The Complete Guide On How To Choose A Baseball Bat
Selecting the right baseball bat can be a challenging task if you’re going to shop for the first time, as with time it has become confusing due to changes in technology and materials.
Also, with time the rules change in different age groups and divisions. With different playing conditions in school, college, league competitions, and even in MLB, all bats are made differently.
So to keep in mind I’ve covered everything for you in selecting a baseball bat whether you’re just starting your career or buying as a professional player for their first college games.
To ensure that you buy the perfect one for your needs, we have created this guide to make your buying process much easier.
How To Select A baseball bat?
If this sounds confusing or you didn’t know, then you can even get help from your coach.
But still, you can measure the measurement by yourself. To find the correct size of the bat, you have to learn how to measure bat size and length with the steps below.
Selecting the Right Baseball Bat Length
The guide will help you select the right baseball bat length by following the below steps.
Start measuring Chest to Fingertips
The first step is to extend your arm horizontally. Measure from the center of your chest to your fingertips, giving you the right measurement of how much baseball bat length you need.
Note that measurement and process to the next step. Remember, you can also get help from your family members or friends for measurement purposes.
Finding the Height of the Bat by Length
The next step is important for our younger players who are looking for bat sizes but are still in a growing stage.
Take a bat and put its head on the ground and the knob of the bat in the center of your palm while standing straight without bending.
Measuring the Bat length with Arm Length
In this method, you will need help while measuring the baseball bat size because you need to place the bat at the center of the chest.
Again Stand straight and put the bat at the center of your chest. Now stretch your arm and check whether it reaches the barrel. If it reaches the barrel, then the length of the bat will perfectly fit you.
What is Bat Drop?
A bat drop is finding the weight of the baseball bat, which is calculated according to the length of the bat.
Let’s suppose a baseball bat of 27 inches and a bat drop of 10 will weigh around 17 ounces. So, the higher the baseball bat drop number, the lighter it will be, which is perfect for young players.
Selecting the Right Baseball Bat According to Weight & Drop
Check your strength
The first step is to check how much strength you’ve got. When selecting for the youth, the baseball bat should have a higher drop for kids learning how to swing the bat.
Whereas if you’re a professional player or college-going then you’ve more strength, in that case, you can choose a heavy bat according to your play.
Preference according to hitting
If you’re a power hitter then it is recommended to go with a light bat for a quick swing in your zone.
On the other hand, if you’re playing more controlled shots on the field then going with a heavier bat will be perfect to perform well with slower bat speed.
Also, a heavier bat will give more power in the hit, but it takes more strength.
The chart below will explain each and everything according to weight & height. So select the baseball bat accordingly.
| Weight/Height | 3’5″- 3’8″ | 3’9″ – 4′ | 4’1″- 4’4″ | 4’5″- 4′-8″ | 4’9″- 5′ | 5’1″- 5′-4″ | 5’5″- 5′-8″ | 5’9″- 6′ | 6’1″- Over |
| Under 60 lbs | 27″ | 28″ | 29″ | 29″ | |||||
| 61 – 70 lbs | 27″ | 28″ | 29″ | 30″ | 30″ | ||||
| 71 – 80 lbs | 28″ | 28″ | 29″ | 30″ | 30″ | 31″ | |||
| 81 – 90 lbs | 28″ | 29″ | 29″ | 30″ | 30″ | 31″ | |||
| 91 – 100 lbs | 29″ | 29″ | 30″ | 30″ | 31″ | 31″ | 31″ | ||
| 101 – 110 lbs | 29″ | 29″ | 30″ | 30″ | 31″ | 31″ | 32″ | ||
| 111 – 120 lbs | 29″ | 29″ | 30″ | 30″ | 31″ | 31″ | 32″ | ||
| 121 – 130 lbs | 30″ | 30″ | 30″ | 31″ | 32″ | 32″ | 33″ | ||
| 131 – 140 lbs | 30″ | 30″ | 30″ | 31″ | 32″ | 32″ | 33″ | 33″ | |
| 141 – 150 lbs | 30″ | 30″ | 31″ | 31″ | 32″ | 33″ | 33″ | 33″ | |
| 151 – 160 lbs | 30″ | 31″ | 31″ | 31″ | 32″ | 33″ | 33″ | 34″ | |
| 161 – 170 lbs | 31″ | 31″ | 32″ | 32″ | 33″ | 33″ | 34″ | ||
| 171 – 180 lbs | 31″ | 32″ | 32″ | 33″ | 34″ | 34″ | |||
| Over 180 lbs | 33″ | 33″ | 34″ | 34″ |
Below is Data according to age, what length is perfect for you while selecting the bat.
