The Best Rated Baseball Bats For 2024

Jonathan Wilson By, Jonathan Wilson
Updated
Rawlings Raptor USA Baseball Bat
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: Rawlings Raptor USA Baseball Bat

"The Rawlings Raptor USA Baseball Bat is a lightweight, durable and all-around performance bat. Its alloy construction delivers consistent performance all season long, while the exclusive molding process gives the bat a more responsive feel to help you make contact." Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Easton ADV -13 USA T-Ball Baseball Bat

"Easton’s lightest composite material, for an extremely balanced swing weight. The ENGINEERED WITH HYPERLITE COMPOSITE formula produces a highly-responsive feel with a maximum energy transfer to the ball. Its unique materials make it durable and easy to maintain." Read Review

3. Best Compact: Rawlings 2022 5150 USA 2 5/8" Baseball Bat Drop

"Designed with an upgraded sweet spot, the Rawlings 2022 5150 USA Baseball Youth Bat (-10) is perfect for any hitter looking to add more power and distance to their swing. The drop of this bat is 2 5/8", which allows for increased barrel length and a bigger sweet spot." Read Review

4. Best Safety: DeMarini 2022 The Goods Half N Half (-3) BBCOR Baseball Bat

"DeMarini has continued to advance the technology of their bats with the release of the 2022 model. This updated version features a redesigned end cap that is stronger to help maintain barrel integrity and optimize power." Read Review

For many players, the most important attribute of a baseball bat is its performance and how effectively it will help you produce hits. The best way to know if a bat will suit your game is to test different brands and models in person. Different bats have different weights, flexes, balances, swing speeds and more that all affect performance.

Varying factors determine which bat performs best for you based on your swing speed, arm slot, preferred hitting style and more. It’s impossible to say which bat will be the ultimate choice for every individual player so we recommend testing bats in-person before making a final purchase. This article covers the top rated brands of baseball bats based on user reviews and our recommendations.

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 19 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. As result, We believe the best rated baseball bats is Rawlings Raptor USA Baseball Bat. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following buying guide & FAQs.

