by Brandon Merrill

Created on: October 31, 2009

It is extremely important to buy a bat that suits your bat speed. If you are purchasing a bat for a youth baseball player, a good test for weight is to have the player hold the bat straight out with his or her throwing hand for thirty seconds. Do not let the player choke up, but hold the grip directly above the knob. If the player can do this without having to lower the bat or their elbow, the weight of the bat is probably suitable for them. The diameter of the barrel for players 9-10 years old can not exceed 2 3/4 inches. For players ages 11-12 the maximum diameter is 2 1/4 inches. The weight of the bat is determined on a minus three scale. For example, if the length of the bat is thirty inches the weight could be no less than twenty seven ounces. Little League baseball has recently implemented a bat performance factor (BPF) that cannot exceed 1.15. Bat performance factor is the amount of increase in liveliness of the ball hitting the bat compared to a solid wall.

High School as well as collegiate baseball players should consider their height and weight as well as their ability level when choosing a bat. A player between 5'10 and 6 feet tall weighing under 150lbs. would probably swing a 33 inch bat. Smaller players may opt for at 32, and guys over six feet weighing over 160lbs. would probably benefit from a 34. A middle of the lineup Division I or II collegiate player would likely upgrade to a 35 inch 32 ounce bat to reap power benefits. High school and college baseball also share the minus three rule, and use a ball exit speed requirement (BESR) which means the ball cannot exit the bat at a rate exceeding 97mph. Louisville Slugger, Easton TPX and Wilson's DeMarini are among the premiere aluminum bats in the game.

Prices for aluminum bats vary from $30-400. A top of the line little league Louisville Slugger could cost up to $250, and the Collegiate Model of the Easton Stealth goes for $400.

Wooden bats have several factors to be considered as well. A lead off type hitter would typically go for a bat that provides plate coverage and allows bat speed. The Louisville Slugger Pro Stock Lite (M110 or C271) series would be a popular choice. However, these bats have a tendency to break easier than a normally weighted bat. Especially if they are maple, which are more likely to break than an ash bat and also in a grander fashion. Maple bats shatter and are a cause for controversy in professional baseball today. Ash bats generally crack around the handle when a batter is jammed of hit the ball off the end of the bat. A regularly weighted M110 is a pretty standard wood bat, and is generally a safe bet when purchasing a bat. Both the ash and maple models have good pop and can be effective for a power and average hitters. Mizuno bats are generally a bit more top heavy with skinnier handles. Recently some companies have experimented with bamboo bats. Bamboo is a tougher wood to break, so if you are looking for durability a Brett Bat might be in you're best interest. The ball does not jump off the bat as well as maple or ash though. Other notable wood bat companies are Rawlings, Old Hickory, Akadema, and Carolina Club. The average price for an ash bat is between $30-60. Maple varies from the $50-200 range. Bamboo around $80.

Purchasing the proper bat is a major decision. I would recommend seeking out a warehouse that allows you to test the bats before purchase to see what fits you. Make sure you meet the league's bat regulations, and hit the ball on the barrel. Good Luck!

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