How To Choose A Baseball Bat
Few decisions impact your game as much as choosing the perfect baseball bat. You want a bat that’s the right size, the right weight, and the right length for you – and one that fits within your budget. Improvements in technology have given today’s ball players more options than ever, so you’re sure to find a bat that feels like it was custom made for you. You just have to do some homework to find the perfect option. At JustBats.com, you'll find tons of baseball bats for sale, so we've created this Bat Resource Guide to help make the selection process as painless as possible.
Here are a four key factors to consider when making your baseball bat selection:
1) Baseball Bat Weight
As a general rule, bigger, stronger players usually prefer a heavier bat for maximum power. Smaller players usually benefit from a lighter bat that allows greater bat speed. To determine the weight that’s right for you, swing a variety of bats and find the weight that is comfortable for you. High school and college players will be required to swing a BBCOR bat, which will always be a -3 model. Younger players will want something more controllable like the common -10 sized bat.
2) Baseball Bat Length
Length and weight combine for peak performance. A longer bat gives you greater reach, allowing you to hit balls on the other side of the plate. But remember that a longer bat may be heavier, and the extra weight could slow you down. Like checking the weight, you need to swing bats of different lengths to decide what length best suits you.
3) League Requirements
All Adult Baseball Bats are required to meet the BBCOR Certification, which makes the bat approved for High School and College level play. Senior League (Youth Big Barrel) Bats are bats that are designed for players between 13 and 15 years of age, as well as younger players whose leagues allow bat diameters larger than 2”. While Youth Baseball Bats are bats that are approved by ALL youth leagues (especially Little League Baseball) that require 2 barrel diameters.
* To avoid costly surprises, make sure you know all league requirements before you go bat shopping. *
4) Baseball Bat Feel
Feel may be the most important factor. The bat should feel right to you, like an extension of your arm and hand. After all, you’re going to be spending quite a bit of time together.
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So you’ve chosen your baseball bat. Now, what?
You want to be comfortable and confident with your bat before you swing it in a win-or-lose situation, so take it to the practice field or batting cage and get in a few hits. Take a look at our Baseball and Softball Bat Care section to get tips on how to make your bat last as long as possible. Confidence can only come from one thing: practice. Whatever baseball bat or softball bat you choose, put in plenty of practice time, so you’ll be ready when the pressure’s on at the plate.
How to select the right size and length?
Below is a a dynmaic size chart that will give you helpful information regarding a ballpark average for your child. The calculator below provides averages, so it does not take into account a player's personal preferences. Some players may like a longer bat while others prefer a short bat, and some may like a heavier bat or some may prefer a lighter bat. This chart will give you a starting point to begin your search for a new bat.
* Need help finding the perfect baseball bat? Our knowledgeable Bat Experts are available by email: experts@justbats.com, Live Chat, or our toll-free phone number: 1-866-321-BATS (2287)! *
