Choose baseball and softball bats for your sport, competition and swing. Start with the bat type your league allows, then compare length, weight and feel. Explore wooden, aluminum and composite baseball bats, fastpitch bats and specialist training options. Whether you are buying a first bat or replacing a familiar model, focus on a size you can control comfortably.
Use the manufacturer's size guide as a starting point, taking the player's height, strength and experience into account. If you already have a bat, note its length and weight and consider what you want to change. A longer or heavier bat is only useful if you can maintain a controlled swing.
Drop is the bat's weight in ounces minus its length in inches. A 30-inch bat weighing 20 ounces has a drop of -10. At the same length, a -10 bat is lighter than a -5 bat. Compare the actual length and weight together; the drop number alone does not tell you whether a bat will suit you.
Weight distribution affects how a bat feels in motion. An end-loaded bat places more weight towards the barrel, while a balanced design distributes it more evenly. Two bats with the same listed weight can therefore feel different to swing.
Confirm the sport, length, weight, material and certification on the product page. Markings such as USA Baseball, USSSA and BBCOR refer to different standards; check which your competition accepts. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for break-in, care and use. For grips and other extras, see bat accessories.
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