We completed a project with a research group at the University of Arizona to determine the best bat weight for players in Youth League & Adult Baseball, as well as Slowpitch and Fastpitch Softball. The research involved precise measurements of bat speed for several individuals playing in each category. The measured bat speeds were then used in conservations of momentum calculation to determine hit ball speed. Formulas were then developed to predict the optimum or best bat weight for maximum hit ball speed. It should be noted that for the baseball and fastpitch softball ball weights, the ideal bat weight for maximum hit ball speed is approximately 1 ounce heavier than the recommendation. The reason for this is that the research showed there is negligible loss of hit ball speed by reducing the bat weight 1 ounce below the ideal. Because of this, the lighter weight increases bat control which becomes an essential ingredient in making ball contact in both baseball and fastpitch softball.

In three of the categories, the experimental data correlated best to player weight while in the other two, the best correlation was to player height.

A. High School & College Baseball

 B. Youth League Baseball
(11-12 yrs)

 C. Youth League Baseball
(8-10 yr. olds)

Player Height (in.)

Best Bat Wt (oz.)

Player Weight (lbs.)

Best Bat Wt (oz.)

Player Height (in.)

Best Bat Wt (oz.)

66

27     30"

70

18      30"

48

16     29"

68

27.5   30"

80

19      30"

50

16.5    29"

70

28      31"

90

19.5    30"

52

17      29"

72

29     32"

100

20       31"

54

17.5    29"

74

30     33"

110

20.5    31"

56

18      30"

76

30.5  33"

120

 21       31"

58

18.5    30"

Formula: Height/3 + 5

130

21.5    32"

60

19       30"

140

22       32"

Formula: Height/4 + 4

150

23       32"

Formula: Weight/18 + 14