How to Pick Wood Bats

Professional baseball players can be notoriously picky about their equipment, especially when it comes to their wood baseball bats. There is a reason professionals take their wood bats seriously; choosing the right bat can be the difference between success and failure at the plate. However, choosing the correct wood bat can be difficult to do. There are several factors to consider, including player height, weight, strength and the type of swing a player makes.

Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Decide if you want a shorter bat or a longer bat. Generally speaking, shorter bats are easier to swing, while longer bats take more time to swing. However, the longer bats, such as 34 inches or longer, also have bigger "sweet spots," the ideal places to make contact with the ball. Ultimately, the length of your bat should be decided by comfort.

    • 2

      Decide what type of wood you want. Generally, ash bats are the most common type of wood bats. Ash bats are hard and relatively durable, but also the cheapest wood bats available. However, the best ash bats are reserved for Major League Baseball, so buying a good ash bat can get expensive. Another popular type of wood bat is maple. Maple bats are stronger and harder than ash bats, but are also more expensive. A third choice is hickory. Hickory bats are much heavier than maple or ash, but are also the strongest bats available. Your budget may determine the type of wood bat you ultimately use.

    • 3

      Decide what weight you would like your bat to be. Typically, a lighter bat, such as those 31 oz. or less, will be easier to swing than a heavier bat. However, the heaviest bats, 33 oz. and more, also provide better power hitting. If you are a strong player with a big swing, a heavier bat might be a better choice. However, if you are a line-drive hitter with a shorter swing, a lighter bat may be preferable.

    • 4

      Go to the store and try swinging bats. The only way to know which bat is the best for you is to practice swinging each bat as you would in a game. Unfortunately, most sports retailers will not allow you to try hitting with bats before buying them. But it can help to imagine yourself hitting the ball as you swing. Ideally, you should look for a bat that provides a quick but smooth and comfortable swing.