Equipment
The 10 Best Baseball Bats
What are the best baseball bats?
Hitters of all skill levels will likely agree that finding the best baseball bats is critical for player confidence in practice and during important games.
That’s why we’ve created an exhaustive list of the best baseball bats at a variety of price points, designs, and construction. Thanks to this sport’s continued popularity, there are many great options available from long-standing brands like Louisville, Easton, and many more.
On this list, you’ll find options from the best composite wood bat to various aluminum alloy bats for all age groups and skill levels.
The 10 Best Baseball Bats
Our product lists are created by researching the best-reviewed products from the most reputable web sources.
When selecting these bats, we take into account various age groups, from youth to high school and collegiate players to adults in rec leagues.
Here’s our list of the 10 best baseball bats:
In A Rush? Here’s our top pick:
10. Marucci CAT9 CONNECT -8 USSSA Senior League Baseball Bat
The Marucci Cat9 Connect metal baseball bat features a 2 3/4″ barrel and is designed for ultimate power. Players will develop a strong, smooth swing with one of the best USSSA bats money can buy.
The off-center contact and thinner barrel walls ensure accuracy, while this bat’s construction provides more barrel flex and improved performance for a satisfying swing every time.
Pros
- Made from two pieces of carbon composite
- Thermally treated aluminum alloy barrel
- Outer locking system for a stiff connection that dismisses any vibrations during use
- Responsive microstructure for a better feel
- Ergonomic knob-shaped handle for more comfort and control
Cons
- As a USSSA bat, it may not be compliant in some leagues
Bottom Line
To develop a strong, consistent swing on an aluminum bat, the Marucci Cat9 Connect is an affordable, durable bat to improve swing speed and confidence every time you step up to the plate.
Youth players love this bat for its limited vibration, which can prevent injury, and its lightweight feel.
9. Rawlings Velo Hybrid BBCOR Baseball Bat
Designed for collegiate and high school baseball players, the Rawlings Velo Hybrid BBCOR baseball bat is a high-quality wood bat.
It offers consistency, a loud ping, a stiff handle, and barrel flex for acceleration through contact. As far as wood bats go, Rawlings is the cream of the crop.
For faster pitches, the Rawlings Velo Hybrid offers a lighter swing weight for quick adjustments, and the carbon fiber barrel helps speed up swing speed.
Pros
- Made from acoustic alloy
- 32-inch bat length with a 2-5/8-inch barrel diameter
- Adheres to a -3 drop weight
- Lightweight option at 29 ounces
- The designated standard for NCAA and NFHS
- The bat’s end cap creates balance for an ideal design
Cons
- This bat is likely a heavier choice for younger players
Bottom Line
Affordable, durable wood bats are tricky to find, but Rawlings never lets us down.
To improve bat speed and performance while offering the satisfying ping of a strong hit, hybrid bats are an ideal design, and the Velo Hybrid BBCOR baseball bat checks every box.
For accuracy and precision, Rawling’s all composite construction bat will satisfy hitters of all skill levels.
8. Easton Ghost X Evolution Senior Baseball Bat
This two-piece composite bat from Easton is one of the best USSSA bats in the game. Made with EXACT carbon and CXN Revolution foam, this product offers an optimal feel and improved bat performance.
Reviewers love its loud pop, easy grip, and softer barrel. For the price, the Ghost X Evolution baseball bat will surely bring players the confidence and skill they need to swing for the fences.
Pros
- Advanced dynamic carbon construction
- Made with innovative NITROCELL foam for a lighter feel
- Lizard skin bat grip for a more confident hold and swing
- The speed cap provides a flexible, responsive barrel
- 31 inches long and weighs 21 ounces
- 2-5/8” barrel diameter
Cons
- As a lightweight option, it is not as durable as other bats
Bottom Line
Easton is one of the most reliable brands in baseball, and its innovative composite bats are no exception.
From barrel construction to performance, ball players will feel an improvement in their swing with this bat. Heavy hitters love the Ghost’s look and feel whenever they step up to bat.
7. Louisville Slugger 2022 Meta® Baseball Bat
Is there a more iconic name in baseball than the Louisville Slugger?
Widely touted as one of the best baseball bats in the game, the 2022 Meta USSSA baseball bat offers a three-piece design with a composite barrel, vibration control, and an optimized sweet spot for players.
With a pro comfort grip designed for tack and cushion, this youth bath is designed for power hitters who are ready to take their swing to the next level.
