Big Barrel Bats vs Small Barrel Bats – A Comparison
Paul Hall
No matter the level of baseball, choosing the right bat is essential for any success in the game.
Finding the bat that suits the skill level and the style of play is helpful for players of all ages.
Both experienced MLB pros and the kids just starting in the game need a proper bat to reach optimal performance.
However, finding the perfect bat depends on a lot of factors. The size of the barrel is one of the most important.
The big barrel vs small barrel bats debate has been going on for some time now.
It has even heated up since the big barrel bats have been introduced to senior and youth leagues. Both sides have some valid arguments.
I’ll go through the most relevant points, so you can have a clear picture when deciding on the appropriate bat for you or your kid.
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Big Barrel vs Small Barrel Bats – The Differences
Barrel Size
Of course, as the names say, the main difference between these two types of bats is the size of the barrel.
The diameter of the barrel on the big barrel bat, mostly used in senior leagues, is usually 2.75 inches.
Overall, these bats are heavier than their small-barrel counterparts. As most of the mass is concentrated at the top of the bat, these bats are known as “end-loaded“.
Small barrel bats commonly feature barrel diameters ranging from 2.25 to 2.6 inches.
With the mass more evenly distributed across the whole body, these bats provide a more balanced feel for the hitters.
Contact Area
Logically, big barrel bats provide much more surface to make contact between the ball and the bat.
When hit properly, the ball can easily fly fast and far. As players move up the competition levels, the pitches become faster and tougher.
For that reason, older players mostly prefer big barrels. With them, they can hit the ball more easily and with more force.
Small barrels, conversely, provide a smaller contact area. This means that a bad swing will likely result in a foul ball, but a fair hit will be a hard-hit ball.
Swing and Hit Control
What they lose in the size of the contact area, the small barrel bats make up with the better control of the swing.
They’re lighter than big barrel bats and feature a more aerodynamic shape.
This allows players a better feel and more swing control. It also helps them be more comfortable with their hit and have more confidence.
Better control is especially important for younger players who often lack the strength to properly handle the big barrel bat.
However, when they have enough strength, hitters can increase bat speed and transfer more energy to the ball with the end-loaded bat.
What to Consider Before Buying a Small or Big Barrel Bat
Age Group
When faced with a big barrel vs small barrel bats choice, potential buyers have to take several factors into account.
First of all, the age of the player who will be using the bat.
As I mentioned, the big barrel increases the weight of the bat and makes it more difficult to control.
So to get the most out of the big barrel bat, make sure that you have enough physical strength to handle it.
This means that these bats should mostly be used by players in the older age group. Bats with smaller barrels will help younger players learn and develop their swing properly.
Even though they may be able to use heavier bats, it will likely cause them to be behind pitches, mostly leading to more ground balls and pop outs.
As they get older and stronger, players will progress to heavier, big barrel bats.
Certifications
Before making a purchase, make sure that the selected bat is legal in the league you plan to use it in.
Baseball governing bodies introduce standards prescribing what type of equipment may be used in a certain league.
For example, the USSSA standard, used in travel ball, prescribes that barrel diameter can’t exceed 2 ¾ inches.
BBCOR standard, applied in high school and college baseball, and USA Bat have the maximum barrel diameter set at 2⅝ inches.
Showing up with the wrong size barrel may get you suspended from the game.
Pros and Cons of Using a Small Barrel Bat
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Pros and Cons of Using a Big Barrel Bat
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Which One Should You Use?
As I mentioned, the age, strength, and league requirements all come into play when choosing a big or small barrel bat.
However, probably the biggest factor should be your style of play or what kind of hitter are you.
Contact hitters, whose main goal is to place the ball around the field and just get to the base, should go for the small barrel, well-balanced bat.
On the other hand, power hitters, aiming to knock the ball out of the park, should choose end-loaded, big barrel bats, providing more speed and distance to the hit.
Conclusion
Both small and big barrel bats have their own benefits and drawbacks.
The important thing is to be realistic about yourself and your capabilities. A lot of players go for heavier, big barrel bats even though they can’t handle them.
Often, a smaller bat can provide better results, particularly with younger players. In time, as they grow stronger, they may eventually start using bats with the bigger barrel.
Remember that the size of the barrel is important, but it’s not the only thing you should take into consideration.
The feel and swing of the bat also depend on the handle and transition.
Once you’ve taken all these factors into account, you can consider yourself ready for the purchase of the new bat.
