One of the most important accessories for a baseball player is most definitely the baseball bat. A baseball bat is used on every play of the game by one player who is located within the batter's box. It is used to power through the ball during an incoming pitch in order to try and score more runs than the opposing team.
There are many different types of baseball bats, all with their own advantages and disadvantages. The make of a baseball bat can differ from brand to brand, but there are also specifications unique to certain age divisions (such as weight or "drop" for youth, high school, and professional leagues).
For reference, the drop is a regulated modification that can be implemented in bats. With a greater negative drop, such as -11, it means that the swing will feel swifter and the bat more balanced. Drops improve swings and they are highly regulated at competitive play. You will typically see a -3 for college to professional bats.
As well, each player will have their own preferences when picking out a bat. While some might like a heavier baseball bat others might prefer a lighter, more agile bat. Additionally, each brand has their own style and reputation, so it can be tricky wading through all the types of bat-styles available.
One factor to take into consideration is the construction quality. This should not be overlooked, particularly so because a poor construction means that you are spending hundreds of dollars every time a new season rolls around. Price range could also be important for customers on a budget, or if this is your first bat purchase. Luckily, there are several options offered at an affordable price range.
If you are looking for a high quality baseball bat that is comfortable and effective, you will then probably want to take a good luck at each of the five products that are listed throughout this review. We've gathered up five of the best baseball bats for you to review. Batter up!
Top 5: Baseball Bats Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
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9.1 | ||
9.2 | ||
9.4 | ||
9.6 | ||
9.8 |
We're starting off with the fifth rated bat, which is the Rawlings 2019 5150 USA Youth Baseball Bat. This bat is super light-weight and has received outstanding positive reviews. It is designed with a drop -11 balance overall, a significant improvement from the 2018 version of the bat.
Rawlings also constructed this bat with Aircraft-grade 5150 alloy and a patented pOp 2.0 technology for high responsiveness and a expanded sweet spot.
The 2019 version is designed for a quicker and more efficient swing so that more power can be generated through the sweet spot (the best spot on the bat to hit a baseball - it's around the middle). The added Hyper-Lite Speed Cap helps to control the swing speed but doesn't add too much weight.
Weighing in at only 9.6 ounces, players will feel more comfortable trying out a variety of techniques and introducing more technicality into their swing. This bat is 32 x 3 x 3 inches, which is a medium-sized bat.
This baseball bat has trended as one of the hottest new products currently listed on the market. Rawlings has long earned their reputation as a brand that makes durable baseball gear.
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This Barnett BB-W Wooden Baseball Bat is number four on our list and for good reason. This particular bat is perfect for casual or beginners to baseball and would be a great starter bat for any youth newcomer. The bat comes in a range of sizes, from 25 to 28, 30, and 32 inches.
The price range for this bat is extremely affordable, especially compared to the previous option. The feel of the rich and sturdy wood is also a plus since players will feel like they are in the big leagues.
Customers can purchase this wooden bat for just over twenty dollars. It is made with high quality wood so that it can be used for fun by players of all ages.
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The Easton 2018 USSSA Ghost X Senior League Baseball Bat has earned the third spot on this baseball bat review. This particular bat focuses its design towards competitive league players, with detailed modifications for next-level play.
With a loaded two-piece exact carbon design, this bat was built with an eight length to weight ratio so your bat will feel balanced and not bulky during your swing. The diameter of the barrel is a little bit thicker than most, at around 2 and 3/4 inches. This bat also comes with 1.4mm HYPERSKIN grip so your hands won't sting.
While this bat soars into the higher end of the price range, you can rest assure that your purchase is the #1 rated bat for youth baseball. Eaton also has a high customer reputation, so you can expect a high-quality and durably build.
The dimensions of this bat are 35 x 3 x 3 and it weighs only 3 pounds. This composite barrel bat is approved for the USSSA 14u and Eaton will honor the one year warranty even when purchased through Amazon. The balance is only a drop -5, but as it is regulation for the USSSA, it will still give you a competitive swing.
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Now it is time to take an in-depth look at the EASTON 2019 Project 3 Alpha BBCOR Baseball Bat. This bat has earned the runner-up position on this countdown because it inherits a lot of advanced features that create a larger amount of precision and control for players to utilize during their swing.
The Project 3 Alpha has a drop of -3 and is BBCOR approved for high school and college players. The barrel diameter is set at 2 and 5/8th; an optimized barrel design can generate a higher launch angle and more control of the baseball during an impact.
The balanced feeling in the weight of the bat is not only comfortable, but also more efficient when powering through a swing. This is definitely a reputable baseball bat from a high quality brand in the sport of baseball.
This bat comes as a 33 or 30 inch bat. Made with a strong, material alloy (all as one piece), you can be certain that this bat will not only last, but will also take your game to the next level.
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The highest ranked bat on this countdown is the Marucci MCBC7 Cat7 BBCOR Baseball Bat. There are several reasons that it has earned the top spot, but the most important reason is the fact that it is a consistently popular bat.
