Allows for a Healthier Cut
The most compelling advantage of an aluminum bat over other types is that it’s lighter. Due to its hollow barrel, a hitter has a more aggressive and powerful swing when using an aluminum bat. If you took three wooden youth bats with varying weights, you would find that the center of mass is the same. An aluminum bat, albeit heavier in ounces, feels light when swinging.
Wider Sweet Spots
Although clutch-hitting is more of an observant trait that a player possesses rather than a quantifiable one, it’s clear that some hitters show up when you need them the most. You can say that about an aluminum bat’s “sweet spot,” considering everyone has a different definition.
Some hitters might consider the bat’s sweet spot as where you make contact, and it doesn’t hurt your hands. However, that location on the bat might not be where you get the most exit velocity. When trying to find the best bat, many manufacturers may advertise that their bat has the best sweet spot on the market, giving you the best chance to crush the ball, even if you don’t make solid contact. Don’t fall for that ploy; instead, find the right bat that yields the best results when squaring up.
Aluminum Bats Don’t Break
One of the most obvious indicators that an aluminum bat gives a hitter a more powerful punch is that it doesn’t break. When watching a baseball game, I often see hitters bat a ball on the handle, causing the bat to disintegrate on contact. While it’s not a big deal for an MLB player to get a new bat because of their sizable contracts, a parent or recreational player doesn’t want to fork over extra money for a replacement.
Other than enduring the force of contact, an aluminum bat confidently lets a hitter turn on an inside pitch, potentially getting themselves a base hit on a blooper to the outfield. A wood bat will hurt your hands, break, and you’ll be an easy out. That added power boost from aluminum can tremendously improve a player’s batting average.
Trampoline Effect
A batted ball off a wood bat loses its exit velocity upon contact. On the other hand, an aluminum bat has a “trampoline effect, ” which gives the ball a springlike effect when hit. Many scientific formulas explain this, but unless you are a master’s in physics, it won’t make much sense. The best illustration I can provide is to take two people: one jumping from the ground and the other jumping on a trampoline. Who will get more air? The person on the trampoline.
An aluminum bat adds more power to the baseball diamond. Still, it’s important to know what to look for when purchasing a bat. Find a bat with the data to back up their claims, giving you the best chance to turn into a home run hitter.
