What if someone told you there was a baseball bat that has great durability and pop, and can make you a better hitter? Composite baseball bats have become the go-to bats for many Little League and high school baseball players for just those reasons. In fact, composite bats perform so well, they were banned by the NCAA in 2009 due to "performance improvements" that go "above the standards set by the NCAA."
History
Composite bats have been used in softball for many years. The Louisville Slugger Genesis all-composite softball bat even achieved the #1 ranking in Performance at the 2001 Bat Wars, and just barely lost the overall #1 ranking to an aluminum bat.
Manufacturers began making composite baseball bats as far back as the 1980s, but they didn't last long on the market because of poor performance, and players didn't like the sound of the ball coming off the bat. In the 2000s, however, composites have begun to compete with aluminum bats, because like their predecessors, they're extremely durable and offer better performance.
Types
In general, composite baseball bats are made from a graphite-fiber material that is coated with resin. Some are 100 percent composite, while others have composite handles with barrels that are composed of steel alloys, carbon or other materials. According to the manufacturers, these "hybrid" bats work well because the composite handle is somewhat flexible--good for hitting--while the barrel is extremely durable. There are even models that combine wood and composite materials. Materials used to make composite/hybrid bats vary, so the best combination of materials is based totally on individual preference.
Advantages
Composite bats are lighter than aluminum, allowing for a larger barrel, which in itself can make even below-average hitters much better. Also, the performance of most composite bats increases with use, and if broken in correctly, they'll outlast and outperform metal and even hybrid bats. That's because the composite fibers actually loosen up as the bat is used, which increases responsiveness and causes the ball to jump off the bat. Daniel Russell, professor of applied physics at Michigan's Kettering University, used scientific methodology to show that batted balls come off high-end composite bats at faster speeds than other types of bats. Composites also boast extreme durability, incredible pop and a larger "sweet spot" when the weather is warmer.
Drawbacks
Composites have a much longer break-in period than aluminum bats. They also have a reputation for breaking in weather colder than 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Ironically, the flex in the handle that makes them perform so well can also cause them to break if they're hit with a ball the wrong way. Composites are also the most expensive bats on the market in 2010, costing between $200 and $400.
Recommendations
To break the bat in, take 100 to 200 solid hits on balls that are thrown at 40 to 50 miles per hour. Each time you make good contact, turn the barrel about 1/8 of a full turn so you break in the bat evenly. Also, different bat manufacturers have their own terms and conditions as to the warranties on their bats. Read the bat warranty policy for your bat before using it.
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