Baseball Bats
Baseball is among the most popular sports in the USA. It requires physical ability and a high level of concentration. Being a bat-and-ball game, the players need high-quality gears. Therefore, in this article, we will pay special attention to the baseball bats.
Since not all baseball bats are equally created, you have to be careful when choosing a new one that will help you improve your baseball performance. Fortunately, there are many great models available on the market to choose from, you just have to pick the right one for your needs. To guide you through this process, we’ve gathered and compared in this article the best baseball bats that will definitely impress you with their features and design.
- Top 8 Baseball Bats Comparison
- The Bats Evaluation
- Product Ratings
- Tips to Consider for Choosing the Right Size Bat
- Advantages of Using a High-Quality Bat
Top 8 Baseball Bats Comparison
| Photo | Bats | Price |
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1. Easton BB17MK Mako Beast
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2. Rawlings Velo Hybrid
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3. DeMarini Voodoo Insane
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4. Marucci Cat7
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5. Louisville Slugger Omaha
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6. Rawlings 2018 5150
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7. Combat SL7MX112
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8. Louisville Slugger Solo 618
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The Bats Evaluation
Easton BB17MK Mako Beast
Redesigned to offer you more strength on the baseball field, this bat is one of the best one you can currently find on the market. Being the most powerful bat made by Easton, you will achieve the best results every time you use it. The two-piece ConneXion technology does a great job when it comes to maximize the transfer. Featuring a 31/32-inch composite handle with a 1.2mm Hyperskin grip that provides increased stability, you will immediately see the remarkable improvements in your game. In comparison to the original Mako bat, this is 1.5 inches longer, which makes it provide you the fastest swing weight. Additionally, this thermos composite barrel comes with a beautiful design, successfully combining colors like black, gray, and white. Therefore, when it comes to powerful and innovative bats, this model is definitely a great choice if you really want to make a difference.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| The longest two-piece composite barrel | |
| Thermo composite barrel | |
| Very durable | |
| The grip provides superior stability | |
| Reliable brand | |
VERDICT |
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From our point of view, Easton BB17MK Mako Beast is the best two-pieces bat to go with. Made by a respectable brand in this field, the bat is easy to handle, durable, and very comfortable. Since your goal is to become a better golf player, you need a well-made bat that can help you improve your skills and every time you play your favorite sport. |
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Rawlings Velo Hybrid
There are few bats like the Rawlings Velo Hybrid and this fact is proved by the many features it comes with. To start with, this is a one-piece bat that offers you a balanced swing weight. Also, you will surely appreciate the Silver Comp-Lite end cap that is fiber reinforced, so you will no longer have to deal with the weight placed at the end of the bat. Additionally, the Precision Laser pOp 2.0 does an amazing job as it creates a lasered groove through sweet spot, which translates into increased flexibility. Another thing worth mentioning about this barrel is the acoustic alloy that makes it very durable, this currently being the loudest alloy, which means a resonating ping. As about the design, you will surely love the beautiful combination of red and green-yellowish color. All in all, this bat is a great choice if you need a fast model that will make you invincible every time you use it.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Acoustic alloy for increased durability | You may feel a little sting in case there’s no proper contact with the bat |
| Very well-balanced | |
| Great pop | |
| Popular choice among users | |
| Nice grip tape | |
VERDICT |
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If you’re a fan of one-pieces bats, then Rawlings Velo Hybrid is definitely a great option to consider. This model is well-balanced and it comes with some pretty innovative features that are meant to improve your game. Also, we like the fact that it is made of high-quality materials, being at the same time flexible and easy to use. |
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DeMarini Voodoo Insane
If you want a new and reliable bat, then take a closer look at the DeMarini Voodoo Insane. Made for elite players, this end loaded two-piece bat is among the best you can find in order to take the game to the next level. What is so special about this barrel is the X14 technology that successfully blends with the D-Fusion 2.0 handle. The handle helps reducing vibration, while redirecting the energy back into the baseball bat. The X14 alloy allows the hitters distribute weight in various ways just to obtain balance and strength. The comfortable RCK knob is a truly great addition, while the low pro end cap does a pretty amazing job when it comes to optimizing the swing weight, but also the sound throughout the bar. Therefore, look no further and upgrade your bat to a stronger and powerful one to make sure you improve your game performance sooner than you think.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| D-Fusion 2.0 handle | Rather tiny handle |
