How to Choose a Wood Softball Bat

Wood softball bats are a thing of wonder. They come in different lengths, weights, styles, colors, and even woods. There are many major differences between wood softball bats and aluminum softball bats. Aluminum bats offer fewer choices in sizes, while wood bats offer a greater selection. Wood bats also come in different sized bat handles.

Normally, most wooden bats are made from ash because it is lighter and cheaper than other woods. Maple, oak, and Chinese bamboo are also woods used to make softball bats. Wood bats do break; but most of the time they crack rather than breaking in half. Because there are so many different options, how do you choose the perfect wooden softball bat for you? What factors help you get on base every time you step up to the plate?

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a high quality bat made of rock or sugar maple. Bat companies, like furniture companies, can choose a variety of different grades of wood so make sure to find the wood of best quality (the grain should follow the length of the bat and will not separate).

    • 2

      Pick a bat that you can use against fast, slow and medium pitching speeds. Unless you purchase multiple bats, you want to have one that you can universally use. The bat needs to be light enough to get around quick or faster pitching. It needs to be long enough to cover all corners of the plate. Also, it needs to be heavy enough to give you the power you need in your swing.

    • 3

      Choose an appropriate barrel size (the end of the bat's diameter) for your swing type. If you are swinging for the outfield, a larger diameter barrel will be necessary, whereas bunting and other infield hits will require the more precise placement of a thinner barrel.

    • 4

      Combine your needs/choices from Steps 1 through 3 and throw in the factor of price to make your final decision. There is no need to drop a large amount of money on a great bat as the biggest component of being a great hitter is still the player. It is usually just fine to purchase a "good" bat and save the extra money.