A Buyers Guide to Baseball Bats

With hundreds of baseball bats out on the market all using some form of new material or technology, it’s getting hard to keep up.  In this basic guide to baseball bats, we will give you information about the materials bats are made from, types of bats, and the terms used to described different bat features, so you can be well informed next time you’re in the market.  Enjoy!

Bat Materials

Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum alloys vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The higher the alloy’s quality, the higher the performance you will get from your bat. Over the years, alloys have actually improved even for the lower priced bats. Technology for baseball bats has become very competitive which is great for you because you can choose which high-tech improvement fits your style. Word to the wise: Technology is great, but go with the bat you like, the one that feels right when you swing it.

Composite
Some bats are 100% composite; some have composite handles and alloy barrels. Materials used to make composite bats vary between manufacturers, so read the bat descriptions carefully. Composite bats have a reputation for out performing metal and wood bats, but some leagues are beginning the consider them dangerous.

Wood
Wood bats are made of either ash, maple, bamboo, or sometimes maple composite wood. Some wood bats even come with up to a 90 day warranty, which was unheard of not too long ago. Wood bats have made a come back in recent years with the popularity of wood bat tournaments coming up all over the country.

Types of Bats

Adult -3 Baseball Bats
Adult -3 baseball bats are used in NFHS and NCAA play, and are for college and highschool use.

Senior League Bats
Senior League baseball bats are generally used by little league players ages 11 – 13 years old.

Youth Bats
Youth baseball bats are usually used in little leagues, Babe Ruth leagues, Cal Ripkin leagues, Dixy Leagues, and Pony Leagues.  Children in 10 and under leagues usually use these size bats.

T-Ball Bats
T-Ball bats are for young children usually around 4 – 6 years old.

Wood Bats
Wood bats come in both youth and adult sizes and are available for all leagues that allow use of wood bats.

Specialty Bats

Fungo Bats
Fungo bats are much longer and thinner than bats used for games. They are designed to be swung repeatedly without making you tired. Coaches use fungo bats to hit balls to their players to practice fielding grounders or fly balls. Fungo bats are available in wood or metal and a wide variety of colors.

Training Bats
Training bats differ from any other type of bat because they have special features most bats don’t have. Some training bats have a completely flat side aiding the player to hit the ball square. Some training bats are meant to help you improve your swing mechanics using an adjustable weight feature. The classic thunderstick bat design is meant to improve hand-eye coordination.

Baseball Bat Terminology

Barrel Size
The barrel of a baseball bat is the wider portion of the bat used to hit baseballs.  Barrel size usually refers to the diameter of the barrel.  Baseball bats come in many different barrel sizes, and some leagues have restrictions on what size barrels can be used.

Big Barrel
This term refers to Bats with a barrel size of around 2 5/8″.  Many youth leagues don’t allow big barrel bats, but quite a few senior league and adult baseball bats come in the big barrel style.

Taper
This is the diameter of the bat’s handle. Standard bats are tapered 31/32 of an inch but can be slightly larger or smaller depending on whether you want a lighter or heavier bat. You may prefer the feel of a bigger bat taper, which can also reduce the sting when a ball isn’t struck on the sweet spot. Some players like a narrower taper for the lighter weight and to rotate their wrists faster when hitting.

Grip
The grip is simply the covering bat manufacturers use on the handle of aluminum bats. Rubber grips absorb more of the shock. Leather or synthetic leather gives a tackier feel for a better grip. Some bats come with a cushioned grip to decrease the shock even more.  Most bat manufacturers sell replacement bat grips in case you want a different style grip on your bat or your grip gets worn out.