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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 gear. Therefore, in this article, we will pay special attention to the baseball bats. And since not all baseball bats are equally created, you have to be careful when choosing a new one to 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.
Easton is a famous name in the baseball bat industry, so no wonder our first choice is a bat made by this brand. The company developed 2 types of bats – one for speed and one for power. But with this model, it managed to successfully combine the speed and power in one bat. As a result, the Mako Beast is currently one of the most popular bats you can get.
Design
This bat has a 2-piece composite construction and it is available in multiple sizes. It comes in a nice black color, so it is not only powerful but also stylish. The barrel has a diameter of 2 5/8 inches. Besides the BBCOR -3 bat, you can also opt for the big barrel -10 in 2 3/4 and 2 5/8, as well as XL in -8 and -5, and youth in -12, -11, and -10 XL.
Extended speed design: in comparison to the original Mako bat this one was redesigned, and has a 1.5-inch longer sweet spot.
Composite handle with Hyperskin grip: for improved stability, the bat features a 31/32-inch tapered composite handle and a 1.2 mm hyperskin grip.
Performance&Convenience
This is the most powerful bat made by Easton. It is longer than other 2-piece composite barrels and provides a fast swing weight. It is well balanced due to the evenly distributed weight. The manufacturer warrants it for a period of 1 year.
Reengineered Thermo Composite Technology: one of the top materials used by Easton provides great performance and massive sweet spot.
ConneXion technology: for reducing vibration and maximizing energy transfer.
PROS
The longest two-piece composite barrel
Thermo-composite barrel
Very durable
The grip provides superior stability
Reliable brand
CONS
Verdict
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.
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.
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
Second generation AV2 knob
Barrel-end wall thickness profiles
Low MOI
Great balance precision design
Strong alloy
FDA approved manufacturer
CONS
Some buyers complained about the fact that the grip is slick
Verdict
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.
This is one of the newest models released by Rawlings and it promises high-performance. It features a single-piece construction and it made of 5150 alloy. This material is durable and it is one of the best choices for a responsive performance.
It features the pOp 2.0 technology that helps expand the sweet spot while improving control and feel. The barrel has a diameter of 2 5/8 inches it is available in 5 sizes to match your preferences. When it comes to design, this bat will definitely impress you.
It looks very nice and you have the possibility to choose between 3 colors – red, white and black. The bat is approved for AABC, Dixie Youth Baseball, Babe Ruth, Pony Baseball, and Little League Baseball. Also, it comes with a USA Baseball certification stamp.
PROS
Delivers great control and balance
It is made of 5150 alloy
Features the pOp 2.0 technology
Has a lizard skin grip
Lightweight design
CONS
Verdict
This bat is a really nice option and it is available at an affordable price. It features a solid construction, it is well-balanced and easy to swing. Additionally, it delivers a great pop. We also like the fact that it is available in multiple sizes and colors.
When it comes to tee-ball bats, Rawlings 2019 Raptor Tball is definitely the best you can get. It has the USA baseball logo on it, so it is approved by all Tball leagues. It was specially designed for kids and it is lightweight and well-balanced. It successfully combines power and control with great pop and distance. The frame features 1-piece design and it is made of strong alloy.
The bat comes in multiple sizes and the barrel has a diameter of 2 1/4 inches. It has a drop weight of -12, so it is very lightweight and easy to handle. For generating more energy and reducing swing weight, the bat features a perimeter weighted end cap which increases its mass. At the same time, the large sweet spot is really great as it provides a larger margin of error in comparison to other bats.
PROS
Approved by the T-ball league
Made of durable alloy
Large sweet spot for a larger margin of error
Perimeter weighted end for better energy transfer
Beautiful paint job
CONS
The material is rather soft which may cause dents when hitting a hardball
Tends to vibrate when hitting a hardball
Verdict
Kids will love this bat as it is easy to handle due to the lightweight design. The paint is really nice and it comes with some nice features that will help your kid get the most out of it.
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
Well-balanced and comfortable
Affordable price
Comes with the USABat stamp
Features p0p 2.0 technology
Made with aerospace-grade 5150 alloy
CONS
Some customers complained about the fact that the bat weighs more than advertised
Verdict
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.
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
Acoustic alloy for increased durability
Very well-balanced
Great pop
Popular choice among users
Nice grip tape
CONS
You may feel a little sting in case there’s no proper contact with the bat
Verdict
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.
DeMarini bats are really great and this one makes no exception. The 2019 CFZen is also light, which makes it very easy to handle. For the best performance, the bat is packed with many nice features.
The diameter of the barrel is a little bit smaller in comparison to the other bats – 2 1/4 inches – and it is made of 2 pieces. It has a great pop and it is very well balanced due to the paraflex and composite construction.
For increased flexibility and control, the handle features a 3-fusion technology. The RCK knob is also a nice addition as it makes it more comfortable. Also, in order to improve the strength and sweet spot, the bat is equipped with a 3-fusion end cap.
