wood bat ink dot test on bat

How the Wood Bat Ink Dot Test Works

In a previous article we discussed the importance of the ink dot test and why it is used.

In this article we will explain you exactly how it works.

​To test the grains of a maple or birch wood baseball bat, a single, black drop of ink is dropped from an eye dropper onto the plain wood of the bat about 11-12 inches up the handle, from the knob.

This allows us to test how straight the wood grains are. According to MLB regulations, the grain in a maple or birch wood  bat cannot exceed an angle of more than 2.86 degrees. In other words, ​the angle of the grain cannot exceed a deviation of 1-inch for every 20 inches of length.

Once the black ink flows into the grains of the wood, it leaves a clear path in the grain that shows the angle of deviation that can be measured with a protractor. If the wood-grain angle is less than 2.86 degrees, it’s good for play in the major leagues.

Bats made of maple are typically the strongest wood bats available. Likewise, maple bats that pass the ink dot test ensure that you’re getting the best pop you can get out of your wood bat. Every Hot Hitter Pro Grade Maple bat has the ink dot test on it, and each bat will pass the test in the big leagues.


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