What Are the Differences Between Wood & Aluminum Bats?

Several differences between wood and aluminum bats affect the flight of the ball. Aluminum bats are used in Little League, high school, and college baseball. Major and minor league baseball players must switch to wooden bats, which require more skill to drive the ball deep.

Material

Obviously, the major difference between wood and aluminum bats is the material they are made from. Aluminum bats are constructed by wrapping a sheet of aluminum around a forming tube. Wooden bats are made by cutting a solid block of ash or maple into the shape of the bat.

Grip

Aluminum bats have a rubberized grip to absorb shock. Wood bats do not have anything wrapped around the handle area.

Weight

Aluminum bats have hollow cores, making them far lighter than wooden bats of the same size. Aluminum bats usually weigh three ounces less than their length. Wood bats may weigh the same or even a couple of ounces more than their length.

Bat Speed

Because they are so much lighter, aluminum bats generate much more bat speed than wooden bats. This makes the ball fly off the bat faster and travel farther.

Durability

Wooden bats eventually crack or break, especially when the ball is hit near the thin area of the handle. Aluminum bats can get dented or cracked over time but do not splinter or break.