Quick Take
For most 11-12 year olds, a drop 8 bat offers the ideal balance of length and weight, maximizing plate coverage and swing speed. While drop 5 bats cater to stronger hitters preparing for BBCOR play, they are often better suited for advanced players rather than the majority of youth athletes.
As a general rule, we believe a drop 8 bat hits the figurative sweet spot for most 11 and 12-year-old players. This drop weight strikes the ideal balance between control and power, allowing players to maintain good bat speed while starting to transition to heavier bats.
We’d much rather see a player use a 32-inch drop 8 than opt for a shorter drop 5. The added length provides better plate coverage, while the manageable weight allows for solid mechanics without sacrificing swing speed.
Additionally, modern drop 5 bats often seem designed more for adult hitters chasing home runs on YouTube than for young players developing their skills in real game scenarios. While the allure of hitting tape-measure shots with a heavier bat is tempting, the reality is that most youth players are more successful with a lighter, more balanced option like a drop 8.
What is a Drop Weight?
A bat’s drop weight refers to the difference between its length (in inches) and its weight (in ounces). For example:
- A drop 8 bat is 8 ounces lighter than its length. A 32-inch bat would weigh 24 ounces.
- A drop 5 bat is only 5 ounces lighter than its length. A 32-inch bat would weigh 27 ounces.
As the drop weight decreases, bats become heavier relative to their length, resulting in more mass behind each swing—but requiring more strength and bat speed to wield effectively.
The Case for a Drop 8
A drop 8 bat is an excellent choice for players transitioning out of lighter drop 10 or drop 12 bats. It provides a manageable weight step while offering enough bat speed for younger hitters who are not yet physically developed enough for a drop 5. Drop 8 bats are typically used in:
- USSSA leagues for ages 11 to 12
- Players who are preparing to move to heavier bats but still need more control and speed at the plate.
Why Consider a Drop 5?
A drop 5 bat is closer to the standard used in high school and beyond. BBCOR bats, for example, are required to have a drop 3. By moving to a drop 5, players adjust to the increased weight, allowing them to prepare for the higher pitch speeds and tougher competition. A drop 5 is ideal for:
- Stronger 12U and 13U players who have the physicality to handle a heavier bat.
- Players transitioning to BBCOR bats in the next year or two.
- Hitters who prioritize power over bat speed.
A general bat size chart also suggests his optimal swing-weighted bat is a 23.5-ounce stick. However, these bat size charts (like all bat size charts) tend to forget that bats swing differently based on their load out.
Although I’ve yet to see your son swing, I’d be more likely to put him in a 32/24 with an end load before dropping him to the drop 31/26 or 30/25. It is tempting at 12u to go heavy, especially if he’s been swinging a drop 5 woody all winter. But the pitch speeds they see at 12 at short distances really rock the house. I’d be more interested in him gaining the length of a 32 than the girth of a drop 5.
Key Factors to Consider
- Physical Strength
It may be worth moving up if your player is strong enough to generate bat speed with a drop 5. However, if they struggle to swing the bat effectively, a drop 8 will keep their mechanics intact while allowing for better control. - Pitch Speed
At 12U, pitchers begin throwing harder, and pitch speeds can range from 50–60+ mph. A heavier bat can drive the ball further, but only if the hitter can maintain bat speed. - Game Situations
For players who use different bats in practice and games, it’s wise to preserve their game bats and use older or less expensive bats in the cage—especially when hitting dimple balls.
The Final Word
At 12U, we often recommend prioritizing length overweight. A longer bat (like a 32-inch drop 8) provides a better reach across the plate and gives the player more opportunities to develop their swing mechanics. If your player has been swinging a wood bat all winter or shows an advanced level of strength and control, a drop 5 could be a logical step. However, if they are still adjusting to heavier bats or facing fast pitching, sticking with a drop 8 might be the wiser choice.
Remember, every player is different. What works for one hitter may not work for another. If in doubt, test a few options in the batting cage and pay attention to how they perform over multiple swings.
