The 10 Best Bats For Travel Baseball, Tested And Researched

Jonathan Wilson By, Jonathan Wilson
Updated
Marucci CAT8 -10 USSSA Junior Big Barrel
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Choice: Marucci CAT8 -10 USSSA Junior Big Barrel

"Marucci CAT8 -10 USSSA is a multi-variable wall design that creates an expanded sweet spot and thinner barrel walls. This one-piece alloy construction provides a clean, consistent, traditional swing. The Micro-Perforated soft-touch grip with extra tack improves feel and control." Read Review

2. Runner Up: BamBooBat Bamboo Bats HBBB18TM

"Made from super-strong and lightweight bamboo, BamBooBat Bamboo Bats are eco-friendly, tough and durable. Bamboo is a natural renewable resource that absorbs shock and doesn't break down. It's also environmentally friendly, using less energy than other materials to make your sporting goods." Read Review

3. Best Performance: Marucci CAT9 CONNECT -5 USSSA Senior League Baseball Bat

"The Marucci CAT9 CONNECT is a two-piece design made with a carbon composite handle and a removable all-aluminum alloy barrel. The one-of-a-kind, Outer Locking System attaches the composite handle to the aluminum barrel from the outside in, creating the stiffest connection possible while essentially eliminating virtually all vibrations on contact." Read Review

4. Best Design: Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Meta USSSA Baseball Bat

"Louisville Slugger’s 2021 SL is a premium, three-piece design that combines patented 3FX Connection System and light swinging, huge barrel to deliver the ultimate combination of speed and power. The 31" model of this bat features a balanced swing for the ultimate combination of speed and power." Read Review

When you’re traveling with your little one for the weekend or even a few weeks, it can be difficult to find practice time. You might have limited access to a field or maybe it’s just too hot or cold in another location. Travel baseball can be challenging and if you’ve got a kid that wants to play but doesn’t always have access to the fields, then you need some bats that are perfect for travel baseball!

Having quality bats is essential for any player in order to improve their game, no matter what their level of skill is. If you want to take your game up a notch, then look for bats that aren’t made with foam but wood instead. This will not only keep bat speed down but also break in faster and be much more durable over time.

After 13 hours of product research and analysis, We are able to identify the best bats for travel baseball is Marucci CAT8 -10 USSSA Junior Big Barrel. The performance of this product is of an excellent standard, and it offers a complete set of features that can satisfy your requirements.

