Choosing Drop 5 Baseball Bats (Updated 2022 Season)

When comes to buying a right bat, most of you get confused and overwhelmed with all those types and terms related to bats (such as “a large sweet spot” or “a barrel”) so it’s not a surprise when you’ve come to a conclusion that buying the perfect bat for you is impossible. However, we assure you that you can get the best bat and you can do that without getting frustrated and upset. The solution for your problem lies in reading this buying guide, in which you’ll find all information on how to choose that bat.

First things first. In case you are completely new to bats’ world, you have to get familiar with basic terms so you can understand what you are looking for and what your needs are.

So, every bat has the following components: the barrel, the sweet spot, the knob, and the handle.

Now, you know that thick part of a bat meant to hit the ball, right? Well, that part is called the barrel while the sweet spot is the part of bat most suitable for hitting that ball. There are also the handle and the knob– the former is the thin part of the bat and it’s obviously made for providing as much comfort as possible while the latter is the part placed right below that handle meant for preventing the bat from slipping out of your hands.

Now that you understand the basics, we can move on to features that you should focus on when choosing that bat.

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Budget

I believe that this part is pretty clear. I mean, you have to know what is your budget limit and to choose the bat that won’t exceed it. Knowing the needs of players, manufacturers make sure that there are bats that suit everyone’s wallet, from $100 to $400. However, you want to get the best possible bat at the most reasonable price so the sooner you start searching, the better.

The size of a bat

Obviously, this part is very important because if you don’t have a bat that is chosen according to your weight, height, and age, you are in a trouble because you won’t be able to control it. So, below you’ll find the sizing chart which will help you in determining what bat will suit you best. Taken from: http://www.dbatsports.com/SizeChart.html

Types:

You’ve probably heard of different types of bats that can be found on the market but like most of the people you don’t quite understand the differences among Composite, Hybrid, and Aluminum bats as well as balanced or end loaded ones. So, to make that part clear once and for all, we’ll explain you briefly what are advantages and disadvantages of various types.

Construction:

Here we have most common bats that are preferred by players all over the world. While some of the players want a hot out of the wrapper performance so they can enjoy the game right away, others want a bat that will give more power to that ball. So, make sure that you know what you expect from the bat.

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Composite bats are made from refined plastics and if you want a massive sweet spot so you can hit that ball with a lot of power, this one is for you. The vibration and sting are significantly reduced so you get a better feel when hitting the ball. Wherever you’re going to play, keep in mind that these bats aren’t recommended for use in temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. A slight downside of composite bats is that they require a break-in period and that means 150-200 hits before the bat breaks in.

Hybrid bats are actually a smart combination of aluminum barrel and a composite handle so you can get the best out of both worlds and hot out of the wrapper performance. They are powerful and durable plus you get an amazing feel of a composite handle. However, these are made with a heavy swing weight so first, you have to be sure that you can handle them.

Aluminum bats are made of alloys and they can be used in any temperature. They come with smaller sweet spot and a lot of vibration from miss-hit balls, so you have to be prepared for that uncomfortable feeling. Like the hybrids, these bats are ready to use right away because there is no need for a break-in period.

One-piece vs two-piece design

One-piece design means that you get more stiffness and balance, while that negative vibration is increased.

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Two-piece design gives less vibration than a one-piece. With this design, you get a better trampoline effect and more flexibility.

Balanced vs. End-Loaded Swing Weight

Balanced: If you are a contact hitter or a beginner, a balanced bat is a right choice for you. Logically, the weight is spread evenly throughout the bat which enables you to control it easily and to feel confident while hitting. With these bats, the accent is on a faster swing speed rather than hard hits, so if are eager to swing fast grab this bat and let the game begin.

End – Loaded: With this type, there is no joking around because you’ll need a lot of energy to control an end loaded bat and to hit those home runs. That’s why this type of a bat is preferred by power hitters and professionals that feel confident with extra weight at the end of the barrel. However, while you get the powerful hits, the speed weight isn’t as great as with a balanced bat.

Conclusion:

So, folks, we hope that this article was helpful and that you are now ready to buy that special bat and to hit those home runs with a smile on your face. However, before you go to the store, just keep in mind that you choose the bat that you can control and that will help you in achieving your goals. Now it’s time for spending some money!

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