Help me understand bat sizes

Amy in AZ. said:

Guess what? I am 5'9" - so people would naturally say that I should swing something that is 34 inches. But, I don't. I use a balanced 32,22. I have good body tilt, long arms, and set up what I think is fairly close to the plate.

But, in general, I would start a 9yo, with a 29 or 30 inch bat. If you go much shorter, you give up the sweet spot.

Nice topic, by the way.

Click to expand...

5'9", but you missed the second part of the question. Just kidding

13yo, 6'1", 135#, 33/24.

My daughter's first hitting instructor, who I have a lot of respect for, told us that he never likes to see a girl using a bat with a drop higher than 10. DD has tried some higher drops, but I've come around to his way of thinking.

The first bat DD had when she started becoming a solid hitter for her age was a used Easton Stealth 30/20 that I bought off eBay. I don't think you have to spend a fortune at the younger ages. I think she was about two inches taller and a couple of pounds heavier than your DD at that time. My advice would be to look at 29/19 and 30/20 bats; see if you can have her swing some of them and do the "can she hold it out straight" test. IMO it's easier to find a good 30/20; a lot of manufacturers don't bother to make their best performing bats below that size. I'd definitely choose a 30/20 if she's on the fence between the two choices.

Going into last fall, DD was about 5'-5'1" ~135 lbs and swinging a 31/21. She hit a growth spurt and is now about 5'3"-5'4" ~140 and is practicing with a 32/22. (Amy, I'm so glad to hear that you are using a 32/22; I was afraid she'd grown too much for her new bat!)

I second the 29" or 30" drop 10 for a girl your DD size. My DD is 16, 5'3" 115 lb and swings a 33/23 Xeno. She just got a 33/24 One-X that she probably won't use in games for awhile. She's a former gymnast and still does the workouts even though she no longer competes, so she is strong for her size.

I have 2 dd's.... 14 yrs old 5'9", 140# 33" -9
9 yrs old 4'10" 90# 28" -12

I second the drop 10 (- 10) as far as the bat weight. We usually measure the player to determine the appropriate length. Measure from the ground up to the player's wrist (where it hinges) and that will give you a pretty good starting point for the length. Might want to measure them on dirt with cleats on as that might make a little bit of difference.

Seems to work well for us and a little more "custom" than some of the charts as some have longer / shorter arms, torso etc.

DD #1 is 5' 5" 145lbs and swings 32/22. Just bought new 33/23 which is about 1/2" too long by the method above but wanted to move up an ounce and they don't make a drop 9 in a 32" length for her bat of choice.

My daughter is a slapper first and foremost, so power isn't an essential tool for her. At 11 we bought a 32" -12, which she used for the last 2 years. I just bought a Synge 33" -11.5 as a backup plan, she has been using it with no noticeable changes slapping or swinging away. Power and control seem about the same in the cage.

She is 13, 5'2", 110, built pretty solid through her thighs and torso.
At 11 she was 4'6"ish 80 pounds maybe? Far and away the smallest kid on the team.

Drop 10's seem to be the most popular through HS, most not exceeding 32" in length. Some swing -9's and/or 33" bats, but those are rare.

18 yo 5'6" 155 33/24, 34/25, or 34/24

Thanks to all for sharing your numbers, your insight, and your knowledge. It has been very helpful. Keep it coming.

DD, 15, 5'4" 130 lbs, Game bat is a 34/27 Juggernaut slow pitch bat. Hitting coach has taught her well how to incorporate more than just her hands and arms into her swing.

Here is a practice swing from about 6 mos ago, 32oz wood machine at 64mph.