A baseball bat is a very individualized piece of equipment. You want to choose the bat that has the perfect balance of swing speed, power and reach. Choosing a bat requires you to make decisions about two main characteristics, weight and length. Consider proper fitting methods and alternative materials when choosing your own bat.
Weight
One of the principle measurements of bat size is weight, measured and displayed in ounces. Weight is determined by length and materials, and bats range in weight from 15 oz. to 45 oz. Lightweight bats are best for younger players in youth leagues and high-school play. A heavier bat is not necessarily more powerful. For instance, many lightweight aluminum bats can hit the ball further than most classic, and heavier, wood bats.
Length
When considering length, choose the bat that offers the best combination of size and balance. Bats are measured in inches and range from 24 inches to 34 inches for most youth bats, and up to 42 inches for professional wooden bats. A longer bat will allow you to reach more balls and has a larger sweet spot. However, larger bats are usually heavier. Also, a longer bat produces more torque. Torque is the relation of a item's weight and length. In two bats of the same weight, a longer bat will feel heavier.
Fitting
When choosing a bat, consider a few fitting methods to help you decide. Hold the bat at the end of the handle, around the knob area with one hand. Raise the bat so that it is horizontal, parallel to the ground. Hold the bat in that position for 30 seconds. If your arm drops or gets too tired to maintain the position, the bat is either too heavy, too long or both. If you can easily hold the bat up, then it is either the right size or too light. Try heavier, longer bats until you fail to hold it up. Once you have a range of bats that you can hold for 30 seconds, take practice swings with each one and choose the bat that you feel most natural swinging.
Materials
There are four basic materials used in bats: aluminum, graphite, titanium and wood. Aluminum bats are lightweight, strong, durable and affordable. Some alloys can increase certain characteristics of the aluminum, including power or durability. Graphite and titanium are often used together with aluminum. Titanium in particular has a stronger strength-to-weight ratio, good for powerful and lightweight bats. If you are committed to a certain length, consider bats that use lighter weight materials. Wood is the heaviest and weakest of all materials and is principally used in Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball, where aluminum and other metal bats are not legal.
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