2026 Old Hickory 28NA Nolan Arenado Pro Maple Wood Bat Review
Nolan Arenado's Old Hickory game model — a hybrid that marries the J154 barrel to the KG1 handle for a balanced, medium-barrel turn with a flared knob.
The Score
How we score ↗The grade, density and grain of the billet — slope-of-grain, ink-dot certification, and whether it’s a true pro-cut. The headline for a wood bat. A primary driver of the overall score.
Barrel size and the turn-model profile (110/243/271/I13 and the like) — how much hitting surface and forgiveness the shape gives you.
How the wood feels and sounds at contact — the flex/stiffness of the handle, and the crack off a quality billet.
How well the wood holds up — density and grain quality (and, for composite wood, engineered toughness). Far more important on a wood bat than on alloy.
How hard the ball comes off for a wood bat — real, but a lighter factor here since wood isn’t about chasing max exit velocity.
Quality per dollar versus comparable pro-grade or composite wood. Shown for context; NOT factored into the overall score.
Why this score: The balanced hybrid turn earns top feel and swing-weight scores; power is moderate for a medium barrel. Pro game-model pedigree, density-screened maple and the 60-day warranty keep durability and value strong.
Our Review
The 28NA is Nolan Arenado's Old Hickory turn, and it is essentially a hybrid of two of the company's most popular profiles: it takes the J154's medium barrel and pairs it with the KG1's handle, finishing with a medium taper to a thin 29/32" handle and a flared knob. The result is a balanced, all-around game model rather than a specialist power or speed bat, which fits Arenado's contact-and-gap approach. It is made to order from #1-grade hard rock maple or birch and carries the 60-day warranty. A great choice if you like the balanced feel of a 271/141-style turn and want a genuine pro game model behind it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hybrid of the J154 barrel and KG1 handle for a balanced, versatile feel
- Genuine pro game model used by an elite MLB hitter
- Made to order in maple or birch with a 60-day warranty
Cons
- Balanced medium barrel won't satisfy hitters chasing a power profile
- Made-to-order with a 3-4 week build time
Full Specifications
| Brand | Old Hickory |
|---|---|
| Model | 28NA Nolan Arenado Pro Maple |
| Model Year | 2026 |
| Certification | Wood |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | Custom Pro maple |
| Model # | 28NA |
| Drop | -3 |
| Barrel | 2 1/2" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $199 |
Where to Buy
2026 Old Hickory 28NA Nolan Arenado Pro Maple Wood Bat — FAQ
Is the 2026 Old Hickory 28NA Nolan Arenado Pro Maple a good Wood bat?
We rate it 8.3/10 (Grade A). Nolan Arenado's Old Hickory game model — a hybrid that marries the J154 barrel to the KG1 handle for a balanced, medium-barrel turn with a flared knob.
What drops does the 28NA Nolan Arenado Pro Maple come in?
The 2026 28NA Nolan Arenado Pro Maple Wood comes in -3.
How much does the 2026 28NA Nolan Arenado Pro Maple cost?
MSRP is $199. We list the lowest price across CheapBats and Amazon on this page.
New to buying bats? Read our bat sizing guide, certifications explained, or browse all guides.
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Sources: Old Hickory — 28NA Custom · Lifestyles Sports — Old Hickory 28NA Nolan Arenado