SIZING
Bat Chart
Success at the plate often comes down to this: a bat that’s long enough to cover the strike zone, light enough to swing with ease, heavy enough to generate power, and, of course, permitted in your league.
| Association | Age | Weight Drop |
|---|---|---|
| BBCOR | High School | -3 |
| USA & USSSA | 13-14 | -5 |
| 12-13 | -8 | |
| 10-12 | -10 | |
| 10 & Under | -11 |
| Most Popular Length by Age | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 5-7 | 8-9 | 10 | 11-12 | 13-14 | 15-16 |
| Length | 24"-26" | 26"-28" | 28"-29" | 30"-31" | 31"-32" | 32"-33" |
*According to USSSA rules, players 13U must swing -8 or heavier and 14U must swing -8.
Length
Bat length is measured in inches from knob to end cap.
A longer bat gives you greater reach, allowing you to hit balls on the outside part of the plate. However, longer bats also tend to have more mass towards the end of the bat that requires more power to swing them. We recommend swinging bats of different lengths to decide what option best suits your swing. The right combination of length and weight will help you reach your peak performance.
Many baseball players believe a longer bat means better plate coverage – but that’s not always the case. A longer bat is often swings heavier, and if it’s too long for you, can reduce your swing speed and keep you from catching up to certain pitches. Even some professional players swing bats as short as 32”. When choosing your bat length, keep plate coverage in mind – but also consider your swing and stance, as well.
Drop Weight
Bat Length - Bat Weight = Drop Weight
Bat weight is measured in ounces (oz.) and then subtracted from the bat’s length to create its drop weight. For instance, a 30-inch, 20-ounce bat would be referred to as a -10 bat. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the competition or league level (meaning, from youth league up to the pros) the lesser the weight drop. A lesser weight drop means the bat feels heavier. So a -5 bat will feel heavier than a -10 bat.
Selecting the right bat weight depends on three main factors: sport, league rules, and player preference. Be sure to check with your local league for guidance, and read onto the league information listed below for more information of the three major league categories: BBCOR, USSSA and USA Baseball
Most common weight drops in various baseball leagues are -12, -10, -9, -8, -5, and -3. As you progress toward high school baseball, the weight drop lowers (the bats become heavier). When moving to a heavier bat, you may then decide to drop an inch in length to more easily handle the additional weight. This is a matter of personal preference and comfort at the plate as you advance in age, league and skill level.
*According to USSSA rules, players 13U must swing -8 or heavier and 14U must swing -8.
BBCOR / High School Baseball Bats
Drop Weight -3
USSSA Baseball Bats
Drop Weight -5, -8, -10, -12
Junior Big Barrel Bats
Drop Weight -10
USA / Youth Baseball Bats
Drop Weights -5, -8, -10, -11, -12, 12.5, -13
Swing Weight
Swing weight is a determination of how a bat’s particular weight is distributed along the bat’s length—based on player preference.
End-loaded bats shift extra weight toward the end of the barrel, creating more whip-like action on a player’s swing and generating more power. Balanced bats have a more even weight distribution, allowing for potentially greater swing speed for many hitters. This is preferred by contact hitters who want more control of their swing.
A factor you may not see, but will definitely feel is the swing weight of your bat. Bats can fall along the swing weight spectrum, from light to balanced to end-loaded. For example, you can have two bats that are 30 ounces, but that have different swing weights because the 30 ounces are distributed differently in the bat. You can see the different mass index numbers for the Louisville Slugger BBCOR and USSSA lineups above, with lighter-swinging options on the left side of each graph and more end-loaded bats shown on the right.
League
Governing bodies, such as USSSA or USA Baseball set unique standards for bat performance – which manufacturers then build to. In other words, bats meeting one standard may not meet another. Approved bats are clearly marked with league and association logos for the standards they meet.
The following information will help you understand the various standards. If you’re looking for your specific league regulations and standards, we strongly recommend consulting your local league official or coach prior to purchasing a new bat.
Bat Tech
What goes into a bat?
A baseball bat is more than just a hunk of metal or wood. It is a carefully engineered tool that allows players to get the most out of every swing. Each component of the bat, from knob to end cap, is designed to maximize every ounce of performance. There are four main tech components you should understand when it comes to bats: material, construction, barrel diameter, and weight balance.
Material
Composite
Composite bats are made with a layered material (often carbon fiber) that is easy to distribute, giving our experts the ability to craft bats with a variety of swing weights, ranging from balanced to end-loaded. They often feature larger sweet spots and a more forgiving feel than alloy bats.
Alloy
Alloy bats are constructed from a mixture of two or more metals and has been a staple in baseball bat designs for decades. These bats offer a stiffer feel that often attracts elite power hitters at the high school and college level and are known for being among the most durable bats in the game.
Wood
Wood bats are made of Ash, Maple, or Birch and vary in hardiness and flexibility. They are used throughout the professional levels, as well as for specific amateur and travel ball leagues/organizations. Wood bats use their own specifications different than Composite and Alloy.