When you watch baseball on TV, batting can seem effortless. In reality, that’s the product of many hours of practice—and using the right bat!
Choosing a baseball bat comes down to three factors. It needs to be long enough to cover the strike zone, heavy enough to hit with power, and light enough to swing easily. Plus, it needs to be permitted in your league.
Want to know more about how to choose a baseball bat? Here’s a quick guide on finding the perfect bat size for you!
League and Age
All governing bodies for bats (such as BBCOR and USSSA) have different standards. Leagues adopt the standards they deem the best fit for their rules. Make sure you’re aware of your league’s requirements.
The bat you use will often depend on your age. For example:
• ages 4-6: tee-ball bat
• ages 7-13: USA or USSSA bat
• ages 14-18: BBCOR bat
Most bats have a logo identifying the standards they meet. You’ll find it somewhere on the face or barrel of the bat.
Length
If your bat is too long, it can compromise your swing mechanics. If it’s too short, you’ll give up a portion of your strike zone. The best baseball bat for you is the one that finds the middle ground between these scenarios.
Want to confirm if a bat is a right length for you? Place the bottom of the bat at the center of your chest and point it to the side. If your fingertips reach the bat when you stretch your arm, the bat is at the right length.
Weight
Finding the best bat weight largely depends on the feel you get when you swing it. You can also try to extend your arm to the side while holding the bat handle. If you can’t hold it for 30-45 seconds, it’s likely too heavy.
When it comes to baseball bat buying tips, you should factor in the drop weight as well. You get the bat’s drop by subtracting its weight from its length. Therefore, drop 3 bats will be heavier than dropping 10 bats.
Materials
There are two main types of baseball bats: wood bats and metal bats. Wood bats are usually made from maple, ash, or birch. Many qualities of a good baseball bat will depend on the species of wood used to produce it.
Alloy bats are ready to use right away, meaning there’s no break-in time required. They’re affordable, great at any temperature, and often have higher durability. Their main downside is the smaller “sweet spot.”
Composite bats have a larger sweet spot but require some break-in. Their handles put out fewer vibrations to your hands. You also have hybrid options, such as bats with composite handles and alloy barrels.
That Is How to Choose a Baseball Bat
At the end of the day, choosing a bat is all about how it feels in your hands. The above tips will help, but you should get some practice swings in as well. Practice will also help you choose the right material for your bat.
Now you know how to choose a baseball bat! Keep reading our Sports & Recreational articles to find out more about why baseball is good for you.
