By Kevin King
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The Bat Size Guide: A Full Guide on Picking ThePerfectBaseballor Softball Bat
Head on over to your local sporting goods store or an online e-tailer to check out the selection of baseball bats and you will find selecting one is surprisingly challenging. The days of having a couple bats to choose from at your local baseball or sporting goods store are long over. The increase in the number of bat-makers combined with the rise of online shopping has led to a litany of bat options.
Ready to buy? Be sure to check out ourtop 10 bestrated youth baseball batsto help you find the perfect bat for your young baseball player!
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of baseball bat choices, don’t fret. Our baseball bat experts created a full comprehensive guidetohelp you find the perfectly sized bat for you or the baseball player in your family.
The Anatomy of a Baseball Bat
Let's first start off with understanding the anatomy of a baseball bat so there is no confusion withwording as we read through this article.
Choosing the Right Bat Based on Player's Height and Weight
The bat size that is optimal for your or your baseball-loving youngster will hinge on several factors, including the player’s height and weight. Baseball players who are 3'5" to 3'8" in height and weigh under 60 pounds are encouraged to use a bat measuring 27 inches in length. This length is also optimal for players in the same height range who weigh between 61 pounds and 70 pounds. A 28-inch bat is optimal for players who are 3'5" to 3'8" and weigh between 71 pounds and 90 pounds. Move on up to a 29-inch bat if your youngster is this height range and weights between 91 and 120 pounds.
Let's shift our attention to players who are a bit taller. Those measuring between 3'9" and 4' in height are encouraged to buy a 28-inch bat if they weigh 60 pounds or less. A 28-inch bat is also ideal for those in this height range who weigh between 61 pounds and 80 pounds. A 29-inch bat is recommended for players in this height range that weigh between 91 and 120 pounds. A 30-inch bat is suitable for players between these height parameters and weigh 120+ pounds.
Players with a height of 4'1" to 4'4" who weigh under 60 pounds will find a 29-inch bat is just right. A 29-inch bat is also suitable for players under 60 pounds who stand between 4'5" and 4'8".Even those in this height range who weigh between 61 pounds and 90 pounds will find a 29-inch bat is perfect. However, a 30-inch bat is optimal for players between these heigh parameters who weigh between 91 pounds and 150 pounds. Those standing between 4'5" and 4'8 who weigh 151 to 170 pounds are best-served with a 31-inch bat.
Baseball players between 4'5” and 4'8" in height who weigh between 61 pounds and 140 pounds are likely to perform their best at the plate with a 30-inch bat. Those with a height of 4'5" to 4'8" who weigh 141+ pounds will find a bat with a 31-inch length is optimal.
Players standing 4'9" to 5' who weigh between 61 pounds and 90 pounds will find a bat with a length of 30 inches is ideal. However, a 31-inch bat will likely be the right size for those in this height range who weigh between 91 pounds and 160 pounds. Those weighing 161 to 180 pounds in the 4'9" to 5' height range should pick up a 32-inch bat.
The Right Bat Size for Players Standing 5-Feet Tall or Taller
Players who stand 5'1" to 5'4" in height and weigh between 71 pounds and 120 pounds are encouraged to buy a bat with a 31-inch length. Players in this height range weighing between 121 pounds and 180 pounds should swing a 32-inch bat. However, a 33-inch bat is ideal for players between these heights who weigh more than 180 pounds.
Players who stand 5'5" to 5'8" in height and weigh 91 to 100 pounds will benefit from a 31-inch bat. Those between 5'1" and 5'8" in height who weigh between 101 and 140 pounds will need a bat that is 32 inches in length. A bat of 33 inches is ideal for those in this height range who weigh between 141 pounds and 180+ pounds. A 33-inch bat is also perfect for players between 5'9" and 6' who weigh 121 to 160 pounds. Those in either of these height ranges who weigh more than 160 pounds will find a 34 inch bat has just the right length.
Bat Size in Relation to Age
We talked about height and weight, but does age play a role in picking the right size bat?It definitely does!Though, the recommendations for bat sizeby age are to be followed more loosely than those recommended by height and weight, the age factor should be considered when selecting the right size baseball or softball bat.
In general, those playing baseball when under the age of seven should use a bat that has a length of 24 inches to 26 inches. Those between the ages of eight and nine can step on up to a baseball bat with a length of 26 inches to 29 inches. Baseball players between the ages of 10 and 11 are encouraged to use a bat with a length of 28 inches to 30 inches. Players between age 12 and 13 will be best served with a bat that has a length of 29 inches to 32 inches.
