The measurement of the diameter around the bat. Generally, the longer the barrel the larger the “sweet spot” for making substantial contact. Many players prefer a smaller barrel diameter that lightens the weight and provides more swing speed.
Most players 12 and under should use a 2 1/4” barrel. This is the standard barrel size for Dixie Youth and Little League baseball, although some leagues and travel teams are using larger 2 3/4” barrels. High school and college players are restricted to a maximum barrel diameter of 2 5/8”.
Barrel size varies by league. The main difference between the youth and little league bats is the barrel size.
Little league bats are all 2.25″ barrel
Youth bats have a larger barrel, 2.35″ – 2.40″
Length
Length and weight combine for peak performance. A longer bat gives you greater reach, allowing you to hit balls on the other side of the plate. But remember that a longer bat may be heavier, and the extra weight could slow you down. Like checking the weight, you need to swing bats of different lengths to decide what length best suits you.
Little league bats range from 24″-31″ in length
Youth bats range from 27″-30″ in length
Wood
Wood bats provide an authentic feel and a sound is unparalleled, and is also required in some leagues.
Wood gives more ability for a customized swing and correct batting form
The quality of the wood can determine the life of the bat
Hislewood bats are made using either maple, ash, birch, or bamboo
Maple: a high density wood providing power, maximized balance, and ease of handling, made from close-grained timber which increases durability, closed pores compress the wood to make it harder.
Ash: tends to flex rather than break providing a larger sweet spot, thin handle provides an extremely balanced and lightweight bat for the wider range of large barrel models.
Birch: brings together the best attributes of maple and ash, combining the close-grained stiffness and hardness of maple with the lighter weight and wider range of turning models of ash.
Bamboo: a high density wood for power and balance, lightweight for quicker and more powerful swings, exceptional durability and offering superior strength and moisture control. Hislewood manufactures bamboo bats in adult sizes only.
Cupping
This is the indentation made at the top of the bat (barrel) in order to reduce its weight
When doing this, the integrity of the bat IS NOT compromised.
All HISLEWOOD bats have cupping options available, except for X-Series which automatically comes with it.
Drop
This is the difference between the length and weight of a bat, also known as a bat’s length-to-weight ratio or a bat’s minus (-) number, i.e. -3, -5, -10, etc. It denotes the amount of ounces the bat weighs less than the amount of inches it is in length.
Basically stated, it’s the difference between the weight of the bat minus the length of the bat. If a bat that is 30 inches, and weighs 20 ounces, it’s drop is -10.
Different leagues have different drops legal for play. Check with your coach or local league.
