Baseball is a popular game loved by many. It is a game for both young and old and a perfect way to burn off excess calories. The game teaches valuable lessons such as healthy competition, the advantages of togetherness, and friendship.
Baseball accessories aren’t as expensive as other sports. All your need to get started is a glove and a bat., talking about a bat, these come in different sizes and shapes, and it is essential you purchase the right size and acceptable bat for your league.
Finding a decent bat isn’t easy, especially if you are getting into sports. Most players have gone through the stress of buying the wrong bats repeatedly till they finally find the best brand, drop, and length that suits their needs. To avoid this back and forth, it is essential you go through the reviews of expect as this would serve as a springboard of knowledge.
I would explain the advantages and disadvantages of each bat in detail so that you won’t make the common mistake most new league members make.
The 9 Best youth baseball bats in 2021 Are Reviewed Below
Below is a review of the 9 best youth baseball bats. If your choice of bats is within the brand list below, be rest assured that you are using a quality bat.
1
Louisville Slugger 2020 Prime
This baseball makes a statement because it was manufactured with the best technology. It features an AVC microform composite as the barrel and perfectly balanced weight. Louisville baseball is suitable for kids and adults, and it comes in two different colors and beautiful designs.
This baseball bat also has a firm grip due to the tac content on its handle; also, it doesn’t hurt the palm with prolong use. The bat allows for maximum and improved contact because of its increased barrel length. It no doubts the best bat.
Key Features:
- Presence of SBC turbine end cap
- Vibration control by VEX
- Standard weight
- Perfect grip handle
- AVC composite barrel
Specification:
- Color: Green and black
- Brand: Louisville slugger
- Length: 28”/18
- Material: Composite alloy hybrid
Pros
- An optimized sweet spot
- It has a quick break-in time
- Available in different lengths
- Free prime shipping
Cons
- very expensive
2
Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro
Rawlings pro bat lets you customized your bat to your desired weight, and it is available in drop -8, drop -10, drop -12, depending on your choice. I call it the flexibility expects because it allows you to decide what works for you.
This beautiful piece of art is vibration resistant, with a technology that keeps it damp, so you don’t wear out your hands. It is very durable and long-lasting due to its carbon fiber composite. Another intriguing feature is the multi-disc technology that gives it a superb sound when you hit the ball.
Key Features:
- Vibration poof handle
- It has a concave end cap
- It has a carbon fiber disc barrel
- Optimal swing balance
Specification:
- Color: Red and gold
- Brand: Rawlings
- Length: -12, -8, -10
- Material: Composite
Pros
- Available in many drop size
- High-quality technology
- All age group can use it
- Excellent pop sound
- Free shipping
Cons
- It breaks easily
- The pop sound can be confusing
3
DeMarini 2020 CF Zen
This special bat is the best for USSSA players; sports lovers refer to it as the best USSA baseball bat. DeMarini 2020 Cf Zen has the standard barrel size of 23/4”. It produces excellent hits while protecting your hands from vibration.
This bat looks so massive yet so light. It combines the advantage of an increased pop and high swing speed, which is often uncommon with other bats. Also, it adheres to all USSSA league rules, and you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
Key Features:
- It has a para flex barrel
- Lightweight
- A 2-piece build
- High-performance end cap
Specification:
- Color: Black and gold
- Brand: Rawlings
- Length: -10
- Material: Composite
Pros
- It has speed, power, and barrel control advantage
- Doesn’t wear the hands
- Reduced vibration
- Beautiful design
Cons
- prone to cracking
- prone to peeling
4
Marucci 2020 CAT -10
Marucci is a legend in a manufacturing baseball bat. Their quality is unique and consistent. Any Marucci bat you come across will have the same quality as others. This class of bats is made with aluminum (AZ105 alloy) which is the strongest of all their brand. The additional strength gives it the advantage of the enlarged sweet spot and extra pop.
