There are multiple factors to consider when selecting the perfect bat. This guide will help breakdown these components, to help provide a foundation of understanding.

Bats lengths are measured in inches, from knob to end cap, and weights are measured in ounces. It is crucial to select a bat that has your ideal bat length and weight. In many cases, stronger and more experienced players may prefer longer and heavier bats. Likewise, smaller and less experienced players may benefit from shorter and lighter bats. The bigger the barrel generally means the heavier a bat will feel, as the greater percentage of weight and mass is placed in the barrel.

In addition to strength and experience, use your height and weight to determine the right bat length for you. The following chart is a good starting point.

1. MEASURE FROM CHEST TO PALM

You can also help determine the right bat length by first extending one of your arms out to the side, and then holding the bat’s knob in the middle of your chest with the bat’s end cap pointing toward the hand of your extended arm. If the end cap ends at your palm or wrist, the bat is probably too short; if the end cap ends past your index finger, the bat is likely too long.

2. TEST IF BAT IS TOO HEAVY

Likewise, you can help determine the right bat weight by trying to hold the bat in your extended hand for 45 seconds. If you can’t reasonably hold the weight for 45 seconds in this manner, the bat is probably too heavy.

There are several popular turning models for wood bats. Each model is easily identified by number, which corresponds to a set of features you will see or feel when comparing the models to one another.

Bats are made from a variety of woods. Maple and ash bats are currently the most widely popular wood materials, which are also the primary wood materials used to make Easton’s wood bats.

Hitting a baseball on the side of a wood bat that is strongest will provide the greatest performance to the player and maximize the bat’s durability. Look for the brand’s label and observe the grains of the wood. Bat labels are placed on the weakest side of a bat, and the ideal area to hit a baseball is where the bat’s grains are straightest (like the side of a deck of cards). To be sure that you’re aligning your wood bat properly, take a swing and stop at the point where contact would be made with a ball. Now look at your bat in this position, ensuring that the bat label is either straight up or straight down with the side of the bat with the straightest grains facing the area where contact would be made.