Choosing the appropriate baseball bat is crucial, as using one that is either too long or too heavy can negatively impact your swing and overall performance. From tee-ball to high school and college play, it is important to make sure you are swinging the correct bat for your age and size.
For those in search of a new bat, check out the best 2024 BBCOR bats.
Bat Sizes and Regulations
Understanding bat sizes and regulations is crucial. Youth bats typically have 2 ¼ inch barrels, growing to 2 ⅝ inches as players get older. Governing bodies like BBCOR, USSSA, and USA Baseball regulate bats based on weight and barrel size. BBCOR is more restrictive, mainly used in high school and college, while USSSA allows a wider range for younger players. USA also has specific regulations adopted by various youth leagues. You can find the stamp of these regulators on the bat so you can easily know which bat is legal in our league. Read our in depth guide about the different regulation and how to make sure you get the right bat, here!
Feel
The primary factor in selecting the right baseball bat is the feel. If a bat doesn’t feel comfortable during your swing or alters your natural motion, it may not be suitable for you. If a bat is too heavy swinging for a younger player, then they won’t have the success they could with a lighter swinging bat.
Baseball bats come in various weights, lengths, and barrel sizes. To determine the right fit, try swinging a bat at the store or borrow a teammate’s bat to test out. Pay attention to how it feels during dry swings or batting practice.
Youth Baseball Bats
Length: For youth baseball bats, a bat’s length should generally be 26 or 27 inches. The bat should reach the player’s hip when standing in baseball cleats, but not go beyond. Depending on when the player hits their growth spurt their bat length should increase with their height.
Weight: Lighter bats offer better control and speed, while heavier bats provide more power. Youth bats range from -13 to -7 (the “drop”). Be sure to check with your league regulations on the requirement for the bat “drop”. Be sure to find the perfect youth baseball bat for your kid with our help here!
High School and Adult Bats
As players grow, they transition to heavier bats, using -3 drops, or BBCOR bats. The choice between more power or bat control depends on the player’s style. Bats are either lightweight with more weight in the handle, balanced with more weight in the middle, or end-loaded making the bat heavier. Lighter bats are preferred for smaller, contact hitters and end-loaded bats are preferred for bigger, power hitters. Get all of our info, reviews and tips about BBCOR bats here!
Bat Sizing
Use this link to JustBats and use their custom guide to find the perfect size for you or your child. Remember, it’s crucial to find a bat that feels right and positions you for success. In the later stages, the bat selection process becomes less complicated as you’ve likely identified your preferences. It’s about finding comfort quickly.
Recap
While websites often provide detailed bat selection guides, the initial process may not be easy. Once you find a bat and preference that suits you, it’s likely to stick with you throughout your career. Understanding your hitting style allows you to choose a bat that feels right, contributing to your overall value as a hitter. At Performance Bats, we’re here to help you become your own bat expert every step of the way. Good luck!
