Composite softball bats, unlike aluminum bats, do not perform at their maximum potential when they are new. Instead, they get better the longer they are used. Players have found ways to work around this by breaking the bats in through a process known as "rolling." While a bat can be machine-rolled professionally, many players have adopted a do-it-yourself process by driving a car over the bat repeatedly or by hitting the bat against a large stationary object up to a thousand times.
Composite Bats Defined
A composite bat has an aluminum exterior covering a carbon-wood fiber interior. After being rolled, the speed of the bat can increase up to 20 miles per hour and gain up to 40 feet in distance. However, this poses an increased risk of injury to players in the outfield, particularly pitchers. Composite bats also make almost no sound on impact, making it difficult for pitchers to react quickly to avoid being hit.
Dangers
Numerous injuries and some fatalities have been reported due to the use of the composite bat. Unfortunately, there is no national database keeping track of injuries and fatalities, which complicates the ability to create a national safety standard for softball. Instead, as of 2010, the NCAA has banned the use of the bat at the college level. The bat continues to be used in Little League and high school play.
Lifespan
The composite bat was designed to prolong the lifespan of wood bats. However, many factors affect lifespan so no practical figure can be named. The widespread practice of rolling can void the manufacturer's warranty and damage the bat. The same is true of using the bat in a batting cage. The forces in a batting cage can cause the bat to crack. Composite bats should never be used in temperatures below 65 degrees F. Impact with cold balls can cause the bat to break. Composite bats should be stored in warm places to protect them from cold damage. Until the bat has been broken in properly, it should not be used in games. The pounding of play can damage the bat and void the warranty.
Proper Break-In for Prolonged Lifespan
A composite bat should be broken in slowly to prolong lifespan and get the best speed and distance. To break the bat in properly, use a batting tee and half-powered swings.
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