T-Ball and Coach Pitch Buying Guide:
Glove - Find one that fits their hand and they can open and close easily.
Bats - Find a bat they can swing comfortably. You want to look for bats that are drop 10 (-10) to drop 12 (-12).
Cleats - Molded plastic only - good to have, but kids can get by with sneakers.
Batting helmet required.
AAA/Minor Buying Guide:
Glove - Plan to pay at least $40 for a glove. If you believe your kid will want to continue playing, pay more. A good 10.5"-12" glove can last them into middle-school.
Bat - AAA players will use USA bats. JBO players will want a USSSA bat - they cost more but hit the ball farther. Unless your child is a bigger kid, you still want to look for a drop 10 (-10) bat. Bat Digest suggests ~$10 per game played. So, at this age you shouldn't worry about spending more than ~$150 for a bat. You can find deals for good used bats on ebay.com and SidelineSwap.com.
Cleats - Molded plastic only. Strongly suggested.
Batting helmet required.
Juniors Buying Guide:
Glove - Plan to pay at least $60 for a glove. If you believe your kid will want to continue playing, pay more.
Bat - Players will use a USSSA bat - they cost more but hit the ball farther. Bat Digest suggests ~$10 per game played. So, at this age you shouldn't worry about spending more than ~$200 for a bat. You can find deals for good used bats on ebay.com and SidelineSwap.com.
Cleats - Molded plastic only. Required.
Batting helmet required.
Seniors Buying Guide:
Glove - Plan to pay at least $60 for a glove. If you believe your kid will want to continue playing, pay more.
Bat - Players will use a USSSA bat. You will want to start lowering the drop on the bat as they get closer to high school when they are required to swing a drop 3 (BBCOR) bat. Trying out -8 and -5 bats and even -3 bats is advised. Bat Digest suggests ~$10 per game played. So, at this age you shouldn't worry about spending more than ~$200 for a bat. You can find deals for good used bats on ebay.com and SidelineSwap.com.
Cleats - Metal or molded plastic. Required.
Batting helmet required.