Sirius Sports carries the widest range of top quality bats in New Zealand. Nobody else carries more brands, IN STOCK, than us. We can help players of any age select the appropriate bat for their needs. From premier composite to t-ball level, we've got the right bat for you.
Here is a simple buyers guide for Softball Bats:
Understanding Bat Materials
The world of bats now offers a large variety of choices in materials. These can be broken into two primary categories--aluminum and Composite. Virtually no softball bats are made of wood any longer. Each provides its own unique characteristics.
Aluminum
This has been a player favorite for several years now. Aluminum bats provide a lighter weight for increased control and bat speed. Aluminum and the other metals also offer durability so players can save money since the bats are extremely difficult to crack or break. Aluminum bats come in a variety of alloys, each with a different weight. Generally, lighter aluminum alloys are thinner and more durable. These lighter weights also increase the "sweet spot," the hitting zone on the bat's barrel that gives the maximum place to put metal to ball. Aluminum bats, and those enhanced with other alloys, also come in single-layer or double-layer construction. Double-layer bats offer more durability and power, since the ball rebounds off the bat with more authority
Composite
Generally made of of kevlar/carbon fiber/fiberglass weave, this technology has enabled bat makers to use lighter, stronger materials, and offer far greater "pop" than their aluminum partners. These materials also increase durability and the batter's sweet spot, and can often offer reduced vibration and the sting of ball shock, the tingling feeling sent to the hands usually when you miss hitting the ball in the bat's sweet spot.
Determine What Bat Fits Your Body
There are some standard rules of thumb in selecting the appropriate bat length. The charts below offer some guidelines based on age and weight and height:
Age- Using your age as a guide, use the chart below to determine the bat length that fits your body. Determine Your Bat by Length by Age
5-7 years old 24"-26"
8-9 years old 26"-28"
10 years old 28"-29"
11-12 years old 30"
13-14 years old 31"-32"
15-16 years old 32"-34"
17+ years old 34"
Height and weight
Height and weight are usually better ways to determine what bat length may work best for you. Once again, use the height and weight chart to give you a general idea of the length of bat that fits your body ( see bottom ):
Determining the Right Bat Weight
Most bats are weighted in ounces. Manufacturers have done a great job in balancing the bat's weight to its length. Many bats have a weight-to-length ratio, often shown as -4, -6, etc. This basically means a 34-inch bat with a -6 ratio weighs 28 ounces. Selecting weight really depends on two critical factors--your strength and your hitting style. It also depends a lot on your personal preference in weight and length, so the following are simply guidelines to follow:
Bigger, stronger players prefer a heavier bat since they get the benefits of both the heft and swing power. Smaller players with less strength should consider a lighter bat to generate a quicker swing. Younger players, too, should consider that a lighter bat increases control, great for singles hitters, while also reducing the risk of injury.
Understanding Bat Technology
Bat technology may seem a little confusing but it's not rocket-science. There are three essential elements to a bat: barrel size,bat taper and grip.
Barrel size
This includes both the length of the barrel--top part of the bat--and its diameter. The longer the barrel, generally, the larger the sweet spot for hitting the ball. The standard softball bat diameter is 2 1/4 inches.
Bat taper
This is the diameter of the bat's handle. Standard bats are tapered 31/32 of an inch but can be slightly larger or smaller depending on whether you want a lighter or heavier bat. Some players like a narrower taper for the lighter weight and to rotate their wrists faster when hitting.
Grip
The grip is simply the covering that bat manufacturers use on the handle of aluminum bats. Leather or synthetic leather gives a tackier feel for a surer grip. Rubber grips absorb more of the shock. Some bats come with a cushioned grip to decrease the shock even more.
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