Since the aluminum bat was first introduced in 1924, there has been an ongoing controversy as to whether wooden or metal bats perform better. Now, bats are available in not only aluminum, but also a number of metals and alloys, each with different attributes. While professional baseball players still use the traditional wooden bat, many amateur and recreational players opt for a metal bat. When shopping for a baseball bat, consider many factors, including price and playing level. Depending on these elements, you may find that either metal or wooden bats fit your needs better.
Power
According to a study conducted at the National Institute for Sports Science and Safety in Providence, Rhode Island, metal bats can increase the speed of a struck ball by up to 8 mph. The researchers attributed this to two major attributes of metal bats. First, metal bats are hollow and can be swung at faster speeds than solid, heavier wooden bats. The second reason is related to a complex physical event called "the trampoline effect." Simply put, the barrel of a metal bat compresses more than a wooden bat and allows the ball to retain more energy.
It should be noted that this study was conducted before the National Collegiate Athletic Association implemented new performance limits and that the bats used to collect this data would be illegal under current standards. (See references 2)
Price
According to David Himmelstein of the Baseball Coaches Association, "the average price of a quality aluminum bat is approximately $300, whereas the average cost of a wooden bat is approximately $100." While the initial cost of metal bats is higher, wooden bats are more prone to breakage and wear, which is a rare occurrence among metal bats.
Safety
The chef concern in the debate between metal and wooden bats is over the speed at which a ball leaves the bat. As proven by the National Institute for Sports Science and Safety study, metal bats have a potential for dramatically increasing the speed of a ball, raising the fear that this could harm pitchers and fielders. In response to this, the NCAA has issued restrictions on metal bats and mandated that the maximum exit speed of the ball is 97 mph. This speed is the same as for a common wooden bat.
In 2002, the National Consumer Product Safety Commission conducted a study on this topic and concluded that there is no greater risk associated with the use of metal bats than wooden bats. (See references 3)
Playing Skill
Metal bats are shown to improve player performance, and in nonprofessional and student leagues, this could help build player confidence as well as add excitement to the game. However, because professional leagues use wooden bats, a player working to reach this level would be doing himself a disservice by getting used to the lighter metal bats.
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