The bat features a reduced-weight barrel. It has a perfect grip, and it is very suitable for practice days.
Key Features:
- made with an AZ105 aluminum alloy
- anti-vibration knob
- flawless design
- one piece
Specification:
- Color: Black and red
- Brand: Marucci
- Length: -10
- Material: Aluminum alloy
Pros
- It has a higher response rate
- An expanded sweet spot
- Doesn’t wear the hands
- Less vibrational feedback
Cons
- Not true to weight specified
5
DeMarini 2020 Voodoo
DeMarini bats have the shortest bats, and they are available in -9, -5, and -10. If you are searching for a bat that would make your kids stand out, DeMarini is the best bet. It is known to produce the best and quality youth bats. Its barrel is made with an X14 alloy, and its handle is made with composite, which helps improve players’ acceleration. The alloy act as a spring. It helps hits continuously in a balanced position.
It has a reduced weight; unlike wooden bats, this weight result from its reaction end cap. It has a reduced vibration effect and is highly accepted in both USSA and USA leagues.
Key Features:
- Its barrel is made with X14 alloy
- It has a 3-fusion connection
- Lightweight
- Balanced
Specification:
- Color: Black, blue and white
- Brand: DeMarini
- Length: -10, -9
- Material: X14 Alloy
Pros
- has different drop
- can be used by male and female
- durable
- high speed
- suitable for kids
Cons
- no refund policy
6
Easton 2020 Typhoon -12
Easton bat is known for its high durability and affordability. If you are looking to get value for your money, this is the best choice. It is manufactured with aluminum alloy, and its concave end cap also helps its weight in check.
Although it is fashionable with many designs, you would feel the grip it offers with so much swing action in so little time interval if you handle it.
Key Features:
- It has lightweight
- A concave end caps
- Alx100tm alloy
- A perfect grip
Specification:
- Color: Black, red and brown
- Brand: Easton
- Length: -10
- Material: Aluminum
Pros
- Comfortable grip
- Easy to swing
- USA baseball certified
- A single piece design
Cons
- It can dent easily
- The cushion on the grip doesn’t last long
7
Louisville Slugger 2020 Solo SPD
The primary purpose of designing this bat is speed, and indeed its beats its expectations. It’s so light and swings with little effort. If your concern is weight, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed at the Louisville slugger solo.
It is made from a super-light hyper alloy which gives it an incredible drop feature of – 13. This excellent piece keeps the player in control, and the ballistic composite end cap gives it an astonishing speed that’s yet to find a match.
Key Features:
- A single piece build
- Comfortable grip
- A thin wall designs
- Ultra-balanced
Specification:
- Color: Black, lemon, and silver
- Brand: Louisville slugger
- Length: -10
- Material: aluminum
Pros
- High swing speed
- It has a perfectly toned barrel
- All-league can use it
- Vibration resistant
Cons
- susceptible to braking
8
Axe 2020 Avenge Tee Ball
Axe bat is like a tutor bat. This bat is beneficial to beginners. It is designed to assist the player swing effortlessly. It works with the wrist movement and ensures you have adequate contact with the ball.
Axe bat is often used by junior teams and other youth baseball clubs.
Key Features:
- Axehandle
- Less weight
- Perfect grip
- Large sweet spot
Specification:
- Color: Black and coffee brown
- Brand: Axe
- Length: -11, 2-1/4”
- Material: Aluminum
Pros
- Suitable for kids
- Perfect for practice days
- High speed and swing
- An excellent handle designs
Cons
- met for only young players
- prone to braking
9
Victus YI13 Maple
When you mention wooden bats with class victus Y113 will undoubtedly make a list. I recommend this bat for older kids. Most wooden bats are made with Marple material. Victus Y113 has a small barrel.
This bat is suitable for a skillful player; it is met for legends because it doesn’t have sophisticated technology that makes its usage easy. If you see an opponent hold this bat, be sure you are about to contest with a legend in the game.
