Baseball & Softball Sizing Help, Tips & Information
Choosing the Right Baseball or Softball Bat
Selecting a bat is a very personal decision having to do with the unique configuration of your body — e.g. your height, weight, arm length, and hitting strength. To provide yourself with the most comfort and ease of swing, carefully explore the various lengths and weights of aluminum, graphite, and wood bat constructions available.
Aluminum Bats
Introduced in the early 1970s, aluminum bats were offered as the lighter alternative to wood. They're popular choices for recreational leagues, youth clubs, and especially softball.
Strengths: Lightweight, various size configurations, "bottle" barrel shape. This shape has a thin handle and a larger, thicker surface area for hitting at the front end of the bat. The benefit is a bigger "sweet spot." Some models have a loaded front end to pack more power.
Weaknesses: Higher occurrence of "ball shock" than with a wooden bat. "Ball shock" occurs when the metal bat barrel strikes the ball, sending a zinger straight to your hands.
Composite or Half & Half Bats
Made up of composite materials, such as graphite. Half & half bats generally consist of a composite handle with an aluminum alloy barrel.
Strengths: Light weight, durable, "bottle" barrel shape provides a larger "sweet spot." Graphite provides a buffer on the inner wall to decrease the vibrations and sting of "ball shock." Some models come with a loaded front end for more power.
Weaknesses: Still has a higher occurrence of "ball shock" than a wooden bat.
Wooden Bats
Since the first days of the game, wood has represented the classic construction in bats. These bats are usually made from a select grade of Northern White Ash or maple. They are often flame-treated and coated with a finish for extra durability.
Strengths: Strong, reliable, "tapered" barrel shape. Still the bat of choice in the Major Leagues.
Weaknesses: Less hitting power than aluminum or graphite-constructed bats. More likely to crack under the velocity of the ball. "Tapered" barrel shape reduces bats hitting zone or "sweet spot." Although some players enjoy the challenge and reward of finding the "sweet spot" on their wooden bats.
Baseball : Bats 101
Baseball - High School / College
Bats have flared walls.
Cannot exceed a 2 5/8" barrel diameter.
Length and weight are variable.
Need to have a -3 length to weight ratio.
College bats must have BESR certification.
High School bats must also have BESR certification.
Baseball - Wooden Bats
Diameters, lengths, and weights are all variable.
There is no warranty on any wooden bats.
Baseball - Senior League
Maximum barrel diameter is 2 3/4".
Length to weight ratio can very between -3 and -8.5
Does not require BESR certification
Baseball - Little League
Maximum barrel diameter is 2 1/4"
Length to weight ratio can be up to -12.5
Softball - Slowpitch
Bat barrel has parallel walls.
Gradual taper from handle to barrel.
Bat weight is variable; length is 34".
All softball bats in-store meet 1.20 bpf standard and are ASA certified.
Softball - Fastpitch
Bat barrel has parallel walls.
Dramatic flare from handel to barrel; sometimes referred to as "bottle bats."
Bat length and weight are both variable.
Generally designed for female athletes.
All softball bats in-store meet 1.20 bpf standard and are ASA certified.
Note: These are guides established by governing bodies for baseball and softball. Individual leagues and organizations have the right to limit bat specifications as they see fit. Please speak with a league official if you have more questions.
Baseball : Bat Sizing
Consider your height and weight. It gives you an idea of which length bat will work for your swing.
To find the right size bat for you, find your height in the chart below. Then find the column with your weight and move across the chart until you come to the header containing your weight. This meeting point, in inches, indicates the best bat length for you.
