End Loaded Vs Balanced Bat – Which One Will Lead to a Win?

End loaded bat, as the name indicates, feels heavy at the barrel end because more weight is intentionally added to it.

This bat is top heavy. On the other hand, a balanced bat is a bat having its weight distributed throughout the barrel and doesn’t feel heavy. Both bats come with their advantages and disadvantages.

Pros and cons of each

End loaded and balanced bats, both, have their own pros and cons.

End Loaded Bat:

Pros

• Allows hitter to produce more momentum as much weight is concentrated at the end
• Takes the ball to more distance with little effort 
• Produces power like no other on contact
• Offers better durability as it needs to hit with greater power

Cons

• Because of the heavy weight at one end, it is hard to control it through the zone
• Swing speed is low as the end is heavily loaded
• The contact rate is lower but leads to more damage once done

Balanced Bat

Pros

• Produces fast bat speeds because the weight is evenly distributed
• Offers high contact rates which lead to improved batting average
• Increases home run potential
• Has maximized exit velocities
• Makes playing comfortable
• Reduces error margin greatly

Overall, balanced bats have every property to allow new players to gain complete control of the bat; while for the experienced players, it gives super-power for perfect hitting.

Cons

• As the weight is not at the end, it requires power to take the ball to a greater distance

Is a balanced or end loaded bat better?

Which one is better! It depends on your own status. Your level of playing and experience matters the most in the selection whether being one better than the other.

 When it comes to balanced bats, the weight is distributed evenly which makes them perfect for contact hitters. The swing speed of these bats is better along with offering complete control. With the boosting speed and better power, they offer enhanced speed without losing control which also makes them ideal for the new players.

On the other hand, the end-loaded bats have greater weight at the end of the barrel. When they are swung, they produce whip-like motion which adds greater power when the ball comes in contact. Because of their heavy weight at one end, they are harder to control; so, not recommended for the new players. These bats are made for the power hitters and strong players only who can add their energy to the swing and be more damaging to the opponents.

So, the conclusion is, if you are sure about your strength and power, then end loaded bat is better for you. However, if not, then going for the balanced bat is better as it offers many amazing benefits from higher speed to high contact ratio.

Where do you hit an end loaded bat?

To understand where to hit any bat, you need to learn the hitting mechanics, which is not very hard. It is known that increased weight and swing speed directly impact that ball and take it to a farther distance. So, when it comes to augmented weight, it is not about the weight of the whole bat ever, but whether the mass is equally distributed or present at the end of the bat.

As the name suggests, you need to make a contact at the sweet spot which is located near the end of the barrel for the end loaded bat. The end loaded bats generate more power when the ball makes contact due to their increased weight at one end and they should be hit at their end. The closer the contact is where the weight is accumulated, there’s more chance to have a winning shot.

A simple way to find where the bat weighs the most, balance the barrel on two fingers. If the bat balances more towards the end of the barrel, it shows it is more end loaded. Also, it will require lots of power to swing. But, wherever the balance lies, you will get the spot to hit your end loaded bat.

Can you hit home runs with a balanced bat?

Well, it is a common concept that the heavier bat is better than the balanced one, but there are many factors to consider here. Hitting a home run doesn’t depend on the balanced bat only. In fact, according to many scientific studies, a light bat has a better swing speed and the right strategy can help you hit more home runs.

The pro players also take the help of the balanced bats. They use it to warm up. Heavier bats are known to change the swing path – so warming up just before the game and using a heavier bat can be damaging.

On the whole, you can hit home runs with the balanced bat as well if you are heading towards the right path of success by practicing and playing correctly. All the professional players have not attained their current status after 1-day practice. They have worked a lot.

Every year, you must focus on getting stronger than before and use a lighter balanced bat in the beginning. You must practice being consistent with your play. Let the bat speed increase slowly but steadily. You should show efficiency during the play. When you gradually move ahead, you will see that you are able to swing better and you can easily play with any bat now.

Practice matters a lot. You need to practice with the bat. However, exercises that add physical strength to your body must also be included in day to day routine.

Overall, it can be confidently said that, a balanced bat can make you win the match if you know how to work with it. It offers improved control and optimal swinging speed to hit home runs. So whether end loaded or balanced, the bat can be a hitting machine if it is in the hands of the player who knows the game well.