How To Select A Baseball Bat

Selecting the perfect baseball bat is a lot like choosing the right partner: it takes time.

With how much bats have evolved over the years, there are a lot of choices. The ideal bat for you may depend on how the bat feels and your price range, but--at the end of the day--there are four things to consider when selecting a bat.

JustBats recommends considering these four things as you contemplate which bat to select:

1) The Bat's Weight

This criterion is a lot like how much you can bench in the weight room. If you're a bigger, stronger player, then a heavier bat for maximum power makes sense. However, a smaller player benefits from a lighter bat, because that allows more bat speed. To determine the weight that's right for you, swing a variety of bats or borrow a teammate's bat. Don't worry about having the same bat weight as others. It's more about which weight gives you the most control.

2) The Bat's Length

The length and weight should be considered together to achieve peak performance. A longer bat gives you a greater reach, which allows you to hit balls on the other side of the plate. However, with that said, a longer bat is also heavier. 

3) The Barrel Diameter

Are you 12 years old or younger? Then you should be swinging a 2 1/4" barrel bat. Most Youth Leagues, such as Dixie Youth and Little League baseball, require 2 1/4" barrels. But, some leagues and travel teams have started allowing 2 3/4" barrels. High school and college players are restricted to 2 5/8" maximum barrel diameter.

4) 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 designed for players between 13 and 15 years old, while youth baseball bats are bats that are approved for ALL youth leagues (especially Little League Baseball) that require 2 1/4 inch barrel diameters. And, of course, make sure you're up-to-date on the USABat Standard.

If you follow these four guidelines, then your bat choices have probably been narrowed down quite a bit. Or, maybe the Bat Coach has already narrowed down your choices for you.

Now, make sure you're comfortable and confident with your baseball bat. Practices and batting cages are great places to start. If you still have questions regarding how to select the right size and length bat, then this chart should help:

These are averages, so remember that a player's personal preferences also should be considered.

Do you still have questions? Don't worry; we realize selecting a baseball bat is a big decision. Give our Bat Experts a call at (866) 321-BATS (2287). Remember, we're here for you from click to hit!