Welcome to the Youth Bat Buyers Guide!

Youth Baseball Bats

As always, if you have any questions, our friendly Bat Experts are available by email: experts@justbats.com, Live Chat, or our toll-free phone number: 1-866-321-BATS (2287)! Remember, we're here for you from click to hit!

Choosing the Right Youth Baseball Bat

This how-to video shares the keys to selecting the perfect youth baseball bat.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect youth bat:

• Size and weight of the bat matter. These are the most important factors because it allows players to work on their hitting mechanics, batting stance, and swing speed.
• Regarding weight, most youth bats feature a length-to-weight ratio (or, drop) between minus 10 and minus 13.5.
• Length to weight ratio (drop) represents how many ounces a bat weighs compared to its length. The higher the number, the lighter the bat.
• It's recommended to select a bat that's easiest to control, but the greater mass a bat has, the easier it is to drive the ball with some power behind it.

If you still have questions about selecting the right youth baseball bat, check out our Bat Sizing Chart.

USA Baseball: Youth Bat Rules

USA Baseball, the national governing body for the sport of baseball in the United States, follows the USABat Standard. This video explains the USA Baseball bat standard.

In 2018, USA Baseball adopted the rule change. In order to maintain the integrity of youth baseball, the USABat Standard creates a wood-like performance in youth bats while allowing younger players to use light-weight bats that could not be achieved with wood bats. Other key USA Baseball youth bat points:

• AABC, Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken, Dixie, Little League, and PONY are all affected by the USABat rule change, but USSSA will not.
• USABat does not have a drop-weight limit.
• USA Baseball allows the use of 2 5/8" big barrel bats for all ages.
• Solid, one-piece wood bats are allowed with or without the USA Baseball stamp.

For more information, please visit JustBats' USABat Standard information page, USA Baseball's website, or Live Chat us with any questions.

USSSA: Youth Bat Rules

USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) is one of the largest baseball associations of America. This video explains USSSA's rules for youth bats.

In 2013, USSSA started requiring all non-wood youth bats to have the permanent USSSA "thumbprint" stamp or permanent USSSA 1.15 BPF stamp. In 2014, all non-wood youth bats for USSSA required the permanent USSSA "thumbprint" stamp. Other key USSSA points:

• USSSA will not adopt the new USABat Standard, but will allow bats carrying the new stamp - as long as barrel diameter, drop weight, material specifications all match the specific division's requirements.
• USSSA allows both youth (2 1/4" barrel) and Youth Big Barrel (2 5/8" and 2 3/4" barrels) bats for ages 14 & under.
• All youth bats, no matter the barrel diameter, are required to be a maximum of 36" and to be manufactured by an approved USSSA Bat Licensee.

For more information, please visit JustBats' USSSA information page, USSSA's website, or Live Chat us with any questions.

Bat Sizing Chart

To use the bat size chart below, all you have to do is follow these simple steps:

• Move the top slider on the chart to the player's height range (in inches)
• Move the bottom slider on the chart to the player's weight range (in pounds)
• The recommended size is shown on the chart along with the next size up and next size down

Remember, this chart is strictly a recommendation and it will ultimately come down to your personal preference, hitting style, and strength. Experiment with different lengths and weights until you find one that is best for you! Remember, if you need further assistance, our Bat Experts are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. Click here to live chat!

Need help finding the perfect baseball bat or softball 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)