Sport-Blog.com

There's no doubt that amateur baseball and softball leagues are more competitive at all age levels today than ever before. Players are more skilled and equipment is much more advanced. Bats in particular have improved greatly due to advanced technology. Simple aluminum bats just don't cut it anymore. It seems that people aren't happy unless their bats are made from alloys or lined with titanium. Here's a quick rundown of what you should look for when choosing a new baseball or softball bat.

Size and Weight
If you've played baseball or softball for any length of time, then you probably already know which size bat you prefer. I haven't played organized ball in more than 10 years, but I still remember my bat size just as I would remember my shoe size or something. It becomes second nature. Bat sizes are given in inches and are stamped on the bottom of the handle. On a high school or recreational league team, you would be likely to find bats ranging in size from 28 inches all the way to 34 inches.

In the past, longer bats were also heavier, which meant that small players would have trouble swinging them. These days, however, all the bats are so light that this has become almost irrelevant. Bat weights are given measured in ounces and is often expressed as a ratio relative to length. For example, if your bat has a -3 marking on it and is 32 inches long, it weighs 29 ounces. In official high school and college play, a -3 ratio is the maximum allowed. Many stores have charts with recommended bat sizes based on height and weight in order to help you make a decision. When it comes down to it, however, don't rely solely on charts. Hold the bat in your hands and go through your pre-swing routine. You'll know if it feels right.

Material and Construction
Most bats today are made from alloys of aluminum plus other metals like zinc or copper. Aluminum alloys light and durable, so you can get many years of use out of your bat. Some bats are made from aluminum and then lined with another material, such as titanium or graphite. This makes the bats lighter and stronger, which means that your swing speed increases and you can hit the ball farther. Manufacturers often compile a ranking of the materials that they use for specific bat models so that you can easily see which bats are stronger than others. Check your favorite brand's website for more details.

Most of the legal bats on the market today are single-wall or double-wall. Double-walled bats are more durable in general. Another added benefit to double-walled bats is that they have a degree of flexibility built into them. This can actually help you hit the ball farther than bats that do not yield. If you are more concerned about ball speed after contact, then go with a single-wall bat.

Of course all of the different features add up to vastly different price levels, so be prepared to pay a couple hundred dollars for the very best bats.