Key Features:
- thin handle
- slightly flared knob
- Two ¼ barrel
- end loaded
Specification:
- Color: Black and brown
- Brand: Victus
- Length: on demand
- Material: Maple wood
Pros
- Affordable
- Perfect for expert
- Durable
Cons
- Difficult to swing
- Outdated
- Less technology
- Very heavy
To know more about baseball and its accessories, read
Best Baseball Training Aids and Swing Trainers
Best Baseball Bat Cross Necklaces
Best Youth Baseball Bats – Buyer’s Guide
There are a lot of things to consider before purchasing a baseball bat. Unlike other sports accessories, a single bat cannot be used for different leagues, every league has its rules, and if you want to function effectively, you must abide by those rules.
The first thing to consider is the size and weight of the bat. You should also consider the main focus of manufacturing the bat because some bats were created for more contact while others might be for power.
Also, ask if the type of baseball you intend to purchase is acceptable to your league. If it isn’t permitted, there is no need to buy in the first place.
Lastly, you should consider your budget because some bats are more pricey than others. Although it doesn’t always mean better, it might simply be due to the material of construction and brand decision.
Length Weight and Drop
If you are a new player, you may not be familiar with the term drop. It is a necessary term you would always come across, and I will define it thus. The negative value obtained by subtracting the bat’s length in inches from its weight in an ounce is referred to as the drop. For example, 18-ounce bats with a 21-inch length will have a drop of – 18.
Why is it important to pay attention to bat drop?
It is essential to pay attention to the drop of your bat because it determines your performance. The drop is inversely proportional to the weight of the bat. A higher drop will mean a lighter bat, which implies easy control and contact with the ball.
A drop with a higher value might mean a heavier bat but is great for speed, although at the expense of power. For kids and much younger, player power isn’t necessarily a factor. A larger drop could be better. However, most youth bat has a drop of – 13 to – 5. Smaller drops are necessary as you age. However, the lowest you can get is a – 3 drop.
How to choose the length of a baseball bat?
Choosing the length of a baseball bat depends largely on the player’s weight and height. The good news is most brands provide buyers with a chart. However, you could try using your friend’s bats to determine what works for you in other to avoid the stress of returning. Alternatively, you can also measure your fingertips to the chest region to get the bat length. Whichever method you adopt, the aim is to reduce the stress of returning the item.
League Rules
Every division has a personalized set of rules and restrictions. Within every league, there is a restriction on lengths.
A minor league specifies 33 inches while a tee-ball is 26 inches. Make sure you check with your league to know the proper length.
Also, if you are in a USSSA league, you can use a USA-approved bat. But if you are in a USA league, you are only required to use the prescribed or approved USA bars. The reason is USSSA allows a larger size of barrels of about 2 3/4″.
The USSSA league only approves bats with a 1.15 BPF. The BPF is the bat performance factor used to determine the rate at which a ball bounces off a bat. It is also called the bat’s trampoline effect.
USSSA bats are designed to keep the game’s integrity. It doesn’t support effortless swings because it focuses on the player’s ability, and It is aimed at excitement and performance, which was achieved by reducing the performance of the bat.
Bat Construction
Different bats brands have their unique way of manufacturing bats. They employ various techniques, technology, and materials. Each of these combinations has an advantage and disadvantage. I will try and explain the benefits of a particular construction material because knowledge of it will help you decide better.
Aluminum Bats
Aluminum bats are a thing in 2021. They are very common and offer numerous advantages. However, instead of the previously heavily built bat, it has been made very light for easy swinging. Aluminum bats don’t offer much pop like other material, but they come in handy for beginners’ players because it makes controlling easy.
Wooden Bats
Wooden bats aren’t as typical as they used to be, and this is because it’s heavy and requires a lot of effort to swing. It produces a weaker pop than other bats. Overall a wooden bat requires commitment and does not offer any competitive advantage like other bats.
