How To correctly compression test a bat as per G4 SSL (Bat Testing Solutions LLC) and per association guidelines.
Softball Bats USA/ASA/SSUSA/USSSA
Calibration of Compression tester
The G4 SSL compression tester comes with a calibration tube. On that tube there are readings that the tester needs to be within to verify the compression tester is calibrated.
Put the calibration tube in centered inside the tester and set the tester at a preload of 500.
Pull the cam lever to the parallel position and read your gauge to make sure the compression number falls within the calibration tube’s numbers.
This should be performed at the beginning of testing bats.
USA/ASA/SSUSA Bat Testing
Front load softball bat into tester, moving the bat all the way in until it hits the “bat stop” or “reference rod”; If the bat’s end cap is not touching the reference rod or there is no reference rod present then the compression test is void. Set your gauge dial to the preload 500psi
Then pull up the cam lever all the way parallel with the ground and your compression reading will be displayed.
USSSA Bat Testing
Front load softball bat into tester, moving the bat all the way in until it hits the “bat stop” or “reference rod”; If the bat’s end cap is not touching the reference rod or there is no reference rod present then the compression test is void. Set your gauge dial to the preload 0 lbs then pull up the cam lever and your compression reading will be displayed.
Baseball Bat Testing
Calibration of Compression tester
The G4 SSL compression tester comes with a calibration tube. On that tube there are readings that the tester needs to be within to verify the compression tester is calibrated.
Put the calibration tube in centered inside the tester and set the tester at a preload of 0.
Pull the cam lever to the parallel position and read your gauge to make sure the compression number falls within the calibration tube’s numbers.
Front load baseball bat centered into tester, moving the bat all the way in until it hits the “cam lever” which needs to be in the vertical position; If the bat’s end cap is not touching the cam lever the compression test is void. Set your gauge dial to the preload 0 lbs.
Then pull up the cam lever and your compression reading will be displayed.
Some bats may be too short to provide an accurate reading on the compression tester.
You’ll notice this when the gauge arm only contacts the taper instead of the barrel. For an accurate reading, the gauge arm must rest on the barrel section of the bat. Therefore, bats that are 28 inches or shorter may not be suitable for accurate compression testing.
The above 28 inch bat would be ok to test since the gauge arm/pressure point lands just inside the barrel area. The barrel has to extend at least 6 inches from the cam lever to give an accurate reading.
Conclusion
Accurate bat compression testing is essential to ensure fairness, player safety, and compliance with association performance standards. Whether testing softball or baseball bats, always begin by verifying that your G4 SSL Compression Tester is properly calibrated using the supplied calibration tube. A correct calibration ensures that every subsequent reading reflects the true compression of the bat barrel.
When testing, follow the appropriate procedure for each association—USA/ASA/SSUSA, USSSA, or Baseball—and confirm that the bat is fully seated against the reference rod or cam lever before taking a reading. Failure to make full contact or to meet preload requirements will invalidate the test.
Finally, remember that accurate compression readings depend on correct positioning of the gauge arm on the bat’s barrel area. Shorter bats or improper placement may produce unreliable results. Performing each step carefully and consistently in accordance with G4 SSL and association guidelines guarantees precise, repeatable data and helps maintain equipment integrity and rule compliance across all levels of play.