High school and college baseball players will need a lengthier bat than those playing little league baseball. Baseball players between the ages of 14 and 15 are advised to select a bat with a length of 31 inches to 33 inches. Players between the ages of 16 and 18 will find using a bat between 32 inches in length and 34 inches in length is optimal. Finally, those age 18 and older are considered adults, so it is sensible to add even more bat length, even though it will likely weigh more. The best bat length for baseball players 18 and over is 32 inches to 34 inches.
Softball Bat Size Guide - Picking the Right Size Softball Bat Based on Player Height, Weight and Age
Fastpitch softball players under the age of seven are encouraged to buy afastpitch softball batbetween 24 inches and 26 inches in length. Fastpitch softball players between the ages of eight and nine will find a bat with a length of 26 inches to 29 inches is just right.
If your youngster is between the ages of 10 and 11 and playing fastpitch softball, a bat with a length of 28 inches to 31 inches is perfect. The ideal bat length for fastpitch softball players between ages 12 and 13 is 29 inches to 33 inches. Those playing fastpitch softball at age 14 and over are encouraged to use a bat with a length of 31 inches to 34 inches.
Be sure to check out ourbuying guide and top ten best fastpitch softball batsfor this season.
League Requirements/ Certifications of Bats by Player Age
Now that you know the ideal bat size for your height, weight and age, it is time to shift your attention to the nuanced requirements of your specific league. Each baseball league has distinct requirements and certifications for bats as dictated by player age. In general, little league baseball players are required to use a bat that is USA Baseball certified. Such bats were designed to strike baseballs as occurs with wooden bats.
USA Baseball certified bats have barrel sizes between 2 and 5/8 inches and 2 and ¼ inches. Such baseball bats are pre-approved by a wide range of youth baseball leagues including the likes of:
- Little League Baseball
- Dixie Boys Baseball
- Dixie Youth Baseball
- Cal Ripken League
- Babe Ruthand more
USAA bats, short for United States Specialty Sports Association, are ideal for players between the ages 14 and younger. Also known as Senior League bats, these bats have a barrel size between 2 and ¼ inches and 2 and ¾ inches.
BBCOR, an acronym for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution, is widely considered to be the standard for adult bats. BBCOR is the organization responsible for regulating the amount of energy lost when the bat barrel contacts the baseball. BBCOR regulations are that much more strict than other forms of certification, requiring that every bat have a -3 drop weight along with a 2 and 5/8 inch barrel. Every high school and college player is required to use a baseball bat that is BBCOR-certified.
Baseball Bat Construction and Material
Baseball bats of the composite variety are not much different than those made with carbon fiber. Composite bats provide manufacturers with superior control over how weight is distributed throughout the bat. Composite bats can be end-loaded in which the barrel’s end holds comparably more weight. Composite bats can also be made with an evenly distributed weight.
Composite bats have a comparably large sweet spot, meaning they can be broken in with a mere 100-150 ball strikes. However, it must be noted bats of the composite variety should not be used in the cool spring and fall days when the temperature dips down below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.The low temperatures sometimes cause composite bats to crack.
Alloy bats have been on the market for years. Sometimes referred to as aluminum bats, bats made of alloy are not as expensive as those of the composite variety. Nor do these bats need time to be broken in. Alloy bats have the potential to be damaged yet they typically suffer from indentations rather than cracks.
Hybrid bats are a mixture of alloy and composite. Such bats have a composite handle and a barrel made of alloy, bringing the best of both together for a truly elite bat. Composite is revered for its comparably light weight. Alloy is sometimes favored for its durability.
Finally, wooden bats are also available. Though wooden bats do not provide the same power or durability as alloy bats, they are that much more visually pleasing and prepare players for a potential transition to the big leagues where wooden bats are mandatory. Birch, maple and ash are the most popular wooden bats.Check out our article on thetop 10 best wood batsto seeour favorite picks for this season.
Baseball Bat Cost and Durability
As noted above, alloy, composite and hybrid bats are that much more durable than wooden bats. Composite bats are comparably expensive, typically running $200 or more as they have a massive sweet spot and generate a distinct sound at the point of contact.
Alloy bats typically cost between $50 and $300. Alloy is often favored as it provides considerable pop at the plate and stands the test of time. Wooden bats made of birch, maple or ash tend to cost $200 on up yet they are not as durable as other bats simply because wood is that much more likely to break when making contact with a baseball pitched at a high rate of speed.
