BAT ANATOMY
KNOB: Helps keep the bat from slipping out of a batter's hand; Also helpful for hanging on a bat rack for storage
GRIP: Typically covered by tape or a bat gripping aid, this is where a batter will place his or her hands when swinging
TAPER: This section is where the thin handle transitions into the wider barrel
BARREL: The thickest area of the bat where a batter should look to make contact with a baseball or softball
END CAP: Finishes off the barrel; Often helps increase control while limiting the bat's overall swing weight
DROP WEIGHT
Every non-wood baseball bat has a weight and "drop" weight. Bat weights are shown in ounces, while drop weights are shown as negative numbers
The drop weight is determined by subtracting the weight of the bat from its length
For example, a bat that’s 30 inches long and weighs 20 ounces will have a drop weight of -10.
The larger the drop weight, the lighter the bat
For example, a bat with a -13 drop weight is lighter than a bat with a -10 drop weight.
Lighter bats are often best for beginners and smaller, contact-oriented players. Heavier bats are better suited for older, advanced athletes and larger, power-hitting players
Some National Governing Bodies will dictate which drop a player is allowed to swing
For example, High school and college players will need a BBCOR-approved bat (which has a -3 drop weight).
| AGE | 4-6 | 7-11 | 12-14 | 15+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DROP | -11,-12,-13 | -8,-10,-11,-12 | -5,-8,-10 | -3 |
DICK'S PRO TIP: To determine if a bat is too heavy, here's one simple trick. Hold the bat handle and extend your arm away from your side. If you can't hold the bat extended for 30-45 seconds, the bat might be too heavy for you.
BAT MATERIALS
The life and performance of a bat is largely determined by the quality of its materials. There are three common bat materials found in performance bats (but for more information on Wood Bats, visit our Wood Bat Buying Guide.)
COMPOSITE
Composite bats feature a layered carbon fiber or graphite material in the barrel that yields a powerful pop, minimized vibration (or “sting”) on contact and large sweet spot, but typically will cost more and requires a break-in period before use. Composite often feels lighter and is easier to swing than alloy, especially for younger players.
Price: $$$
Break-In: Required; Roughly 150-200 hits
Weather Conditions: Not recommended below 65 degrees
Vibration: Reduced vibration; clean and smooth feel on contact
Sound: Crack, like a piece of wood
Sweet Spot: ***
DICK'S PRO TIP: For optimal break-in, rotate the bat a quarter turn with each swing, and increase the power level gradually
METAL ALLOY
Metal Alloy bats are durable, versatile and offer a balanced feel. They are usable in any weather condition and require no break-in period. But alloy bats may feel a little heavier for younger players, especially those with double wall barrels - and they tend to have a smaller sweet spot and less pop than composite. More advanced players who have learned to make contact with a smaller sweet spot may prefer the balanced feel of alloy that can lead to faster swing speeds.
Price: $
Break-In: Ready out of the wrapper
Weather Conditions: Any
Vibration: Some Vibration and sting felt on mis-hits
Sound: Ping
Sweet Spot: *
DICK'S PRO TIP: Not all alloy blends are created equal! This will lead to a variation in price on all alloy bats
HYBRID
Hybrid or "Half & Half" bats typically feature a composite handle and metal alloy barrel to give athletes the durability and “hot out of the wrapper” performance of metal with the lighter feel and sting-reducing benefits of composite.
Price: $$
Break-In: Ready out of the wrapper
Weather Conditions: Any
Vibration: Some vibration and sting felt on mis-hits, but this can be minimized thanks to the composite handle
Sound: Ping
Sweet Spot: **
DICK'S PRO TIP: if you love the feel of an alloy barrel but desire a lower swing weight, look for a hybrid bat with composite end cap!
