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Whether it's for a school club, family gathering, or company mixer, sports are a great way for people to come together and have fun. If you're looking for a versatile sport that kids and adults can both enjoy, baseball is a great one. Before you get started, it's important to get a baseball bat that fits your or your kids' needs.
In this article, we've compiled a diverse list of our 10 favorite baseball bats that you can easily buy online. Our favorite was Easton's Ghost X Hyperlite USA Youth Baseball Bat for its lightweight yet sturdy composite material, cushioned grip for comfortability and security, striking design, and versatility among adults and children. If you're not sure what to look for when buying the right bat for you, scroll down to our Buying Guide.
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Table of Contents
To find the right baseball bat for you, take a look at its material, dimensions, league approval, and grips.
When it comes to bats and their materials, there are composite, wooden, and aluminum bats. Let's go over the pros and cons of each type to help find the right one for your needs.
Composite bats are made from carbon fiber polymer, a composite material. They are a great choice when playing in warm weather because they're very adaptable to hot temperatures. However, if you leave the bat in cold conditions for a long period of time, it may weaken, crack, and even break. In addition, they can burn your hands if you don’t use grips or gloves.
Composite bats focus on creating a trampoline effect when you hit the baseball. The trampoline effect, which some people call "the pop," is when the ball picks up speed after making contact with the bat. This makes the ball launch as far as possible given the initial force you apply it. Composite bats are a popular choice since they are relatively light and powerful.
Wooden bats are traditional and common for baseball players, but they don't have a trampoline effect. This means that you can't expect the ball to pick up speed after a hit.
These bats are made from various woods, such as ash, maple, bamboo, and mixed wood, which means they are generally heavier. The type of wood affects the bat's hardness and durability. For example, ash and maple are usually lighter than mixed wood, but bamboo can greatly vary depending on the type.
As an added point, wooden bats tend to break quicker than metal ones if the ball hits the tip or lower half of the bat. This is known as "hitting the sour spot," and the ideal middle portion is "the sweet spot." While they can become warped if you leave them in the rain or snow for too long, wooden bats are great for bunting the ball.
Metal bats are a solid choice if you're looking for durability. While they have a less powerful trampoline effect and won’t launch the ball as far after a hit, they can be used in colder weather, making them a reliable alternative during the winter.
An aluminum bat also works in warm conditions, but you have to be careful of burns if you don't have a way to protect your hands. Its flexibility in all weather conditions makes the aluminum bat a good option if you want a more consistent bunt and a slight trampoline effect.
You may also come across alloy bats, which are a mix of two or more metals. They generally have the same benefits and drawbacks.
Bats can be made with one piece of material or two. One-piece construction bats are made with one connected piece of metal, composite, or wood material. With no dividing parts, these bats offer sturdy, reliable force upon ball-to-bat contact and are more preferred by strong hitters with high batting speeds. However, they can tend to feel stiffer for beginners.
Two-piece construction bats are made in two parts, often divided between the barrel and the handle. These bats offer more flexibility upon contact and can provide more of a "whip" effect. Because these features can lead to higher batting speeds with less initial force, these bats are recommended for folks with lower batting speeds.
Length and weight are also some important factors in choosing a baseball bat - factors that could make or break a game. Here are some tips on how to choose the right length and weight.
To figure out the correct bat length for you, extend one arm out horizontally and do the same with your baseball bat. Hold the knob of the baseball bat in the middle of your chest. If the end of the baseball bat ends up right where your knuckles do, that's a suitable length for you.
Once you're aware of a suitable baseball bat length for your own dimensions, it's also helpful to consider how the length of your bat can affect balance and your likelihood of hitting the ball. For example, a longer bat is harder to balance, but you have more area to land a solid hit, thanks to its sweet spot. On the other hand, a shorter ball will be easier to hold and balance, making it a great choice for beginners.
Most bats will be between 25 to 34 inches in length. You will want to use a shorter bat if you're new to baseball, struggle with balance, or are shorter than average. You may want a longer bat if you don't want to stand as close to the base for a longer swing.
When it comes to buying a youth baseball bat, the same rules generally apply. However, youth baseball bats are often marketed with suitable age ranges for respective lengths. For example, children from ages five to ten usually use bats 24 to 29 inches in length, while children from ages 11 to 17 can use bats 30 to 34 inches in length.
