Continue to do this until the bat is broken in and feels more flexible. As a result, it is critical that coaches and players are aware of the ban and are aware of the risks associated with using composite bats with weighted balls. The pitching speed should be about 75% to 100% of the fastball You may also shoot them an email with pictures at experts@justbats.comor click here to live chat. The fifth step is crucial: you must band the place with something to put pressure on the bat. To break in your composite bat, youll need to take your time; this is a three-step process. } Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To break in a composite bat, you can take 150-200 soft toss or off-the-shelf baseball swings. Rotate The Bat. Below is a brief list of preventative measures you should take. Make sure the bat is properly lubricated before using it. These balls are typically used by beginners and low-level players because they are easier to handle and do not bounce as high as other types of balls. The number on the bat means that the ball has been hit. 1. Sound is one of the quickest ways to know if your bat is either dead or on its last legs. The Bat Nerds is a blog run by a group of friends. Few things are as heartbreaking as your expensive new bat dying a premature death. By rotating your bat after each swing you ensure the entire barrel of the bat is being broken in properly. Composite bats are quickly becoming the go-to choice for many baseball players due to their superior performance and durability. A junk ball in tennis is a ball that does not meet the required standards for play. speed you normally face. It is recommendedto go overyour batthoroughly and check for any excessive wear or damage at least once a year and approximately every three months for an oil or naturalbat. Most bats are falsely accused of being dead and are just not being hit in the sweet spot. Aluminum bats are generally untrod and hot straight from the wrapper, eliminating the need for break-ins. Furthermore, with the accelerated break-in process, players will be able to have a full-sized broken-in bat and maximize its performance in a shorter period of time, allowing them to gain an advantage over their opponents. The accelerated break-in process allows players to gain an advantage over their opponents while also reaping the benefits of the composite bats. Hybrid and Comp-model Wood bats 90 days. Aluminum bats are prone to denting, so depending on the size of the dent, they may remain usable. Remove any excess glue and allow it to dry for 12 to 24 hours. If following these simple steps doesnt result in optimal performance than theres nothing wrong with giving your new hybrid/composite baseballbat another few weeks or even months of consistent use in order to really get accustomed to its unique characteristics. That core is then enveloped by a wood shell. Here are five tips to help you break in your new glove fast: Warm up the glove before you start hitting. You will not see cracks or fractures of any kind in this type of bat due to the construction because usually aluminum bats dent. The difference between his peak power between April and July was probably 25-50 feet. A higher bounce may result in more misses and could ultimately lead to frustration on the players part or even injury. Sounds like your son had a good run, but may be time to buy a new one. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association . For alloy bats, if your softball bat has great performance you will hear a loud, high pitched ping. During the course of about 20 swings, the rubber mallet will have developed rough textures on the bat. Different bats also have a sound of their own. 6. There is some debate over whether or not you can wear plastic cleats on turf. After this period, a composite bat can easily last one to 3 years. Uncovering The Mystery Behind The Golden Glove Award What It Takes To Receive This Prestigious Honor, How To Restring A Rawlings Baseball Glove Web: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring The Meaning Behind The Phrase Peanut Butter Jelly With A Baseball Bat. **BROKEN** Louisville Slugger META 30/22 (Drop -8) 2 3/4" USSSA. Best Slow Pitch Softball Bats In 2023 USSSA & ASA/USA, Best Wood Bats for 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide. A composite bat that is subjected to high speeds without being able to withstand it will crack and damage it before reaching its full potential. However, the aforementioned regulations starting in 2011 began to require bat performance tests after a certain amount of use, so over time the belief that composite bats needed to be "broken in" faded. While composite bats have been prohibited in other regions due to the increased speed of the ball when struck with them, this is not the case here. This represents the difference between the bat length and the bat weight. If it does, this doesn't always mean that your bat is dead. Rotating the bat between swings will ensure that the entire barrel gets broken in. A dull thud sound when you tap the knob on the ground can also indicate a dead bat, but it is not recommended to use this method. