Best Baseball Bat Reviews 2018

Every baseball season comes with a whole new collection of baseball bats in the market, and this season won’t be any different. With such a massive variety of choices available, finding the right bat that suits your needs may be overwhelming. We’ve reviewed five of the best baseball bat brands for all categories of baseball players. Read on!

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Drop Weight

Diameter

Size

Construction

Handle

Our Top Choice

Marucci CAT 6 BBCOR Baseball Bat

Marucci believes that the best players are those that use the best gear. They, therefore, strive to develop tools needed by players for them to succeed at all levels.

Patented anti-vibration knob. Extended barrel profile. Ring-free barrel technology. Has a sleek finish.

Isolated incidents of bat becoming “dead”

-3

2 5/8” diameter

31, 32, 33 or 34 inches

AZ3000 one-piece alloy

Patented anti-vibration knob

Best Value

Easton S200 Youth One-Piece Aluminum Bat

Easton bats incorporate high-swing speeds, enlarged sweet spots, and increased power. The company uses cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading innovations to create bats for every swing.

All-sports bat grip. Ultra-thin handle for control and comfort. Lightweight, but durable.

Limited lifespan for growing children

-8

2 5/8” diameter

29/32"

Durable aluminum alloy

All sports grip

DeMarini 2017 Zen Balanced Baseball Bat

With their sheer dedication to performance, DeMarini’s bats are custom-built and designed with the highest bat technology to help optimize your game.

Enormous sweet spot. Immense pop. Lightweight. 6 sizes to choose from.

A little pricey compared to others

-11

2 ¼” diameter

28, 29, 30, 31, 32 or 33"

Paraflex composite

D-Fusion 2.0 handle type

Louisville Slugger Omaha Baseball Bat

For over 120 years now, Louisville Slugger has been one of the most popular baseball bat brands, producing both aluminum and wood bat categories.

Extended sweet spot. Firm feel. Lightweight but powerful. Durable. BBCOR certified.

Too heavy for kids or small adults

-3

2 5/8” diameter

32, 33 or 34"

ST+20 alloy

Tapered handle w/ synthetic grip

Rawlings Mini Custom Bat

Rawlings continues to dominate the industry by developing innovative new products that enable serious athletes to achieve maximum performance and realize their full potential.

Allows customization. Affordable. Lightweight. Mini bat is great for kids. Natural finish.

A little slippery when hands sweat

Not specified

1 ½” diameter

17 inches/17 ounces

Wood with a natural finish

(Updated July 21, 2017)

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How Do I Choose the Best Baseball Bat?

If you look back and reminisce of every great hit you’ve had in the past, you probably can’t describe what the experience was like. With the crack of the bat and the gripping vibration on your hands which runs down to your spine as you hit the ball—the feeling of giddiness and anticipation is totally a magical experience. More so, when you hit a home run!

It only takes simple science to know how to choose the right baseball bat to actually savor that enthralling batting experience. Just like any scientific experiment that gets more complicated as the number of variables increase, in the baseball world, you have to consider the weight of your bat, the material it’s made of, muscle quantity and bone structure of the swinger, the speed and spin of the baseball, the spot where the ball hits the bat, the angle and momentum of your swing, the position of the baseball stitches at the moment it hits the bat, and so much more parameters. This applies even for the youth baseball bats as well as junior baseball bats.

There’s a whole plethora of bats to consider this season, including single-barreled bats, aluminum, double- walled, composite, and single and double piece. Just like with softball bats, it’s difficult to overwhelmingly agree that one baseball bat is better than the other. So much of the decision comes to personal preference and the level of competition you’re involved in.

Finding the right baseball bat will make a huge difference in your batting average performance in a number of games by boosting your self-confidence as well as your hitting distance. Get a model with a weight and length that matches your height and muscle strength. Be sure to get a great baseball mitt as well if you’re looking to improve the overall performance of the team.

With that appreciation in mind, let’s go through the features to look out for in a baseball bat, then you can land straight on our top recommendations for this season.

