Wiffle ball provides enjoyment for kids and adults. If you’re looking for a fresh take on baseball, Wiffle ball is for you.
When purchasing sports equipment for your child, it’s difficult to find equipment with the correct size and correct material.
Many people have purchased softball and baseball bats that are the incorrect size and used them for a couple of days before they broke by day three.
So, before you head out to buy a new Wiffle ball set, read through this complete buyer’s guide where we have listed our best Wiffle ball sets along with a brief overview refreshing your memory on the rules of play.
We’ll even answer some frequently answered questions.
What Is Wiffle Ball?
Many have either already heard of Wiffle ball (baseball’s younger cousin), while others are just beginning to be intrigued by the game and are preparing to shop for a bat to teach themselves how to play.
In either case, the similarities between Wiffle ball and baseball are many but are different in many ways as well.
Wiffle ball was created back in the 1950s. A man named David Mullany came up with a ball that could easily curve for his 12-year-old son.
When they played games, his son and his son’s friends used to refer to strikes as a “whiff,” and so it did not take long for the name of this new ball to stick, and it would be called Wiffle ball! Soon after, it was trademarked.
The Wiffle ball pitch is triangle-shaped and has scoring zones. There is no designated size of pitch as the game was intended to be played anywhere.
Each team can have up to ten players, and they must always bat in the same order.
When the Wiffle ball is pitched and hit, it might not travel far, which will almost eliminate base running and chasing the ball.
In order to play – it is recommended to have a minimum area of 20 feet wide to be able to put the home run markers at least 60 feet from home plate. The pitch must also have fair and foul lines, as well as single, double, triple, and home runs. Each game lasts five innings.
The Wiffle ball bat is quite different from your usual baseball bat since its barrel is a lot narrower.
The normal Wiffle ball bat will be used in the game, and no tape is allowed on the bat. The ball is made from a very strong plastic that is rubbery in texture.
It is a light ball so it will not travel or be thrown far. The players throw the ball like they would a baseball, but the ball curls easily.
The bat and ball were intended to be used in a busy area such as streets and backyards, so that more children could join in on the sport even if there wasn’t any space.
While Wiffle ball is a great game in itself, it also serves as good training game for children participating in a competitive sport such as baseball.
Wiffle Ball Bats and Baseball Bats – What’s the Difference?
A baseball bat has a minimum diameter of 2.5″ at its thinnest point.
In comparison, a Wiffle ball bat has a barrel that is one size. The barrels are thinner overall, and the bat barrel is longer than a baseball bat.
A Wiffle ball bat also has a thicker handle than a baseball bat, and the slope transition from handle to bat is much more gradual in the Wiffle ball bat.
Baseball bats can therefore give a greater speed, and the balls travel greater distance.
Wiffle bats have a greater surface area, so they are therefore much easier to hold, and the energy from the swing is transferred over a larger area throughout the barrel so the ball does not travel as far.
Choosing A Wiffle Ball Set
When choosing a Wiffle ball set you must consider the bat first and foremost.
Grip
The grip on a Wiffle bat is essential because it gives the player more stability, while also absorbing some shock during awkward at-bats.
Having the ability to flick your wrist quickly and grasp the bat correctly is an excellent thing to achieve with Wiffle bats! Bats also have little knobby bumps on the handle to help prevent the bat from slipping from your hold if you really swing hard.
Durability
A lot of Wiffle ball bats made today are made from plastic and hollow inside.
This often is a good reason they are truly inexpensive; however, this often means they may not last long even if playing every so often.
If you are choosing a Wiffle ball bat, choose one that is made from sturdier materials and will hold up when you do play (or abuse practice with).
Weight
If you’re new to playing Wiffle ball with smaller kids, heavier bats are not the best choice.
Heavier bats make it more difficult to have a good swing and hitting power. You should try to choose a bat that matches the age and size of your child.
Light bats are best for younger, smaller kids.
Length
Selecting a quality Wiffle bat for your child can be a challenging task, but you can be assured that an important factor is to choose one that fits.
To properly size a bat you should measure your child’s height before you add Wiffle bats to your shopping list.
Some helpful types of bat sizing recommendations can be found on many Wiffle bat store websites.
