Choosing the Perfect Baseball Bat

1. A Quick Guide to Choosing the Perfect Baseball Bat There’s no question that a baseball bat is a key piece of equipment for any player. But with all the different brands, materials, and sizes out there, choosing which kind of baseball bats to purchase is not as easy as it may seem. Here’s a quick guide to help you narrow down your choices and purchase the perfect baseball bat for your needs: Bat Material Decide what material you want your bat to be made of. Here are three popular baseball bat materials you can choose from: Composite, Alloy, and Wood. 1. Composite The design of the composite bat is what sets it apart from other materials. The carbon fibers are intertwined together and then stacked in layers, allowing for a very accurate distribution of weight throughout the bat giving it a well-balanced feel. Composite bats typically have a two-piece construction which gives players less discomfort on the hands on a miss-hit.

2. 2. Wood Wooden bats are typically made from a single piece of wood (maple, ash, or birch wood). However, there are some that are made from a combination of different types of wood. Some bats may even be made from a combination of wood and other man-made materials - often called composite wood bats. These bats are a touch heavier than the others, which might help younger players develop more strength in their swing. These bats are not as forgiving when the ball is not squared up on the barrel. Which is great for encouraging you to consistently strike the ball in the sweet spot. One of the biggest cons: these bats may break when faced with a thrown pitch with decent velocity and when you don't connect with it on the barrel. 3. Alloy Historically, alloy bats are more on the end-loaded side compared to composite bats. However, later on, manufacturers eventually figured out a way to make these bats feel more balanced. One-piece design is most common for these bats. Despite the fact that alloy bats feel more balanced compared before, these bats may still feel a bit end-loaded to some young players. But for older and stronger players, they would usually find the stiff feel of these bats enjoyable. Age and Bat Regulations Before you start shopping for bats, make sure you know what certifications your bat will need. This will help narrow down your choices and will definitely help save you time. Players in highschool and older will usually require BBCOR bats. Depending on the league regulations, players younger than high school will require USSSA or USA certified bats. Keep in mind that most youth leagues in Australia do not allow USSSA bats. For even younger players, T-ball bats will be best. The following table is a chart to determine with bats to consider based on the player’s age: Age Group 4 - 6 T-Ball Bats

3. 7 - 13 USA / USSSA Bats 14 - 18 BBCOR Bats You would often find the league logo stamped on the bat. The logos on the bat mean that the bat has been tested and approved for use in specific leagues. You can always check with a coach or league official before shopping for a bat if you want to be sure you’re purchasing the right bat. Length and Weight Generally, it is always helpful to find out what requirements are needed to be considered for when you’re shopping for bats. Additionally, make sure to consider the feel of the bat. If you would prefer balanced bats or end-loaded bats. After all, length and weight are the key factors affecting your overall hitting experience. There are three ways to determine if the bat is the right length for you: 1. Position the bat in the center of your chest pointing to the side, parallel to your outstretched arm. You should be able to comfortably reach the top of the bat with your fingertips. 2. Position the bat in the center of your chest pointing outwards. Your arm should be able to reach out and grab the barrel of the bat. 3. Stand the bat up against the side of your leg with the bottom of the bat facing upward. The knob of the bat should reach the center of your palm. To determine if a bat is too heavy for you, I would recommend this useful exercise. You should be able to hold the bat in front of you with one hand for 15-20 seconds without your arm shaking and without dropping the bat. Make sure to hold your bat just above the handle. Additionally, you might want to consider going to a local batting cage and test out different bats before you decide on one. This would give you a feel for what bat would work best for you. Budget It would be best to decide on your budget beforehand. Baseball bats can range in price from around A$60 to over A$800. It’s important to find a bat that fits both your needs and your budget.

4. There are definitely some great options out there that won’t break the bank. If you’re just starting out, I would recommend looking for an entry-level bat. These bats will often be made from lower quality materials but they will definitely get the job done. As you start to play more and progress in your skill level, you can look into getting a higher quality bat that will perform better and last longer. So, what’s the best baseball bat for you? Hopefully, this quick guide has helped make the process a bit easier.