In comparison to other bats made by DeMarini, this one is more responsive. It is available in 6 different sizes – from 28 to 33 inches. The color combination – black, blue, and gray – gives it a very stylish appearance.
PROS
The bat is approved for NSA USSSA, ASA, ISIF and ISA
Great balance and pop
3-fusion end cap
3-fusion handle
Features an RCK knob that makes it very comfortable
CONS
Verdict
This softball bat is suitable for young players. It is more expensive but at this price you cna know for sure that you get a good quality bat that provides excellent results.
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
Provides fast and balance swings
Precision Molding Technology
Large hitting surface
Features a lizard skin grip
30-day money back guarantee
CONS
You may feel a little vibration if you miss the sweet spot
Verdict
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.
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
Features a secure grip due to the lizard skins handle
It is very light and delivers quick speeds
The SL hyper alloy increases its overall durability
Features a balanced weight distributio
USA baseball certification
CONS
Can easily create vibrations with hits
Has a small reminder of the barrel
Verdict
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.
If you’re a Suicide Squad fan and more precisely a Harley Quinn fan, then you will love this bat. It is a Warner Brothers and DC Comics officially authorized replica.
The quality of the bat is good and it feels like a real bat. It is made of hardwood and the weigh and balance are accurate. It is 31.5 inches long and it weighs about 2.8 pounds.
The replica is well made as it looks just like the one in the movie. The details are really great and precise and it has a nice mirror finish.
Also, the price is accessible for any movie prop collector.
PROS
Authentic Harley Quinn replica
Made with great attention to details
Solid wood construction
The box it comes in is really nice
CONS
The end of the bat doesn’t have a gloss finish
Some customers complained about the fact that it has cracks
Verdict
This is an officially authorized collectible and it feels like a genuine bat. It is solid and the details are really cool. It is the perfect gift for a Suicide Squad fan.
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
Synthetic grip with tapered handle
Pro cup end cap
Delivers great performance
Durable construction
Very comfortable
CONS
Rather heavy
Verdict
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.
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 batis 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 to 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
D-Fusion 2.0 handle
Solid construction
Great design
Made for strong players
Very well-balanced
CONS
The handle is a little bit small
Verdict
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.
How to Measure Yourself to Choose 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.
Determine the baseball bat dimensions: 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.
Figure out if the weight is the right one: 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.
Pay attention to the manufacturing materials: 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.
Buying Guide
Feature
What You Should Know About It
Drop Weight
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.
Barrel Diameter
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. As a rule, the maximum barrel size for high school and college players, or amateurs is 2 5/8 inches.
Construction
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.
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.
BBCOR Certified
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.
Available Sizes
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.
Warranty
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.
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.
Better results 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.
Increased comfort 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.
Limitless self-confidence 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.
Conclusion
As you have noticed, baseball bats can differ a lot, whether we are talking about their design, material, destination or features. Nevertheless, we’ve tried to include the best from each category, paying good attention to the craftsmanship and reliability every model has to offer, therefore, once you’ve decided what type of bat you need, you can go an pick it from our top without worries.
A premium aluminum alloy model, it has been BBCOR certified, which means that is meets the highest standards required for it to be used in high-schools. The end cap is fiber reinforced, offering an excellent grip and better durability, while the one-piece construction provides excellent accuracy. The length-to-weight ratio is -3, this meaning that besides high-school and college players, it can be successfully used by adults as well.
The pOp 2.0 technology used in its fabrication ensures an even distribution of weight, providing the optimal balance for the player. Not to mention the sweet spot, which is pretty big and combined with the solid “ping” transmits power and confidence.
A beautifully-designed youth bat, it is the best choice for players age 14 and under. It is built of aerospace-grade alloy and integrates the top-notch pOp 2.0 technology, therefore it is more balanced and easy to maneuver than most models in its class. The swing speed is increased by the hyper-light speed end cap, while the large sweet spot increases the sensation of power. Moreover, it has been approved for the USA baseball standards, so you can trust it to provide a safe game for your kid.
It is a medium-priced model that has plenty to offer for all high-school and college players, no matter their experience or skills. It features a 1-piece alloy construction and a super-large sweet spot, offering excellent control and power. The balance is increased by the Pro Cup end cap and the tapered handle. Additionally, we should mention that it is BBCOR-certified, therefore it complies with all the standards and can be used in high-schools and colleges.
It was designed for 7-year old or younger kids who can use it with soft-core tee balls. The big sweet spot provides the perfect mix of power and control while the light bat drop weight delivers faster swing speeds. The 1-piece frame is made of aluminum alloy that makes it durable and reliable without increasing its weight. Furthermore, it has been approved in all TBALL leagues, so you can rest assured that your kid will be safe, as all the safety standards were considered and this bat complies with them.
If you are planning to play in the big league then you should practice with a bat that meets the professional standards. Marucci Cat7 comes with an optimized barrel design that offers a bigger sweet spot and incredible precision. The one-piece metal alloy design makes it ultra-responsive, while the thinner barrel walls create a trampoline effect. Plus, the barrel is designed without a ring, thus eliminating dead spots and improving the bat’s overall performance.