Compare

TOP Choice #1 Rawlings Raptor USA Baseball Bat
Our Score:
9.9
Rawlings
  • X-TENDED SWEETSPOT TECHNOLOGY creates improved plate coverage by extending the single piece aluminum 2 1/4 in. barrel
  • IDEAL FOR AGES 10 AND UNDER, the Raptor USA Youth Baseball Bat provides an evenly balanced lightweight design creating faster swing speeds
  • CERTIFICATION: Approved for use in all USA Baseball sanctioned leagues and events
  • DURABLE LIGHT-WEIGHT ALLOY DESIGN the Raptor delivers consistent performace all season long
  • IMPROVED CONTROL AND VIBRATION REDUCTION created from the Raptor's high-tack grip and lightweight endcap
TOP Choice #2 Easton ADV -13 USA T-Ball Baseball Bat
Our Score:
9.8
Easton
  • ONE-PIECE COMPOSITE DESIGN with rolled end for a light and balanced swinging bat
  • THE EASTON ADV TEE BALL BAT is ideal for players 8 and under
  • ENGINEERED WITH HYPERLITE COMPOSITE, Easton’s lightest composite material, for an extremely balanced swing weight
  • PERFECT FOR YOUNG PLAYERS looking for a light swinging bat to generate more contact and power
  • CERTIFICATION: USA Baseball approved for use in all T-Ball leagues
TOP Choice #3 Rawlings 2022 5150 USA 2 5/8" Baseball Bat Drop
Our Score:
9.6
Rawlings
  • ENHANCED POWER thanks to the large 2 5/8" Big Barrel design that helps players make contact easier and hit the ball even farther
  • EASY TO SWING thanks to ultra-lightweight bat construction - creates even faster bat speeds for young athletes
  • INTENTIONALLY CRAFTED FOR ALL TYPES OF YOUTH BATTERS, this USA baseball bat is made of Rawlings' highly responsive, aerospace-grade alloy, the 5150 Alloy, that was specifically designed for optimal performance and durability at the plate
  • SLEEK BLACK AND ELECTRIC BLUE DESIGN that will help young players stand out on the field
  • APPROVED FOR USE IN ALL USA BASEBALL SANCTIONED LEAGUES
  • Due to manufacturing tolerances, certification calculations and standards, or added materials such as grip tape or decals, drop is not intended to and should not be relied upon to calculate the actual weight of this bat as sold
  • DESIGNED WITH AN UPGRADED SWEET SPOT - the 5150 USA Baseball Youth Bat (-10) is perfect for any hitter looking to add more power and distance to their swing
  • Direct Connection: Creates a stiffer feel to deliver even greater power output
  • Tremor End Cap: Redesigned with stronger materials to maintain barrel integrity and optimize power.
  • DeMarini 2022 The Goods Half N Half (-3) BBCOR Baseball Bat - 32"/29oz
  • Half + Half Construction: A continuation of DeMarini's innovative technology, this stick features a stiff composite handle and massive alloy barrel for a stiff and powerful swing
  • X14 Alloy Barrel: A massive alloy barrel designed specifically for elite power hitters
5 Louisville Slugger 2022 Vapor
Our Score:
9.3
Louisville Slugger
  • Durable HUB 1-shot end cap design.
  • Series 7 Premium alloy barrel for performance at an unbelievable value.
  • Standard synthetic leather grip for better bat control.
  • 1-piece design for maximum stiffness on contact.
  • Barrel: Large
  • Handle: Traditional
  • Knob: Tapered
  • Feel: End-loaded
  • Three-piece design focused around the 3FX Connection System gives players a ‘stiff’ feel, while also dramatically reducing vibration on mis-hits.
  • EKO Composite Barrel helps deliver the mix of performance and feel that elite hitters crave – along with an expanded sweet spot and barrel profile.
  • Meets BBCOR standard
  • Balanced swing weight, making the Meta perfect for all types of players.
  • Maximum diameter. -- The StringKing Metal Pro USABat features the maximum allowable barrel diameter at 2 ⅝", giving you the best chance to make clean, powerful contact on every swing.
  • Balanced performance. -- The weight distribution of our Metal Pro USABat delivers versatile performance with the powerful swing of an end-loaded bat and the fast hands of a more balanced bat.
  • 1 Year durability guarantee. -- If your StringKing USABat baseball bat breaks within its warranty period, we will replace it for free.
  • Premium Materials. -- The high quality aluminum alloy used in the Metal Pro baseball bat is tougher than the metals commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and military industries.
  • Maximum consistency. -- Premium materials and precise manufacturing give Metal Pro USABat a big, powerful sweet spot that will hold up over the life of your bat and deliver consistent performance.
  • Newly engineered, MDX composite construction barrel is built with a multi-directional composite design to create an ultra-responsive barrel with explosive sound.
  • Carbon composite handle and MDX composite barrel connect by SDX EXT to dismiss harsh, unwanted vibrations from players’ hands
  • SDX EXT, Extended Shock Dissipating Connection (US Patent No. 10, 016, 667), increases stiffness to maintain energy transfer to the ball, while also dismissing all harsh, unwanted vibrations from players’ hands
  • 2 1/4" Ring-free barrel construction allows for more barrel flex and increases performance with no "dead" spots
  • Certified for WBSC (ISF), ISA, USSSA, USA (ASA)
10 TRUE TEMPER T2 Youth USA Baseball Bat
Our Score:
8.2
TRUE TEMPER
  • 120-DAY FIT GUARANTEE: True Temper believes that swinging the right size bat will result in better performance for the player. For the first 120 days, if a player outgrows their bat, or simply is not happy with his current fit, they are able to exchange it for another True Temper Baseball bat size at NO EXTRA CHARGE! *Contact True Temper Baseball for more details
  • TRUE TEMPER: From baseball bats and golf clubs to lacrosse and hockey sticks, True Temper gear is built by artisans and craftsmen passing down time honored traditions, years in the workshop and expertise that you can't learn in a book
  • T2 Youth Baseball Bat: Features proprietary technology and a weight specifically designed to drive the ball deep; Fused Hybrid construction seamlessly connects the 2-5/8-inch aluminum barrel to a composite handle for reduced vibration and improved feel
  • MORE SIZES TO FIT YOUR SWING: True Temper offers more size options than any other bat brand in the market because a better fitting bat will give you better performance at the plate. Don’t believe it? Did you know more than 50% of pros swing half sizes?
  • SMARTPLY Technology Handle: Hit with more momentum and distance; Composite SMARTPLY 2x2 carbon fiber twill handle weave optimizes swing weight, balance, strength and vibration dampening for maximum performance on impact

Before you buy the best rated baseball bats, there are a few things you should know

There are many various sorts of best rated baseball bats on the market, and deciding which one is ideal for you might be difficult.

Many consumers purchase things without fully comprehending their requirements. It's critical to understand which aspects aren't worth the investment before making a purchase. This blog article will highlight items you should know before purchasing the best rated baseball bats in 2024 to assist you to avoid costly blunders.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

It's challenging to determine the greatest product while deciding what to buy. We wanted to help you narrow things down by offering a list of best rated baseball bats above so you can make a better-educated decision before purchasing anything that might never work for you.

Would any of these ideas strike a chord with you? If that's the case, keep these in mind before making any purchases! You may also look into Easton A11287530 2018 USA Baseball 2 to find another option that is a good fit for you.


2 ratings

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.

Read Jonathan's full bio