You might start wondering why it’s still sold; the reason is it is highly recommended for beginners because practicing with a wooden bat will automatically mean you can handle any other kind of bat. Most experts practice with it before the actual game because it brings out the best in them.
Composite Bats
Composite bats are the lightest bat; they offer the trampoline effect more than most bats. Aluminum bats are prone to damage, but composite bats are very durable and resistant to any denting.
They are made with carbon fiber and have a larger sweet spot than most bats, resulting in greater power and contact. This material is also very compatible with the skin and has little vibration effect. So, you won’t experience the usual sting feeling most wood bat users experience.
What are the disadvantages of composite bats?
A disadvantage of composite bats is a long break-in period. Composite bats don’t offer all its advantage when new. It takes a couple of hits to break the bat in. So, when you purchase a composite bat, ensure you practice with it so that it can break in before the actual competition.
Another disadvantage is that it is prone to cracking in cold weather. Although this doesn’t occur during the summer, it is something worth noting. Also, they can be costly; however, it offers value for money. If you are planning to get a composite bat, save as much as you can.
Two-Piece Hybrid Bats
You might wonder why a bat is called two pieces; think no further than I am about to explain it.
A bat that is connected or attached is referred to as a two-piece bat. In other words, this bat can be separated into two parts the handle and barrel. These bats are designed to reduce vibration and increase the flex speed for more comfortable use.
Hybrid bats are bats made with two different materials; for example, the handle might be made with composite and the barrel aluminum- allowing the user to exploit the advantages of both materials.
Hybrid bats are easier to carry around, and they are more expensive than an aluminum bat but not as expensive as a composite bat. They make an excellent option when performance and budget are the focus.
Weight Distribution
Another important factor to consider is how weight is distributed on the bat. In this category, there are two options, balanced and end-loaded. Most players prefer balanced because it’s easier to swing. Also, balanced bats are prevalent and always in stock.
On the other hand, an end-loaded bat has more momentum even if they require a lot of strength. Only experienced hitters can use the end-loaded bats.
Other Considerations
A bat consists of
- grip (this is also referred to as the handle cover)
- a knob (which is the closest to the hitter)
- a barrel (this is the smacking portion of the bat)
- a taper (is a sign that indicates the bat’s diameter)
- the cap (this is located at the end of the bat). Each of these parts works together for the perfect functioning of the bat.
Some other features to consider are the bat’s handle and the knobs.
Bat’s Handle
A thin handle lets you swing your bat easily, and it also gives you control over the movement of the bat. On the other hand, a thicker handle is easier on the hands and reduce vibration by absorbing all shocks associated with the bat’s movement.
The most recommended handle is the axe handle. It is manufactured by victus and Axebat. These handles are designed to fit the hands naturally while allowing for a maximum bat swing.
Bat’s Knob
The knob is a vital part of a bat. A knob should be flat and firm to the hands. When purchasing a bat, choose bats with a tapered knob because they tend to make the base wider, resulting in a natural hand feel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When shopping for baseball bats, it is necessary to know how baseball sizes and lengths are measured because a simple error can cause you more money and time. There is a lot of question shopper often ask when shopping for baseball bats for themselves and their kids.
What is the best youth baseball bat?
There are various types of youth bats, which are made with different materials and from other brands. Recently there have been several reviews on the best bat for beginner youth. Although some players consider Rawlings, Easton, Louisville, Demarini, and Slugger as the best, it depends.
What is the best baseball bat for a 9-year-old boy?
Baseball bats come in different sizes and grades. Finding the perfect quality for a nine-year-old isn’t an easy task. When choosing a baseball bat for kids, you should consider the weight, the kid’s league’s rules, construction of the barrel, durability, and break-in time.
Research shows that hybrid bats are the best for kids because it has advantages over aluminum and wooden bats. Aluminum bats have a sweet spot and can hit a baseball farther than other bats, while a wooden bat allows for more grip. A combination of these features will give your kid a wonderful learning experience.
