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March 28th, 2010 admin No comments

Pro Rolling

Bat Rolling Vs. Bat Shaving – Pros, Cons & What To Look Out For

Bat Rolling is a process that accelerates the break-in of any composite Baseball or Softball Bat. Bat Rolling is accomplished via the use of a Bat Rolling Machine. These machines compress the barrel of the bat in various stages. As the bat is compressed it is fed through (Perpendicular method) or rotated (Parallel method) along the barrel. As the bat is rolled the resin material the binds the layers of composite material begins break-in. This happens in every composite bat from normal use. The problem is most bats require at least 500 hits before they really start to perform. By rolling your bat with a bat rolling machine you accomplish this in a control environment. This ensures your bat is broken in evenly and is performing at its optimal level.

There are 3 typical ways to roll a bat. They are Perpendicular, Parallel and most recently a combination of both. This combination method of Perpendicular followed by Parallel is being sold as the best way to roll. I will agree it does have some potential benefits but our honest opinion (which is based on 5+ years of rolling) is that it DOES NOT matter which way you roll your bat and also if you have your bat rolled by an inexperienced company you run the risk that they MAY damage your bat with overcompression. The key to Bat Rolling is that you take your time to ensure ALL areas of the barrel are compressed evenly. The most likely reason for this NEW method of rolling is because there are many new and inexperienced companies (Self proclaimed Bat Authorities) out there that just simply didn't know how to properly roll a bat Perpendicular to get the optimal results. What's funny is these same "Bat Rolling Authorities" have videos of them rolling bats in 5 minutes or less. I can assure you that you CAN NOT get a good roll in 5 minutes or less.

Bat Rolling Pros

Warranty is not effected
Minimal decrease in durability
Not detectable
Simulates your normal break-in process
Good performance Increases (20-40ft on average)
Mostly beneficial to Composite Bats

Bat Rolling Cons

Slight decrease in durability (VERY minimal)
Some consider it cheating
MUST be performed by a professional bat rolling company

Bat Shaving is process where the inner barrel walls of a Baseball or Softball bat are thinned out. When the walls are thinned out it increases the trampoline effect of the barrel and this increase the batted ball speed. It is common to see increases of 40-50ft when done properly. Almost ALL qualified Bat Shaving Companies will Roll you're bat when shaving it. We recommend finding a reputable company that will offer Shaving, Rolling & End Loading ALL in one package. This ensures you get the best result.

Bat Shaving should be done using a Professional CNC Lathe with a Digital Readout. This ensures an accurate & consistent amount of material is being taken from the inner walls. You need to BE CAREFUL when choosing who does your Bat Shaving work. There are some companies (on eBay & the internet) that will use a drill with a Honing or Sanding adapter. WARNING – This is not the way you want your bat to be shaved. One of 2 things will result. Your bat will prematurely break or you will not get optimal results. Make sure you ask questions to ensure they use a CNC Lathe.

During the BAT SHAVING process there is approximately 1-2 ounces of material removed. The optimal amount that needs to be removed depends on the type of bat. Every bat is slightly different. A qualified Bat Shaving company will know how much to take out. Once the material is removed you need to put this weight back in the bat. It is typically put back into the end cap. This will give you a 1-2 ounce end load which will also improve the performance of the bat. If you don't want an end loaded bat then I suggestion sending in a bat that is an ounce or two heavier so you get a balanced bat once it's done. Obviously, in order to shave the bat you must remove the end cap. Any qualified Bat Shaving company will have the ability to securely glue the end cap back in place. You MUST use the correct adhesives or you run the risk your end cap flying off during a game. This is not a good thing.

Bat Shaving Pros

Extreme performance increases (40-50ft)
Aluminum or Composite Bat will benefit

Bat Shaving Cons

25% loss in durability
Will VOID your warranty
Easily detectably by removing the end cap
Considered cheating in ALL associations
Difficult to find TRUE qualified companies (Bat Shaving is an art)

In Summary – We recommend that you choose a qualified Bat Shaving or Bat Rolling Company that has 5+ years experience. Before sending your bat(s) out ask some questions. Make sure they use a precision CNC Lathe. This is critical to getting quality results. We've found that the most qualified Shaving companies out there can roll ANY bat. Some bats are more difficult than others but a qualified company should be able to roll ANY bat as long as it has an end cap. If you're company can't shave certain bats this is a sign that they DON'T have the needed experience to address all the potential issues that can be encountered during the BAT SHAVING process.

About the Author

You can get all the information you need to know about Composite Bat Rolling and even Bat Shaving if you are interested in finding out more about this question.