The debate between using wooden or aluminum bats is one that will go on forever in baseball. As the benefits of aluminum are examined, though, it's hard to argue against the material. Aluminum bats give hitters an advantage against pitchers compared to wooden bats and present a better option economically because of longevity. Aluminum does not break or shatter, which aids safety, and batters can grip aluminum bats with a tight hold.
Sweet spot
Making aluminum bats gives manufacturers the opportunity to design the bat to increase performance through technology. Wooden bats can only be altered slightly and therefore have less potential. Hitting balls hard and far in baseball is a key to success in the batter's box and aluminum provides players with that ability on a very frequent basis, thanks to the design of aluminum bats. Dick's Sporting Goods Baseball Bat Buyers' Guide states: "Lighter weight bats also increase the 'sweet spot,' the hitting zone on the bat's barrel that gives the maximum place to put metal to ball."
Longevity
Longevity is another reason why aluminum bats perform better. It is nearly impossible to break or destroy an aluminum bat and that means the hitter will become very accustomed to his bat, making him much more comfortable in the batter's box. Aluminum bats' longevity also save money as it is rare that players need to replace them.
Safety
Wooden bats can shatter or break into shards, putting pitchers, fielders and umpires at risk. Aluminum bats will not shatter or break when making contact with a baseball and present the safest possible bat option in baseball. Safety is of monumental importance, as the pitcher stands 60 feet, 6 inches away from the batter after delivering a pitch.
Weight Distribution
Another perk of the ability to design bats in a custom fashion is that the weight distribution for aluminum bats can be perfected. Physics reveal that the heavier the spot the ball makes contact with, the more force is applied to the ball. By designing bats that have a bulk of the weight in the barrel, manufacturers give aluminum another edge to perform better than other types of bats. According to Wise4Living.com, "An aluminum bat can be designed and manufactured with far superior tolerances and control over material-distribution than ordinary wood baseball bats. What this means is that the overall weight of an aluminum bat, say at 28 oz., can be carefully apportioned along the bat's 'barrel' in order to optimize balance, leverage and bat speed."
Grip
Aluminum bats are outfitted with special grips that are glued to the bat, giving the batter copious advantages. Grips are cushioned on many aluminum bats and that takes away the vibration and sting when a player doesn't hit the ball on the sweet spot. Most important, though, is that the grips on aluminum baseball bats keep the hands from slipping during a swing, providing for a powerful swing every time.
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