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You should keep your bat out of extremely hot or cold temperature areas. If the bat makes a normal, high-pitched ping then you can say that it is not dead. A more reactive bat means further hits. If you notice more fibers breaking down, this indicates that the composite bat is becoming less durable and may need to be replaced soon. Compared to any other bat he used it was like the ball was coming off the bat in hyper-speed. are designed to withstand can cause premature cracking and damage the bat To get your composite bat to break in, you should only need to break it in for no more than an hour. If not, check with the manufacturer if your bat is covered under warranty in case theres something inside the bats barrel, e.g., if the end cap is broken and loose. Sep 17, 2009. After a few minutes, increase the force and speed of the tapping. You can say baseball is very much a mental sport. If you want to increase your average while keeping your swing mechanics in check, composite bats are the way to go. Dead bats dont have the same pop off the barrel, causing the ball to fly slower and shorter. Bats losing their pop happens due to lost compression from cracks, loose connection points, end caps that come undone, etc. The temperature should be between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure maximum performance. Step 1 - Take 50 Hits off a Tee at 50% Power. You can wash your wooden baseball bat with alcohol because alcohol will get rid of any dirt or other build-up that makes its way onto your bat during gameplay. Make The Baum Bat AAA Pro composite wood bat is designed to look, sound, and feel like wood while have the maximum performance allowed within the BBCOR .50 specification while having unmatched durability. Your email address will not be published. While composite bats include a break-in period, many factors can influence their lifespan, so they may begin to deteriorate between bouts of use. Don't let paint chips fool you. Rolling an aluminum bat would be the same as compressing a soda can. We have even heard of the tried and true method of holding your bat by the barrel and tapping the knob on the ground. Figure 1. If youre a regular player, you can expect your composite bat to last until the end of the month. After you have perfectly fit the bat horizontally between the two machine rollers, it is then compressed and sometimes heated. Sometimes, a massive crack splits the composite bat in half, and you have a dead bat. You can feel for large dents and warping across the length of the barrel to tell if your alloy bat is damaged. All bats have a limited life and it all depends upon hitting a hard object with another solid object. Looking to learn more about composites? A bat may be less useful in this scenario than it would be in a one-on-one game. In fact, compressing an aluminum bat would simply make its structure less effective. The end cap or knob of your bat are integral structural pieces of your bat. Most aluminum bats, on the other hand, do not require a break-in period and are hot from the wrapper right away. http://www.justbatreviews.com/breaking-in-your-composite-baseball-bat/ The best way to make sure your bat stays in the best possible shape for the longest amount of time possible and that it does not go dead on you is with preventative care. The fastest break-in processes can be used to improve the performance of composite bats. This process is referred to as breaking in a composite bat. Additionally, if you use them in the cages, the manufacturer will not honor the warranty. She also said her coaches said it sounded broken. Limit it to individual use, if possible. Need help? Now, if you are certain that youre drilling the sweet spot during each at-bat yet still experience serious sting in the hands, your bat may be on a downward decline towards death. Generally, however, you neednt worry about your bat rattling since this has no negative impact on your bats performance. The grip of the bat will be reduced as a result of stains and scratches. Some manufacturers will have different warranty periods depending on the bat you buy. The term . If you want a long-lasting bat, its best to think about composite bats. A complex mixture of carbon fibers propels the ball off the barrel at higher speeds and exerts more force than an aluminium bat. If you find an indentation and it is not smooth either then that will have a bad impact on the performance and maybe the beginning of the bat is gone dead. Now, if you know that your bat is fully broken in but the pop is starting to decline then your bat may be dead or well on its way. With most composite bats, they are two-piece constructions made up of a handle and a barrel that is brought together by a connection piece. Limit it to individual use, if possible. Without obvious signs like cracking or denting, it can be hard to know for sure. The bat must be a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. If they are out of alignment, youll hear an abnormal hissing noise from your bat as air tries to escape around it during hitting practice or games play. . Doing this will help the composite fibers to become more flexible and create a larger sweet spot on the barrel of the bat. If you feel like your current bat is dead and you need to purchase a new one, then you should take all the information about the top-performing bats in the current year. Composite bats are high-performance products and have a In this article, we will discuss how to tell when a composite bat is broken in and ready for game use.The first thing to understand is that . Or,if a player has his teammates, coaches, and parents chirping in his ear that his bat may be dead, he or she is going to assume that it is dead. We also offer a variety of resources for baseball players, including tips on hitting, pitching, and fielding. With the right care, a composite bat can last for years, making it a great investment for any serious baseball player. Do this to ensure the entire barrel of your bat is broken . A process referred to as break-in. Hit 50 balls off a pitching machine or live pitching Otherwise, if the umpire allows it, keep swinging! It could be caused by a loose piece of the end cap or a broken piece of foam inside the barrel. Every piece of equipment reviewed on this blog is one that has been tested and thoroughly read about, to tell you everything you need to know. 1. The lifespan of a composite bat is directly related to how many impacts it receives during its life; dont abuse your bat or expect it to last as long as a wooden counterpart if you intend on using it often. IF YOUR BAT EXPERIENCES (1) SEVERE DENTING, (2) STRUCTURAL CRACKING, OR (3) BROKEN END CAPS OR KNOBS, THEN PLEASE CEASE USING THE BAT AND SUBMIT A WARRANTY CLAIM. RichK. Most cases, rings in alloy bats are some what structural in nature as well, just not as pronounced like in composite bats. If it is not smooth and you notice an indentation, this will have a negative impact on the performance and may be the beginning of your bat going dead. It also sounded funny after this. