Which Baseball Bat Is Best for You?
Start with the rules. Your league decides which baseball bats are legal, and every bat is built to one standard: BBCOR, USSSA or USA Baseball. Once you know which one you need, pick the size and the bat.
Which Baseball Bat Does My League Require?
| Where you play | Bat you need |
|---|---|
| High school and college | BBCOR |
| Little League Senior League | BBCOR |
| Little League Majors and younger, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, PONY, Dixie Youth | USA Baseball |
| USSSA travel and tournament, 13U and younger | USSSA or USA Baseball |
| USSSA 14U | BBCOR or wood in most events. Some states allow a -5 USSSA bat. |
Look for the matching stamp on the bat. If you're not sure, ask your coach or league which bat standard it uses.
Baseball Bat Size Basics
Baseball bats are sized by length in inches and by drop. The drop is the length minus the weight in ounces, so a 30-inch, 20-ounce bat is a -10. A bigger drop number means a lighter bat.
Three quick checks:
• Put the knob at the center of the chest and hold the bat out along the arm. The fingertips should reach the end of the barrel.
• Stand the bat next to the leg. The knob should reach the palm.
• Hold the bat straight out to the side for 30 seconds. If the player can't, it's too heavy.
Each guide above has a baseball bat size chart for its bats.
See our full baseball bat size chart.
Baseball Bat Questions
What's the difference between USSSA and USA Baseball bats?
USSSA bats are allowed a bigger barrel and more pop, but they're only legal in USSSA play. USA Baseball bats perform closer to wood and are legal in Little League and most youth leagues.
When does a player switch to BBCOR?
In high school, or earlier if the league requires it, like USSSA 14U events and Little League Senior League.
What size bat do I need?
Start with the three quick checks above. Then use the bat size chart in the guide for your league's bat standard: BBCOR, USSSA or USA Baseball.
What's the difference between composite and aluminum bats?
Aluminum alloy bats are ready to swing out of the wrapper, with no break-in. Composite bats need a few hundred hits to break in. Every StringKing baseball bat is aluminum alloy. Compare composite and aluminum bats.
Can I see a bat in person before I buy?
Yes. Use our store locator to find a shop near you that carries StringKing.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Every StringKing baseball bat comes with a 1-year durability guarantee.
Find Your Baseball Bat
Every StringKing baseball bat comes with a 1-year durability guarantee.
BBCOR bats · USSSA bats · USA Baseball bats
Updated October 2026