DURHAM, N.C. - USA Baseball and Varo announced on Monday an exclusive multi-year partnership to make Varo the Official Bat Weight of USA Baseball.
Through this partnership, Varo is now the Official On-Field Supplier in the bat weight category for all USA Baseball national teams and national team development programs. In addition, USA Baseball and Varo will work jointly on future product development.
Also included in the agreement, USA Baseball licensed bat weight products will be available for purchase at the USA Baseball Team Store at the National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina, and online at USABaseballShop.com.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with the team at Varo to produce new and innovative products that will ensure our USA Baseball national team athletes will continue to be outfitted with the highest level of on-field equipment," said David Perkins, USA Baseball's Chief Operating Officer. "This partnership will allow our organization to collaborate with the industry leader in bat weight technology both on-field and in the retail landscape."
Varo introduced customized USA Baseball licensed ARC and COR bat weights to the national teams and national team development programs in 2017 - a year where USA Baseball became the first federation in history to sweep its international competitions, highlighted by a World Baseball Classic title, two World Baseball Softball Confederation Baseball World Championships and three international series victories by the Collegiate National Team.
Varo brings players a full line of training weights, from on-deck use to live hitting. The Varo ARC, Varo's first product, is designed to dial-in an athlete's swing for both on- and off-field conditioning. It distributes weight to the end of the barrel of the bat, creating a game-like swing that improves a player's mechanics and barrel speed while strengthening baseball-specific muscles. The Varo COR provides a more traditional feel, using advanced technology to eliminate abrasion on a player's bat when taking on-deck swings.
Recently made available for purchase from USA Baseball is the officially licensed Varo RAP, a hittable training sleeve designed to protect the bat, develop swing speed and reduce vibration on impact. It is a first-of-its kind bat weight sleeve that hitters can use during live batting practice and training. The RAP will be introduced to USA Baseball's national team programming in 2018.
"Partnering with USA Baseball truly allows us to support the growth of amateur baseball, which is a passion of ours. It's a win-win," said Steven Schinko, Varo's co-founder and President. "We're able to work alongside USA Baseball players and coaches, ensuring our growing line of products are built with top notch insight."
Varo launched its first product in 2014 and is now an Official On-Field Supplier for USA Baseball and Major League Baseball. Its products are designed and manufactured in the United States and utilize patented, proprietary technology to help athletes increase their performance at the plate. Varo designs its products to fit all types of baseball bats, and for player skill levels - ranging from youth to professional.