How To Choose Bat

First, familiarize yourself with the KBSL bat rules. Only bats that are permanently stamped with one of the following association logos are allowed for use in KBSL games. See our full bat rules here.

Softball bats only:

Baseball bats only:

Important note: you'll see bats with a stamp that reads USSSA. That is not the same as the USA stamp and is not legal for KBSL use. Bats bearing only the USSSA stamp will be removed from dugouts during games.

Now determine what size bat you're looking for.

You want a bat that is easy to swing. A bigger bat will not yield more powerful hits if the Player can't get it around quickly! There are two main size factors to consider - length and weight. The bat should be long enough to cover the strike zone, and the Player should be able to easily control their swing with it.

Bat weight:

• Bat weights are tied to their "drop weights". The drop weight is measured by subtracting the bat's weight in ounces from it's length in inches. A 30 inch bat that weighs 20 ounces would be a -10 (drop 10) bat. Most bats will have their drop weight stamped on them. Typically the older the player, the smaller the drop. Here are some guidelines to help you choose what drop may work for your player:

Age - Baseball	Drop	Age - Softball	Drop
13-14	-3 to -5	12-15	-9 to -10
11-12	-8 to -10	10-11	-10 to -11
10 & under	-11 to -10	9 & under	-12

Bat Length:

• Your bat should be long enough to cover the strike zone. It's common for Players to want a longer bat for more plate coverage, but a longer bat may have more weight at the end, making it harder for them to swing. Aim to find a bat that covers the strike zone and is comfortable to swing. Here are some size suggestions to get you started:

Age - Baseball	Length	Age - Softball	Length
5-7	24"-26"	5-7	24"-26"
8-10	26"-29"	8-10	26"-28"
11-12	30"-31"	11-12	29"-31"
13-14	31"-32"	13-15	31"-33"

You'll find a huge range in prices when you're shopping for bats, but don't be alarmed if you see a $600 bat - there are many great options at much more affordable prices. Just like when shopping for a glove, make sure the bat is a good fit for your player, and they'll have great time with it! You can find some bat recommendations from our Coaches on our Gear page.