Bat Shaving vs. Bat Rolling: What’s the Difference?

Baseball players are always looking for an edge in performance, especially when they’re young and developing their skills. Hitting requires many years of stance and swing practice, and a player needs solid motions to get on base consistently. There are more opportunities to modify bats to help improve performance and results in youth leagues. Here’s a guide on bat shaving vs. bat rolling that answers the question, “What’s the difference?”

Shaving Alters the Bat

Bat shaving refers to the process of shedding materials from the interior walls of a bat. It involves removing the end cap and using a drill to thin out the walls. As a result, shaved bats are effectively different from their factory state. This practice affects performance, as it gets rid of an average of 0.5 to 2 ounces of weight. This adds upwards of 40 feet in launch distance by increasing the trampoline effect.

Shaving does come with negatives, though, since altering the bat’s structure affects other aspects of your swing. Any modification will also instantly nullify warranties, so any future repairs from the distributor will no longer have coverage. Additionally, the lifespan of a shaved bat is lower than an untouched one, and over time, it will be more likely to break and splinter.

Rolling Accelerates Break-In Time

Bat rolling doesn’t alter the product since the process is mainly for speeding up the break-in period. Composite bats break in faster with heat, and this occurs naturally over time as you hit more and more balls.

Instead of spending time breaking in a bat, you can have a rolling machine compress it between two rollers and quickly heat it up until it’s ready for optimal use. Another advantage of rolling is that it ensures that the break-in process is completely evenly, which helps the bat’s performance. Rolling also helps boost the trampoline effect, but not as drastically as bat shaving.

League Rules

The question you’re probably wondering now is, “Are rolled and shaved bats legal for play?” In truth, it’s really up to the league requirements. Some formats, such as slow-pitch softball, ultimately allow both shaving and rolling. However, most leagues universally ban shaved bats.

For instance, the USSSA doesn’t allow altered bats of any kind since they give users an unfair advantage. In very rare cases in different leagues, a shaved bat is okay if it undergoes rolling first. As for bat rolling in general, many bats undergo the process before sale, so most leagues allow this modification. Ultimately, it’s best to check your league’s rules before deciding.

Understanding bat shaving vs. bat rolling and what the difference is between them allows you to improve hitting skills with a better performing bat. The Bat Doc offers quality bat rolling and bat shaving services to help take your game to the next level.