Ever ask yourself “What bat should I swing?”  This question can only really be answered by asking further questions. 

 

 

To know what is ideal you need to know what type of hitter you are.  Size, strength, and level of competition are all integral pieces of this puzzle.  Not only is the type of hitter important, but especially for younger players, the player’s size and strength must be taken into account.  Young players who haven’t fully matured should not pick a bat that they can grow in to.  There is no sense in choosing a bat that you hope to grow in to in the next year.  You need to swing a bat that fits your size today.  While it’s true that using a heavier bat will build strength, it is also true that a heavy bat will cause bad habits to form.  The rule of thumb when trying to determine whether you’re strong enough for a bat is to extend your arm and have a friend hand you the bat, with the knob towards you.  If you can’t grab the bat without the barrel dipping several inches towards the floor the bat is probably too heavy for you.

 

The most important reason for swinging a bat you can handle is bat speeed.  If the bat is too heavy you will be too slow to the ball.  You’ve probably heard announcers say of an aging player “he has a slider speed bat.”  What they mean is that the player’s bat speed has slowed down and he has to cheat to handle a good fastball.  He’s saying that the batter’s only chance to drive the ball is on the slower slider.

 

While too heavy is bad, too light is not good either.  If your bat is too light you are sacrificing power.  For example, if you can handle a 32 ounce bat, but swing a 30 ounce bat you’re giving up two ounces of mass.  Mass plays a role in hitting a ball far.  Basically, the more momentum applied to an object the further it goes in the opposite direction.  The way to get more momentum is have more mass (a heavier bat) behind the ball.  Swing a bat that’s light enough to control, but heavy enough to give you all the pop you can muster.

 

Lastly you need consider what model to use.  There are literally hundreds of models available.  Some bats are made for maximum power, big barrels, top heavy, and skinny handles.  Some bats are made to last and have thick handles not much smaller than the barrels.  For instance, most manufacturers make models like a 271 and a 243.  These models are used by two completely different types of batters.  Typically the 271 is built with balance and control in mind.  Line drive hitters who hit to all fields and gaps love this bat.  Its handle tapers smoothly into a medium sized barrel.  Its dimensions give it an even weight distribution so that the batter can control the bat through the zone.  The 243 on the other hand, is built with sluggers in mind.  The handle has a sharper taper into a large barrel.  The large barrel means more weight is at the end of the bat which makes it top heavy.  Strong guys who don’t get cheated on their swing use the 243.

 

Now that you know some of the finer points that go into choosing a model, here's the secret answer to choosing the best bat for you.  Are you ready?  Do you think you know it?  Well here it is: comfort.  You have to be comfortable at the plate.  Why?  Well being comfortable is the only way you’re going to have success.  And ultimately that’s what you’re after in this game, success.  Going to the dish with the best piece of lumber for you is how you have success.

 

We hope that you’ve learned a little bit about choosing the best bat for you.  You can also check out this chart for basic guidelines on the size bat for your height and weight.