SwingWeight™ TECHNOLOGY
Our proprietary SwingWeight™ scale helps you understand the feel and performance of each bat. Higher values indicate a more end-loaded feel, while lower values suggest a more balanced swing.
Understanding SwingWeight™ in Baseball Bats
When it comes to baseball bats, the concept of “Swing Weight” plays a crucial role in a hitter’s performance. Authentic’s SwingWeight™ refers to how a bat feels when swung, which can be quite different from its actual weight on a scale. This phenomenon explains why a bat with higher mass, density and actual weight, can hit the ball harder and further – yet feel lighter and more controlled in the batter’s hands during the swing.
The Science Behind SwingWeight™
Mass Distribution
The key to SwingWeight™ lies in how the bat’s mass is distributed along its length. Bats with more weight balanced towards the barrel end have a higher SwingWeight™
Moment of Inertia
This physics principle describes an object’s resistance to rotational acceleration. A bat with higher moment of inertia (due to more mass in the barrel) feels heavier to swing but delivers more power to the ball.
End-loaded vs. Balanced
End-loaded bats have more weight towards the end, increasing SwingWeight™. Balanced bats distribute weight more evenly, feeling lighter but potentially sacrificing power.
The Paradox: Heavy Yet Light
- Power at Impact: The higher mass and density in the barrel create more inertia, transferring more energy to the ball upon contact.
- Perceived Lightness: Despite the higher mass, the bat can feel light during the swing due to its engineered and calculated balance along with the player’s technique.
Factors Affecting SwingWeight™
- Bat length
- Overall weight
- Weight distribution
- Material composition
- Barrel size
Conclusion
When it comes to baseball bats, the concept of “Swing Weight” plays a crucial role in a hitter’s performance. Authentic’s SwingWeight™ refers to how a bat feels when swung, which can be quite different from its actual weight on a scale. This phenomenon explains why a bat with higher mass, density and actual weight, can hit the ball harder and further – yet feel lighter and more controlled in the batter’s hands during the swing.