Pros
- Premium GT1 end cap
- 31 inches long and 21 ounces
- Supports a lighter swing weight for performance
- Balanced weight distribution for speed and power
- VCX2 vibration control between the handle and barrel
Cons
- Expensive price point
Bottom Line
For youth players looking to improve their swing, speed, and accuracy, this Louisville Slugger bat is a durable, high-quality option for little league baseball players. They can use this bat in games, hitting drills, and other practice scenarios.
6. DeMarini CF (-8) USSSA Baseball Bat
Dominate the plate with the DeMarini Aluminum USSSA bat designed by legend Ryan DeMarini, whose scientific approach to the sport resulted in some of the top bats in the sport.
The bat’s carbon fiber handle and rubber grip make all the difference. This two-piece composite bat helps college baseball players and adults improve their swing and enjoy a maximum energy transfer from the bat’s balance point.
Pros
- The bat comes in two options, 31″ and 32″
- Made from sturdy, lightweight aluminum alloy
- Reduces vibration and redirects energy back to the barrel
- The end cap is designed for performance improvements and bat speed
- Two-piece composite construction offers consistent responsiveness
Cons
- It can’t be used for little league baseball
- Some reviewers have experienced cracks in the bat
Bottom Line
For a high-end USSSA bat that won’t disappoint, look no further than the DeMarini CF baseball bat.
A youth or college player will be amazed at the improvement of their swings and the power of the barrel diameter. Use in games, hitting drills, and during batting practice to adjust to the weight of this bat during every big game.
5. DeMarini 2022 The Goods Half N Half Baseball Bat
The Half N Half baseball bat by DeMarini is innovative for players looking to do more to improve their swing.
This bat’s Direct Connection system provides a maximum energy transfer and will increase players’ confidence at the plate and in practice. Generate more power with this end loaded bat and watch the ball soar.
For a massive barrel and perfect swing weight, DeMarini’s Half N Half is likely the best bat for you.
Pros
- 31″ long and 28 ounces
- X14 alloy massive barrel diameter for power hitters
- Stiff composite handle and alloy barrel
- Tremor end cap optimizes power while remaining lightweight
- End-loaded bat ideal for power and swing weight
Cons
- Some reviewers say this BBCOR bat breaks easily
Bottom Line
Generate massive power with one of the best DeMarini BBCOR bats money can buy.
As one of the heaviest-swinging bats on the market, this BBCOR bat will build player confidence and strength during practice and gameplay. It is one of the best end loaded bats for players of all skill levels.
4. Louisville Slugger 2019 Prime 919 Baseball Bat
Trust the pros at Louisville Slugger to create one of the best BBCOR bats for 2023. For a lighter swing weight and maximum pop, the Prime 919 baseball bat is a top choice for players of all skill levels.
VCX vibration control ensures every swing is a combination of speed and power, while the LS Pro comfort grip offers both tack and cushion when you’re at the plate.
Pros
- 2 5/8 barrel diameter and 31/32″ tapered handle
- 3-piece composite design
- Made with a proprietary microform barrel
- RTX end cap maximizes barrel shape
- It offers a huge sweet spot for big hitters
Cons
- Expensive price point
Bottom Line
Big hitters love the Prime 919 BBCOR bat for its construction, light swing weight, and large barrel size. The comfortable grip makes it a top choice for big games for players of all calibers.
3. Victus Vandal BBCOR Baseball Bat
The best one-piece bats offer players unparalleled control, swing weight, and performance when they step up to bat.
The Victus Vandal BBCOR bat is no exception; designed for power hitters, it may be the best baseball bat in its class.
Featuring composite handles for better control and weight distribution, power hitters love using this bat in games and practice.
Pros
- 30 inches long and 27 ounces
- One-piece aluminum alloy hybrid bat with carbon composite barrel
- Ringless barrel design offers a thinner, more flexible sweet spot
- Tapered handle shape for more top-hand control
- Ergonomic fit for extra comfort
- Soft touch grip with extra tack for improved feel
Cons
- Heavier bat than others on this list
- It has a smaller sweet spot than competitors
Bottom Line
The Victus Vandal is arguably most player’s favorite BBCOR bat on this list, and we understand why.
It will not only elevate your swing, but it is also the perfect bat to grow with a young player just getting started in the BBCOR world.
2. EASTON Ghost X Evolution Youth Baseball Bat
Offering one of the best feeling 2-piece bats in baseball, EASTON wrote the book on the best USA bats.
This Ghost X Evolution model is a stunner in every way. From its carbon technology handle/barrel construction to the CXN technology for speed and design, players will be blown away by the consistency of this baseball bat.