Price

Baseball bats vary widely in prices depending on the materials they are made of and the brand. A good baseball bat will cost anything between $15 and $220. However, there’s something unique with baseball bats that you don’t find on other sporting equipment. They are regulated by different bodies and this makes some models quite expensive, not because they’re are superior in quality but because they are the only design approved for a particular league. For instance, BBCOR baseball bats come at more expensive prices because they’re the only bats allowed in high school and collegiate leagues. These bats can sometimes run up to $500 in price. There are also some cheap baseball bats available on the market but we don’t recommend such to our clients for quality concerns.

Features

Baseball bats are not made equal, and each model comes with its own unique features. However, we can’t state categorically that one bat is the best in the list. It boils down to your preference and budget. Again, different features offer different batting distance capabilities. Here are the features to look for when shopping for a baseball bat:

Materials – Different bats are made from different materials including wood, aluminum, alloy, composite, and hybrid. If you need a lightweight bat, consider aluminum models. However, if you want a bat with greater distance capability, go for a composite bat. Hybrid bats combine aluminum and composite materials to form a two-piece or sometimes a three-piece bat with a great feel.
Dimensions – The size of a baseball bat is given in dimensions of weight vs. length. You don’t need something that is too heavy for your muscles or too long for your height. Weight is generally given in ounces. Heavier bats give greater power and strength while lighter ones offer greater swing speeds. Length is given in inches with the maximum length being 36 inches. The drop weight of a bat is given by the difference between the weight and length rations (BBCOR bats’ recommended drop weight is -3).
Barrel – The barrel is the area that comes into contact with the baseball. Heavier barrels exert greater force on the ball for homeruns.
Taper – The handle of a baseball bat is known as taper. Generally, the taper measures 31/32 inches in diameter. Larger diameters exhibit less vibration while a thinner taper provide faster swing speeds.
Grip – Grip is a layer on the handle of the bat that ensures a comfortable feel on your hands. It protects you from burs and any other injuries from active batting. Grips can be made with Hyperskin ®, lizard skin, rubber, as well as leather.
Knob – The tiny round piece at the end of the bat is called a knob. It ensures a firm grip on the baseball bat to prevent it from slipping off your hand.

Construction and Design

Baseball bat designs come in two common designs: one-piece and two-piece.

One-piece bats are made of a single material designed in seamless structure. This single piece of material runs from the base to the knob of the bat. Wood bats for instance are made with a single piece construction and are known to be stiffer and provide less flex.

Two-piece bats are designed with a different barrel attached to different handle. Most designs incorporate an alloy barrel attached to a composite handle. The latest technologies ensure stronger connections and reduced vibrations on the bat. Two-piece bats are generally more durable, stronger, and offer high performance. This is achieved by using an appropriate material in the right portion of the bat. The alloy barrel offers strength and durability, the composite handle offers comfort, and the technology used to link the two reduces vibration and maximizes the energy transfer.

Interestingly, new innovations are coming up with three-piece bats as well. This is anticipated to offer even better performance and comfort on the hands.

Performance and Ease of Use

The performance of any baseball bat depends on its construction and the materials it’s made of. Additionally, it relates to the kind of league you play in. There are typically three categories of baseball bats based on where you play: senior big barrel, youth big barrel, and junior big barrel.

If you plan playing in a senior big barrel league, those leagues allow bats with huge barrels that are over 2 ¼” in diameter. They may be made from aluminum, composite, or hybrid. These bats hit the ball a lot more easily in addition to providing better power for those home runs.

Youth big barrel bats are quite similar to senior league bats but are designed for younger players aged below 12 years. The weighting and barrel dimensions is more or less the same and these bats can be used interchangeably.

Junior barrel bats are relatively smaller than the ordinary baseball bats and are extremely lightweight. The barrel size are typically between 2 ⅝” to 2 ¾”, with drop rates of between -10 and -12. The construction on junior barrel baseball bats are typically not as good as normal bats, which is why they are solely meant for leagues where coaches pitch to the players. With pitches coming in at lower speeds, the bats are not as easily dented or damaged.

