To achieve this process we start with a one-piece bat, unlike our competitors weaker two-piece designs. First, metal is trimmed from the handle in a grid pattern to reduce overall handle weight. The metal is replaced with carbon inserts that are several times stiffer and lighter than the metal it replaces. For optimum stiffness, we then insert a carbon sleeve with unidirectional fibers that run the length of the handle. Finally, using a combination of heat and extreme pressure, the inserts, sleeve and metal wall are bonded together to work as a single, solid unit. This results in stiffness and strength never possible with aluminum alone.