The bat’s weight will also impact its power and speed. Test out if your bat is right for you by holding it out in front of you and keeping it in place for 30 to 45 seconds. If you can't keep it held out, it's too heavy. Heavier bats will lead to more power behind your hits, but you can swing a lighter bat faster. This means the weight can affect your timing depending on how much windup you need for your swings.
Your bat will spend more time in the swinging motion when it weighs more. As you build up your speed and arm muscles, you can become faster with heavier bats and swing them quickly. You can find bats from one to over two-and-a-half pounds, giving you plenty of options.
The drop weight is calculated by taking the bat's length in inches and subtracting it from the bat's weight in ounces. For example, if you have a 30-inch bat with a 22-ounce weight, it will have a drop weight of negative eight. The drop weight matters if you want a bat you can easily swing or if you’re buying a bat for league purposes.
The drop weight lets you know how heavy the bat is in comparison to its size. This means the smaller the drop weight, the easier it will be to swing the bat. Generally speaking, a lower drop weight is better for people that struggle with swinging. If you play on a baseball team in a league, you will most likely have a drop-weight limit that you will need to follow.
The barrel size refers to the diameter of the bat where you hit the baseball. Barrel size matters since it will affect your swing and the amount of surface area available to you as you hit the ball. If you plan to buy a bat for competitive play, you will need to look into your particular barrel size regulations.
Simply put, the bigger the barrel size, the more likely you are to land a hit. You can find barrels from one point two to two point seven inches in diameter. However, though larger barrel sizes will lead to more hits, you may have less power and speed behind your swings. This is because you're more likely to hit the top or bottom of the bat, making the ball pop up or bounce.
You have three common options for your bat grip: none, tape, and cushioned. The pros of a grip-less bat handle are that you don't have to worry about replacing the grip, and you'll learn to be more adaptable with the ability to use any bat on the spot. However, the cons are that your hands could slip, causing you to miss a hit or even send the bat flying.
Taped bat handles are great for offering a sturdy grip. However, because tape can rub down and become less effective with use, you may need to replace the tape from time to time. Lastly, cushion-handled bats are the easiest to hold and great for those who have tighter grips, since they can protect hands from blisters. However, if it starts to fall off or crack, it may cost a lot to replace it or buy a new bat.
If you are buying a bat for official baseball games, you need to find one approved for Baseball League use. You can check the bats' product pages to see if they mention Major League Baseball (MLB), the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), or USA baseball approval. You can also look for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) approval.
Approval matters if your child plans to play in the Little League, a high school team, or any other official baseball team. The approval process ensures people use fair and safe baseball bats to avoid hitting the ball too hard or fast.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
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1 | Easton Ghost X Hyperlite Baseball Bat | $239.95 High Mid | Best Lightweight and Sturdy Bat For Kids and Adults | ||
2 | Franklin Sports Kids Youth Baseball and Tee-Ball Bats | $29.99 Low Mid | Best Comfortable Tee-Ball and Baseball Bat for Kids | ||
3 | Easton Speed -10 USA Youth Baseball Bat | $69.99 Mid | Best Gripped Bat With Many Length Options | ||
4 | Barnett BB-W Wooden Baseball Bat | $25.99 Low Mid | Best Wooden Bat for Training Kids to Swing | ||
5 | Easton Proven Fast Pitch Bat | $24.82 Low Mid | Best Comfortable Bat for Young Softball Players | ||
6 | Marucci Cat7 BBCOR Baseball Bat|MCBC7 | $269.99 High | Best Thin Alloy Bat With a Large Sweet Spot | ||
7 | Mizuno Maple Elite Baseball Bat|MZM 110 | $84.99 High Mid | Best Maple Wood Bat for Powerful Swings | ||
8 | Rawlings Threat USA Youth Baseball Bat | $79.95 High Mid | Best Youth Baseball Bat With Excellent Pop | ||
9 | SZYT Self-Defense Softball Bat | $19.00 Low Mid | Best Light Bat for Self-Defense or Tee-Ball | ||
10 | Louisville Slugger Ash Wood Fungo Bat|K100 | $34.99 Mid | Best Wooden Bat Designed for Distance and Versatile Hits |
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Not only does the one-piece construction of this composite bat make it lightweight and easy to swing, but it's also sturdy and powerful. This bat's secure and comfortable grip and responsive barrel are made with their advanced "exact carbon" technology, allowing for reliable durability and ease of use.
Some reviewers said that this bat lacks pop in comparison to other options. Despite this, many more said this bat helped them launch the ball farther. They also noted that its lighter design made it easier for kids to swing with full force.
