Phoenix Bats 271 High Density Wood Baseball Bat, 32 maple 271 HD wooden baseball bat has a shorter barrel length (versus a gap or power hitter's bat) to insure that bat speed is placed at a premium, in order to catch up to any pitch. HD version of this 271 wood bat, you'll get some extra durability for those times you don't hit it just right. This makes the 271HD a great choice for those new to swinging wood or for the high schooler who has just moved up from a youth transition bat