Bats

It’s important to feel confident and comfortable with your bat before you start hitting pitches and can start piling up those home runs. Although softball bats are generally longer than baseball bats and have smaller barrels, there are three things to consider when choosing a bat that will affect your swing, including length, weight, and drop.

Length

To determine the right length for your bat, place the knob (bottom end) at the center of your chest and extend the bat toward your fingertips. If an appropriate size, you should be able to touch the end of the bat with your fingertips. Another way is to stand the bat vertically against your leg to see if it reaches your mid-hip.

Weight/Drop

There aren’t strict weights for specific types of players, which means the ideal weight is based on feel. Take a few swings with your bat and try holding it extended – if it is too heavy to hold for 30 to 45 seconds, then the bat is likely too heavy. Also consider the drop weight, as larger and stronger players often prefer a lower drop weight and smaller players often prefer a greater drop weight.

What are the different types of baseball/softball bats?

Apart from bats made of different materials, in softball, there are fastpitch bats and slow pitch bats which are designed to accommodate the respective game. In baseball, there are T-Ball bats for youth players and training bats that are lighter and made to use with practice balls. Canadian Tire has various bats for softball and baseball from trusted brands such as Rawlings and Easton.

What's the difference between wood and metal bats?

Baseball bats come in two materials: wood and metal, while softball bats come in composite materials and aluminum. Aluminum softball bats are more durable and are made of an alloy (two or more metals), as well, they are often less expensive. In baseball, alloy bats are durable and affordable, and there isn’t a break-in time required as there is with wood bats. Different wood types can also result in different qualities. Although they are more expensive, they have a larger sweet spot and are used by professionals.

What's the difference between baseball and softball bats?

There are a couple of differences between baseball and softball bats which are listed below:

Baseball -

·         Around 33 inches from knob to end

·         Thicker in the barrel

·         Longer and thicker handle

·         Heavier

·         Come in wood material

Softball –

·         Around 34 inches from knob to end

·         Thinner in the barrel

·         Shorter and thinner handle

·         Lighter

·         Do not come in wood material

To fully gear up for the game, browse softball and baseball cleats and our assortment of gloves, protective gear, equipment bags, and more in our baseball and softball collection. To learn about How to Gear Up for Baseball, read our guide.