Has your baseball career become similar to Mighty Casey? Maybe you're really not that bad at baseball and it's time to reevaluate your equipment. Choosing the wrong bat can seriously affect your game. Besides searching for a top quality brand, weight, length, and composition are other important factors to consider. So let's get smart about baseball bats before you step up to the plate.
Choosing the Right Material
Baseball bats are made out of three different materials: aluminum, composite, and wood. Aluminum and composite bats are the most common bats used. They are both lightweight and have high strength. A lightweight bat will allow the hitter to produce more speed and power when hitting. Both aluminum and composite bats are more durable, so you don't have to worry about shattering the bat every time you hit a home run. Aluminum bats can dent though, and therefore eventually lose their power. Composite bats take a longer time to break in, are more expensive, and shouldn't be used in weather lower than 70 degrees or the bat can break. Wood bats are required for pro players and are made from ash, maple, hickory, and bamboo. Because they break easier, batters will become more adept at hitting in the strike zone and waiting for good pitches.
Size Matters
A general rule of thumb is: the taller the hitter, the longer the bat. Many say that age determines the length of the bat, which is true, but of course there will always be kids who are either big or small for their age. No matter which length you end up getting, the weight of the bat should be as light as possible. The weight is indicated on a bat by ounces less than the length of the bat. In other words, if a bat says "10 or lighter is a good choice.
Picking the Right Bat
After deciding on material and size, the next step is choosing a brand and considering any additional features the bat offers. Bats can range from $40 to $400. You don't need to spend $400 to get a great baseball bat. Alloy grades are an important feature to consider. Alloys are used to make the walls of the barrel of the bat thin, yet they still allow the bat to be strong and durable. They also provide rebound which will increase the distance of the ball. Good grip is important for absorbing shock. Leather and synthetic leather grip feels tackier, giving a stronger grip. However, a rubber grip will absorb more shock. Some top quality brands include Louisville Slugger, Easton, Mizuno, and Demarini.
