The ASA has recognized what the savvy players and coaches already know - composite bats get better with use. As such, the way the ASA tests bats is changing to take this fact into consideration. The result is that the performance of ASA certified composite fastpitch and slow pitch bats is going to decrease with the 2009 model year bats.
The good news is that ASA certified 2008 composite fastpitch bats and ASA certified 2008 composite slow pitch bats will continue to be legal to use.
The "problem" is that composite bat performance increases because the composite fibers and resins loosen up with use and provide a greater trampoline effect. Composite bats that originally passed the 98 mph BBS (Batted Ball Speed) test when new were exceeding the standard when retested after being used for a while.
Rather than banning existing composite bats that were certified legitimately under the ASA 2004 bat standard, the ASA is reportedly changing the testing to simulate up to 1000 swings before certifying that a bat meets the ASA 2004 bat standard. The standard itself is not changing, just the testing procedures.
So what does this mean and when will the new bat testing standards go into effect?
Since the ASA has not issued an official statement we can only tell you what the bat manufacturers have told us.
- 2009 model year slow pitch and fastpitch composite bats will not perform at the 98 mph BBS standard until after they are broken in.
- 2009 model year metal bats are not affected by this change in testing procedure because metal bat performance decreases with use.
- July 1, 2008 - Manufacturers have to stop the manufacture and distribution of bats that were certified under the old testing procedures.
- October 1, 2008 - Manufacturers can no longer replace warranty returns with bats that were certified under the old testing procedures.
- Retailers can sell 2008 model year and older bats that were certified under the old testing procedures as long as they have stock.
- Composite bats certified under the old testing procedures can be used by players until they are no longer safe to use. (Please note this is not official ASA policy. The ASA can ban specific bats at any time.)
So how will this affect me?
You probably won’t see ASA certified 2008 composite bats on closeout. Don’t be surprised if you see the price go up as people buy up the last of these “hot” bats. The manufacturers are holding off on making 2009 model year ASA composite bats until they make sure these bats pass the new testing procedures. High end 2009 model year ASA bats will be delivered to retailers later than they traditionally are, possibly as late as September, so that they can deplete their existing stock and ensure the new bats pass the new testing procedures. Get your ASA certified slowpitch bat or ASA certified fast pitch bat while supplies last. Once there gone, you won't ever be able to get an ASA legal bat that performs as well as the 2008 model year composite bats.
Will this mean the end of composite bats?
Probably not, but nobody knows for sure. In many ways it will depend on you. Manufacturers that only make composite bats are scrambling to come up with a bat that satisfies both the ASA and the player. Manufacturers that also offer metal bats may turn to exotic metal technologies for 2009 high end ASA certified bats as they wait for the market to determine the fate of composite bats.
Composite bats will still get better with use. They will still perform at a high level until the bat physically fails. They will still last at least twice as long as any current metal bat. These are compelling reasons to own a composite bat, so don't be surprised if they are around for a long time.
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