| Solid construction | |
| Great design | |
| Made for strong players | |
| Very well-balanced | |
VERDICT |
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In case you are an experienced player, we recommend you the DeMarini Voodoo Insane bat. The overall construction allows you to enjoy many years of satisfying performance, so you can be sure you will always achieve the best results on the baseball field. The two-piece design is very well-balanced and the innovative handle successfully reduces the vibrations. |
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Marucci Cat7
Featuring a strong and durable construction, the Marucci Cat7 is undoubtedly a performant bat that does an amazing job. The one-piece design and the AZ4X alloy, make this bat worth considering if you want to make sure you achieve the best results on the baseball field. Considering the fact that this bat features a ring-free barrel technology that helps forget about the dead spots and barrel-end wall thickness profiles for a better balance and increased swing speeds, you can be sure you won’t be disappointed with what it has to offer you. Here we also have to mention the AV2 knob that provides a better feel on contact, making the bat very comfortable for your hands. As about the design, you will surely like the simple appearance of this bat, the manufacturer choosing to make it all white. In conclusion, if you want to invest in a more accessible, yet remarkable baseball bat, you can definitely consider this upgraded model from Marucci.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Second generation AV2 knob | Some buyers complained about the fact that the grip is slick |
| Barrel-end wall thickness profiles | |
| Low MOI | |
| Great balance precision design | |
| Strong alloy | |
VERDICT |
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Another great bat made of a single piece is Marucci Cat7. The durable alloy makes it very resistant to high impacts, so you will be able to enjoy it for many years. Additionally, the bat is perfect for both beginner and advanced players, featuring an attractive design and a comfortable grip. |
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Louisville Slugger Omaha
The Louisville Slugger Omaha is among the finest bats you can find, being very popular among many players. There are many reasons why you should invest in this model, including the fact that it was made from ST+20 alloy that increases its durable in order to enjoy it for many years to come. Additionally, in comparison to other models, this one comes with the longest BBCOR sweet spot and barrel, which is quite impressive. In what concerns the grip, this is synthetic and features a 31/32-inch tapered handle. For increased balance, the manufacturer added a pro cup end cap. As about the design, this is very simple, yet stylish, so you will surely like. Furthermore, this bat can really help you improve your game because it provides great performance on the field, being a real helper if you want to give your best when playing your favorite game.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Synthetic grip with tapered handle | Rather heavy |
| Pro cup end cap | |
| Deliver great performance | |
| Durable construction | |
| Very comfortable | |
VERDICT |
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Louisville Slugger Omaha is a remarkable bat and the many positive reviews has convinced us about its great performance. This model is made to last and it comes with great features for helping you improve your game right from the first use. Additionally, you will surely love the fact that it is very comfortable and very easy to handle. |
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Rawlings 2018 5150
This 2018 model comes with the USA baseball certification stamp. This means is approved for play in AABC, Cal Ripken, Dixie Youth, Babe Ruth, Pony and Little League. It is a one-piece bat made with Aircraft-grade 5150 alloy. Furthermore, it comes with a drop -5 length-to-weight ratio which means that this particular model is 30-inch long and weighs 25 ounces. The barrel diameter is 2 5/8 inches. On one end the bat features the pOp 2.0 technology that creates a great sweet spot and a nice sound. On the other end, the manufacturer opted for the tackified, synthetic bat grip that offers increased control. It comes in a beautiful black, gray, and gold combination that makes it very eye-catching. The bat is available in multiple sizes, so you can be sure you will find the right one for your needs. It is backed by a 1-year warranty.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Well-balanced and comfortable | Some customers complained about the fact that the bat weighs more than advertised |
| Affordable price | |
| Comes with the USABat stamp | |
| Features p0p 2.0 technology | |
| Made with aerospace-grade 5150 alloy | |
VERDICT |
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Great option for intermediate level players. The bat comes with some nice features and has a nice pop. We like the fact that it is available at a reasonable price, so if you want a good bat that won’t cost you a fortune, this is the one to go with. There is a minor drawback, though. According to some customers, the bat weighs more than advertised, so you may want to weight it to make sure there’s no problem with it. |
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Combat SL7MX112