Sometimes – it might make sense for your child to have a longer (or shorter) bat depending on the child’s Wiffle ball or sporting skills.
Color
If your plans include only playing for leisure at the backyard, it really doesn’t matter what color the Wiffle ball bat is.
As far as teams go, there is a standard, and Wiffle bats are yellow.
Price
Overall, Wiffle ball is quite an affordable sport to participate in, and the additional equipment needed will not cost you very much either.
There are good quality bats, balls and sets available that are extremely value.
What about buying a bat within a set?
Getting a wiffle ball set is an awesome way of getting everything you need to play all at once instead of searching for individual items.
This will save you some time. However, at times you may want to look at bats and balls separately just to make sure it is what you want.
There is no wrong way to do it, so do what suits you the best.
Best Wiffle Ball Sets
With that in mind, our buyer’s guide will share a few Wiffle ball set options that are sure to fit each player and their budget.
1. Wiffle Ball USA Bat Set
Features
- Durable plastic
- Yellow color
- Lightweight
- Three colors of Wiffle ball
- Ideal for children
- Costs around $22
- Comes with a Dare to Soar wristband
The initial item on the list consists of a Wiffle ball set from the Wiffle Ball USA brand.
This is a well-built set with an official Wiffle ball bat, made of the Wiffle plastic you would expect, and, it comes with Wiffle balls in three colors; red, white, and blue (patriotic colors!)!
This bat is great for kids; even if they are really little and or have never played before.
The handle makes it easy for them to grip it through great design. The plastic is durable (perfect for competitive and fun games alike) and lightweight.
2. SKLZ Wiffle Ball Bat Set
Features
- Composite steel bat
- Choice of Quick Stick Bat or Power Stick Bat
- Quick Stick bat weighs 12 oz. Power Stick bat weighs 30 oz.
- Hardwearing, durable material
- 30” length
- Three Wiffle balls
- Ideal for hand-eye coordination training
- Great for speed
- Both bat sets cost around $69.99 each.
We now have the SKLZ set. It consists of three yellow balls and a SKLZ Power Stick bat, or you can opt for the Quick Stick bat instead.
The Power Stick bat is perfect for you if you want to improve your skills and need a heavier bat. This one weighs in at 30 oz. The Quick Stick bat is much lighter (12 oz) and also less fatiguing.
This allows you to swing the bat much more often with a quicker rotation. A good bat selection for kids and adults.
These composite bats have solid steel construction while being lightweight and allowing for good speed on hit.
The Power Stick can also be used for baseball or softball training as well. This one has quite a narrow barrel which assists with perfecting your coordination.
3. Louisville Slugger Replica Wiffle Bat and Ball Set
Features
- Woodgrain look
- Black in color
- Comes with a plastic Wiffle ball
- Baseball bat design (but isn’t as strong as one!)
- This set costs around $20.
Unlike your typical yellow bat, the Louisville Slugger is a neat selection.
This black bat applies the same C271 bat shape found in baseball but takes it one step further in terms of looking awesome!
This is not just a standard bat, but has a shape and finish on it to resemble woodgrain for authenticity. The size is similar to the length and width of a baseball bat.
That said, it is not as durable as a baseball bat. A couple of very hard hits if trying to play baseball instead of Wiffle ball could cause the bat to warp – so be careful!
4. AweStar Eagle Wiffle Ball Set
Features
- Blue bat
- Durable, rubber plastic
- Thinner barrel
- 32” in length
- Six white Wiffle balls
- Wristband “Dare to Soar.”
- Costs around $26.
An alternative that bypasses the customary yellow design is this AweStar Eagle Set. Why select yellow when you can select blue?
This one is durable with rubbery plastic, so it won’t deflect easily if you mistakenly smash a ball too hard. The barrel is a tad on the thinner side, but that shouldn’t be an issue.
It’s just the right size for younger kids (won’t hurt too much if they hit you when swinging because of the softness of the bat) with a great length too.
It also comes with two balls and a silicone wristband to wear with the slogan “Dare to Soar” on it – AweStar knows how to close the deal!
In no time you will be feeling like a pro, or at least, you’ll be feeling like it!
