KNOB: Helps keep the bat from slipping out of a batter's hand; Also helpful for hanging on a bat rack for storage

GRIP: Typically covered by tape or a bat gripping aid, this is where a batter will place his or her hands when swinging

TAPER: This section is where the thin handle transitions into the wider barrel

BARREL: The thickest area of the bat where a batter should look to make contact with a baseball or softball

END CAP: Finishes off the barrel; Often helps increase control while limiting the bat's overall swing weight

The drop weight is determined by subtracting the weight of the bat from its length

    For example, a bat that’s 30 inches long and weighs 20 ounces will have a drop weight of -10.

The larger the drop weight, the lighter the bat

    For example, a bat with a -13 drop weight is lighter than a bat with a -10 drop weight.

Lighter bats are often best for beginners and smaller, contact-oriented players. Heavier bats are better suited for older, advanced athletes and larger, power-hitting players

Some National Governing Bodies will dictate which drop a player is allowed to swing

    For example, High school and college players will need a BBCOR-approved bat (which has a -3 drop weight).

GUTSY'S PRO TIP: To determine if a bat is too heavy, here's one simple trick. Hold the bat handle and extend your arm away from your side. If you can't hold the bat extended for 30-45 seconds, the bat might be too heavy for you. 

The life and performance of a bat is largely determined by the quality of its materials. There are three common bat materials found in performance bats.

COMPOSITE

Composite bats feature a layered carbon fiber or graphite material in the barrel that yields a powerful pop, minimized vibration (or “sting”) on contact and large sweet spot, but typically will cost more and requires a break-in period before use. Composite often feels lighter and is easier to swing than alloy, especially for younger players. 

Price: $$$

Break-In: Required; Roughly 150-200 hits

Weather Conditions: Not recommended below 65 degrees

Vibration: Reduced vibration; clean and smooth feel on contact

Sound: Crack, like a piece of wood

GUTSY'S PRO TIP: For optimal break-in, rotate the bat a quarter turn with each swing, and increase the power level gradually

METAL ALLOY

Metal Alloy bats are durable, versatile and offer a balanced feel. They are usable in any weather condition and require no break-in period. But alloy bats may feel a little heavier for younger players, especially those with double wall barrels - and they tend to have a smaller sweet spot and less pop than composite. More advanced players who have learned to make contact with a smaller sweet spot may prefer the balanced feel of alloy that can lead to faster swing speeds.

Price: $

Break-In: Ready out of the wrapper

Weather Conditions: Any

Vibration: Some Vibration and sting felt on mis-hits

Sound: Ping

GUTSY'S PRO TIP: Not all alloy blends are created equal! This will lead to a variation in price on all alloy bats

HYBRID

Hybrid or "Half & Half" bats typically feature a composite handle and metal alloy barrel to give athletes the durability and “hot out of the wrapper” performance of metal with the lighter feel and sting-reducing benefits of composite. 

Price: $$

Break-In: Ready out of the wrapper

Weather Conditions: Any

Vibration: Some vibration and sting felt on mis-hits, but this can be minimized thanks to the composite handle

Sound: Ping

GUTSY'S PRO TIP: if you love the feel of an alloy barrel but desire a lower swing weight, look for a hybrid bat with composite end cap!

ONE-PIECE BATS

Continuous material with no break points between the barrel and handle. By eliminating break points, one-piece bats store more energy upon point of contact, thus increasing power. One-piece bats are typically less expensive as they are easier to produce. They also offer an extra stiff feel and limit flex on impact

VS.

TWO PIECE BATS

Constructed with a special bonding process between the barrel and handle, two-piece bats, generally, offer a greater amount of flex when connecting with the ball, producing a “whip” effect that boosts bat speed. Two-piece bats are typically more expensive, but can also help limit sting and vibration on mis-hits

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BALANCED BATS

Weight is evenly distributed throughout the entire length of the barrel for a faster swing speed. Balanced bats are more common and can be easier for most players to swing

VS.

END-LOADED BATS

End-loaded bats have added weight towards the end of the barrel, helping power hitters achieve more momentum and distance with every swing

BBCOR

Ages: 14+ (HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE)

Drop Weight Must be -3

Bat Length: 29"-34"

Barrel Diameters: 2-5/8"

Stamp: BBCOR

All high school and college athletes must use a bat that has a -3 drop weight and a barrel diameter that does not exceed 2-5/8". All bats will be stamped with a BBCOR.50 certification, which measures and regulates the "trampoline effect' of a bat to ensure more wood-like performance. 

USSSA

Ages: 8-14

Drop Weights: -5, -8 and -10

Bat Lengths: "25”-33”

Barrel Diameters: 2-5/8", 2-3/4"

Stamp: USSSA

USSSA travel ball leagues allow barrels with a diameter larger than 2-1/4" and will provide the highest allowed performance for younger players. Athletes near high school age should move closer to a -5 drop weight to prepare them for BBCOR’s -3 drop weight requirement

USA

Ages: 7 -14

Drop Weights: -5 through -13.5

Bat Lengths: 24" through 32"

Barrel Diameters: 2-1/4", 2-5/8"

Stamp: USA

USA Bats are approved for the following youth leagues: AABC, Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken, Dixie, Little League, PONY and NABF. USA Bats will yield a lower performance than USSSA bats, giving an output closer to wood to provide a more level playing field across youth participants.

JR. BIG BARREL

Ages: 6-8 (Coach Pitch)

Drop Weights: -10 through -14

Bat Lengths: 25" through 28"

Barrel Diameters: 2-5/8", 2-3/4"

Stamp: USSSA

Made specifically for athletes in coach pitch or machine pitch leagues and designed for hitting baseballs thrown at 45 mph or less.

T-BALL

Ages: 7 & Under (Beginner)

Drop Weights: -10 through -14

Bat Lengths: 24", 25", 26"

Barrel Diameters: 2-1/4", 2-5/8"

Stamp: USA

T-Ball bats are designed for first-time athletes learning the fundamentals of hitting off a batting tee. Little League T-Ball Bats will feature the USA stamp and cannot exceed 26"