A Step-By-Step Guide to Attach the WIN Reality Bat Attachment

One unique way to train for baseball or softball is by using virtual reality, but the one thing that is obviously missing from training in VR is the feel of a real bat. WIN Reality came up with a clever way to help you train for baseball or softball, but still be able to swing a real bat. I recently got a WIN Reality bat attachment, but it didn’t really come with instructions on how to use it. So I decided to write this article to help answer a common question many people have – how do you attach the WIN Reality bat attachment?

Attach the WIN Reality bat attachment by placing the left oculus controller inside the loop of the bat attachment, strap the attachment to your bat, and secure the velcro straps around the oculus controller. When properly attached, you can take full swings while the controller stays in place.

For the rest of this article, I’ll dive into more detail about each step of how to set up your WIN Reality bat attachment. And if you haven’t yet begun training with WIN Reality, make sure you know about the 5 things needed to begin your WIN Reality training.

If you’re interested in what it’s like to train with WIN Reality, make sure you first read this WIN Reality Review: A Baseball Player’s Assessment.

A Video Overview of Attaching the WIN Reality Bat Attachment

If you’re more of a visual learner, below is a quick video I created on how to attach your WIN Reality bat attachment to any bat. Or you can keep scrolling past this video for the step-by-step text version.

Step 1: Place the Left Oculus Controller Inside the Loop of the Bat Attachment

The first thing you’ll do is place your left oculus controller into the opening of the rubber bat attachment.

Make sure the “WR” logo is upright. I initially made this mistake and the oculus controller would not fit all the way because I placed the oculus controller upside down.

Once you place the controller inside of the opening of the attachment, you’ll notice the attachment is actually pressing down the trigger button that’s located on the handle of your oculus controller. This is perfectly ok as this handle trigger button is not needed when swinging a bat in WIN Reality.

In fact, placing the rubber part over the trigger button on the oculus handle will allow you to more easily secure your oculus controller in a later step because you’ll have more length for your velcro strap.

Step 2: Strap the Bat Attachment to Your Bat

The next step is to take your rubber bat attachment and place it onto your bat. The great thing about this step is that you get to choose whatever bat you want to use. So you can use the actual bat that you would use in a real game.

Depending on the type of bat you have, you should be able to safely secure the attachment about halfway up the bat. But the WIN Reality bat attachment has 8 holes on each of the 3 straps so you can adjust the height of the controller to whatever feels right for you.

These straps work very similarly to a belt you would wear with your pants. The only difference is that the metal pieces that go into the holes are a tight fit (by design), but once all 3 straps are secured you are good to move on to the next step.

Step 3: Secure the Velcro Straps Around the Left Oculus Controller

By now, your Oculus controller should be attached to your bat pretty well, but one additional step WIN Reality has is for your Oculus controller to be strapped in with two velcro straps. If you did step 1 correctly, you should have plenty of length left on your velcro straps for this step.

Start by undoing the velcro so the strap is unconnected and it looks like one long strap. Take the side of the strap with the hole and place it inside the circle of your Oculus controller. Then take the other half of the velcro strap and place it through the hole. Once through the hole, bring the strap down and secure it on the velcro. Repeat this process for the other side.

Once both velcro straps are on, you are ready to start swinging!

Step 4: Enjoy Training in VR With a Real Bat

You’re now ready to perform some WIN Reality drills with your bat attachment! Load up WIN Reality, select your drill, and take some swings.

Remember, you’re swinging an actual bat full speed so make sure you’re in an area where you have plenty of space. If you’re short on space, I recommend using your garage. You might also be able to use this outside, but it’s generally not recommended to use your Oculus outside.

If you haven’t yet downloaded WIN Reality, make sure you learn about the 6 Steps to Getting Started With WIN Reality on Oculus Quest 2.

Frequently Asked Questions About the WIN Reality Bat Attachment

Do Left-Handed Hitters Need to Use the Right Oculus Controller?

By default, WIN Reality places the virtual bat in your left Oculus controller, regardless of what side of the plate you hit. Because the virtual bat defaults to your left Oculus controller, you’ll want to strap your left Oculus controller to your bat.

However, WIN Reality does allow you to switch the virtual bat from the left controller to the right controller. Before you begin a drill that uses a virtual bat, you’ll have the option to calibrate and configure your settings. These configurations are where you’ll be able to switch the virtual bat from your left controller to your right controller.

If you switched the virtual bat to your right controller the last time you used WIN Reality, the virtual bat will be your right controller the next time you turn on WIN Reality.

What Bat Can I Use With the WIN Reality Bat Attachment?

You can use whatever bat you’d like with the WIN Reality bat attachment. The WIN Reality bat attachment works like a belt you wear with your pants so it can fit on any size of bat you already own.

How Much is the WIN Reality Bat Attachment?

The WIN Reality bat attachment is generally priced between $25 and $35. However, prices can change so visit WIN Reality’s store to see their current pricing.

Once ordered, it can take anywhere from 7 to 10 business days to be delivered.

Do You Need a Bat Attachment for WIN Reality?

Players do not need a bat attachment for WIN Reality. The bat attachment is an optional piece of equipment that helps make training more realistic. Players can choose to swing their Oculus controllers if they do not want to use the bat attachment.

In my opinion, the bat attachment is worth it if you’re going to use WIN Reality. It’s just not the same feeling when you’re swinging at a pitch, but your “bat” is a very light Oculus controller.

Nothing can really compare to a real pitcher throwing a real pitch for you to hit, but the bat attachment makes virtual reality training feel a little more realistic.