5. Joey’z Wiffle Ball Set
Features
- Comes with white ball
- Durable plastic material
- Perfect for slower hits
- Yellow bat
- Thinner barrel
One of the appealing aspects of this fantastic Wiffle ball set is that you receive ten balls with it! You will never have to feel bad again if your horrible aim sends the ball into the neighbors yard!
The balls and bat are manufactured from durable plastic that is designed for easy pitching. Perfect for those slower hits and shorter distances!
You can really let it go on your big swings without worrying if you are going to break that window that is 80 feet away.
It is a little thin in the barrel which may not suit everyone. However, it is very durable and will not dent, so you will be able to practice all of the time without hesitation.
6. Franklin Sports MLB Wiffle Ball Bat
Features
- Durable design
- A great introduction to the sport (and to baseball too!)
- Textured grip handle
- Perfect for children aged 3 and up
- Costs around $14.99.
This Wiffle ball bat is the perfect pennant bat for kids just starting to learn the skills of the sport, or for kids who want a simpler introduction to baseball.
At 30″ and lightweight, this is the intended bat for children who are learning how to develop that swing. The grip has a good feel and texture like a real bat.
It is a tough bat too, so you/r already afraid of your child making too hard of a hit will not be addressed.
This typically has a blown molded core of foam and soft barrel, comes with a foam ball, and could be used as a baseball bat, with it’s also 24″.
Wiffle Ball Rules
To play Wiffle ball, there are a few rules that should be followed:
- The maximum team size is 10 players, but you can easily do 1 vs 1! You only need three players on the field.
- You should decide using a coin toss or rock paper scissors who bats first.
- Each batter is pitched three balls, and must try to hit all three.
- If the batter doesn’t hit all three balls, he or she is out.
- The value of the hit ball depends on where it lands; if it lands in the single zone, the player can advance a base, if it lands in the double zone, the player can advance two, if it lands in the triple zone, the player can advance three and if it goes past that, it is a home run.
- If a player advances through the bases for the team, he or she has scored a run for the team.
- A home run is scored if the ball goes to the end of the outfield.
- The batter can be caught out if the ball is caught by the opposition.
- Once every batter on that team has had three strikes (or caught out), it becomes the turn of the other team to bat.
- The teams agree to a certain number of innings to play with the average being about six innings per team.
- A team wins the game if they scored the most runs.
- Generally, you are not allowed to use a ball glove during the game, however, batting gloves are permitted.
FAQs
Do I need to cork my Wiffle ball bat?
You don’t have to cork your bat, but if you really wanted to, you could always just take a drill and create a small hole in your bat.
Then, you can purchase expanding foam and fill the bat with the foam after you have drilled the hole and repaired it. Once the foam has completely dried and hardened, you can use your bat and it will give it a little bit more weight and strength.
How are they made?
A typical Wiffle ball bat is manufactured in two distinct steps. The first step involves a piece of equipment that makes two separate halves of a bat.
A bat has one side that is solid and the other side has holes. These two sides are joined together by another piece of equipment.
Can I tape my Wiffle ball bat?
If you already own a bat and would like to put some tape on it, there are some steps you want to take to accomplish this task. To start with, you want to make sure the bat is clean.
You can use a cleaning cloth or sponge with some warm, soapy water to clean the bat. When applying tape, feel free to use duct tape in whatever color you would like and apply the tape in small pieces, with pieces that are long enough to make a full trip around the bat.
You can tape both the handle and the barrel but many people choose to just put the tape on the handle. Having your hands warm will also help smooth out bumps in the tape.
Final Thoughts on Wiffle Ball Set Buyer’s Guide
If you were unfamiliar with Wiffle Ball prior to reading this article, you should be a bit more knowledgeable now! Wiffle Ball is great fun for all the family, and it can be played pretty much anywhere!
The variety of Wiffle ball sets listed should have something for everyone depending upon what you’re looking for.
Each set comes with at least one ball – If you know your children have a habit of losing balls, then you may want to buy a set that comes with more than one ball or just buy extra balls!
Once you have decided on your set you can jump outside and pitch some balls. You are guaranteed a lot of fun!