What size bat should my 9-year-old use?
When choosing a bat for a 9-year-old, ensure that it isn’t too heavy or long. To get the appropriate size, use the batting chart provided by the seller. However, this chart can sometimes go wrong because some nine-year-olds are bigger than others.
Consider the bat drop, which would be subtracted from the bats’ length to get the bats’ weight. Also, the young player stretched out his arm and measured from his to his fingertips. The value will be the length of the bat required.
Generally, most 9-year-old use a 28–29-inch bat with a drop of -10.
What is the best bat for a 10-year-old?
When choosing a bat for a 10-year-old, ensure that it isn’t too heavy or long. To get the appropriate size, use the batting chart provided by the seller. However, this chart can sometimes go wrong because some 10-year-olds are bigger than others.
From questionnaire research, about 200 parents confirmed that 29/19 and 30/20 were most suitable for their 10-year-old. But it is also appropriate to measure the child’s arm to chest region as this would provide exact figures because children have different growth rates.
Now talking about the bat, most parents recommend bats made with aluminum.
What drop bat should an 11-year-old use?
For an 11-year-old, consider a drop bat ratio of -7 to -8. It is the ratio of length to weight. It is usually subtracted from the bat length to obtain the weight. An 11-year-old requires a medium-length bat with a lightweight to aid easy swinging motion. A 30 inches bat with a -the 8-drop weight will weigh about 22 ounces. From previous sales comments and reviews, this weight is suitable for most 11-year-old kids.
What drop bat should a 12-year-old use?
From reviews, a 12-year-old should use a bat with a sweet spot and lightweight, just like 11 year old. Their arm isn’t mature enough to bear so much weight, and as such, it is recommended that they use a CF Zen of size 31/23 or a Marucci Cat 2020 with 8 drops for USSSA. The best USSSA baseball bats are often available in kids’ sizes, so it is very easy to get a 12-year-old drop bat.
What bat should a 13-year-old use?
Baseball bats come in different sizes and grades. Finding the perfect grade for a 13-year-old isn’t an easy task. When choosing a baseball bat for kids, you should consider the weight, the kid’s league’s rules, construction of the barrel, durability, and break-in time.
The best bat for kids is aluminum bats. Irrespective of the brand. Bats made with aluminum make it easy for teens to swing without so much stress. The right size is 31/28 for BBCOR and 32/29 for the USA.
What type of bat hits the farthest?
Speed and efficiency are the features to consider before purchasing a baseball bat. It’s no news that some bats can hit a baseball faster and farther than others. The question is, what is the name of such bats. Answering this question will automatically answer your question, “what type of bat hits the farthest.”
Aluminum bats are known for their perfect balance point, and they hit baseball faster and farther than a wooden bat. Some persons refer to them as the best youth baseball bats ever.
The reason for this unique feature is the fact that players can easily swing it more than a wooden bat. Furthermore, its balance point is close to its handle, making it easier to handle. Since aluminum bats allow players to swing them quickly, the ball will travel farther when it eventually hits the bat.
Another reason is the compressibility of the bat. When an aluminum bat hit a ball, it compresses and springs back immediately to its original shape. This assists the ball to shoot faster and farther. Imagine jumping on a trampoline, and the trampoline bends inward and immediately springs back to shape by throwing you up into the air.
A bat sweet spot is an area that comes in contact with the baseball and makes it travel. Aluminum bats have a large sweet spot area compared to a wooden bats, and as a result, a ball can travel farther with an aluminum bat.
Conclusion
It isn’t easy to decide on a baseball bat brand, especially if you are a new player. But the review above will give will equip you with information that can guide your decision.
Every bat that makes this list is unique in its way, and all you need to do is identify your need and choose the appropriate bat be rest assured that you won’t go wrong if your final decision is a Brand from the list above.
