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Choosing a Bat

Aluminum Bats

Aluminum is the most common material for all bats except those used by Major League baseball players. The popularity of aluminum is due to its durability; aluminum bats are extremely difficult to break or crack. In addition, aluminum bats are lighter, provide more power and will hit a baseball a greater distance.



For the most part aluminum bats are made from four alloys. In order from heaviest to lightest, these alloys are 7046, CU31, C405ª, and C405ªPLUS. In general, lighter aluminum is thinner and more durable, which results in bats that have larger sweet spots, more power, longer hits and less dents. In addition, aluminum bats can be made with single-layer or double-layer. Bats with double-layer construction have higher durability and will hit a ball farther.

Choosing A Bat

When choosing a bat, begin by considering your height and weight. This will give you an idea of the bat length that will work best for you.
36-
40		 41-
44		 45-
48		 49-
52		 53-
56		 57-
60		 61-
64		 65-
68		 69-
72		 73 +
less than 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"
171-
180		           32" 33" 33" 34" 34"
180+             33" 33" 34" 34"



Barrel Size

A standard size barrel diameter is 2 1/4 inches for Youth Leagues and 2 5/8 inches for High School and College. Some batters prefer a slightly smaller barrel for less weight and more speed through the strike zone.

Bat Taper

Bat taper is the diameter of the bat handle. Bat should be tapered enough so that you can grip with both hands comfortably around the handle. The standard bat taper is 31/32 of an inch, but can be slightly larger or smaller based on whether you want a lighter or heavier bat.

Choosing a Bat for League Players

League bat length requirements can vary. Be sure to check your leagues regulations before choosing a bat.

(Note)
A lighter bat will give the young batter more control of his swing and reduce the chance of injury.

The following is a rough guideline of bat size based on age. This data can be used in conjunction with the table shown above suggesting bat size based on height and weight.

5 to 7 years old 24"-26"
8 to 9 years old 26"-28"
10 years old 28"-29"
11-12 years old 30"-31"
13-14 years old 31"-32"
15-16 years old 32"-33"
 

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Last modified: February 14, 2010