We play metal and wood. I do not believe it would cost more to play wood only. I think my son has broken 1-2 bats in 3 years of wood bat play. The new composite bats cost almost $ 400.00 that converts to between 8-10 wood bats. I like my chances of spending less money. It just makes for a better game. So many of the high school fields are small, and players product huge numbers but are really just average in power. And I agree with Midlo- my son's a pitcher it allows a pitcher to pitch inside. 