If you are a baseball enthusiast looking for the best baseball bats in the market, you should not miss this comprehensive guide, where we’ll discuss the different types of baseball bats and how to choose the perfect one.
Your success in the game depends on a promising baseball bat, and when choosing a baseball bat, you must consider size, length, and material factors.
No matter if you are a beginner at the baseball game or an advanced player, you might have wondered about the criteria for choosing a perfect baseball bat. The answer is simple: keep reading further to get an insight.
This article will be divided into 3 parts, namely,
- How do you choose baseball bats by length?
- How do you choose baseball bats based on the league or age groups?
- How do you choose baseball bats by material?
1. How do you Choose Baseball Bats by Length?
There are different ways of finding out the perfect size of baseball bats, and everything comes down to the basic aspects, which are the length and weight of the baseball bat.
To know the ideal size for the baseball bat you are considering buying, consider using these three techniques and see if that is the ideal size to hit the ball out of the boundary!
1.1. Measure from Chest to Fingertips
You can use this strategy to understand the standard baseball bat size. You will have to place the handle of the bat in the middle of your chest and measure it sideways by extending the barrel towards your fingertips.
1.2. Measure Length by Height
This method is exemplary for young players. You will have to stand straight and hold the bat in your hand so that the barrel touches the ground.
You can buy it if the handle touches your palm and the barrel is perfectly placed on the ground. Since it is perfectly well-fitted for you.
1.3. Measure by Arm’s Length
The last way to measure the length of the baseball bat is to place the handle on the center of your chest, extend it forward, and try reaching for the bat with your arms; if you are able to reach the barrel of the bat at a comfortable position, then it is the appropriate length baseball bat that you could deem to buy.
Another thing worth your consideration is the weight drop. When you are out there buying a baseball bat, as a player, you would also need to keep in mind the stance and swing that your bat would provide.
Many players tend to believe that longer bats give a wider covering range. However, this might not be true for all long bats, and here comes the role of bat drop. Bat or weight drop is measured in relation to the baseball bat length.
The more the weight drops, the lighter the bat will be. And if your bat is lighter, it will give you more swing and motion.
While assessing the bat drop, you might want to consider your age group. Your strength and vitality also play a key role in your preference for the bat drop.
Some players perform better with a slow-paced baseball bat, while others might perform satisfactorily with a lighter baseball bat. Hence, your personal priorities will have a major impact on your decision-making.
These were some processes that could be useful for you to choose the right size for your baseball bat.
Moving on to the section, we will discuss the different types of baseball bats available based on leagues and whether age group is appropriate.
2. How do you Choose Baseball Bats Based on Leagues and Age Groups?
There are a variety of baseball bats that just cannot be used by anyone, and you need to know what age group or league you are playing for.
If it is for junior players they will require a distinct kind of baseball bat, while senior or high school and college players need another kind of variant. Hence, it is necessary to consider the player’s league or age before getting a baseball bat.
Below, we have discussed the diverse age groups and what sizes of baseball bats they would require. So, keep reading further to gain more discernment on how to choose baseball bats.
2.1. Tee Ball Bats
Tee ball bats are used by younger players aged 4 to 6. With a bat drop ranging from -10 to -14 and bat weight from 12 oz to 16 oz, it is quite lightweight, gives the perfect swing to the juniors, and the length of the bat is around 24- 26 inches.
2.2. Coach Pitch Bats
Coach Pitch bats are used by players in the age group 7-8 years. The bat or weight drop range for these is between -13 and -10, weighing around 14 oz to 17 oz, with a length of about 24 – 27 inches.
2.3. Little League Bats
Little League baseball bats are resorted by age groups of 9 to 12 years. Weighing from 13 oz to 23 oz, this baseball bat is about 26- 33 inches long.
2.4. BBCOR Bats
These bats are officially certified and stamped to fulfill the requirements, and such bats are typically used by high school players or college baseball players. The length of the bat ranges from 31 to 34 inches, while the weight varies from 29 to 31 oz.
These were some of the different categories of leagues and age groups you should consider before getting your hands on the baseball bat of your dreams.
3. How do you Choose Baseball Bats According to the Material Used?
Baseball bats are more than just a blob of metallic material. It is designed using various methodologies and techniques that deliver a flawless shot with every swing.
An enormous amount of distinct materials are used to build the best baseball bats, choosing a material that suits you the fairest entirely depends on your knowledge about the variety of materials used to make the baseball bats.
Let us explore the sorts of materials used for making baseball bats. There are 3 major baseball bat materials.
- Alloy baseball bats.
- Wood baseball bats.
- Composite baseball bats.
We will discuss all the classifications in detail, so stay tuned.
3.1. Alloy Baseball Bats
Alloy baseball bats in the modern days are made of aluminum or some other alloys. They are quite strong, durable, and also affordable.
But sometimes the drawback could be that some leagues might allow the use of alloy baseball bats while some of the leagues may restrict from using them.
One of the strengths of these baseball bats is that they can endure rough wear and tear. However, it does not contain a large barrel because using a heavy, metal baseball bat will become heavy and practically impossible. Hence, you have to think before you get yourself one of these.
3.2. Wood Baseball Bats
Traditionally, all baseball bats were made of wood. Earlier, wood from maple and birch trees was used, and nowadays, bamboo and hickory are used to make baseball bats. Many professionals prefer using wooden baseball bats because they give the players a good grip and control over their swing.
However, wood baseball bats are not very long-lasting and can be expensive, and if they are used harshly and are not well maintained, they might crack extensively, leaving you disappointed.
So, in conclusion, we can say that if you are looking for a baseball bat for a skilled game, you might as well commence practicing with this.
3.3. Composite Baseball Bats
The last one is a composite baseball bat. These are the kinds of baseball bats made up of carbon fiber. Due to the fiber, which can be easily manipulated to any extent, these bats provide the perfect size, bat drop, and weight variability.
It is easy to maintain these. But a setback could be that in order to get your bat going and produce a trampoline effect, you will have to use it while practicing so that the fiber can settle down.
These are the various varieties of baseball bats based on their materials. You should be proficient in all these factors before you step into your game and aim for the next big shot.
We hope this article was informative enough and has shed some light on your queries about choosing the right baseball bats.
Last Updated on December 24, 2023 by Ankita M Bose