Compare

TOP Choice #1 Marucci CAT8 -10 USSSA Junior Big Barrel
Our Score:
9.9
Marucci
  • Multi-variable wall design creates an expanded sweet spot and thinner barrel walls that are more forgiving after off-centered contact
  • One-piece alloy construction provides a clean, consistent, traditional swing
  • Micro-Perforated soft-touch grip with extra tack improves feel and control
TOP Choice #2 BamBooBat Bamboo Bats HBBB18TM
Our Score:
9.7
BamBooBat
  • Package Weight :0.499 kg
  • Product Type :SPORTING GOODS
  • Made in China
  • Package Dimension :7.62 cm x 7.62 cm x 45.72 cm
TOP Choice #3 Marucci CAT9 CONNECT -5 USSSA Senior League Baseball Bat
Our Score:
9.6
Marucci
  • OUR USSSA 1.15 BPF CERTIFIED BASEBALL BATS utilize a three-stage thermal treatment process, our new AZR ALLOY offers a more responsive microstructure for better feel, more forgiveness and more performance while maintaining the same strength as its predecessor
  • ALUMINUM BASEBALL BAT with multi-variable wall design creates an EXPANDED SWEET SPOT and thinner barrel walls that are more forgiving after off-centered contact. Our RING-FREE BARREL construction allows for more barrel flex and increases performance with NO “DEAD” SPOTS
  • TWO-PIECE HYBRID design combines a CARBON COMPOSITE handle with the AZR ALLOY BARREL designed for power. One-of-a-kind, OLS, Outer-Locking System, attaches the AZR alloy barrel to the composite handle from the outside in, creating the stiffest connection available, while dismissing virtually all vibrations on contact for the STRONGEST, SMOOTHEST SWING YET
  • DESIGNED FOR EXCELLENCE. Crafted for ultimate power and end-loaded feel, the TWO PIECE CAT9 CONNECT combines a CARBON COMPOSITE HANDLE with the strengthened, thermally treated AZR ALLOY BARREL. Our one-of-a-kind OUTER LOCKING SYSTEM creates the stiffest connection available, while dismissing virtually all vibrations on contact for your STRONGEST, SMOOTHEST SWING YET
  • PROFESSIONALLY INSPIRED HANDLE features a removable taper and an ERGONOMIC KNOB SHAPE for more top-hand CONTROL AND COMFORT. SOFT-TOUCH GRIP is micro-perforated with extra tack improves feel and control
  • Premium GT1 end cap that maximizes barrel length and swing speed.
  • Three-piece design, featuring patented 3FX Connection System that allows for a perfectly tuned “stiff” feel on contact while dramatically reducing vibration.
  • Balanced swing for the ultimate combination of speed and power.
  • Premium LS PRO Comfort Grip for the perfect mix of tack and cushion.
  • EKO Composite Barrel - engineered to the pinnacle of performance; light swinging, huge barrel, and the truest sound in the game.
  • DESIGNED FOR EXCELLENCE. The ULTRA-RESPONSIVE, two-piece CAT9 COMPOSITE is crafted with a multi-directional composite barrel and the stiffest connection available for the SPEED AND POWER you crave
  • METAL BASEBALL BAT with MAXIMUM BARREL LENGTH offers a longer surface area with a WIDER SWEET SPOT for increased performance. Our RING-FREE BARREL construction allows for more barrel flex and increases performance with NO “DEAD” SPOTS
  • TWO-PIECE COMPOSITE construction allows for higher performance with ALL-SEASON DURABILITY. One-of-a-kind, OLS, Outer-Locking System, attaches the composite barrel to the composite handle from the outside in, creating the stiffest connection available, while dismissing virtually all vibrations on contact for the STRONGEST, SMOOTHEST SWING YET
  • OUR USSSA 1.15 BPF CERTIFIED BASEBALL BATS utilizes the new MDX multi-directional composite barrel for ULTRA-RESPONSIVE PERFORMANCE. MID-BALANCED BARREL results in a medium M.O.I. between an end-loaded and a balanced feel easily used by all players for maximum performance
  • PROFESSIONALLY INSPIRED HANDLE features a STING-FREE COMFORT KNOB that is nylon molded with an ERGONOMIC DESIGN to improve COMFORT AND INCREASE CONTROL. Micro-PERFORATED SOFT-TOUCH GRIP with extra tack improves feel and control
  • LIGHT AND EXPLOSIVE: Featuring Thermo Composite Technology, the Hype offers the ideal combination of a massive barrel and sweet spot with a light swing weight, delivering explosive power at the plate.
  • UNMATCHED FEEL: ConneXion Max maximizes energy transfer with an even stiffer feel at contact, and The Pro-Stiff Carbon Handle is specifically designed with extra-stiff carbon fibers to create a more solid handle and stiff feel players love.
  • FEELS NATURAL IN YOUR HAND: Power Boost Soft Knob technology provides hitters with more leverage while reducing vibration and improving comfort for the bottom hand. Flow-Tack Grip is Easton’s most-premium grip, providing the ultimate cushion and tack
  • THE GUARDIAN 6-MONTH EXTENDED WARRANTY: You expect nothing but the best, and we’re here to make it happen. That’s why we add EXTRA sixth months onto the manufacturer's warranty for all baseball gear.
  • CERTIFIED BY THE BEST: The HYPE is approved for play in USSSA and associations that follow the 1.15BPF standard. That’s why it can be found at the top travel ball programs around the country.
  • ION D End Cap: Built to provide a lighter swing weight while optimizing barrel performance
  • DX1 Alloy Barrel: A high strength alloy that is built for peak performance and durability
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  • It has a lightweight cap to optimize the performance.
  • Custom micro-perforated soft-touch grip for better grip and improved feel
  • alanced, one-piece alloy construction produces a clean, consistent, traditional swing feel
  • ing-free barrel technology offers greater performance with no “dead” spots
  • Multi-variable wall design creates an expanded sweet spot with high durability
  • Anomaly End Cap: A blend of durable and lightweight materials maintains barrel integrity and optimizes performance.
  • Continuous Fiber Barrel Wall Construction: Long, unbroken lengths of fiber provide a barrel with superior strength, stiffness, and consistency across a larger optimized hitting area.
  • Two-Piece Composite Construction: Designed for improved weight distribution that allows for great balance, bat speed and barrel control
  • RE-BALANCED SWING WEIGHT: Incorporates the perfect combination of speed and power and the premium grip provides the ultimate combination of cushion and tack, for pure performance
  • XXL BARREL: The biggest barrel cXXL BARREL: The biggest barrel contour on any 1-piece bat in the gameontour on any 1-piece bat in the game
  • CERTIFIED BY THE BEST: Certified for play in all BBCOR baseball leagues
  • THE GUARDIAN 6-MONTH EXTENDED WARRANTY: You expect nothing but the best, and we’re here to make it happen. That’s why we add an EXTRA sixth months onto the manufacturer's warranty for all baseball gear.
  • XXL BARREL: The biggest barrel contour on any 1-piece bat in the game

What to Look For in a best bats for travel baseball?

Buyers are frequently hesitant to purchase best bats for travel baseball. Certain factors should be considered while making a significant purchase. Our understanding and expertise with best bats for travel baseball will assist you in making the right decisions.

Please take the following points into consideration before selecting best bats for travel baseball:

Price

There are many price options for youth baseball bats. Even though the bats that are more costly may be longer lasting and better in performance, they are generally not recommended for novice players.