Made by a reliable brand in this industry, the bat is ideal for youth but also for professional players. It features a one-piece construction and is all made of composite. In comparison to other bats, it has a 20 to 40% larger hitting surface. There’s a carbon-fiber sleeve that runs all over the length of the bat for enjoying uniform strength during the game. Additionally, it has a very balanced swing. This model is a drop 12 length to weight ratio and it has a 2 5/8 inches barrel diameter. The precision molding technology offers a consistent barrel with absolutely no dead spots. We also like the lizard skin grips that provide a comfortable and non-slip grasp. The manufacturer backs this bat for one year and in case you aren’t satisfied with the results, you will receive your money back within 30 days of purchase.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Provides fast and balance swings | You may feel a little vibration if you miss the sweet spot |
| Precision Molding Technology | |
| Large hitting surface | |
| Features a lizard skin grip | |
| 30-day money back guarantee | |
VERDICT |
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Great bat if you’re looking for a solid and balanced model. It comes with some nice features, including the precision molding technology and the lizard skin grip. It is ideal for both youth and professional players and features a generous hitting surface. The only drawback is that if you miss a sweet spot, you may feel a slight sting but you can return if you don’t like it and you will receive your money back. |
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Louisville Slugger Solo 618
This model features a one-piece construction and is made of SL alloy material that makes it both durable and lightweight. Due to the fact that it features a single-piece construction it delivers a stiff feel. The barrel comes with a 2 5/8 inches diameter and multiple sizes to choose from, namely from 28 to 32 inches . It comes with a -11 drop ratio, so the bat is easier to swing and helps achieve powerful and fast swings. Considering these specifications, this bat is suitable for players up to 9 years old. At a closer look, you can see the Speed Balistic Cap at the end of the bat, so this bat, in comparison to the other ones made by Louisville Slugger features the lowest MOI and the quickest speed. Additionally, it features a lizard skins handle that provides a secure grip. Last but not least, the bat is approved for USA baseball leagues and includes a 1-year warranty.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Features a secure grip due to the lizard skins handle | Can easily create vibrations with hits |
| It is very light and delivers quick speeds | Has a small reminder of the barrel |
| The SL hyper alloy increases its overall durability | |
| Features a balanced weight distribution | |
| USA baseball certification | |
VERDICT |
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This youth bat is suitable for children up to 9 year old. The added features improve its performance while the beautiful and colorful design makes it very attractive. It comes with a USA baseball certification . Among the things that we don’t like are the fact that it can create vibrations with heats and that the reminder of the barrel is rather small. |
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Product Ratings
We’ll continue the article by helping you familiarize with the main characteristics of a baseball bat. Based on these characteristics we have rated the products and chose the best model. Of course, as a baseball player, you may know what drop weight or BBCOR means. However, in case you are new to this sport, you need to find out more about some terms, as well as about the available sizes or warranty.
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Drop Weight
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Barrel Diameter
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Construction
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BBCOR Certified
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Available Sizes
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Warranty
The drop weight, which is also known as the length-to-weight ratio, is specific for baseball and softball and it’s basically the difference between the length and weight of the baseball bat. As a rule, the higher the drop, the lighter the bat. Also, another important aspect you have to know is that all BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution) certified bats have a -3 drop weight.
Depending on the diameter of the barrel, we can classify the bat as small, medium, or big. Therefore, a bat with a barrel diameter of 2 3/4 inches is considered big, having a larger surface area. A bat with a diameter of 2 5/8 inches can be classified as medium, while a diameter of 2 1/4 is more common for small bats. All the bats selected by us have a diameter of 2 5/8 inches, thus being neither big nor small. As a rule, the maximum barrel size for high school and college players, or amateurs is 2 5/8 inches.
In terms of construction, you will find two types of bats: one-piece and two-piece.
In the first category fall all bats that are made of a single piece and a single material, which may be aluminum, wood, or composite. In general, the one-piece bats are more rigid and are recommended for advanced players as they are stronger and can handle them more easily. From the models chosen by us, the Rawlings Velo Hybrid, the Marucci Cat7, and the Louisville Slugger Omaha have a one-piece construction.