Built with Az4x alloy construction, this material adds increased versatility and strength. The bat to ball responsiveness is also quicker, with less lag upon contact. This bat is the second version of the bat, so Marucci has made some major improvements while staying true to its brand. The Av2 anti-vibration knob has been upgraded so that there is less negative feedback.
Like many of the higher-caliber bats, it has been constructed as one-piece of alloy, which makes it feel smoother and consistent than multi-piece bats. The 2 and 5/8th barrel is BBCOR certified and designed to provide a balanced yet speedy swing.
This bat was designed with an upgraded sweet spot, so you can show off a consistent swing while still purchasing a product within a reasonable price range. The dimensions of this bat are 35 x 3 x 3, weighing in at 2.5 pounds.
Faster swing speeds can be achieved because of the balanced weight proportioning that is integrated into the design of this baseball bat. As it is a BBCOR bar, it has a drop -3, is extremely comfortable for players, and has proven to be effective out on the field.
Unfortunately, this bat was made around 2016 and will not comply with the newest USAbat rules (2017 and on). If you are looking for a sleek, yet affordable bat for competitive play (but not for competitions) then this Marucci is the one for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should you look for when purchasing a brand new baseball bat?
The specific factors that you should be looking for can vary depending on the competitive level that you plan on playing at. If you are a casual player and have only recently started practicing the basics of the game, you may want to consider a casual leisure bat to practice with. One of these bats is Barnett BB-W Wooden Baseball Bat, an ideal bat for newcomers who are looking to enhance their skills.
Seasoned players are going to want to check out a more competitive, high quality bat like that EASTON 2019 Project 3 Alpha BBCOR Baseball Bat.
The difference between these two bats, for example, is on the inside. Specific design elements like weight distribution can have a major impact on the launch angle of the ball and the amount of controlled and effective swing speed. A higher quality bat also tends to offer more consistency for competitive players.
How long does breaking in a new bat take, and how can I do it?
Breaking in a bat can be accomplished in a few different ways. To break a bat in, you have to use it until it's game-ready. Baseball bats are made to hit baseballs, so it's best to practice hitting them through batting practice or hitting them off a tee.
The amount of break-in time will vary depending on what materials the bat is made out of. Aluminum baseball bats are ready to go right from the manufacturer, so you don't have to break them in. Composite-barreled bats need a little more work.
A composite-barreled bat doesn't reach its true potential until it's been hit anywhere from 150 to 200 times. The way you hit it also has an impact. The first few swings should be around 50 percent of your power, and then you should increase gradually as you do more.
Another important thing to remember when breaking in a bat is that you should rotate it about one-fourth of an inch with each new swing. This helps make sure that the bat is fully broken in on all sides.
What does it mean if a design is a "two-piece bat"?
Bats come in one-piece or two-piece designs. Being a two-piece design doesn't mean that you have to manually assemble two different parts, though. One-piece designs have just one material, while two-piece designs have differently-constructed handles and bats that are bonded.
There are some important differences. Each type of design has advantages and disadvantages.
One-piece designs are strong and stiff. Since the bat and the handle are all made from the same piece of material, there's very little flexion. This makes the bat ideal for power hitters who want to hit as hard as possible without dealing with any flex.
Two-piece bats have a lot more flexion because the barrel flexes against the handle when the ball makes contact. This creates a trampoline effect that can give average hitters more reach in their hits. The handle also has less vibration during the impact since the handle is separated from the barrel.
How do I pick the right baseball bat size?
There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to baseball bats. The two things you should keep in mind are the weight and the velocity. Ideally, you'll pick whatever bat is the heaviest and longest that you're capable of using without impacting the speed of your swing.
Heavier bats generate more power on an impact. This means that heavier players who rely on muscle mass tend to prefer them. For smaller players with less brute strength, a lighter bat is better because it can be swung at higher speeds. You'll need to try swinging with a variety of weights to decide which works best.
The length of the bat also matters. Longer bats are heavier, but a longer bat allows greater reach. This means that you can hit balls that come to the other side of home plate. You'll need to test different bat lengths as well until you find the one that you're most comfortable with.
You'll also need to keep the league requirements in mind when you're selecting the bat. Any adult baseball bat needs to have a BBCOR certification, as this indicates that it's been approved for use in college and high school play. There are senior league bats for adolescents from ages 13 to 15, and youth bats for younger players.
What are the types of baseball bat?
There are four basic types of bat, but the sizes and lengths and weights and materials all vary.
Ever since the early days of baseball, the standard for professional bats has been to be made from wood. Most major and minor leagues worldwide that only use wood bats. But the type of wood used changes depending on the league and the time period.
Louisville Slugger used to make its professional bats out of white ash wood. This made the bats much denser and heavier than other woods would. Since then, maple wood has become the most commonly used type of wood. Though these bats are lighter, they are more prone to breaking with heavy use.
There are other kinds of wood used as well. Bamboo and hickory have both become popular materials within the past few decades. However, most professional leagues don't sanction the use of alternative types of wood.
