how does the bat material effect its performance?
Understanding what material the bat is made out of will help you understand what the bat feels like and how it generates its power. Here are some things you need to know about aluminum, alloy, and composite bats.
Aluminum Bats-
Aluminum bats are known for their great durability. They are very thick which means most of the weight is in the barrel. Generally the bat will have a stiffer feel when it makes contact. Aluminum bats have great pop once used, but that pop deteriorates over time. Aluminum bats are a lot cheaper than composite bats and can be used in any weather.
composite bats-
Composite is a lighter material than aluminum, allowing the bat to have quicker swing speed and larger sweet spot. After being broken in, a composite bat's pop improves over time and hits further than aluminum bats. The break in period usually lasts between 200 and 250 swings. When making contact, a composite bat will provide more of a trampoline effect. Composite bats cannot be used in temperatures below 65 degrees F. and are more expensive than aluminum bats.
One-piece vs. two-piece vs. three-piece bats
One-piece bats are bats that are made entirely out of one type of metal. It does not matter if the bat is made out of aluminum, an alloy, or from composite, although almost all one-piece bats are made of aluminum. Generally most of the weight in a one-piece bat is located in the barrel, making it slightly more end-loaded. It also gives the bat a stiffer feel that power hitters like. Two-piece bats are bats that are made out of two different types of metal. Most two-piece bats have either a composite barrel connected to an aluminum handle, or vice-versa. They are also called half-and-half bats. This is done to separate the barrel from the handle to minimize vibrations or to strengthen the handle of the bat. Three-piece bats are bats made from three different types of metals. This is done to distribute out the weight more to make the bat feel lighter resulting in a faster swing.