TheCAT9 Composite is constructed to be meaner, hotter andbolder. Follow this break-in guide to make sure your CAT9 Composite is ready togo come game time.
Although the CAT9 Composite is hot out of the wrapper, mostcomposite baseball bats still require a break-in to reach their optimal in-gameperformance level. You utilize this break-in period to loosen the resin andcomposite fibers inside of the barrel so the material can be more responsiveupon contact.
Make sure your bat is game-ready by following this 6-stepguide.
Composite bats arehigh-performance products and have a lifespan that is directly related to thenumber of impacts they receive. We recommend that once your bat has completedthe below break-in procedure it is saved for game use only to increase thelongevity of its performance.
This procedure should beperformed gradually to ensure the bat is broken-in properly. Hitting compositebats at speeds faster than they are designed to withstand can cause prematurecracking and damage the bat before reaching its full performance potential.
1.Hit 50 balls off a tee using about 50% power. Make sure to rotate the bat ¼”between each hit.
2.Hit 50 balls off a tee using about 75% power. Make sure to rotate the bat ¼”between each hit.
3.Hit 50 balls from soft toss using about 75% power. Make sure to rotate the bat¼” between each hit.
4.Hit 50 balls from soft toss using 100% power. Make sure to rotate the bat ¼”between each hit.
5. Hit 50 balls off a pitching machine or live pitchingusing 100% power. The pitching speed should be about 50% of the fastball speedyou normally face. Make sure to rotate the bat ¼” between each hit.
6. Hit 50 balls off a pitching machine or live pitchingusing 100% power. The pitching speed should be about 75% to 100% of thefastball speed you normally face. Make sure to rotate the bat ¼” between eachhit.
After 300 hits, your bat will be prepped and ready for gameuse. Remember, composite bat lifespans are directly related to how many impactsit receives. We recommend that you save your bat for game use only, once broken-in.
FAQs
Breaking in a new composite bat is a process that can take between 150 and 400 swings. You want to start with batting tee work using a standard baseball or softball. You don't want to go max-effort on these swings. For the first 50 or so, swing at 50%.
How to properly break in a composite bat? ›
To properly break in your composite bat, we recommend taking 150-200 swings playing soft toss or off a tee using real baseballs. Start off by swinging at about 50% of your typical swing. Slowly work your way up to full strength over the first 100 swings.
How many hits can you get out of a composite bat? ›
After these 300 hits, your composite bat will be broken-in and ready for game use. As stated before, composite bat lifespans are directly related to how many impacts they receive, so we recommend you save your bat for game use only once broken-in.
Does the Marucci cat 9 need to be broken in? ›
The CAT9 Composite is hot right out of the wrapper and gets more responsive the more you use it. Like all composite bats, there is a break-in period which differs from aluminum pieces, but don't let that scare you. Read our composite break-in guide to learn how to properly get your CAT9 Composite game ready.
Is it necessary to break in a composite bat? ›
Composite bats are made with high performance materials and breaking in a bat is crucial to loosen the resin inside of the barrel to activate its main performance qualities. Ever hear your coach say, take care of your gear and your gear will take care of you? A little love to your bat early on, will go a long way.
Can you break in a composite bat in one day? ›
However, most aluminum bats do not require a break-in period and are hot straight out of the wrapper. To break in your composite bat, the process is almost effortless and should take no more than one hour.
What not to do with composite bats? ›
Bat Care & Break-In
- Limit the bat to individual use.
- Do not use in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not store the bat in extremely hot or cold temperature areas. ...
- Do not use the bat to hit the dirt off of your metal cleats.
- Use regulation leather covered baseballs and softballs. ...
- Do not hit waterlogged balls.
Unfortunately, it takes 300-500 hits before a bat is fully broken-in, and many players are not willing to wait that long before bringing their composite bat to its full potential.
Can you hit heavy balls with a composite bat? ›
Is it ok to hit weighted balls with composite bat? Yes. We can't speak for other weighted balls, our hitting Plyo Ball ® and mini-hitting Plyo Ball ® have been hit daily in our gym since they launch and we've had zero issues with cracking or denting bats.
Do Demarini bats lose pop? ›
Unfortunately, all bats have a limited life, and at some point, your bat will lose its pop.
In that regard, composite bats are some of the best batting practice bats in the business. But, with the extra strength and longer lifespan comes a bigger price tag. Whether or not you want to use a more expensive option during batting practice, or solely in a game, is up to you.
Can you hit dimpled balls with a composite bat? ›
A: Do NOT use a composite bat with any weighted ball. Including the dimple balls that come out of the pitching machine. They break the fibers in the bat and cause premature wear.
Do Marucci bats need to be broken in? ›
Composite bats do require a 6-step break-in period for optimal performance. If proper care of the bat isn't taken during the break-in period and over the life of the bat, it may result in premature breakage or lowered performance. Marucci's CAT Composite line includes -5, -8, -10 and Junior Big Barrel models.
How many hits does it take to break in a new bat? ›
You'll need to put in anywhere from 150-200 swings to properly break in your bat, so you may want to have some teammates around to help. To break in your bat, you're going to: Hit the ball off a tee. Soft toss against a fence.
