5 Things to Consider When Buying Youth Baseball Bats

Choosing the wrong baseball bat can hinder your child’s performance on the field. Therefore, you should know the differences between youth baseball bats. Then you can choose the best equipment for him or her. 

You may not, however, know about such things. If so, read on to learn. 

1. Price

Be sure to set a budget before you go bat shopping. Monitor the prices while you test different bats. 

If you don’t, you may choose the perfect bat only to find it too expensive. This can frustrate you and/or your child. 

2. Requirements 

Most leagues have rules about which little league bats your child can and can’t have. Often, the ‘right’ baseball bats have certifications from specific governing bodies.

A few examples of these are USABat, USSA, and BBCOR. You can find more information on the latter certification here: learn more. 

Check your league’s rules before you buy your child a bat. Then, search for the standard mark as you’re picking between them. You can usually find them on the barrel or face of the bat. 

3. Weight

The weights of youth bats are classified by a measurement known as ‘drop weight’. Manufacturers take this by subtracting a bat’s weight from its length. Usually, this is anywhere from -10 to -13.5.

The closer the number is to zero, the lighter the bat is. If your child is smaller, they’ll probably do better with a lighter bat. The opposite is true for a larger child.

However, there’s another way to measure your child’s best bat weight. Ask him or her to hold the bat by the grip at a horizontal angle. If he or she can’t do this for 30 to 45 seconds, the bat is too heavy. 

4. Length 

Your child’s best bat will not be too short or long for them. The former issue will make it harder for them to cover a plate’s swing zone. The latter issue will affect their swinging speed. 

There’s a test you can perform to make sure your child’s bat is the right length. Ask your child to place the tip of the bat on the ground on their left or right side. The bat should now sit parallel to their leg.

Now ask your child to reach their arm towards the ground behind the bat. If the bat’s knob sits on his or her center palm, it’s the right length. 

5. Material

Most bats contain either wood or metal. Each of these types has its pros and cons. Be sure to research these before deciding on the perfect bat. 

For example, an aluminum bat is often very durable. It also does not require a ‘break-in time’. However, your child may find it difficult to hit the ball on the bat’s most effective spot. 

Did You Learn a Lot About Youth Baseball Bats? Learn More With Our Other Articles 

As a final tip, be sure to consider your child’s opinions as well. You want to make sure that they’re not embarrassed by your bat choice. In doing so, you’ll find the perfect bat that meets their needs and helps their confidence.

If you learned a lot about youth baseball bats, consider reading our other articles. The articles on our site offer an immense amount of high-quality information. You’ll definitely find something useful.