What To Look For
Finding the right baseball bat is a subjective process. Varying sizes of handles and barrels and designs will make each bat feel slightly different when it is swung. Youth baseball bats typically range in length from 24 to 34 inches with weights that are often four to six ounces lighter than the length of the bat in inches. Larger hitters usually can handle heavier bats while players with less muscle typically went lighter bats in order to sacrifice power for bat speed.
Common Pitfalls
Buying a bat which is too long or heavy for a child's will make it difficult for them to swing the bat quickly enough to catch up to fast pitches. Younger players who are just learning the game will want to have a bat which is light enough to easily swing. However, a bat which is too light might not provide enough power and a bat that is too short can make it tough for a batter to reach pitches over the outside part of the strike zone.
Where To Buy
While online sites can have discounted prices, purchasing at a sporting goods store like Dick's Sporting Goods gives a player a chance to grab the bat--and in many cases use it at an in-store batting cage--before purchasing. Used sporting goods stores like Play It Again Sports combine the ability to see bats firsthand with cheaper prices. Baseball bats can last for years, making a used bat purchase a sensible choice.
Cost
New youth baseball bats can range in price from $40 to $200 for top-end models. When new models come out, many stores and manufacturers will reduce the price of older models, allowing you to get a high quality bat at a lower price. If your child is younger and likely to grow quickly, buying a more affordable bat makes sense because they will need a new bat when they get taller and heavier.
Comparison Shopping
Wooden bats are not used in youth baseball leagues because of the cost of replacing broken bats. The majority of youth baseball bats have barrels made primarily from aluminum, graphite or titanium. Aluminum bats are very durable and more affordable than bats made of graphite, titanium or a combination of the two. However, graphite and titanium are lighter, providing a bat that is easier to swing with a larger sweet spot.
Accessories
Batting gloves are often used by baseball players to improve their grip and help them avoid getting painful blisters associated with frequent hitting. Helmets are also required by all youth baseball organizations. Bats have different types of grip to help a player grasp the handle and absorb the shock of making contact. Grips can be removed in order to be replaced due to wear from frequent use or because the player does not like the particular type of grip being used.
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