FACT OR FALLACY
*SEE BELOW CONVENTIONAL WISDOM OR NOT
**SEE OUR POINT OF VIEW BELOW IN RED
CUPPING is a procedure by which the bat maker takes out a small amount of wood at the end of the barrel. This phenomenon is actually NOT new at all, as it started back around 1900
The history of cupped bats goes back to the early 1900s when players were looking for
ways to improve their hitting prowess. While the method has evolved over time, cupped
bats are still used by batters from all levels and even in the MLB. Let’s take a deeper
look at some of the benefits and advantages of cupped baseball bats.
IMPROVES BALANCE:
An uncupped wood bat has more weight towards the end of the barrel, so essentially it’s
end-loaded. Cupping out the end removes some of the weight, making the bat more
balanced, which in turn, makes it easier to control and easier to swing.
INCREASES SWING SPEED & DISTANCE:
Removing weight from the end also makes the bat lighter. This of course enables you to
swing it faster through the zone. A faster swing speed means increased exit velocity
(speed of baseball after contact) and further ball flight.
ALLOWS FOR HARDER WOOD TO BE USED:
Most hitters want the the hardest wood bat possible. A harder bat is stronger, has more
pop, and lasts longer. When bat manufacturers know a bat is going to be cupped, it
allows them to select a heavier billet (since they know that some of that extra weight is
going to be removed). So if you thought cupping a bat makes it weaker and/or more
susceptible to breaking, the opposite is true. In most cases, a cupped bat is made from
harder, stronger wood.
CUPPED OR UNCUPPED – WHICH IS BETTER?
It depends on personal preference and what type of hitter you are. Uncupped bats are
heavier because they have more mass in the barrel. This makes them very powerful but
also more difficult to swing, particularly if you’re not one of the physically stronger
hitters. If it’s a struggle to get the barrel around, you’re not going to have success, which
is why we recommend younger hitters swing a cupped bat. But if you can swing an
uncupped bat easily and hit the ball on the sweet spot, the ball is going to carry a long
way. That being said, some stronger hitters may still opt for a cupped bat simply
because they like the way it feels. Nothing wrong with that. You can still generate plenty of
power and hit the ball just as far. You just don’t have that extra mass working for you.
OUR OPINION
Your model and your color and your size and your option to CUP or NOT TO CUP is the HITTERS
CHOICE. Truth be told the points of view UP TOP are open to DEBATE
WHY?
A balanced bat is not about the cup, it is about the MODEL, some models by the nature of their
shapes are more balanced than others LIKE THE R161(BALANCED) or the C243(END LOADED) won't matter if you cup either or not.
INCREASE SWING SPEED AND BALANCE:
WE DON’T THINK SO as the feel of a bat to a hitter is what makes for a confident and fast swing, NOT THE CUP.
ALLOWS FOR HARDER WOOD TO BE USED! WRONG AGAIN, All bat billets depending on the species ARE AS HARD AS NATURE MADE IT. CUPPING HAS NO RELATIONSHIP TO THE HARDNESS OF A BILLET USED TO MAKE A WOOD BAT.
OUR feeling is it is up to the HITTER but you won't break a back when hit off an UNCUPPED BAT END. YOU WILL WITH A CUPPED BAT. It is our view that cupping is very over HYPED, but it is completely your choice.
A BAT CAN MAKE IT TO YOUR LIKING EITHER WAY!