HOW TO CHOOSE A BAT
New technology has drastically changed the way baseball and softball bats have been produced over the last decade or so. Bats are no longer made of just Aluminum like the old days, but now include Composite Technology which allows the barrel to compress more which in turn allows the ball to trampoline further. Walking into a store or searching online for a new baseball bat can become very overwhelming with bat sizes, drops, sanctioning, and barrel sizes. This isn’t even taking into the consideration the Branding on each model.
HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF FOR A BAT:
Although there are many different ways to measure yourself for the perfect bat length, the perfect solution is picking it up and swinging it. Finding a good starting point can be pulled from Charts and Knowledge of coaches and parents, but swinging the bat itself will always get you where you need to be without headache. Oh, and don’t forget… Thats the fun part! If you are new to baseball, or just want to get a good starting point on where you should be, follow the steps below:
1. Weigh and Measure yourself! This may require some help from a friend of family member.
This measurement will tell you where to look on the chart below:
Once you’ve picked the proper bat size to use by calculating all the measurements and weights from the chart above, there’s some additional methods to figure whether or not a bat will work for you.
2. Set the bat next to you with the end cap placed on the ground. Reach down and as long as your palm reaches the handle you should be okay on length.
3. Tuck the Knob into your chest (middle of) and reach out with your arm, if you can grab the barrel the length should be appropriate.
HOW TO MEASURE CHILDREN FOR THE APPROPRIATE BAT:
1. Put the child into their cleats (they’ll be in these in a game) and measure his/her height.
2. Set the bats end cap flat onto the ground, and have him/her stand next to it. If the bat knob surpasses his/her hip it may be to long for the child.
3. Weigh your child; the chart above uses height and weight to give a good starting point for the appropriate bat sizing.
- Generally a child weighing under 60 lbs will swing a bat between 26 and 29 inches in length.
- If him/her is over 70 lbs, usually the child is able to swing a 28 to 32 inch bat.
*Please remember these are just guidelines and are not perfect. Best way to size a child is to have them swing friends bats and find one that is comfortable to them.
Looking for a bit more information on which sanction your child should swing? Jump over and read our 2020 Baseball and Softball Bat Sizing Guide Here. This guide will walk you through different league sanctions, and a more in depth discussion on types and drops of bats.