What Is Inside a Softball Bat?

Softball bats have undergone many developments as the sport has grown in popularity. Softball bats usually have a thinner barrel than baseball bats and are often lighter than their hardball counterparts. Wooden bats, once the norm, have been replaced with metal bats. Softball bats are primarily made out of aluminum with additional materials included.

Materials

Softball bats fall into two catergories: aluminum bats and graphite/titatnium bats. Aluminum bats are made out of aluminum alloys. The standard alloys used in aluminum baseball bats include combinations of zinc, copper, and magnesium, according to Sports Unlimited's website. Additional metals are sometimes in aluminum bats such as zirconium and scandium. Graphite/titanium bats are separated into their own category and are aluminum bats, but thinner than average and lined with graphite and titanium.

Aluminum Bats

Aluminum bats replaced wooden bats in softball because aluminum bats are lighter than wooden bats. This increases the batter's swing speed which increases power. Softball bats are more durable than wooden bats and have a larger "sweet spot." Most bats used the standard alloys, but traces of scandium are used in the most durable softball bats.

Graphite Bats

Graphite bats are aluminum bats that are lined with graphite and titanium. According to Sports Unlimited, the materials make the bat lighter and increase the swinging speed, and thus the bat's power. Graphite bats also reduce vibrations. When a softball bat makes contact with the ball the bat can vibrate, stinging the player. With reduced vibrations the player's comfort is increased. The graphite bat also is stronger and more durable than the standard aluminum bat.

Parts

According to Dick's Sporting Goods, the softball bat consists of three main parts. The first part is the barrel which is the length of the upper part of the bat and its diameter. The standard softball bat's diameter is 2-1/2 inches. Fast pitch softball bats have a 2-3/4 inch diameter. The second part of the bat is the bat taper. The bat taper is the diameter of the bat's handle. The last main part of the bat is the grip. Materials used in the gripping of the handle include leather, synthetic leather, and rubber.

Improvements

Technological advancements are constant in the manufacturing of softball bats. Softball bats are being made stronger without increasing the weight of the bat. This is done by shaving off some metal at the handle and replacing it with lighter carbon inserts. Another technological advancement is the addition of liquid resin to the softball bat. The resin fills every fiber in the metal bat, making it stronger and more durable. Also a moisture-absorbing composite is being added to the bat to reduce vibrations and sting further.

References

• Dick's Sporting Goods
• Sports Unlimited