In general, pick a bat that suits your individual preference as well as body size and height. Comfort and batting power should never be compromised if you’re looking for the best performance.

What is the Best Baseball Bat?

As the weather warms up, baseball players from around the globe are gearing up for a great season. If you’re looking for some fantastic baseball bats out there, look no further. Here’s a list of five of the best baseball bats that won’t let you down this season. So, go ahead and pick a model that suits your style and budget.

Our Top Choice

The Marucci CAT 6 BBCOR Baseball Bat is an improvement of the CAT 5 and comes with a patented anti-vibration knob to absorb and eliminate harsh vibrations produced upon contact. Looking for a baseball bat suitable for kids instead? We are sure the Marucci 2015 Junior Cat 6 Big Barrel Baseball Bat will be an excellent pick.

Marucci CAT 6 BBCOR Baseball Bat - Available in 4 Sizes

Marucci Baseball Bat MCBC614 – 32 Inch / 29 Ounces

Features

Established by two former big league players and their athletic coach who started making bats from their garage, Marucci has grown to become an American success story. The company is currently the new number one seller of bats for big leagues.

The Marucci CAT 6 BBCOR Baseball Bat is excellent for players who are looking for an honest feel and maximum performance. Made from a one-piece aluminum construction, this bat offers smoother swings and the most comfortable, authentic feel. The AZ3000 alloy provides all-season durability and tested performance.

Other features that come with this baseball bat include:

Extended barrel for easier swings and more balance
Made from the iconic Marucci single-piece alloy construction to make the bat stronger, but lighter
Professionally-inspired knob shape enhances control and balance
Patented anti-vibration knob eradicates vibration
2 5/8 inch barrel diameter
Tapered handle lets you have control in your grip, enabling you to mash with total confidence

The Marucci CAT 6 BBCOR Baseball Bat comes in 4 different sizes, 31, 32, 33 or 34 inches, so choose according to your height.

Not exactly what you wanted? Check out other baseball bats by Marucci and take your pick.

Best Value

The Easton S200 Youth One-Piece Aluminum Bat comes with an all-sports bat grip and a barrel diameter of 2 5/8”, making it one of the best youth bats on the market. Looking for a two-piece baseball bat for seniors instead? We recommend the Easton Mako Beast 10 Composite Senior League Big Barrel Baseball Bat

Easton S200 Senior League / Youth Big Barrel One-Piece Aluminum Baseball Bat

Easton Baseball Bats YB16S200

Features

For over 40 years now, Easton has been a consistent innovator of sports gear, especially in their use of aluminum. The company designs and creates an entire line of high-end baseball bats, baseball gloves, batting helmets, clothing, batting gloves, catchers gear, and equipment.

Easton S200 Youth One-Piece Aluminum Bat is made from 100% aircraft-grade aluminum that is lightweight, but strong, making it one of the most powerful bats with a light swing and increased sweet spot. This bat has an evenly balanced design and a powerful speed required to make your youngster a champion. The extra-thin 29/32” handle comes with an all-sports grip that makes this bat comfortable to use and easy to control. The USSSA 1.15 BPF mark legalizes the S200 for baseball playing! And, to give you peace of mind, Easton provides a one-year warranty for your new bat.

Not satisfied with this particular bat? Easton has many other baseball bats that you can check out today!

Made using DeMarini’s trademark 100% Paraflex Composite Barrel, the DeMarini 2017 Zen Balanced Baseball Bat comes with an enormous sweet spot and immense pop. Want to save a few bucks and get a bat with a -9 drop? We suggest you go for DeMarini Voodoo Insane Balanced Baseball Bat.

DeMarini 2017 Zen Balanced Fast Pitch Baseball Bat - Available in 6 Sizes

DeMarini Baseball Bat WTDXCFS-17 – 31 inch/20 oz

Features

DeMarini does not compromise; they optimize! DeMarini’s relentless obsession with expert innovation makes them design bats that are bound to elevate your game, no matter what level of hitter you are.

