ASTM F2844-20

• Abstract:

  SIGNIFICANCE AND USE; 3.1 This test method offers a means to compare the barrel compression of softball and baseball bats. This test is not intended for wood or solid bats.; SCOPE; 1.1 This test method describes a comparative measurement method for determining the compression force of softball and baseball bat barrels as defined by a static compression displacement test. ; 1.2 This standard is not intended to define the performance of softball or baseball bats but to determine the intrinsic barrel compression of a specific bat. ; 1.3 This standard can be used to compare the relative barrel compression force of bats using a relatively slow, non-impact loading rate. ; 1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. ; 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. ; 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2020
• ICS: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.26 - Baseball and Softball Equipment

Overview

ASTM F2844-20 sets out a standard test method for the displacement compression of softball and baseball bat barrels. Developed by ASTM International, this method provides a comparative measurement for determining the barrel compression force in non-solid, non-wood bats using a static compression displacement test. The primary goal of this standard is to provide a consistent, repeatable process for comparing the intrinsic compression characteristics of various bat models, rather than defining performance criteria or impact behavior.

Key Topics

• Scope
  • Applicable exclusively to hollow, non-solid softball and baseball bats
  • Not intended for wood or solid bats
  • Focuses on static, non-impact measurement procedures
• Displacement Compression Test
  • Measures the force required to compress the bat barrel to a specified distance
  • Compression applied with precise, slow force using specialized equipment
• Standardization and Calibration
  • Utilizes calibrated compression devices and reference calibration cylinders
  • Requires regular calibration and adherence to traceable measurement standards
• Sampling and Orientation
  • Barrel compression measurements taken at multiple rotational angles (0°, +45°, –45°, 90°)
  • Testing at different locations along the barrel permitted with documentation
• Reporting Requirements
  • Documentation must include equipment details, bat specifications, all measurement readings, and calibration certifications

Applications

• Comparative Bat Analysis:
  Organizations, manufacturers, and testing labs can use ASTM F2844-20 to compare the barrel compression of different models of non-wood, non-solid baseball and softball bats.
• Quality Control:
  Routine implementation helps ensure that bat construction and materials are consistent across manufacturing batches, supporting quality assurance processes.
• Verification for Regulatory Compliance:
  Sports organizations and governing bodies can leverage this standard to verify that bats meet league requirements for compression and integrity, reducing the risk of noncompliant equipment in competitive play.
• Product R&D:
  Engineers and designers can use displacement compression data to inform the design and development of new bat technologies, optimizing barrel flexibility and strength.

Related Standards

• ASTM F1881: Standard Test Method for Measuring Baseball Bat Performance Factor
• ASTM F2398: Standard Test Methods for Impact Attenuation of Turf Playing Systems Utilizing Baseballs or Softballs
• ASTM F2219: Test Methods for Bat Performance in Baseball/Softball
• ISO/IEC Guides: For international harmonization and traceability in sports equipment testing

Keywords:
baseball bat barrel compression, ASTM F2844-20, softball bat compression test, displacement compression test method, sports equipment standards, comparative bat testing, quality control in bat manufacturing

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By adopting ASTM F2844-20, key stakeholders in the baseball and softball communities can objectively compare bat barrel compression, support product integrity, and foster safer, fairer play through rigorous standards compliance.

