Bat Rolling 101 - The Process
Most companies determine the maximum rolling pressure and start at that pressure. This is totally incorrect and usually causes durability problems and also potentially causes your paint to spider web prematurely. You should roll bats in 3-4 progressive compression points (depending on the type of bat). After you've rolled your bat it will have approximately 200 passes through the machine. You should not heat your bat before rolling since it does not provide any additional benefits, in fact it actually hurts the rolling process.
Rolling does not shorten the life of your bat
Once you bat has been rolled it will have the same durability it did before rolling. It will however be performing at its highest level.
Roll your bat even if it's already been used
Even bats the have been used will benefit from our rolling process. Bats that have 300-400 hits on them are being rolled all the time and after the owners get the bats back they are will be very surprised with the results. In most cases you haven't properly broken your bat in and after a good rolling your bat will performance at it's highest potential.
Does my league consider it illegal to roll my bat?
This is one of the most debated topics around today. All we can do is give you the facts as they stand today. Currently rolling is legal in only 1 slow pitch softball association. This association (ISA) clearly state in their rule book that rolling is legal. In another association (ASA), they have recently adopted a bat certification process that requires all bats to be tested after they have been rolled. This ensures each bat that is certified by them does not exceed their performance factor after being rolling. I interpret this as rolling being legal even though it doesn't specifically say so. In USSSA, they do clearly state rolling is against the rules. My opinion is that rolling your bat is doing nothing more than taking 500 BP swings. You're just doing it in a more controlled fashion and in a shorter period of time. My advice to you is to check with your local association or league and find out what their stance is on this subject.
Types of bats that can be rolled
Any composite bat can be rolled to increase the performance. This includes Softball bats (Fast pitch or Slow pitch) and Baseball bats (2 1/4", 2 5/8" and 2 3/4' barrels). Some people claim to roll Aluminum bats but it is not worth it since it does not improve performance at all on an aluminum bat.
Author: Mike Carson
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