One Piece Bats Vs. Two Piece Bats
Two piece bats consist of two parts in the handle and barrel that are adjoined together to increase flexibility and reduce vibration. Onepeice bats are comparably stiff yet have better balance than twopeicebats. If the impact of the vibration resulting from contact with the baseball is not a primary concern, a one piece bat is certainly worth considering.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking for aportable pitching mound for salea9 hole pitching net, or a baseball bat, we got you covered. Be sure to read through the rest of our blog to find useful content to help you make the right buying decision. And as always, if you have any questions email us at support@anytimebaseballsupply.com or call us at (888) 466-009.
FAQs
The Bat Size Guide - How to Choose The Perfect Sized Bat? ›
1) With your arm out to the side, put the knob of the bat in the center of your chest. If your fingers tips reach the end of the bat, you have the right size. 2) Put the bat to your side and as long as your palm reaches the handle, you have the right size.
How do I choose the right size bat for my youth? ›Bat Length
When you measure a bat for your child, start with the bat's length. Place the bat next to your kid with their cleats on. If the bat reaches to just below their hip, it's a good length. If it extends to their hip or higher, then it's too long.
Bat length is measured in inches from knob to end cap. A longer bat gives you greater reach, allowing you to hit balls on the outside part of the plate. However, longer bats also tend to have more mass towards the end of the bat that requires more power to swing them.
What size bat should a 13 year old boy use? ›The right size bat for a 13-year-old depends on their league. If it's BBCOR, the most common bat size is 31/28, followed by 32/29. If you're in USSSA or USA, the correct bat size for most 13-year-olds is a 32/27.
What size bat should a 6 foot man use? ›A 33-inch bat is also perfect for players between 5'9" and 6' who weigh 121 to 160 pounds. Those in either of these height ranges who weigh more than 160 pounds will find a 34 inch bat has just the right length.
How do I choose the right size bat? ›1) With your arm out to the side, put the knob of the bat in the center of your chest. If your fingers tips reach the end of the bat, you have the right size. 2) Put the bat to your side and as long as your palm reaches the handle, you have the right size.
What size bat for a 12 year old boy? ›| Determine Your Bat Length by Age | |
|---|---|
| Age | Bat length |
| 8-9 years old | 26"-28" |
| 10 years old | 28"-29" |
| 11-12 years old | 30"-31" |
The right bat size for most 7-year-olds is a 27/17. We know this because we surveyed hundreds of parents of small players and found that 7-year-olds are most happy with a 27/17 and swing it most often. The next most popular bat was a 28/18 followed by the 26/16.
How do you know if a bat is too heavy? ›The first, simple test is to have your kid hold the bat straight out in front of them, parallel to the ground, with their dominant hand. If they can't keep the bat steady in this position for 20 seconds, then the bat's probably too heavy. Another test to try is evaluating your hitter's soft toss performance.
What size bat should an 11 year old boy use? ›The right baseball bat size for 11 year olds is, on average, the 30/20. Based on our research and survey data with over 200 respondents, almost 30% of 11 year old baseball player use a 30/20. The next three sizes, which make up 60% of the respondents, are the 31/21, 29/19 and 30/22.
Is a drop 8 or drop 10 better? ›
“Drop 8 bats tend to have a bit more weight to them, helping with mass transfer on contact,” Stevens said. “These bats carry more barrel than drop 10 bats, so if you are strong enough to move up to a drop 8, it's highly recommended.”
What size bat for a 10 year old boy? ›The right bat size for a 10-year-old, as determined by usage, is a 29 or 30-inch drop 10 or 11 bat. The drop is the numerical difference between the length of the bat in inches and the weight in ounces. 29 and 30-inch bats in the 18 to 20-ounce weight range make up more than 90% of total 10U bat usage.
Which bat size is best for 15 year old boy? ›| BAT SIZE | APPROX. AGE | HEIGHT OF BATSMAN |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 11-13 Years Old | 5ft 2" - 5ft 5" |
| HARROW | 12-14 Years Old | 5ft 5" - 5ft 8" |
| FULL SIZE (Short Handle) | 15+ Years Old | 5ft 8" - 6ft 3" |
| FULL SIZE (Long Handle/Blade) | 15+Years Old | 6ft 3" and above |
Choosing a bat weight is also very important when selecting a baseball bat for a 10-year-old. Typically a 10-year-old will swing a bat in the range of 18oz to 21oz. It is important to find a bat that the player can easily swing so they are able to catch up to pitches.
What bat size is big? ›Flying foxes are the largest bats, some attaining a wingspan of 1.5 metres (5 feet) with a head and body length of about 40 cm (16 inches). Flying foxes are Old World fruit bats (family Pteropodidae) that roost in large numbers and eat fruit.
