HC6-ProSelect

Birch. Softer than maple and more forgiving of mis-hits; hardens with use. A good choice for a first wood bat and for younger players.

Maple. Dense and hard, the most common pro wood. Hits hard and holds up when the player squares the ball up; breaks rather than flakes when mis-hit. Quality varies a lot by maker.

Tip: Maple from a good maker is the best wood bat money can buy; maple from a cheap one is the worst.

A big barrel (about 2.56 in and up) gives the most hitting surface. Its size does not decide the balance: some big-barrel bats are balanced.

About 0.93 to 0.96 in. The usual choice: enough whip, enough strength.

Tip: Most players never need to think about this one.

The handle widens into the knob like the bell of a trumpet. Players who choke up or want leverage like it; it also keeps the bottom hand from sliding off. Popular from high school up.

Extra weight toward the end of the barrel, so the bat swings heavier than its number. For some players it gives a better feel for where the barrel is; whether it suits yours depends on how consistently they deliver the barrel. End load is not barrel size: some skinny-barrel bats are end-loaded.

Tip: An end-loaded bat that feels heavy is the most common sizing mistake we see.