Fresh for this year’s season, the DeMarini 2017 CF9 Zen Balanced Baseball Bat comes with more improvements from its equally high performer, the CF8. For fast pitch players, this newest version from DeMarini will give you an excellent blend of comfort, balance, and power. The bat comes in various drops to allow you choose what is best for you.

Other features that come with this two-piece bat include:

D-Fusion 2.0 handle prevents sting, eradicates vibrations and redirects all the energy to the barrel
Approval from all important bodies- ASA, ISA, USSSA, NSA, and ISF
Made from 100% Paraflex composite material to make the barrel stronger and to offer an extended and responsive sweet spot
Light swing, thanks to the Paraflex Composite technology that gives the bat a massive pop and less MOI.

This bat comes in 6 different sizes, from 28 to 33 inches, so choose according to your weight and height.

Not a good fit for your youngster? DeMarini has tons of baseball bats for different ages. Check them out today!

The Louisville Slugger Omaha 517 BBCOR Baseball Bat features an improved ST+20 Alloy one-piece construction to deliver an extended sweet spot and a firm feel. If you’re on the market for a softball bat too, you might want to check out the Louisville Slugger Hyper 17 Fast Pitch Softball Bat.

Louisville Slugger BBCOR Omaha 517 (-3) Baseball Bat - Available in 3 Sizes

Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat BB126 – 34 inches

Features

Having been started in the 1880s by Bud- a baseball lover and a player, Louisville Slugger is the most popular and respectable name in baseball. Today, the company makes some of the best baseball bats, batting gloves, fielding gloves, catcher’s gear, and equipment, and has grown to become a full sports powerhouse both in slow and fast pitch.

The Omaha 517 is one of the most true bat models in baseball that continues to evolve. The 2017 Louisville Slugger Omaha 517 BBCOR Baseball Bat comes with an upgraded ST+20 Alloy construction to make the metal strong and give you an even sturdier one-piece bat. The balanced swing weight increases bat control and speed, making this the best bat for college and travel level players.

Other great features that come with this bat include:

Increased sweet spot and a firm feel on contact
Personalized Lizard Skins Grip for more power and maximum comfort
31/32” tapered handle for utmost power and performance
Meets all the college BBCOR bat standards
End cap trademark for utmost speed and balanced swing weight
2 5/8" barrel diameter, making it lightweight

This baseball bat is available in 3 sizes so choose between 32, 33 or 34 inches.

Not convinced if this is a good fit? Check out the other baseball bats offered by Louisville Slugger and take your pick!

Measuring 17” in length, the Rawlings Mini Custom Bat comes with a natural finish to allow you customize it. Looking for a wooden adult bat instead? Check out the Rawlings Adirondack Natural Ash Wood Bat today!

Rawlings 17-Inch/17-Ounce Mini Natural Custom Bat

Rawlings Baseball Bats MB24

Features

Since its inception in 1887, Rawlings has been the number one manufacturer and marketer of spots gear in the United States. The company’s mission has always been to produce innovative, high-end equipment and protective gear for the entry-level, amateur, and the professional player.

The Rawlings Mini Custom Bat is different from the other four bats that we have reviewed because it is made of wood. Its natural finish not only makes it a beautiful bat but also gives you a chance to personalize it with laser engraving. You can put your name or your team’s logo on this bat! This mini bat, measuring 17 inches, is exactly what your youngster needs to start off his/her baseball career. It’s unique and reasonably-priced. The bat works great as part of a costume and can be a nice present for a baseball fan.

Feel like this is not what you were looking for? Rawlings has other baseball bats that you can check out today!

Get the Best Baseball Bat of 2018!

The great American pastime has evolved over the years, thanks to innovations in baseball bats design. You no longer need to craft your own baseball bat as before—professionals keep tuning lumber and alloys to provide better performance every season. Hopefully you found the best baseball bat from our list. If you didn’t, feel free to look at other alternatives offered by these brands.

Our Top Choice

Marucci CAT 6 BBCOR Baseball Bat

Best Value

Easton S200 Youth One-Piece Aluminum Bat

DeMarini 2017 Zen Balanced Baseball Bat

Louisville Slugger Omaha Baseball Bat

Rawlings Mini Custom Bat