Materials

The majority of youth baseball bats are made out of aluminum, wood, and composite. Composite bats, which are similar to carbon fibre, provide substantial pop and lower vibrations on mis-hits than any other bat. The bats will require an initial break-in of between 150 and 200 balls strikes to achieve peak performance.

Construction

The manufacturing process of a baseball bat is either one-piece- or two-piece.
It is a one-piece construction. The entire bat (from the end to barrel) is constructed with only one material. These bats can be flexed less and are more energy-efficient. They're extremely balanced and have great swing speed, allowing you to hit the ball quickly. They also don't suffer vibration or dampening, as can happen with extreme pressure.
It has a connection to the handle and bat barrel in a two-piece structure. Through the connector vibrations created when the bat comes in contact the ball's surface are dampened. A fused connector helps increase bat speed, and gives the bat more flex. The downside is that they cost more than one-piece bats.

Diameter

Little League allows children to play with bats not more than 2.25 in diameter. In some cases, older players can have bats that are up to 2.62inches in diameter. It is important to understand what the league rules are about bat diameters before you make a purchase.

One-piece Or Two-piece

You should also consider whether the bat you choose is one-piece (or two-piece). This is what the main difference will be between them.
One-piece metal bats look like continuous pieces. One-piece bats are very rigid and give little in contact with the ball, leading to little energy loss. The result can be very good for balanced, powerful swings. However, it can also cause irritation in the hands from mishits.

Drop Weight

Bat descriptions often include a weight drop, which is the bat’s length in inches divided by its weight. For youth bats it usually ranges from 5 to 13 Higher drop weights will make it easier to swing.

Length

Children aged 4-6 years old who want to get into baseball are likely to need a teeball bat. These bats can be from between 24 and 27 inches in length. For players aged 7-13, leagues will require that they use a USSSA (USA Baseball) approved bat. The length of the bat is between 25 and 32 inches. It also has drop weights which are weight minus length.

FAQs

How To Determine Bat Weight For Youth Baseball?

It's impossible to know the exact weight of a bat versus age. However, there are simple ways to find out if it's right weight.
You can also check the drop weight for a bat. That is, its total weight (in ounces), minus its height in inches. Parents can start looking for similar bats once they've determined the drop weight that works for them.

Why Do MLB Use Wooden Bats?

Although there are many reasons MLB uses wood bats for its games, safety is the primary reason.
While pros strike the ball quickly enough, an aluminum bat could make it more difficult. That's why the MLB regulations state that the bat must be one-piece of solid wood.
While you might argue the rule can be altered, baseball is often a game that is bound by tradition. Since wooden bats were what the players used throughout history and all data has been based upon, there will probably continue to be wooden bats within MLB.

How To Increase Bat Speed In Youth Baseball?

Both overload and underload can be used to increase bat speed in young players. When they are practicing underload, they will swing a heavier bat than the one they would normally use. A lighter bat may help hitters improve their agility and speed, as well as give them the ability to move faster.
In order to improve swinging strength, overload training should be done with a heavier bat.

What Does The Negative Number Printed On A Bat For Baseball Mean?

These numbers represent the length to weight ratio (or drop). You subtract the bat's length from the bat's weight in ounces. This would mean that if the bat has a weight of 18 ounces and measures 30 inches in length, it will display a number of -12.

Is It Important To Get A Bat For Baseball Approved By My League?

Yes. You need to make sure your bat conforms with the rules of your league. This is because each league has different requirements regarding weight, swing speed, etc.

What Size Baseball Bat Should You Use?

Measure the distance from your chest to your hand and measure it. This measurement should approximately be the length your bat.
Another option is to measure the distance from your floor to the palm end of your hand, and you will get an identical result.
If this is still not enough, many manufacturers provide a handy size comparison chart that you can use to measure your height or weight and help you choose the perfect size baseball bat.

How Long Of A Bat Should I Get?

While it is important to adhere to the rules of your league, you can still choose the length of the bat that you use. You will have to respect your league's requirements, but this is a matter of personal preference. Try a number of different bats until you find one that feels comfortable for your hitter. This chart will provide a guideline for you to start your search. This chart is not meant to be definitive but should provide some guidance.

We constantly update the list of best bats for travel baseball as new data becomes available. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website regularly.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries or concerns with best bats for travel baseball. If you ask, we'll do our hardest to help you in any way we can!


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About Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson is a former pro football player and tech reporter who now serves as the editor of Kris Van Assche's website. He is a dedicated fitness enthusiast who splits his workout time between strength and conditioning training, martial arts and running.

Jonathan's athletic career began in college, where he was a star running back. He went on to play professionally for several years before injuries forced him to retire. Afterward, Jonathan transitioned into a career in tech reporting, where he quickly made a name for himself as a knowledgeable and insightful commentator on the industry.

In addition to his work with our website, Jonathan remains active in the world of sports. He regularly competes in martial arts tournaments and running events, and he is always looking for new ways to challenge himself physically. Jonathan is an inspiration to many people, and he is proof that it is never too late to pursue your passions.

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