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This aluminum alloy bat comes in two types: the Barracuda for baseball and the Venom for tee-ball. The baseball bat is approved for USA baseball games among Little League teams and has a low drop weight for easier swings. There are nine different combinations of weights and lengths for you to choose from and four different color options.
A few people said the bats dented after a few uses, and the grip tape tore off easily. However, most people noted that these bats worked well for kids between three and six years old. Others liked the bat's cool design and how well it worked for tee-ball games.
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This youth bat made with airplane-grade alloy isn't just sturdy, but it's also lightweight, easy to use, and comes in seven size options. The forged end cap is designed to give the bat more stability when you swing it and with its excellent grip, this bat is made with younger players in mind.
A few reviewers pointed out that this bat can dent after a few hits and can form cracks with time. But, most other reviewers noted that it had excellent balance despite its larger barrel size. Many also said their kids loved this bat's comfortable grip.
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Instead of committing to a specific type of wood, this bat uses a composite, lighter design that makes it great for beginners or kids to use. This bat also offers four different lengths to choose from to suit a variety of age groups and needs.
Some people pointed out this bat can break or crack after a few swings. However, many more said that it was the perfect bad for kids, and especially ideal for practicing. They also appreciated that it wasn't too light or heavy, allowing for substantial swings. Some reviewers also used this bat to keep at home for self-defense purposes.
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This lightweight bat with an ultra-thin cushioned handle is catered to youth softball players. Offering four different sizes and made with military-grade aluminum, this bat is both versatile and durable.
A couple of reviewers noted that this bat can sound "dead" after some use, claiming that the bat started absorbing hits too much after a while. However, the majority of reviewers didn't share this problem and stated that the comfortable grip and lighter weight were perfect for their children who were just starting out.
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This thin one-piece alloy bat is made to maximize the sweet spot and trampoline effect. The manufacturers redesigned the barrel, making the sweet spot larger than the previous model. The end cap uses an anti-vibration design, making it easier to hold after a hit.
Some reviewers wished this bat had a better pop to it. However, most others said this bat is a great option for teenagers playing baseball in high school. They also love its comfortable grip and large sweet spot, claiming it's an excellent option for those that want to hit further.
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While many wooden bats tend not to have grips, this one includes textured grip tape to ensure a reliable hold. Made with select Maple, this bat focuses on sturdiness and swing power.
Some people said the bat breaks easily and lacked pop. However, many more reviewers pointed out that this bat worked well for older kids, saying they can hit home runs due to its weight. They also like the grip included with the bat and the overall balance it provided.
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This bat focuses on providing a solid trampoline effect with its composite material, larger sweet spot, and lightweight construction. Due to its lighter weight options, this bat works well for kids under the age of 13. It includes a patterned handgrip, a wide barrel size, and five lengths for you to choose between.
Some reviewers mentioned that this bat can crack and tended to vibrate after landing hits. Overall, many others liked that it's lightweight, saying that kids can swing it faster than other options. They also note that this bat has pretty good pop.
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This silver aluminum bat is great for self-defense or tee-ball and includes a rubber grip to prevent your hands from slipping as you swing the bat. It's noted to be lightweight in comparison to its length, though its exact weight isn't listed.
Many reviewers mentioned that the bat dents easily. In addition, the manufacturer warns people not to hit hard balls with this bat. However, most reviewers loved its lightweight and more streamlined design which allowed them to swing the bat quickly for self-defense or practicing.
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This wooden bat is made of sturdy white ash and a foam core to make it lighter without being hollow, making it easier to swing. It also has a natural wood finish instead of a smooth one.
A few customers disliked the grooves and chips in wood and noted that this bat doesn't last very long. However, coaches said this bat is great for practice since it can easily send baseballs flying into the field. They also report that it's great for mixing up your hits between pop-flies and ground hitters.
When you spend lots of time playing sports outside, you need to keep yourself safe. Look into these 10 best lists for some relevant protective goods.
Still not quite sure where to begin? Take a look at Amazon's best-selling baseball bats which include some of our favorites listed in this article.
No. 1: Easton|Ghost X Hyperlite Baseball Bat
No. 2: Franklin Sports|Kids Youth Baseball and Tee-Ball Bats
No. 3: Easton|Speed -10 USA Youth Baseball Bat
No. 4: Barnett|BB-W Wooden Baseball Bat
No. 5: Easton|Proven Fast Pitch Bat
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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Health
Food and drinks
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Kids and baby
Interior
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Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices