Are Bamboo Bats Prone to Breaking? Recommended Bamboo Bats That Address Their Disadvantages
Bamboo bats are made from bamboo, a natural material. Some may wonder about their durability.
First and foremost, bamboo bats are carved from bamboo and should be understood as consumables. However, with diligent maintenance, they can be used for a long time.
This article explains why bamboo bats are perceived as easily breakable, how to make them last longer, and how to choose a bamboo bat that is less likely to break. Please refer to this article when considering purchasing a bamboo bat.
【Author Information for this Blog】
Minoru Hirahta, also known as Minoruman, CEO of Amazing Co., Ltd.
Played for Hirakata Boys - Osaka Toin High School - Asia University - JR Tokai's strong team.
Won the Giants Cup and served as captain during his time at Osaka Toin. Experienced winning the Meiji Jingu Tournament.
As a pioneer in baseball instruction, he boasts over 200,000 followers on Youtube and Instagram.
Durability of Bamboo Bats
Bamboo bats are highly cost-effective, making them a popular choice for many players for practice.
The manufacturing process involves the following steps:
1. Bamboo is planed flat.
2. The planed bamboo is glued and pressed to create square lumber.
3. The square lumber created in step 2 is then carved into the shape of a bat.
In this way, by bonding thin bamboo plates, a higher durability than wooden bats can be achieved.
Although some parts of the bonded bamboo plates may peel off due to aging, it is rare for them to break into two pieces.
However, since bamboo bats are made from natural materials, their lifespan can vary depending on storage conditions and usage. Consistent maintenance is necessary to maintain high durability.
The article below provides a detailed explanation of how bamboo bats are manufactured. If you want to know more about the secret to bamboo bats' durability, please take a look.
https://shop.amazing-baseball.com/blogs/news/bamboobat_koutei
Why Bamboo Bats Are Said to Break Easily
As mentioned earlier, bamboo bats boast high durability. However, it is also true that a certain number of people mistakenly believe that bamboo bats are fragile because they are made from natural materials.
There are several reasons why bamboo bats are thought to break easily. The main reasons are as follows:
・Because the sweet spot is designed to be narrow
・Because of high frequency of use
・Because proper maintenance is required
Let's look at each reason in detail below.
Because the sweet spot is designed to be narrow
Bamboo bats are designed with a smaller sweet spot compared to wooden bats. Therefore, when batting, there will be more instances of not hitting the sweet spot of the bat.
Especially when hitting the ball near the root or tip of the bat, the impact on the bat will be greater, which may cause the bat to break or crack.
However, bamboo bats are made using laminated wood, so they are stronger than regular wooden bats. Therefore, it is rare for them to break even if you miss the sweet spot slightly.
Because of high frequency of use
Bamboo bats are becoming increasingly popular as practice bats due to their lower price compared to wooden bats.
During practice, the frequency of use tends to be high, so damage to bamboo bats can easily accumulate. Continuous use or overuse for extended periods can gradually reduce their strength due to age-related deterioration.
However, regular maintenance can extend the life of the bat. The correct maintenance methods are introduced later, so please refer to them.
Because proper maintenance is required
Neglecting proper maintenance of a bamboo bat makes it susceptible to drying and humidity. This increases the risk of cracks and damage.
Bamboo, being a natural material, is sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Particularly, prolonged dry conditions can cause the bamboo to contract, leading to cracking.
Also, storing it in a humid place or leaving it wet can lead to mold growth. Therefore, when using a bamboo bat, the following maintenance is necessary:
・Wipe with a dry cloth if it gets wet in the rain.
・Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
By understanding proper maintenance and storage methods, you can enjoy your bamboo bat for a long time.
How to Make Bamboo Bats Last Longer
To make bamboo bats last longer, it is essential to perform the aforementioned maintenance regularly.
Proper maintenance with the correct knowledge will not only extend the lifespan of your bamboo bat but also help it maintain its original performance. Additionally, please pay attention to the following when using it:
・Do not hit heavy balls at batting cages.
・Do not hit in the area where the manufacturer's mark is engraved.
If you do the above, the quality of the bamboo bat will deteriorate. This will shorten its lifespan, so please pay attention to usage as well as maintenance.
Bamboo bats should be used for tee batting, toss batting, and free batting (with slow pitches).
Do Bamboo Bats Not Hit Far?
Bamboo bats have the characteristic of not hitting as far as metal or wooden bats. The reason is that bamboo bats are designed with a heavy head, and without a certain amount of muscular strength, swing speed cannot be generated.
Additionally, the sweet spot is about one-third the size of a metal bat, making it difficult to consistently hit accurately, thus making it challenging to achieve consistent long distances.
However, repeatedly practicing with a bamboo bat leads to "wrist strengthening." If the wrists are strengthened, the bat head will move faster, which is expected to improve swing speed.
Once you master the ideal swing, you will likely notice an increase in hitting distance when using metal or wooden bats.
Tips for Identifying Bamboo Bats That Are Less Likely to Break
Here, we will introduce key points to check when looking for a durable bamboo bat. If you are considering purchasing a bamboo bat, please refer to this information.
Is it carbonized?
Carbonization refers to the process of treating bamboo material at high temperature and pressure to carbonize it. Carbonized bamboo bats are highly resistant to impact during batting and are less likely to break.
Furthermore, they provide a feel similar to maple and reduce hand numbness, making them versatile bats that overcome the disadvantages of traditional bamboo bats. Therefore, when choosing a bamboo bat, be sure to check for carbonization.
Is it fiberglass processed?
Bamboo bats treated with fiberglass are more durable than regular bamboo bats.
Fiberglass processing is a method of strengthening the bat by attaching a sheet of molten glass fibers to its surface. Fiberglass is not only strong but also flexible, which helps to disperse the impact of hitting the ball and prevent damage to the bat.
Thus, if you want to choose a bat that is less likely to break, it is good to pay attention to the type of processing it has undergone.
Summary
Bamboo bats are more durable than wooden bats. However, be aware that improper use or neglecting maintenance can accelerate deterioration.
On the other hand, if used correctly, they can be used for a long time as a cost-effective item. If you are looking for a bamboo bat that is less prone to breaking, we recommend choosing a bamboo bat that has been carbonized or fiberglass-processed.
"AIM CLASSICO" sold by our company, despite being affordable at 7,480 yen (tax included), features carbonization processing and special processing to reduce hand numbness. In addition, assuming use by junior and senior high school students who practice frequently, we adopted a slender grip that reduces fatigue.
For more details on AIM CLASSICO, please refer to the page below. If you're interested, please check it out.
