Bat Buying Guide

No matter the softball league you play in, buying a bat is a personal decision. New technology has delivered bats that not only enhance performance but also are tailored to an individual player’s strengths. It is essential that you select a bat that fits your unique body and skill level-height, weight, and strength.

Understanding Bat Materials

Bats are now made in a variety of materials, which can be broken down into two main categories: aluminum and graphite/titanium. Each of these provide its own unique characteristics:

  • Aluminum
    • provides a lighter weight for increased control and bat speed
    • more durable and longer-lasting
    • comes in a variety of alloys, each with a different weight. Generally, the lighter aluminum alloys are thinner and provide a larger “sweet spot”
    • single-layer or double-layer construction
  • Graphite/Titanium lined
    • enables manufacturers to make both lighter and stronger
    • helps reduce vibration and shock

Determining the Right Bat Length for your Body

There are some standard rules of thumb when selecting the appropriate length and weight for your body. The information below provide some guidelines on selecting a bat based on your age or height and weight.

  • Age is the simplest method
    • 5-7 years old: 24″-26″ bat length
    • 8-9 years old: 26″-28″
    • 10 years old: 26″-28″
    • 11-12 years old: 30″-31″
    • 13-14 years old: 31″-32″
    • 15-16 years old: 32″-33″
    • 17+ years old: 34″
  • Height and Weight are a better method of dermining what bat length fits your body the best.
      Heigh (inches)
    Weight (lbs) 36-40 41-44 45-48 49-52 53-56 57-60 61-64 65-68 69-72 73+
    < 60 26″ 27″ 28″ 29″ 29″
    61-70 27″ 27″ 28″ 29″ 30″ 30″
    71-80 28″ 28″ 29″ 30″ 30″ 31″
    81-90 28″ 29″ 29″ 30″ 30″ 31″ 32″
    91-100   28″ 29″ 30″ 30″ 31″ 31″ 32″
    101-110   29″ 29″ 30″ 30″ 31″ 31″ 32″
    111-120   29″ 29″ 30″ 30″ 31″ 31″ 32″
    121-130   29″ 29″ 30″ 30″ 31″ 32″ 33″ 33″
    131-140   29″ 30″ 30″ 31″ 31″ 32″ 33″ 33″
    141-150 30″ 30″ 31″ 31″ 32″ 33″ 33″
    151-160   30″ 31″ 31″ 32″ 32″ 33″ 33″ 33″
    161-170   31″ 31″ 32″ 32″ 33″ 33″ 34″
    170+   33″ 33″ 34″ 34″

Determining the Right Bat Weight

  • Most bats are weighted in ounces
  • Manufacturers have done a great job in balancing the bat’s weight to its length
  • Many bats have a weight-to-length ratio, often shown as -8, -10, etc. For example, a 34-inch bat with a -8 ratio weighs 26 oz.
  • Selecting the appropriate weight depends on two critical factors – strength and hitting style; but it also depends heavily on your personal preference.
  • Use the following guidelines:
    • Bigger, stronger players prefer a heavier bat in order to get the benefits of the heft and swing power
    • Smaller players with less strength should consider a lighter bat to help them generate a quicker swing
    • Younger players should also consider a lighter bat to help increase control
    • Singles hitters generally use lighter bats
    • Lighter bats also reduce the risk of injury

NOTE: Regardless of the information above, the most important factors are whether the player can control the bat and create the adequate bat speed. A bat that is too long or heavy will often result in a loopy swing that causes real problems when the player faces faster pitching. We recommend erring in favor of a lighter and shorter bat, especially for beginning players. Do not buy a bat that is too heavy or too long so that the player can grow into it.

Understanding Bat Technology

There are three essential elements to a bat: barrel size, bat taper and grip.

  • Barrel Size
    • This includes both the length of the barrel – top part of the bat – and its diameter
    • The longer the barrel, the larger the sweet spot
    • Fastpitch softball barrel standard is 2 3/4″ in diameter
    • Many players prefer a smaller barrel that lightens the bat and provides more swing speed
  • Bat taper
    • This is the diameter of the bat’s handle
    • Standard bats are tapered 31/32″ but can be slightly smaller or larger depending on the bat weight
    • Some players prefer a narrower taper for the lighter weight and to enable them to rotate their wrists faster
  • Grip
    • The grip is simply the covering the manufacturers use on the handle
    • Leather or synthetic leather gives a tacker feel for a surer grip
    • Rubber grips absorb more shock
    • Some bats come with a cushioned grip that decreases the shock even more