Pros
- 31 inches long and 26 ounces
- EXACT Carbon engineering and advanced carbon technology for optimized barrel performance
- NITROCELL foam creates a better connection between the handle and the barrel
- SPEEDCAP provides a flexible and responsive barrel with a great pop
- Lizard skin grip for optimal hold and feel
Cons
- One of the most expensive bats on the market today
Bottom Line
While it may cost you a pretty penny, we already know EASTON is one of the most reliable, iconic brands in the sport.
For USA baseball leagues, the Ghost X Evolution is one of the most highly favored bats for 2023, and for good reason.
The technology and construction are top-notch, something athletes expect from any equipment they’re using. Just as you’d want the perfect home gym setup to be tailored to your needs, this bat does the same. Players of all skill levels agree it’s one of the best bats they’ve ever used.
1. Marucci CAT X Composite Baseball Bat
Drumroll, please… we’ve finally arrived at the number one spot on this list!
Create your strongest, smoothest swing with the number one bat on the market – the iconic Marucci CAT X composite baseball bat!
There are so many reasons this is our number one bat. From its impressive swing weight, balanced design, and large composite barrel, hitters love access to more power when they hit the ball and the larger sweet spot.
If you’re searching for both power and precision in a new bat, the Cat X BBCOR bat is made from metal and offers a 2 5/8″ barrel diameter.
We have no doubt this is the best BBCOR bat on the market, and investing in the Marucci brand is worth every penny.
Pros
- Fine-tuned barrel offers a more balanced design and helps athletes improve their swing speed
- Multi-directional composite barrel designed with patterned layers for ultra-response
- Outer locking system creates a stiff connection while reducing vibration
- Ergonomically designed handle taper for drop weight and improved bat control
Cons
- No flaws that we could find; this product has no negative reviews
Bottom Line
For the best BBCOR bat for your swing, the Marucci CatX composite bat is our number one choice, and for good reason.
Innovative design and intentional features mean every player who uses this bat will walk up to the plate confident, powerful, and ready to hit the ball.
Summary
Buying the perfect baseball bat comes down to personal preference and where a player needs to improve the most.
Depending on the league you play in and the bat style or design you prefer, having the right bat for every game is essential to improving swings, power, and confidence.
For improved swing speed, performance, and confidence at the plate, we’re confident one of the bats on the list is perfect for you.
FAQs About Baseball Bats
As you shop for the best bat to improve your swing, consider the following questions from other hitters in the game.
Q: What baseball bats do the pros use?
Professional baseball players use wooden bats because they generate more power and require more skill and precision to wield. These players spend a lot of time in the gym, building strength through upper body exercises to adequately prepare for every game.
Although the sweet spot is smaller on a wooden bat, developing the skills and mechanics while using a wood bat teaches players to be more accurate and powerful and, ultimately, better baseball players.
Youth, high school, and most collegiate players use aluminum bats.
Q: What type of baseball bat hits the farthest?
Aluminum bats allow hitters to swing faster and harder than wood bats because of their lightweight material.
To hit the ball the farthest, most players rely on a metal or aluminum bat to get the job done. The average aluminum bat can hit the ball as far as 6.65 meters, and the farthest hit at around 7.5 meters.
The distance at which an athlete can hit also depends on their strength; many athletes train their arms, back, and shoulders to increase their power at the plate.
Q: What are the benefits of a metal bat?
An aluminum or metal bat is much lighter than a wood bat and offers a larger barrel.
Aluminum can also be swung much faster than wood because of its weight. The hardness of metal can often result in the ball going further or faster for some hitters.
Metal bats are typically more durable and don’t require much breaking in before they’re ready for use, while wood bats require some breaking in before they’re ready for consistent use.
Q: What are the benefits of a wooden bat?
Wooden baseball bats offer better balance and control than aluminum and composite bats. Because they are heavier to use, using a wood bat is like completing a strength training workout.
Lastly, wood bats force players to pick better pitches, navigate the strike zone with confidence, and develop better mechanics in their swing.
Q: What bat breaks the easiest?
Wooden baseball bats made of maple are the least flexible of the woods used in baseball, and they break the most often. Maple bats are used in Major League Baseball and break frequently during games.
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 best baseball bats:
1. Marucci CAT X Composite Baseball Bat
2. EASTON Ghost X Evolution Baseball Bat
3. Victus Vandal BBCOR Baseball Bat
4. Louisville Slugger 2019 Prime 919 Baseball Bat
5. DeMarini 2022 The Goods Half N Half Baseball Bat
6. DeMarini CF (-8) USSSA Baseball Bat
7. Louisville Slugger 2022 Meta® Baseball Bat
8. Easton Ghost X Evolution Baseball Bat
9. Rawlings Velo Hybrid BBCOR Baseball Bat
10. Marucci CAT9 CONNECT -8 USSSA Senior League Baseball Bat
