slowpitch, then under the subheading you would click on the manufacturer of the bat that you are inquiring about. This will take you to the Slowpitch Softball Bat page where all the manufacturer slowpitch bats we stock are listed. You can find your bat there. Another way is to use our SEARCH, located on each page of the website.   

25. How do I use the search on the website?
The search is set up so that it will pick up item numbers, model numbers, or keywords. So almost anything pertaining to the item you are looking for should show up.

26. I'm trying to place an order but nothing is in my shopping cart.
If you see an item you would like to purchase, be sure to enter a quantity before you hit add to cart. If you don't there will be nothing in your shopping cart to order. You can always check to see items in your shopping cart by looking at the top of each page, or at the bottom of the navigation bar on the left hand side of each page. It will give you a subtotal and the number of items you have in your cart. And it will change as you add to or take away from your shopping cart. If you use the checkout buttons either in the navigation bar on the left or at the very top of the page, your order will not be processed correctly.

27. How can I track my order.
We now offer a way for customers to create accounts, log in and check the status of orders placed within the last 6 months. All you have to do is enter your email address and add a password to set up the account. This will allow you to store the your address information so you wont have to type it in every time you place an order. You will be automatically emailed a tracking number when you order ships. You can still place orders without creating an account, but you will not be able to track your order through the website.

    If there is a question that you have and it is not listed above, please fill out the feedback form or call our toll free customer service number at.

1-800-456-0072.

	Direct Sports, Inc. 1720 Curve Rd. Pearisburg, VA 24134 (800) 456-0072
©Direct Sports, Inc., 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008. Direct Sports, Inc. also has been and continues to use and claim exclusive right to the trade name and trademark DIRECT SPORTS SUPPLYSM. All rights under the Universal Copyright and Berne Conventions are claimed. Volume 2008 No. 5 May 31, 2008