ONE PIECE VS. TWO PIECE
BALANCED VS. END-LOADED
DETERMINING YOUR IDEAL BAT LENGTH
Using the right length of bat is critical to achieving proper swing mechanics and results at the plate. Too long, and you can risk compromising bat speed or accuracy. Too short, and you can limit your plate coverage, giving up a portion of your strike zone
If you're in a store or visiting one of our HitTrax cages, here's a few Pro Tips on how to measure for the proper length:
If you're unable to hold a bat and measure using the above methods, use this size chart as a guide, based on your height and weight:
| YOUTH (USA & USSSA) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLAYER HEIGHT (FT/IN) | |||||||||||
| 3'-3'4" | 3'5"-3'8" | 3'9"-4' | 4'1"-4'4" | 4'5"-4'8" | 4'9"-5' | 5'1"-5'4" | 5'5"-5'8" | 5'9"-6' | 6'1"+ | ||
| PLAYER WEIGHT (LBS.) | UNDER 50 | 26" | 26" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 31" |
| 50-70 | 26" | 26" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |
| 71-90 | 26" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |
| 91-110 | 26" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |
| 111-130 | 27" | 28" | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | |
| 131-150 | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 32" | |
| 151-170 | 28" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 32" | 32" | |
| 171-190 | 28" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 32" | 32" | |
| 191+ | 28" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 32" | 32" | |
| HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE (BBCOR) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLAYER HEIGHT (FT/IN) | ||||||
| PLAYER WEIGHT (LBS.) | 4'9"-5' | 5'1"-5'4" | 5'5"-5'8" | 5'9"-6' | 6'1"+ | |
| 71-80 | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | |
| 81-90 | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | |
| 91-100 | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 32" | |
| 101-110 | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | |
| 111-120 | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | |
| 121-130 | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | |
| 131-140 | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | |
| 141-150 | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | |
| 151-160 | 32" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | |
| 161-170 | 32" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 34" | |
| 171-180 | 32" | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" | |
| 181+ | 32" | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" | |
If you don't have access your player's height and weight, here are commonly used bat lengths by age:
| RECOMMENDED BAT LENGTH BY AGE | |
|---|---|
| AGE | BAT LENGTH |
| 5-7 | 24"-26" |
| 8-9 | 26"28" |
| 10 | 28"-29" |
| 11-12 | 30"-31" |
| 13-14 | 31"-32" |
| 15-16 | 32"-33" |
| 17+ | 33"-34 |
DICK'S PRO TIP: the charts above should be used solely as a guide - Ultimately, the right bat length will come down to your preference and other determining factors, such as skill level, strength and others.
BAT LEAGUES AND CERTIFICATIONS
When choosing a baseball bat for your upcoming season, one of the first things you should look at is your league's National Governing Body. The three most common governing bodies for bats are USA Baseball, USSSA and BBCOR. Every league, regardless of age, will follow a specific bat standard for their equipment regulations. The Bat certification logo will always be stamped somewhere on the barrel or taper of the bat. Be sure to check with your local league prior to purchase to ensure your bat meets league requirements
BASEBALL LEAGUES AND CERTIFICATIONS
BBCOR
Ages: 14+ (HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE)
Drop Weight Must be -3
Bat Length: 29"-34"
Barrel Diameters: 2-5/8"
Stamp: BBCOR
All high school and college athletes must use a bat that has a -3 drop weight and a barrel diameter that does not exceed 2-5/8". All bats will be stamped with a BBCOR.50 certification, which measures and regulates the "trampoline effect' of a bat to ensure more wood-like performance.
USSSA
Ages: 8-14
Drop Weights: -5, -8 and -10
Bat Lengths: "25”-33”
Barrel Diameters: 2-5/8", 2-3/4"
Stamp: USSSA
USSSA travel ball leagues allow barrels with a diameter larger than 2-1/4" and will provide the highest allowed performance for younger players. Athletes near high school age should move closer to a -5 drop weight to prepare them for BBCOR’s -3 drop weight requirement
USA
Ages: 7 -14
Drop Weights: -5 through -13.5
Bat Lengths: 24" through 32"
Barrel Diameters: 2-1/4", 2-5/8"
Stamp: USA
USA Bats are approved for the following youth leagues: AABC, Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken, Dixie, Little League, PONY and NABF. USA Bats will yield a lower performance than USSSA bats, giving an output closer to wood to provide a more level playing field across youth participants.
JR. BIG BARREL
Ages: 6-8 (Coach Pitch)
Drop Weights: -10 through -14
Bat Lengths: 25" through 28"
Barrel Diameters: 2-5/8", 2-3/4"
Stamp: USSSA
Made specifically for athletes in coach pitch or machine pitch leagues and designed for hitting baseballs thrown at 45 mph or less.
T-BALL
Ages: 7 & Under (Beginner)
Drop Weights: -10 through -14
Bat Lengths: 24", 25", 26"
Barrel Diameters: 2-1/4", 2-5/8"
Stamp: USA
T-Ball bats are designed for first-time athletes learning the fundamentals of hitting off a batting tee. Little League T-Ball Bats will feature the USA stamp and cannot exceed 26"