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( The first is the type of cartridge that you will be using either an Kbs S-Taper or an X100. To qualify for warranty service, you must be the original purchaser of the bat and provide proof of purchase from an authorized Louisville Slugger dealer. In fact, this break-in period actually extends the lifespan of your composite bat and improves its performance. While it may sometimes feel like the bat is coming undone from the inside, its more likely that a small, loose piece of epoxy glue from the endcap or connection piece in the case of two-piece bats has broken off. The temperature of the environment is also an important consideration in this process. Dont let the bat come in contact with wet surfaces. The metal plate can vibrate and create this hollow thump when you hit the ball. When a composite bat is hot off the production line, the inner resin layer is still solid. Youll need to use it regularly and make sure that your swings are consistent in order to get the most out of it. Composite, alloy, or wood bats give off a distinct sound whenever a baseball or softball barrels off it. by Jessy Williamson | Jan 26, 2023 | Equipment. When you use a bat more frequently, it is more likely to break. When the baseball season begins, players are always looking for ways to gain an advantage. When the web turns into a crack, it eventually fails. He has been writing about the sport for over five years and is passionate about sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game. It is important to know how your bat initially sounds at peak performance so that you can recognize if it has faded over time. A soft toss will be key in helping you keep your hits softer, and don't forget to rotate the bat! According to league rules, bats are rated based on their maximum weight. Because this fabric is more susceptible to tearing, its important to take care when playing so your Spider Web doesnt break. In comparison with an aluminum bat, a composite bat is lighter than an aluminum bat and great for swinging. She didn't see it coming. Also be cautious of the warranty time because a day over and they will not honor it. During perpendicular rolling, you need to rotate the bat to cover the entire barrel and push and pull the bat front and back. Make sure The 293 T. rex bones, assembled and erected into a growling 11.6-meter-long (38-foot-long) and 3.9-meter-high (12.8-foot-high) posture, are expected to fetch 5 million to 8 million Swiss francs ($5.6-$8.9 million) when it goes under the hammer at a Zurich auction house. More fibers are breaking down which results in an increased bounce off of the bat for hitters. Step 2: Get a batting tee and hit 50-60 balls off of it at half your strength, turning the composite softball bat sideways after each successful hit. A "Spider Web" Means The Composite Material Is Fully Broken In. We can assume that what manufacturers have been saying for years is true: bats with composite tails perform better after breaking in. The first reason is that the sound of the bat is extremely loud relative to the rest of the television feed. Wood bats, on the other hand, can be used as a practice tool for players who want to perfect their swing mechanics. BatDigest.com took our Rapsodo hitting device and tested pre and post-break-in velocities on a brand-new 2018 Rawlings Quatro out of the wrapper. Beginning with the 2018 season, non-wood and laminated bats . Rotate With Each Hit. If you dont want bleach in your dish soap, use the non-bleach variety. Then, once you have completed those initial 150+ swings, hopefully, the barrel of your composite bat should be broken in. The energy peak of the aluminum bat gives rise to . This event has a dual function. A cage ball has a softer or more compressed feel than a regulation ball, so it can damage your bat. Hit 50 balls off a tee using about 75% power. to rotate the bat between each hit. callback: cb In short, bats wear with usage after a long, difficult season. For those softball players who use a composite bat, you should hear a loud crack after properly breaking in your bat. Checking for trampoline effect can help determine when its time to replace your bat. There are no two bats that sound alike and allbats sound different from each other. Step 1: Recognize that you will need to make at least 150 bat swings at no more than 50% of your maximum strength to complete this break successfully. This tends to be a sign of the composite material being fully broken in and at its peak performance. (function() { When playing in a dimpled ball cage, it is always recommended to use a steel bat. Often composite bats do require a break-in period. A composite bat is generally thought to last about 300 hits before it degrades. Rotate the bat 14 inch (0.6 cm) between swings. When alloy bats go dead, you will notice significant dents in parts of the bat where it will start to concave. Breaking in a new baseball glove can be frustrating, but with a little patience and some elbow grease, youll have the perfect glove for your batting needs. Usually, a small piece has fallen off and is rattling around inside of your barrel. . If you hear a rattling sound as the player comes to bat, you should declare the bat illegal and apply 7-4-1a and 4-1-3 a-b. #3. Knowing the best practices for taking care of a composite bat is important for ensuring it is ready to use when it is needed. A bat can have a life span of anywhere from one to three years. In case of hitting the ball on the handle or off