Things to Consider When Buying a Baseball Bat

With so many kinds of baseball equipment available in stores, choosing a bat can get confusing. However, by knowing a few things about the different kinds of bats and identifying your specific needs ahead of time, you should be able to make the task drastically easier.

Keep in mind that bats are made for different kinds of needs, so there is essentially no one ultimate best bat for all people. It all comes down to individual preference. When shopping around, give yourself a lot of time to figure out your comfort levels, and try out as many bats as possible within your identified choice parameters. 

Sizes

One of the most obvious differences among bats is the sizes. Bat lengths and weights differ substantially and figuring out the right one for young player relies very often on the batter's own height and weight. A study conducted by a baseball equipment manufacturer with the University of Arizona resulted in the discovery of formulas for calculating the right bat weight (in ounces) for the right batter's height (in inches) or weight (in pounds). Children aged eight to ten, for example, can identify the right bat by dividing their height first by four, and then adding four again. So if a child is 50 inches tall, then the most suitable bat for him/her is around 16.5 ounces. High school and college players are advised to use the formula, height divided three plus five.

Some manufacturers have their own charts that you can follow so you will not have to do your own computation.

 Levels of Play

Another important attribute that you need to look into is the bat's diameter. Official sizes according to age groups need to be followed, together with the prescribed length-to-weight ratio. Adult bats have a 2 5/8-inch diameter barrel; senior league bats can have 2 5/8 or 2 ¾ inches; while youth bats have a 2 ¼-inch barrel.

The length-to-weight ratio, represented by a negative number, shows the difference between the bat's weight in ounces and its length in inches. Therefore a bat that is 32 inches long and weighs 28 ounces, has a ratio of -4. Although ratios can go as high as -13.5 for children's leagues, the ratio is limited to -3 only for high school and college levels of play. This is to avoid injuring other players on the field, as bats with bigger ratios generate much more power.

Check regulations of your league before buying your bat.

 Materials

The three most common classifications of bats are wood, aluminum and composite. Wood is the only material allowed in Major League Baseball and it comes in different kinds. Some bats feature pure white ash, maple or bamboo, while others come in combinations of two kinds of wood. Wood bats are heavier and they break more easily than aluminum and composite bats.

Bats made of aluminum or composite are generally lighter and more durable. They give a faster swing, and are thus preferred by younger players. Composite bats, usually made of fiberglass and graphite are more expensive than aluminum ones.

If you are trying to transition from a non-wood bat to wood, start with lighter bats, such those with a medium barrel.

 One-Piece vs. Two-piece

One-piece bats are preferred by harder sluggers. They provide more control, but do not absorb vibration. Two-piece bats absorb vibration efficiently due to its "trampoline effect."

 Special features

Certain baseball equipment manufacturers install unique features into some of their products. Some bats, for instance, feature a cupped end to regulate the weight during swing, while others have an ink dot on the barrel, which serves as a marker when turning the bat. Turning the bat helps to prolong its life.