A demo bat is manufactured with "top quality" according to Worthpoint.com. Demo bats are given to retailers as "shelf models" so that potential buyers can handle and swing the bat before deciding whether to buy it. Purchasing a demo bat can be a great way to get a superior bat for slightly less money.

On the Other: Demo Bats May Be Used

The purpose of a demo bat is for retailers to use them as shelf models in their stores. That means most demo bats will have been handled a lot by consumers. A demo bat could show signs of damage, including splitting or denting. "By the time a crack has formed, the days are numbered for the bat," says Slow Pitch Softball Bat Review. Denting is a sign that there has been "unusual stress on the bat walls" according to the CBS Sports Store. A demo bat that shows any signs of damage should not be purchased.

Bottom Line

A bat that is designated as a demo shares the same fine materials and engineering as its non-demo counterparts. The only manufacturing difference is that demo bats have the word "Demo" lightly engraved on the shaft. Purchasing a demo bat that is unused or shows no signs of damage or excessive use can be a cost-savvy decision.

Source:

Worthpoint

Slow Pitch Softball Bat Review

CBS Sports Store: Baseball/Softball Bat FAQ

More Information:

Physics and Acoustics of Baseball and Softball Bats