What is bat-rolling?
Bat-rolling is the manual or electric process that accelerates the breaking in of a softball or baseball bat. This process is most widely used for composite bats but some bat-rolling outfits also roll metal, alloy, and aluminum bats. There are machines made specifically to roll bats to help in this accelerated break-in process (ABI). Bat-rolling is an art that creates a forgiving sweet spot and allows for a powerful contact, even on less-than-perfect swings.
Here at Bison's Bench, when you ship us your bats, we will use a manual bat-rolling machine, along with a motorized (electric) bat rolling machine to enhance the process. The techniques we use are called the Electric Progressive Parallel (EPP) and the Progressive Parallel Compression (PPC).
How we Roll
After we recieve the shipped bat, we clean the barrel of the bat so not to damage the bat or our machine during the bat roll process. We complete a thorough inspection for any cracks, chips, or other damage that would stop us from rolling the bat. We then conduct a barrel compression test (BCT) and take a picture of the starting compression number (if ordered). Then we standard or heat roll the bat for 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on type and condition of the bat and ordered service. After the bat roll, another compression test with a picture will be taken. The pictures will then be sent to the phone number that was taped to the bat. A message will be sent to the customer, alerting them of the completed service. The bat will then be shipped back, delivered, or picked up by the customer.
What is Deep Cryogenic Treatment?
Our process is computer controlled and our custom processing chamber is designed to never permit any liquid nitrogen (LN2) to contact the items being treated. The incoming LN2 is vaporized by a proprietary atomization device such that the dry nitrogen vapors gently envelop the items. It’s crucial that the LN2 never contacts the items being treated because a droplet of LN2 is extremely cold and would create a zone of thermal shock (especially during the start of the gradual cooling stage) around the droplet. This instantaneously created thermal shock zone could cause damage to the metal, leading to a non-homogeneous microstructure and undesirable mechanical properties through the bat’s shell. The bottom line is the bat must have consistent mechanical properties everywhere - especially in the ball “sweet spot” contact zone.
Our DCT process for our bats :
◇very gradual cooling to -300°F over a period of 4-6 hours
◇soak at -300°F for 8 hours
◇gradual warm up to room temperature over a period of 4-6 hours
We can treat new or used one-piece alloy bats. There is no visual difference between treated and untreated bats. DCT provides vibration reduction, 2 to 4% greater hitting distance, 25% drop in denting speed, larger sweet spot, and longevity.
How to Order
To make an inquiry or purchase, fill out the Contact form or shop our Store found at the bottom of our homepage.
◇ Tape your name, phone number, and address to handle of bat. Also, list the kind of bat it is and what service you purchased.
◇ Ship your bat(s) in the correct length and width cardboard box to:
Bison's Bench LLC
809 Banfield Avenue
Toronto, Ohio 43964
◇ We will then reach out to you with return delivery options via email or text. We can also schedule pick-up and drop-off if you live in the local vicinity.
◇ If you ordered compression testing, two pictures will be sent to you via text message of the pre-test and post-test barrel compression (BCT) number.
*Return shipping is free, if shipped to us!
**Ask about our multiple bats discount!