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Aluminum Bats
Aluminum Bats - Are They Really Better Than Wood?
A debate has been raging for years as to whether or not aluminum bats are really superior to wood bats. Traditionalists seem to positively love wood over aluminum but the vast majority of players seem to think otherwise. But for anyone out there looking to purchase a bat in the near future, here are a few ideas to consider when trying to decide between aluminum and wood.
Aluminum - Lighter and More Durable
One of the greatest advantages of using aluminum
softball bats is the weight—wood bats are simply heavier! While one might believe that a heavier bat will produce more power and thus help them hit the ball farther—this is rarely the case! A lighter bat means increased swing speed which almost always means greater hitting distance. While a wooden bat may hit the ball farther with less effort, it actually takes more energy and strength to hit the ball greater distances than could be accomplished with a lighter aluminum model.
One of the other major disadvantages of a wooden bat is that they are less durable than their aluminum counterparts. Sluggers tend to be pretty liberal with their bats and end up tossing them around during the course of a game making wood less desirable than aluminum for two major reasons: splinters, and cracking. As wooden bats age, the moisture and sap stored inside the wood dries out and leaves the bat brittle and prone to cracking. Splinters are also inevitable with wooden bats and can lead to both injury and the ultimate demise of the bat itself.
The wooden bat may indeed be the tradition in baseball and softball but the age of aluminum has definitely arrived. For serious enthusiasts looking to make their mark, aluminum is the way to go. Whether you are looking for aluminum fastpitch softball bat or an aluminum youth softball bat, the key word to remember when shopping is aluminum. Online retailers are a great place to look for any bat as they have superior selection and their low overhead means lower prices than traditional sporting goods outlets and their expert advice will help you find the best bat for your needs—but chances are, it will be aluminum!
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Softball Equipment
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