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How to Choose a Sports Bat

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Choosing the right sports bat is largely based on feel. To test the weight of a bat simply hold it at the end and extend your arm to your side. If the bat feels too heavy or drops during your swing it is likely too heavy for you.

Metal Alloy bats are durable and offer a balanced feel. They require no break-in period and are suitable for all weather conditions.

Length

Many baseball enthusiasts believe that a longer bat will give them more plate coverage - but that’s not necessarily true. Longer bats tend to swing heavier and could slow you down at the plate.

Fortunately, there are several easy methods to check whether a bat is the right length. One way is to simply stand up straight with the bat beside you and place its end cap on the ground. Rest the knob of the bat on your chest, pointing it outward, and stretch out your arm; if you can grab the barrel of the bat with your fingers, it’s the right size for you.

You can also look at a bat’s “bat drop,” which is its weight, in ounces, minus its length, in inches. Smaller players often prefer a larger bat drop, which can increase their swing speed. Larger players, however, may favor a smaller drop to generate more power in their hits. In either case, you should always swing a few different bats to find the best one for your batting style and abilities.

Weight

A baseball or softball sports bat weight is measured in ounces. Typically, the lighter the bat, the faster it swings. The best way to gauge a bat's weight is to hold the handle and extend your arm out to your side. If you can't keep the bat extended for 30-45 seconds or it starts to drop during your swing, it is too heavy.

A heavy bat can cause a player to swing slower or miss the ball entirely. Conversely, a light bat may feel unbalanced and hard to control.

The ideal bat weight for a player depends on their height and strength. Younger players often prefer a lighter bat while more experienced players tend to favor heavier ones. League rules identify which bat weights are permitted for play. For example, a youth baseball bat must weigh no more than 29 ounces while high school and college-approved bats must be no heavier than 31 oz.

Barrel Diameter

The barrel is the widest part of a sports bat. It’s usually longer than the handle, and it can vary in diameter as well. The diameter can be a huge factor in choosing a bat because some leagues have specific requirements.

The size of the barrel also affects the effective stiffness of a bat. While a large barrel can help with power, it’s not always ideal for every hitter. A small barrel, on the other hand, can increase a batter’s contact surface area and make it easier to create powerful hits.

The barrel of a wood baseball bat is typically larger than a softball bat. Youth bats are required to have a small barrel, and the barrel of adult baseball bats (used under NCAA college and high school rules) must be 2-5/8" in diameter. However, some hitters prefer a big barrel for the extra contact surface area and added energy it provides.

Material

The material that a bat is made from can make an enormous difference in how it performs. Wood bats are most commonly constructed from ash, birch or maple. These are typically turned on a lathe (a machine that spins really fast and allows you to chisel a piece of wood into a smooth rounded shape).

All MLB-approved bats must be made from a single, solid piece of wood and be stamped with a manufacturer’s label, the hitter’s name and a serial number. Many hitters also prefer to have their favorite player’s signature branded into the wood on the opposite side of the knob.

Composite wood bats use two or more types of wood pressed together and are united with a composite or non-wood handle. These are primarily used in slow-pitch and recreational baseball, as well as some high school and college leagues.

Aluminum or alloy bats are made from a single piece of metal and do not require any break-in period. These are typically more expensive than wooden and composite bats.


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