It is exciting when you get to buy some new equipment for your baseball season. First, however, it is important to understand how to buy the correct bat. Using a bat that is too long or short or if it is too heavy may have you striking out rather than hitting home runs. So, you need to make sure the length and weight feel right for you. And in doing this, it will produce the most effective swing possible. So here are a few ways to pick out your home run hitter.

Look at The Length

If you buy a bat that is too long, your swing will be slower. On the other hand, if your bat is too short, you may not be able to cover the plate enough, allowing the pitcher to hit the corner of the strike zone. So, it would help if you had the proper length of the bat-to-arm ratio.

There are three ways you can measure to choose which bat is right for you.

1. First, in the standing position, lift and hold your arm straight out to the side of your body at a 90-degree angle. Now, take a measurement from the middle of your chest, the sternum, out to the tip of your longest fingertip for the correct bat length.
2. Holding your arm in a 90-degree position straight out in front of you. Put the knob of the bat’s handle in the middle of your chest, on the sternum. With the extended arm, grab the bat. If you can grab the bat at the barrel, then it’s a perfect fit.
3. Have the bat touch the ground alongside your leg with your arm down by your side. The knob of the bat handle should reach the center of your hand.

Feel the Weight

The bat’s weight depends on if it is light or heavy for you. The weight needs to be just right to maximize your swing speed. Take a few swings to test it out. If the bat starts to feel heavy, you may need to choose a lighter one. Another way to test the weight is by holding the bat by the handle with the arm extended in the 90-degree angle side position. Your arm and bat should be fully extended. After 20 seconds, if the bat starts to get heavy, you may need a lighter one. Or build some strength to use a heavier bat.

Here are a few charts you can check out that are more specific with measurements based on age, weight, and height:

• Baseballmonkey.com
• Slugger.com

Different Types Of Bats

Wood Bats

Wood bats are your most traditional type of bat. They have a natural feel. They are mainly made from maple and birch wood. Maple and birch are strong woods that create durability. The only problem and vulnerability with wood is that it can split and crack much faster than alloy and composite bats.

Furthermore, wood bats tend to be heavier. So, you have to make sure the weight is good for you. Also, wooden bats have a smaller sweet spot than the other bats, which means accuracy is essential when swinging. Unlike composite or alloy, wood tends not to hit the ball so far.

Wood bats are the least expensive of the three.

Composite Bats

Composite bats are stronger than wood bats but not alloy. Alloy is first and composite ranks second in durability. They are made of incredibly durable carbon fibers. They have a larger sweet spot. The thing about composite bats is you must break them in. You need to hit about 200 balls to do it. So, you cannot just step up to the plate with your new composite bat without breaking it in. Also, be aware of the temps because composite bats have poor performance at about 65 degrees in low temperatures, causing them to crack.

Composite bats are the most expensive.

Alloy/Metal Bats

Alloy bats are the strongest bats you can buy. They are made from alloy to make them lightweight and mixed with metal to give strength and durability. They will not crack or break. Alloy bats have a big sweet spot, just like composite bats do. Just make sure that a good quality metal is used when you buy your bat. The quality of the metal will reduce the vibration when you hit the ball.

Alloy/metal bats are affordable, less expensive than composite, and more expensive than wood bats.

So, no matter which bat material you choose, make sure you can swing it without sacrificing accuracy and speed.