Quick Take
Bat performance is significantly influenced by the pivot point of your swing, affecting swing weight and feel. Individual mechanics and grip alter this pivot point, explaining variations in bat performance and the potential for inconsistent results.
If you’re wondering why your performance with the bat does not match the demonstration you saw or why your plate appearances are not yielding the same results as your BP or soft toss sessions, it may have something to do with the pivot point of your swing. Because everyone’s swing is at least a bit different and can pivot around a different part of the bat, the swing weight of a bat changes based on who is swinging it.
We don’t talk too much about pivot points. But, in short, it’s the main determinant of how your bat feels.
We start with a question:
What is the greatest determining factor in a bat’s swing weight?
- A. Length
- B. Balance Point
- C. Total Mass (Weight)
- D. Pendulum Period
- E. The Pivot
Answer: (E).
Explanation: The length (A), much against popular wisdom, has NOTHING to do with the swing weight. The pendulum period (D) affects a bat’s swing weight by an order of magnitude over its weight (C) and balance point (B), both of which are significant. And the single greatest factor determining a bat’s swing weight: the pivot point (E).
Why the Pivot Point Matters So Much
Don’t get us wrong: we preach swing weight (in nerd circles, we call it MOI) from day one. It is the single most important factor in your bat-buying decision. We spend considerable time calculating the MOI with each bat we review.
A bat’s MOI changes based on where you pivot the bat during your swing. If someone else has a different pivot point because they grip the bat differently or have slightly different mechanics, then you can expect the bat to feel differently. If your BP and Tee work mechanics differ slightly from your in-game mechanics, you can also expect the bat to feel differently at the plate.
How the Swing Weight Changes as Your Pivot Point Changes
The chart below is useful, we think. This takes three popular BBCOR bats: The DeMarini Voodoo One, The Louisville Slugger Select PWR, and the Cat X Composite, and charts their swing weights when you change where the bat pivots.
(Read more about swing weight here.)
This chart compares swing weights of three popular BBCOR bats at various pivot points to show how different swings impact the feel of each bat.
Change Your Bat’s Swing Weight
Adjusting a bat’s swing weight can significantly affect how it feels and performs. While we cannot always hold all variables constant, here are ways to effectively modify swing weight:
How to Decrease Swing Weight
- Choke up on the bat handle. This reduces the effective length and lowers swing weight.
- Improve your mechanics to pivot the bat closer to your hands. Tony Gwynn’s advice about “swinging the knob” focuses on this concept.
- Choose a bat with a naturally lower swing weight when purchasing.
How to Increase Swing Weight
- Hold the bat at the very end, with your bottom hand near or over the knob.
- Add weight to the knob or barrel of the bat to shift its balance point.
- Select a bat designed with a higher swing weight, such as an end-loaded model.
Pivot Points, Summary
The pivot point of your swing significantly affects bat performance. Different pivot points can alter the swing weight and feel of a bat. This variation explains why your bat may not perform like others or why results differ between practice and games. Adjusting your swing mechanics or bat choice can help optimize performance for your unique style.