The second category, the two-piece construction bats, refers to all baseball bat that are made of two different parts joined together. The first part is the barrel, while the second one is the handle. When the materials of the barrel and the handle are different, the bats are called hybrid. A good example of a hybrid bat is one that has a composite handle and an aluminum barrel. Nevertheless, if the two parts of the bat are made of the same material, let’s say aluminum, then the bat it’s called two-piece aluminum bat. Easton BB17MK Mako Beast and DeMarini Voodoo Insane are bats that feature a two-piece construction.
Measuring the trampoline effect of the bat, the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) is the standard for high school and collegiate leagues. The bats which are BBCOR certified are categorized as adult baseball bats. The main purpose of this particular standard is to make sure that non-wood bats perform comparably with wood bats, measuring the bat performance on the field. All the bats in our top are BBCOR certified.
One bat can come in one or more sizes, depending on the model. Those bats which have more sizes to choose from allow you to buy the right size for your needs. Some bats are available in 3 sizes, while others may come in 5 or 6 sizes. The more, the better.
The warranty is important as it offers you peace of mind. Usually, most bats come with a 1-year warranty against any manufacturing defects. Therefore, in case your bat comes with certain defects, it will be replaced by the manufacture as soon as possible.
Tips to Consider for Choosing the Right Size Bat
If you like playing baseball and you want to improve your game, then having the right baseball bat is mandatory. Many people don’t pay too much attention to aspects light length and weight when buying a new bat, so we thought that guiding you may be exactly what you need.
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Measure Yourself for the Bat Length
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Figure Out If the Weight Is the Right One
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Pay Attention to the Manufacturing Materials
Finding the right length is the first thing you have to do in order to determine the right size of the bat. Although there are more ways to measure it, one of the best ones is to spread out at full length one arm and place the end of the bat in the center of your chest. Then, you have to extend the bat against the index finger to figure out if it’s too small or too long. In the first case, the bat will only get to the palm or wrist, while in the second case it will get beyond the finger.
In what concerns the weight, it’s highly important to feel comfortable swinging the bat. A great trick is to spread out the arm and hold the handle for at least 30-40 seconds. In case you feel too much pressure and you can’t hold it that long, it means that it’s too heavy and you have to try a lighter one. However, choosing the bat for the first time may be rather difficult, so you may ask a specialized person to offer you their help.
The materials used for making the bat are very important. In general a bat is made of wood, aluminum, or composite. It’s up to you to decide which material is best for your needs, but you have to make sure the bat is both durable and easy to handle. The top rated models are usually made of high quality materials, so there are small chances to be disappointed.
Advantages of Using a High-Quality Bat
Using a high-quality bat is definitely much better than playing with one that doesn’t feature a solid construction. Although you may not think so, the quality of a bat can seriously affect your game, so investing in a cheap model is definitely not a good idea. Here are the main advantages of top rated bats.
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Better Results
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Increased Comfort
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Limitless Self-Confidence
If you want to improve your game, then maybe it’s time to replace your old bat and invest in one that is made of durable materials. Many people agree with the fact that the quality of a bat can influence the score of the game, so using one that will help you improve your baseball skills is definitely worth considering.
Playing for more time with a poorly made model can make you feel uncomfortable during the game. This can also affect your concentration because you will be constantly troubled by the grip. On the other hand, a reliable bat will always offer you an increased level of comfort when playing your favorite sport, allowing you to focus more on the game and less on external factors.
Relying on your bat will definitely help you boost your confidence and become a better player. Self-confidence is very important when playing a sport because it helps you have a positive thinking and concentrate on what you have to do in order to gain the game. Well, fortunately, with the help of a strong bat, you will be much closer to success.
As you can see, comparing the best 5 baseball bats has helped us determine which one is the best to go with. The winner is Easton BB17MK Mako Beast, a two-piece-bat that was specially made to deliver fast swing weight. With original ideas and advanced technologies, Easton brand is among the most popular ones in this industry, so this bat is definitely a smart option for a baseball passionate. For a one-piece model, we recommend you Rawlings Velo Hybrid. The bat is very easy to handle and features increased flexibility for achieving the best results while playing. However, if you want a cheaper alternative, you can opt for Louisville Slugger Omaha which despite the fact that is a little bit heavy, it does a great job when it comes to improving your score.