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2844 − 20 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Displacement Compression of Softball and Baseball Bat
Barrels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2844; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.1.3 bat taper, n—section of the bat where the barrel
diameter begins to decrease to join the handle of a much
1.1 This test method describes a comparative measurement
smaller diameter.
method for determining the compression force of softball and
2.1.4 force, n—the amount of resistance applied perpendicu-
baseballbatbarrelsasdefinedbyastaticcompressiondisplace-
lar to the surface of a bat barrel to cause the barrel to displace.
ment test.
2.1.5 non-solid bat, n—a bat of hollow construction.
1.2 This standard is not intended to define the performance
of softball or baseball bats but to determine the intrinsic barrel 2.1.5.1 Discussion—Bat may be filled with inserts or flex-
ible materials and still be considered a non-solid bat.
compression of a specific bat.
1.3 This standard can be used to compare the relative barrel
3. Significance and Use
compression force of bats using a relatively slow, non-impact
loading rate. 3.1 This test method offers a means to compare the barrel
compression of softball and baseball bats. This test is not
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
intended for wood or solid bats.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4. Apparatus
and are not considered standard.
4.1 Compression Device, to compress the test bat between
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
two rigid cylindrical shapes to at most 0.070 in. (1.78 mm) net
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
displacement. The device shall allow testing at any point along
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the barrel, to within 2 in. of the end cap. The compression
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
device must be able to produce a load of at least 1000 lb (4459
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
N). The load heads shall be able to open more than 2.75 in.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
(69.9 mm). The width of the device needs to be sufficient so
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
that the force shall be applied through the centerline of the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
barrel diameter and load cylinders. A means of centering the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
test bat is required so that the axis of the bat barrel is
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
perpendicular (62°) with the cylindrical platens. The device
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
should provide the ability to control the force to 1 lb (4.5 N)
and deflection to 0.001 in. (0.025 mm).
2. Terminology
4.2 Load Heads—A pair of cylindrical shapes with a radius
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
of curvature of 1.93 6 0.050 in. (49 6 1.3 mm) over a chord
2.1.1 barrel compression, n—the force reading to deflect the
height of at least 0.20 in. (5 mm) (as shown in Fig. 1) made of
bat barrel by the specified distance.
steel or a material of equivalent stiffness. The heads are set
2.1.2 barrel deflection, n—the displacement of the load head
with their centerline’s within 60.010 in. (60.25 mm), their
during the test.
cylindrical axis parallel within 61° and their curved surfaces
in direct opposition to each other.
4.3 Load Cell, to measure the compressive load up to at
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
least 1000 lb (4459 N) with a resolution of at least 1 lb (4 N).
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.26 on Baseball and Softball Equipment.
4.4 Displacement Gauge, with a range of at least 1.0 in.
Current edition approved July 1, 2020. Published July 2020. Originally approved
(25.4 mm) and a resolution of no less than 0.001 in. (0.025
in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as F2844 – 11 (2016). DOI:
10.1520/F2844-20. mm).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2844 − 20
FIG. 1 Test Apparatus
4.5 Calibration Cylinder—A 2.25-in
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2844 − 11 (Reapproved 2016) F2844 − 20 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Displacement Compression of Softball and Baseball Bat
Barrels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2844; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method describes a comparative measurement method for determining the compression force of softball and
baseball bat barrels as defined by a static compression displacement test.
1.2 This standard is not intended to define the performance of softball or baseball bats but to determine the intrinsic barrel
compression of a specific bat.
1.3 This standard can be used to compare the relative barrel compression force of bats using a relatively slow, non-impact
loading rate.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Terminology
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1.1 barrel compression, n—the force reading to deflect the bat barrel by the specified distance.
2.1.2 barrel deflection, n—the displacement of the load head during the test.
2.1.3 bat taper, n—section of the bat where the barrel diameter begins to decrease to join the handle of a much smaller diameter.
2.1.4 force, n—the amount of resistance applied perpendicular to the surface of a bat barrel to cause the barrel to displace.
2.1.5 non-solid bat, n—a bat of hollow construction.
2.1.5.1 Discussion—
Bat may be filled with inserts or flexible materials and still be considered a non-solid bat.
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This test method offers a means to compare the barrel compression of softball and baseball bats. This test is not intended
for wood or solid bats.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Compression Device, to compress the test bat between two rigid cylindrical shapes to at most 0.070 in. (1.78 mm) net
displacement. The device shall allow testing at any point along the barrel, to within 2 in. of the end cap. The compression device
must be able to produce a load of at least 1000 lb (4459 N). The load heads shall be able to open more than 2.75 in. (69.9 mm).
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F08.26 on Baseball and Softball Equipment.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016July 1, 2020. Published April 2016July 2020. Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 20152016 as
F2844 – 11 (2015).(2016). DOI: 10.1520/F2844-11R16.10.1520/F2844-20.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2844 − 20
The width of the device needs to be sufficient so that the force shall be applied through the centerline of the barrel diameter and
load cylinders. A means of centering the test bat is required so that the axis of the bat barrel is perpendicular (62°) with the
cylindrical platens. The device should provide the ability to control the force to 1 lb (4.5 N) and deflection to 0.001 in. (0.025 mm).
4.2 Load Heads—A pair of cylindrical shapes with a radius of curvature of 1.93 6 0.050 in. (49 6 1.3 mm) over a chord height
of at least 0.20 in. (5 mm) (as shown in Fig. 1) made of steel or a material of equivalent stiffness. The heads are set with their
centerline’s within 60.010 in. (60.25 mm), their cylindrical axis parallel within 61° and their curved surfaces in direct opposition
to each other.
4.3 Load Cell, to measure the compressive load up to at least 1000 lb (4459 N) with a resolution of at least 1 lb (4 N).
4.4 Displacement Gauge, with a range of at least 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) and a resolution of no less than 0.001 in. (0.025 mm).
4.5 Calibration Cylinder—A 2.25-in. (57-mm) diameter hollow metal cylinder with a barrel compression between 200 and 300
lb. The cylin
...