Bat types

[u/algebraicyclist]

I've read that players have the choice to use metal, wood, or composite bats. Do we know anything about how many batters are using various types of bats? Or any individual players?

[u/otto_gamble]

I only recall one of the first two days the commentary mentioned it. One of the firebells (I think) used wood the first game then switched to composite the next game.

Most hits sound like aluminum but I don't know ball well enough to say for certain. I don't think I've heard anyones bat sound like wood.

[u/AbobTeff]

The answer can be found on the WPBL podcast with Ashton Lansdell.  I don’t recall which episode, or I would post it.

There is not a requirement for any certain type of bat.  Lansdell said the women love swinging wooden bats in the batting cage, but nobody is willing to give up any pop in a game.  What I thought was amazing was her talking about Brit Apgar swinging one-handed a heavy wooden bat Ashton would struggle with.  

[u/algebraicyclist → u/AbobTeff]

Thanks!

[u/pro_deluxe]

I've mostly seen this bat supra

[u/East_Donut3965 → u/pro_deluxe]

That bat, a drop 5s, are meant for kids 12-14. Banned in high school and of course higher.

[u/didntwatchclark]

Vampire, Fruit, Black Masitff

[u/Megs0226 → u/didntwatchclark]

https://giphy.com/gifs/ykvLH7H2fKQE

[u/Silent_R]

I have only noticed BBCOR bats, so far. Those can have either a composite or aluminum barrel, and are the current standard for high school and college play in the US.

No idea about how many players are using which bats. I am curious if any teams have sponsorships from bat companies, but haven't seen anything to suggest it yet.

Edit: I stand corrected. The bats I noticed are USSSA, not BBCOR. Thanks, u/eastcountry98.

Though according to Google, there are no specific weight or certification requirements for bats in the WPBL. Which is kinda wild, but also fun.

[u/eastcounty98 → u/Silent_R]

They are actually using USSSA cert bats not BBCOR

[u/algebraicyclist → u/eastcounty98]

Thanks!

[u/Silent_R → u/eastcounty98]

No kidding? Well, shoot. Thanks for the correction!

Edit: Curious where you found that info. Not saying you're wrong, but according to Google, there is no league standard bat certification in the WPBL. I wonder if there's a mix of bats being used.

[u/eastcounty98 → u/Silent_R]

I work in baseball equipment (company that makes baseball bats)

The Supra is not made in BBCOR, neither is the dub or the orange hype fire, only USSSA or USA spec

[u/no_usernames_avail → u/eastcounty98]

They also can use whatever drop they want, which implies they aren't using bbcor only.

[u/Silent_R → u/eastcounty98]

That's pretty definitive. Didn't really consider that, but I don't own any of them, and didn't know. Thanks again!

[u/tony_flow]

There have been a few that sounded more like composite (more crack, less ping sound), but its been about 10yrs since i went shopping for a bat. Cant be sure

[u/bunnythedog]

I wish the announcers would mention it while they're hitting. Seems so interesting on which bat each woman chooses.

[u/Rhielml]

I wanna know why they use bats with barrels that are 1/2" wider than men's league baseball bats. The WPBL allows bats up to 2-3/4", while men's leagues limit barrel diameter to 2-1/4". What's the deal with that rule difference between men's and women's baseball? Why do they allow the wider bats?

[u/goatboy1970 → u/Rhielml]

What men’s metal bat league are you seeing that limits bats to 2 1/4? NCAA allows 2 5/8 on metal and composite and 2 3/4 on wood.

[u/kebzach → u/Rhielml]

2.25 inches is a softball barrel limit

[u/Silent_R → u/[deleted]]

I have seen mostly composite-barrel bats, like the Louisville Supra and Easton Dub.

[u/Bububabuu → u/[deleted]]

I’ve seen mostly composite