What is a cupped bat?
Cupping bats involves removing some weight at the end to give it a hollow end.
However, this does not weaken them because they are normally made using a thick wood material to enhance strength and durability.
Due to the reduced weight, cupped bats are well balanced. This makes them easier to use than the non-cupped ones. But why are baseball bats cupped on the end? In this guide, we shall explain the benefits of cupped bats in detail. We shall also look at the differences between cupped vs non-cupped baseball bats.
What does the cupped end do for a wood baseball bat?
The major reason why baseball bats are cupped on the end is to enhance overall velocity or to boost exit velocity. Cupped bats also help to increase ball flight as well as swing speed. Removing the extra weight from the barrel also enables the player to gain more control. This also gives them quicker swing speed, which enhances their overall performance.
What is the purpose of a cupped bat?
Cupping baseball bats helps to remove unnecessary weight from the bat. The process creates a balanced bat, which gives you faster speed and increased exit velocity.
Wood bats – Cupped vs Non-cupped
Cupping a baseball bat involves removing some weight at the end to make it hollow while maintaining the length. The process helps to create a more balanced feel for your swing.
Some people think that cupping weakens the bat, but this is not true because these bats are designed using dense woods. As a result, they do not break easily and are highly durable. However, there are some disadvantages to cupping bats, including:
- Compared to cupped bats, non-cupped ones are heavier, making them less comfortable to use.
- In terms of construction, cupped bats are more durable and strong since they start with dense wood, while non-cupped bats are built from weaker materials.
- Non-cupped bats provide a lesser swing and exit velocity when compared to cupped bats.
What are the advantages of cupped bats?
Cupped bats have many advantages, which include:
Increased swing speed
One of the major advantages of cupped bats is that they hit the ball with a higher velocity since they are lightweight. This helps to increase the swing speed.
Boosted shot exit velocity
When you are using a cupped bat, the ball will move at a higher speed, and this increases the exit velocity when it is in the air. An increase in velocity also increases the flight of the ball. As a result, it allows players to score more since they can easily create tricky shots against their opponents.
Improved overall balance
Cupping bats help to improve the overall balance of the bat due to the reduced weight. It also improves the player’s swing when hitting the ball.
Frequently asked Questions
When did MLB start using cupped bats?
Most baseball fans believe that Lou Brock discovered cupped bats. However, Hank Saur was the first to use this type of bat in 1940. This bat had been made in Athens, Georgia by the Hanna Bat Manufacturing Company.
Are cupped bats allowed in MLB?
Yes, cupped bats are allowed in MLB although there are some set rules on how they should be made. They should have an indentation at the end up to 1 inch deep. This indentation should be curved and free from any foreign substances.
Why is there a hole at the end of a bat?
Drilling a hole at the end of a baseball bat to remove unnecessary weight is known as corking. It makes the bat lighter, and this helps to increase the bat speed as well as the swing speed of the player.
Is a cupped bat better?
Compared to non-cupped bats, the cupped ones are better. They are very strong and durable since they are made of dense wood material. Besides that, they enhance the overall performance of a player.
Are cupped bats legal?
Yes, cupped bats are allowed in major baseball leagues.
Verdict: Why are baseball bats cupped on the end?
Unlike the uncupped bats, cupped ones feature a hollow end that makes them more lightweight. These bats are made from dense wood material, meaning that they do not break easily despite their hollow end. The good thing about them is that they give the user better swing speed when compared to uncupped bats. Due to the reduced weight, cupped bats are more balanced, and this enables them to provide a better exit velocity for the ball. Without a doubt, they will give you better performance than the non-cupped models.