| Age | Length |
| Below 7 | 24-26 |
| 8-9 | 26-28 |
| 10-12 | 28-30 |
| 13-14 | 31-32 |
| 15-16 | 31-33 |
| Above 17 | 32-34 |
Below is the Table According to Age & its Bat Drop
T-Ball and Little League (Youth/Kids):
-
- Age: 4 to 12 years
- Bat Drop: Typically around -12 to -14
Intermediate and Junior League:
-
- Age: 13 to 15 years
- Bat Drop: Usually around -10 to -8
High School and College:
-
- Age: 16 to 22 years (high school and college age range)
- Bat Drop: Often between -3 to -5 (BBCOR standard)
Recreational Leagues:
-
- Age: Varies, typically 18 and older
- Bat Drop: Varies, but often around -3 to -5
Professional (MLB and Minor Leagues):
-
- Age: Generally 18 and older
- Bat Drop: -3
- USA Baseball
- BBCOR
- USSSA
Different Baseball Bat Material
Three different types of baseball bat material are used while playing the game which is as follows:
Aluminum/Alloy Baseball Bats
These bats alternate to wooden bats, which last longer than wood. The best part about aluminum or alloy bat is they do not require any break-in process, which is required in composite material.
However, the swing of an alloy bat is much lesser as compared to a wooden bat also the batter will get more vibration when hitting the ball.
Composite Bat
The composite bat are known for absorbing more vibration and giving more sweet spot while hitting the ball with much power.
Also, their handle is made up of carbon fiber which minimizes the sting on the hands. However, the composite bat requires a break-in period and cannot be used in freezing temperatures.
Wooden
The first baseball match was played with a wooden bat. Still today, they are highly used by many professional baseball players.
Using a wooden bat gives you a more precise shot, even though they are much heavier than an aluminum bat. Also, they are much cheaper than any other baseball bat.
FAQs
How do I measure my bat’s size?
There are two different measurements for regulation bats; the barrel diameter and the weight distribution of the bat (the length-to-weight ratio).
You can find your desired measurements using a tape measure. For more accurate measurements, visit the offline store dick sporting goods.
What is the barrel diameter?
The barrel diameter (which, according to USA regulations, is determined at the widest point of the bat) essentially determines how large of a sweet spot a baseball bat has.
What is the weight distribution?
The length-to-weight ratio (expressed in ounces) determines how heavy or light your bat is.
If it’s too heavy for you, making contact with the ball will be more difficult. If it’s too light, you’ll have less power and control over your bat.
What is a balanced bat?
Essentially, a well-balanced bat “feels” lighter than its actual weight designation, making it easier for batters to swing faster and easier.
Final Words
When it comes to how to choose a baseball bat, the size is important. It should be long enough to handle comfortably while not too heavy.
You can try different-sized bats at your local sporting goods store and take some swings off of live pitching before deciding which works best for you.
The only way to know if that specific batting equipment will work well with your style or game is by trying it out first-hand.
Baseball has given me so many opportunities in my life, and it's time for me to give back by helping others do the same.
It is something that not only brings happiness and joy to others but also brings out the best in me.
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