How many ounces is a drop 11? ›"Drop" is the difference between bat length (inches) and weight (ounces). A -11 (drop 11) 31 inch bat will weigh 20 oz. whereas a -8 (drop 8) 31 inch bat will weigh 23 oz. Three ounces is a big deal in the hands of a kid, so as a standard rule a lower drop number (which is -11 in this example) can be preferred.
What is a drop 13 bat? ›The drop 13 means that the weight of the bat in ounces is 13 less than the length of the bat in inches. It's all about control, but the following drop 13 youth bats offer a lot more than that.
What is a bat drop weight? ›• The drop is the difference between the length of the bat and the weight of the bat. For. example if a bat is 30 in. long and weighs 20 oz. then the drop is 10.
How do you know if a bat is too light? ›If you feel like you can't control the bat or if it's too light for you, then it's probably not the right bat. Another way to tell if a bat is too light is by the sound it makes when you hit the ball. If the bat is too light, it will have a hollow sound. If it's the right weight, it will have a solid sound.
How do you size a bat for a 7 year old? ›Determining Bat Length
The average 7 year old should swing a bat that is between 24 and 28 inches. A 27-inch bat is the most common for this age group. This shouldn't be used as a hard rule, but rather a guideline to begin sizing a baseball bat for youth players in this age group.
Can you use a drop 10 bat in 12u? ›
Weight drops vary in Senior League baseball, but players 10 years old and under often use -10 weight drop bat. Players 12 years old and under often use a -8 weight drop, and 13 year old players often use a -5 weight drop. These are recommendations.
What size bat for boys? ›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.
What size bat is best for 8 year old boy? ›After surveying over 200 parents of 8-year-old players, we found that the proper bat size for an 8-year-old is, on average, 28 inches and 18 ounces (28/18). The second most common is 29-inches and 19 ounces, followed very closely by a 27/17. We suggest the right size bat for most 8U players to be a 28/18.
What does drop 10 mean on a bat? ›A bat's drop is the measurement determined by subtracting the weight from length. For example, a 20-ounce bat that is 30 inches long will have a drop of -10. The greater the drop weight (-12 drop is greater than -8 drop), the lighter the bat.
Do you hit harder with a heavier bat? ›So, using a heavier bat should result in faster hit balls, which means the hit ball will travel farther. If a player can maintain the same bat swing speed with a heavier bat, the heavier bat will produce higher batted ball velocity and an increase in distance.
Is it better to hit with heavier bat? ›For optimum power, bigger, stronger players use a heavier bat. Smaller players frequently benefit from a lighter bat that allows them to hit the ball faster. Lighter bats are easier to swing and play ball with than heavy ones, so they're popular with younger players and recreational athletes.
Which bat is best for 12 year old boy? ›| BAT SIZE | APPROX. AGE | HEIGHT OF BATTER |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 11-13 Years Old | 5ft 2″ – 5ft 5″ |
| HARROW | 12-14 Years Old | 5ft 5″ – 5ft 8″ |
| FULL SIZE (Short Handle) | 15+ Years Old | 5ft 8″ – 6ft 3″ |
| FULL SIZE (Long Handle/Blade) | 15+Years Old | 6ft 3″ and above |
Baseball Bat Weight for an 11 Year old
For the most part, players at this age will swing a bat with a -10 drop weight. This means their bat will be 28”/18oz, 29”/19oz, 30”/20oz, or 31”/21oz.
Kids 12 and Under: No larger than 12 inches. Kids 8 and older should try gloves in the 11s, while younger kids (especially if they are smaller) should consider gloves in 9 to 11 inch range. Adolescent: Choose the lower end of the adult size range for your position.
Does a drop 8 hit harder than a drop 10? ›Drop 10 Exit Speed Differences. Assuming you can swing a drop 8 as fast as you can swing a drop 10 then you should be able to hit a ball about 10% harder using the same length drop 8 as you did a drop 10.
What's heavier drop 8 or 10? ›
Drop 8 bats are slightly heavier than drop 10 bats (2 ounces, to be exact), and they provide more power and momentum in the swing. Younger players who are still growing may not be able to handle the weight of a drop 8 bat.
What is better end loaded or balanced? ›A balanced bat is likely your best choice if you are a contact hitter who values bat speed and control. If you are a power hitter who wants to hit the ball farther and harder, an end-loaded bat may be a better fit. When in doubt, pick the balanced bat.
What size bat for a 5 year old boy? ›It may also be specified as a Tball bat. It should be of a length of between 24 inches and 26 inches. The taller your child is, the taller their bat should be. The most common length for a Tee ball player is a 25 inch bat.
