How to Choose a Baseball Bat

There are many different types of baseball bats currently on the market, from lightweight Aluminum through to hardwood bats, and before you choose one you should consider a number of factors such as the type of game you want to play, your height, weight and strength and of course your budget.

Each different baseball league or club has their own rules regarding the type of baseball bats you can use, so it is important that you check these first before you go out and buy one.  For example Aluminum and metal composite bats are completely excluded from professional leagues, and for safety reasons High School and college bats are limited to a maximum 2 5/8″ barrel diameter and -3 oz weight to length ratio.

Different Materials
Once you have determined whether there are any restrictions on the type of bat you can use, you can then start thinking about which of the different materials on offer would suit you best:

Aluminum/Composite Metals - metal bats are very light, but also very strong and are much more suitable for beginners, as they allow you to generate more speed through the swing and the lightweight is more forgiving on your arm, back and shoulder muscles when you miss a hit.  Metal bats can help players to strike the baseball much harder and faster, resulting in amazing hits that just soar out of the ballpark and can also be much cheaper and long lasting than wood bats.

Aluminum Bats

White Ash - this is the most popular wood for baseball bats, because it is lightweight, hard and durable with a strong grain, and is plentiful and easy to manufacture.  White Ash can be expensive though, as it is typically made from trees over 50 years old.

Maple - this wood is also popular for baseball bats, and is also hard, strong and durable, but because it is a very dense, makes it more expensive to buy than White Ash.

Maple Bat

Hickory Bat

Hickory - this was once the most common type of baseball bat, as it is extremely strong and hard, although like maple it is a very dense wood, and so its popularity has fallen in recent years as it is simply too heavy for most players.

Size of the Bat
The length and weight of the baseball bat are critical for the comfort and success of the hit, and it is important to consider your height, weight and overall strength when choosing a bat.  Generally taller players should be using slightly longer bats, and a stronger player should be choosing a slightly heavier bat (which can significantly improve the strike), but of course each player is an individual, so you need to choose the bat that feels comfiest for you.