There are many articles out today on bat rolling and bat rolling machines. This article is going to make bold statements and try to cut to the chase in order to arrive to this authors’ opinion of the truth. The facts I present will help you to come to your own conclusion in several areas.
Bat rolling is a process that came into existence around 1999 and really started showing up around 2003. It has taken off in the last 3 or so years. It is a process of expediting the break in period of a composite bat.
The bats are placed between rollers and then the rollers are squeezed together at increased intervals. This loosens the fibers, with the results being a trampoline effect. It increases performance of a bat and the ability to hit balls further. The science and studies surrounding bat rolling has been around since 2004 and it is well know in baseball and softball circles that it works. Increasing ball flight from 20 to 50 feet on a well hit ball will be the result of a correctly rolled bat.
Articles have been written on parallel machines being better, also larger shafts, types of bearings, companies and manufacturers, and which machines are best. The list goes on and on and can become very confusing to the average consumer who is wishing to get his or her bat rolled and or purchase a bat rolling machine. Much of what is written is a sales pitch and not much more.
However, by carefully deciphering, common sense, should prevail. I hope to help in this area where I can.
Truth:
Which is better, a parallel or perpendicular machine?
The truth is a parallel machine. Most of these machines will also roll perpendicular and for this reason alone they are a better purchase. In addition to being able to roll both parallel and perpendicular, they also give you the ability to roll the entire sweet spot of a bat. If you only roll parallel then you also can roll a bat much quicker.
Does the plastic of the rollers matter?
Yes, absolutely. This perhaps is the most important question you can answer. Too hard and bat breakage and spider webbing follows. Too slick and slippage follows. Too soft and it does not properly break in a bat. Bottom line is harder is better… but too hard and you have major issues on your hand.
There is one plastic on the market that really concerns me. It is Acetal and also known under the trade name Delrin. Its’ main properties are its hardness and how slick it is. It is extremely hard and slick. Neither of these makes for a good bat rolling machine. I would advise any consumer to look into the plastic before purchasing a machine. Personally I would stay away from this plastic and any machine that is using it.
What is the best plastic to use?
Research has been done by some, but such a statement can not be made as 100% factual as new plastics are coming out and cost also has to be taken into consideration. I can say that at least one manufacturer is using a duo-core plastic that has all the properties needed to make a great Bat Rolling Machine. The inner core has hardness and the outer layer grips the bats well to eliminate slippage. It is not hard to understand that this is the best of both worlds.
What is the most important question to answer before purchasing a machine?
In my mind there really are two. One is the plastics and construction of the machine and the second is the customer service of the manufacturer or sales rep. Reputation and standing behind their machines is huge.
In Conclusion:
The most important thing to remember is to do your research before you purchase your next machine. Purchase a machine from a reputable company and above all, make sure the plastic rollers are not too hard. Too soft is not good, but too hard can be disastrous