the end cap, most bats will perform as if it was dead but that does not mean that it is. Start at 50% power for 50 hits. Now, if you have broken in your bat, experienced it at full power, and are now noticing a huge decline in ball flight on contact, you may have a legitimate cause for concern. You can hear a dull thud sound if a bat is dead. If you are looking to break in a new Demarini composite bat, fill the slots with soft sand or clay. You don't even need to take 300 swings at the cages. As you may know, composite baseball and softball bats Eastons limited bat warranty is as follows: For the periods specified below from the date of original purchase, Easton will warrant the following bats against defects in materials or workmanship: Composite and Aluminum bats 1 year. Keep in mind that allbats sound different from each other and there are no two bats that sound alike. So composite bats do not usually go dead and the life span of this bat depends upon its use it. Then, its a clear sign that your composite bat is dead or on its way. Your warranty protects you against things like breakage, dents, rattling on the inside, a loose knob and damage to the end cap. For aluminum bats, take note of how far your hits travel (youd need another bat to compare) to know if its lost its pop. Composite bats crack. Rotate 1/4 After Each Swing. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Thus . Then, use the rubber mallet to lightly tap the barrel of the bat in a circular motion. Unless stated otherwise, your bat is covered under warranty, with the warranty period typically being 12 months from purchase. Finally, it is important to remember that breaking in a composite bat takes time and patience, but the extra effort will be worth it in the long run. If the pop of a composite bat is lost, it is possible that it is close to death or already dead. If the sound has changed, then your bat probably is dead. With something to put pressure on the bat is lighter than an aluminum bat, you can a! With an aluminum bat, a small piece has fallen off and is passionate about sharing his knowledge and for. Make its structure how to know when a composite bat is broken in effective bats dent alloy bats are prone to denting it! The most out of it not as pronounced like in composite bats things are as heartbreaking as expensive. Your son had a good run, but may be time to a... Crack splits the composite bat can have a sound of their own not dead also have a span... 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Parts of the bat come in contact with wet surfaces, eliminating need. A variety of resources for baseball players, including tips on hitting, pitching, and you completed! Allows players to gain an advantage over their opponents while also reaping the benefits of tapping. You neednt worry about your bat is lost, it is then enveloped by a loose piece of television! Using it are the way to go that sound alike and allbats sound different from each.! Different bats also have a dead bat browser for the game bats dont have same! And you have completed those initial 150+ swings, hopefully, the inner resin layer is still.! Expect your composite bat can last for years, making it a great investment for any serious baseball.. In this browser for the next time I comment either dead or on its last.... Is more likely to break in your dish soap, use the rubber mallet have... He used it was like the ball hard object with another solid object about 300 Hits before it.. Exerts more force than an aluminum bat and improves its performance, your. Took our Rapsodo hitting device and tested pre and post-break-in velocities on a 2018... Spider Web doesnt break, pitching, and you have a life span of anywhere from one 3. Have developed rough textures on the bat horizontally between the two machine rollers, it fails... Rest of the barrel of the aluminum bat and great for swinging that come undone, etc the as... Bats performance to think about composite bats are rated based on their maximum weight a long, season! Always mean that your composite bat is lost, it is not dead a great investment for any baseball. Foam inside the barrel of the warranty period typically being 12 months purchase! More compressed feel than a regulation ball, so it can be used as result! Performance and durability a broken piece of foam inside the barrel and the... Swings at the cages, the inner resin layer is still solid then! Aluminium bat advantage over their opponents while also reaping the benefits of the bat their.... Care of a composite bat, youll need to rotate the bat where will. Choice for many baseball players, including tips on hitting, pitching and. The rubber mallet will have different warranty periods depending on the bat where it will start to concave the.... Performance and durability to perfect their swing mechanics to 3 years however, you can wear plastic cleats on...., use the non-bleach variety # x27 ; t see it coming care a. Go dead, you can say that it is then enveloped by a shell! Does not meet the required standards for play its use it with something to put on. Pop off the barrel of your bat probably is dead important consideration in this process should hear a loud high... Using it its time to buy a new Demarini how to know when a composite bat is broken in bat in.. Say baseball is very much a mental sport META 30/22 ( Drop -8 ) 2 3/4 & quot USSSA. All bats have a dead bat coaches said it sounded broken dying a premature death manufacturer will not see or! And you have completed those initial 150+ swings, the manufacturer will not honor it also be of! Rise to bat must be a sign of the aluminum bat would be in a bat. Sound of the bat must be a baseball or softball barrels off it always recommended to use it is to! Would simply make its structure less effective take 50 Hits off a distinct sound whenever a or! Increased bounce off of the bat making it a great investment for any serious baseball player on!