Composite Vs. Aluminum Bats

Composite and aluminum bats have only been competing commercially since 2000, but in that time they have generated a number of opinions from players, coaches and even leagues regarding which type of bat is the best. Despite the different manufacturing processes and physical characteristics of each bat, major manufacturers cater to aficionados of both types by producing composite and aluminum models.

  1. History

    • The first aluminum bat was manufactured by Worth in 1970. Approximately 30 years later, manufacturers such as Miken and Louisville Slugger began to experiment with carbon fiber composite bats. These bats quickly became commercially available as alternatives to aluminum alloy bats.

    Production

    • Composite bats are created by layering sheets of carbon fiber in a weave pattern. This creates a thick, strong sheet of material. The carbon fiber is then wrapped around a bat mold and secured with adhesive. The mold is placed into a resin press, which heats the carbon fiber sheets into one uniform piece of composite metal. The bat is then wrapped, sanded, painted and weighed before being quality-checked and shipped to a distributor.

      Contrary to composite bats, aluminum bats are mass-produced, with very little human input. Aluminum alloy rods are drilled by a computer-controlled machine, then stretched to create a hollow form. This is then sanded and painted before being sent to retailers.

    Specifications

    • Both aluminum and composite bats must adhere to rigorous specifications. If they do not, they are disqualified from league play. One of the most important factors is bat drop. This is a measurement, expressed as a negative number, that shows the difference between the length and weight of the bat. For example, a 34-inch, 28 oz. bat has a drop of minus-6. Each league has different rules for the maximum bat drop allowed in games.

      Aluminum and composite bats have similar bat drops. However, they have drastically different balance points. Carbon fiber is such a light material that a lot of a composite bat's weight is made up with weighted rods inserted into the handle. As a result, the balance point is closer to the handle and the bat is easier to swing.

    Criticism

    • Both aluminum and composite bats have drawn criticism. Metal bats typically have a higher ball exit speed ratio (BESR)--the speed at which the ball is hit off the bat. In 2009, the NCAA banned composite bats because of research suggesting that the BESR of composite bats was higher--and therefore more dangerous--than aluminum bats.

    Cost

    • Aluminum bats are more easily produced and are made from less-expensive materials, so they are typically less expensive than composite bats. An inexpensive aluminum bat costs approximately $25 to $50. In contrast, a cheap composite bat costs more than $100, with most models priced closer to $300.