What bat to select?

It's one of the most common questions asked. Is this bat right for my son? Understand that there are many things that go into answering this question intelligently.

Let's get a grip on the fact that in physics there is an equation that directly relates to this question. Force = Mass X Velocity X Velocity. It's important to note that Mass isn't exactly the mass of the bat. The mass at the "sweet spot" is not the center of mass of the bat. The center of mass of the bat is down the handle somewhere(try and balance the bat on one finger and you'll find the center of mass). This is why bat companies try and make thin handle bats with big barrels. They are attempting to move the "sweet spot" closer to the center of mass. This creates more force into the ball.

Ok, back to the equation. It goes to reason that doubling your velocity would increase your force by four times. While, doubling your mass would only double your force output. This is very important. As the ball is moving in the direction of the batter, the batter must create enough force to counter the balls momentum. To do this, velocity is king.

But, that still doesn't take into consideration the fact that maybe you could swing a heavier bat with negligible difference in bat speed. How do you determine this? Well, you could use a force meter(GoWags offers this) or you could measure your batspeed and then plug into the equation guesstimating at the mass.

I have often times used a very uneducated process of having a kid grab the end of the bat with his forefinger and his middle finger. I then ask him to hold the bat straight out for ten seconds. If he can do this, I contend that he is strong enough to swing the bat. Empirical observation says it works ok.

Having said that, I found a chart online from Kettering University after their detailed search on correct bat weights. I certainly found this interesting.

Player Recommended Bat Weight (oz)
Major League Baseball Height/3 + 7
Amateur Baseball Height/3 + 6
Fast Pitch Softball Height/7 + 20
Slow Pitch Softball Weight/115 + 24
Junior League Baseball (13-17 yrs) Height/3 + 1
Little League Baseball (11-12 yrs) Weight/18 + 16
Little League Baseball (9-10 yrs) Height/3 + 4
Little League Baseball (7-8 yrs) Age*2 + 4