How long should a boys bat be? ›Sizing for Youth Bats
If your child is under 3 feet tall in cleats, start with a 25-inch bat. If they're over 3 feet tall, start with a 26-inch bat and go up 1 inch in bath length for every 4–5 inches your kid grows (e.g., move to a 27-inch bat when they're about 3'5”).
A bat's drop is the measurement determined by subtracting the weight of the bat from its length. For example, a bat that weighs 20 ounces and is 30 inches long will have a drop of -10. The greater the drop weight, the lighter the bat.
What is cricket bat knocking? ›Knocking-in a bat compresses the willow fibres and knits them together so they become tougher and can withstand the hard impact of a cricket ball in play. Knocking-in a cricket bat is essential in improving the performance and extending its lifespan.
What is a harrow bat? ›The size Harrow is the biggest of the junior sized cricket bats and would usually suit a player between 5'5″ and 5'7″ or between 13 and 15 years old. A full size guide can be found here.
What is short handle bat? ›Short Handle is the size term for an adult cricket bat, which would usually be used by cricketers around 15 years and older and about 5'8″ in height.
What is a baseball bat called? ›"Lumber" is an often-used slang term for a bat, especially when wielded by a particularly able batter.
What size baseball glove for a 13 year old boy? ›For youth players, infield gloves range in length from 10.75”-11.75”. For high school through adult baseball gloves range from 11.25” to 12.25”.
What's the biggest bat ever recorded? ›
The Golden-Crowned Flying Fox is the largest bat in the world due to its 5.6-foot wingspan.
Is a bat the size of your thumb? ›With a range from Alaska to central Mexico, the little brown bat is one of the most common bats found in North America. This tiny species weighs just a quarter to a third of an ounce and has a body no bigger than a human thumb, but despite its small size, the little brown bat has a big impact on humans.
What is the smallest bat in the world? ›The Kuhn Kitty bat is also called Bumblebee bat or Kitty's hog-nosed bat because of its typical appearance. It is world smallest bat, weighs less than two grams and is just 3 centimeters long.
Is drop 10 or drop 11 lighter? ›Figuring out weight drop is simple. For example, a 31-inch, 21-ounce bat carries a -10 drop weight. A general rule of thumb is the higher level of competition, the lower the drop weight, which means the bat feels heavier. A -8 fastpitch bat will feel much heavier than, for example, a -11 bat.
Is drop 10 heavier than drop 11? ›Simply, the DROP is the difference between length and weight. The higher the drop, the lighter the bat. The smaller the drop, the heavier the bat. In each of those categories, there will be a number e.g. -10oz, -11oz, -12oz etc.
Can you use a 30 inch bat in high school? ›Adult baseball bats must have a -3 length to weight ratio and 2” barrel. In high school and collegiate sanctioned leagues, bats must be 31"-34" long to be legal.
What size bat should a 7 year old boy use? ›The right bat size for most 7-year-olds is a 27/17. We know this because we surveyed hundreds of parents of small players and found that 7-year-olds are most happy with a 27/17 and swing it most often. The next most popular bat was a 28/18 followed by the 26/16.
What size bat should an 8-year-old boy use? ›Bat Size Chart for 8-Year-Old. The right bat size for an 8-year-old, as determined by actual usage, is a 28-inch length and 18-ounce bat. There are barely more using a 29-inch than a 27-inch. The 27 to 29-inch range accounts for more than 80% of all 12-year-old bat sizes.
How do you know if a youth bat is too heavy? ›Another very simple test that anyone can do is to hold the bat out straight. If right-handed, use right hand to hold the bat straight out, parallel to the ground. If he can't easily hold it in this position for 20 seconds, it's too heavy.
What inch bat should a high school boy use? ›Freshmen/Sophmore High School players: 31 and 32 ich are the most popular • Junior/Senior in High School players: 32 and 33 inch are the most popular • College Players: 33 is the most popular size. Age 14 to 16, drop 10 • Age 16 and up, Drop 8oz to 10oz.
What size bat for girls? ›
Youth Softball Bats
According to most research that you'll find online, most bat companies will suggest that ages 8 and under use a -12 to -14 bat, a -12 to -10 for ages 8-14, and for 14 and over an -11 to -8. So for youth softball bats we should be looking at -12 down to a -14 bat.
Bats have been shown to increase their speed by almost 12 miles per hour if they are doubled in mass. As a result, when using a heavier bat, the hit balls should travel farther. A lighter bat can also provide better control over the bat, allowing the batter to make more precise contact with the ball.
Can you hit further with a heavier bat? ›So, using a heavier bat should result in faster hit balls, which means the hit ball will travel farther. If a player can maintain the same bat swing speed with a heavier bat, the heavier bat will produce higher batted ball velocity and an increase in distance.