Aluminum bats are the type of bat used for college, high school, and little league. Aluminum is a metal that's lighter and easier to wield than wood, and it's also more durable, so you don't need to bother replacing the bat as often. Aluminum bats can also be swung more easily than wood bats of the same size, which is why they're best for young players.
Composite bats tend to be the lightest bat on the market. They're almost exclusively used by young children, as they allow kids to perform at a higher level when they're in the lower leagues. Most composite blends are made up of plastic, graphite, and occasionally titanium.
Because they're made from a blend of materials and more difficult to manufacture, composite bats come at a higher price point than aluminum ones. The bats also tend to be more breakable than aluminum ones, and it's common for the handle and the barrel to break apart after the bat wears down.
A hybrid bat is the final type of bat. It's a design that combines the selling points of composite and aluminum bats while mitigating some of the drawbacks. Hybrid bats are usually made with a spine and handle of aluminum. Meanwhile, the barrel is comprised of a blend of pressure-molded materials. These include titanium, plastic, and graphite.
Hybrid bats are uniquely durable. They allow for resistance to warping, defects, dings, bends, dents, and complete breakage over time. Damage to a bat makes the bat perform less effectively, so this option is favored by those who want a bat that retains quality for a long time.
Hybrids are banned from use in competition in certain leagues, however. They also tend to be just as pricey as composite bats due to the complicated construction and manufacturing. Because of this, aluminum may be the best option for players on a budget or players who need to adhere to the specifications of certain leagues.
Baseball bats are also sorted into categories depending on whether the player is an adult, adolescent, or child. Bats for children are easier to wield, while bats for adults have a wider range of power and size.
6 tips to improve your baseball swing
A perfect baseball swing doesn’t rely solemnly on your bat or the strength you put on it. Like other sports, baseball is a game of strategy, and you need to study everything from how the pitcher releases the ball to the position the catcher is taking. You might put maximum strength when swinging with one of the best bats, but if your eyes aren’t focused, you might end up missing the ball or hitting a foul.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro baseball player, you need to stay updated with hitting tips that can help you improve your swing. Leave alone the common tip of practicing every day to improve your swing; there are expert tips that you’re yet to try. Want to see them? Here are some of the best tips that will help you out with your baseball swing.
1. Get a Good Bat
Before going to the perfect swing posture or working on your body strength, you need to understand the role of a bat in your swing. Every bat is different and suits different kinds of players. Don’t be surprised that all the nine players in the pitch might end up using different bats.
The first thing to consider when selecting a bat is weight. If you pick a bat that is too light, you might end up with a very fast swing and obviously miss the ball. If you go for a heavy bat, it might weigh you down. Metal or composite bat is a perfect choice if you care about maximizing your hitting power.
Another good bat material is wood. A wood bat will help you improve your bat and be forgiving enough is you accidentally pull off a wrong swing. You not only need a good weight but a bat that will still reward you if you happen to hit outside the sweet spot or pull out a bad form.
2. Your Hip Rotation and Footwork Matters
Hitting the ball doesn’t only depend on the strength of your arms. In fact, all the power from your arms comes from your waist downwards. You need strong legs and flexible hips to perfect your baseball swing. If you don’t believe this, then try swinging the bat with an injury in one of your legs and see how you’re going to have a hard time.
You must ensure you create a proper body balance and work on your footwork if you want to improve your swing. Here is a simple step by step guide on how you can focus on your footwork and hip rotation when swinging.
• Once you’ve taken your ready stance, shift your weight to the back of your foot and hold until you’ve ready to step for the swing
• Step forward ensuring your foot is aligned with your back foot and begin your swing by rotating your hips
• Ensure you keep your hands close to your body tucking in your back elbow
• Your hands should come through the strike zone to allow the barrel to come out like a whip
3. Practice Grip Techniques
You’re not just going to hold the bat anyhow and expect to come out with a great swing. How you grip your bat will determine the type of swing you’re going to get. Learn how to position your hands on the bat so that you can hit your target without struggling.
If you want a faster swing, make sure your grip is next to the barrel. If you want a higher ball speed, make sure your hands are close to the handle. Well, this is not something you’re going to master that fast, but you must train hard and go through some trial and error methods.
Always learn to swing the bat in different grip positions until you get a perfect one. Ensure you don’t fatigue your hands or end up with blisters the next day by holding your bat lightly. A tight grip will also hinder the fluidity of the motion.
Your hand position should be perfect by learning how to relax your front and back elbow. Once you learn the perfect hand positioning, you can talk to your coach to help you master it and make that your strategy. The right grip and a perfect stance are all the things that will take your swing technique to the next level.
4. Hit the Ball with the Sweet Spot of your Bat
Have you ever hit the ball and end up with an awful sound with a weird spin? You probably hit the ball with the wrong part of the bat. If you need your ball to travel faster, the sweet spot is the perfect part of your bat for hitting.
The sweet spot of your bat is located towards its end. Hitting with the right part will not only ensure you gain maximum power but will also preserve the lifespan of your bat. The part towards the end is where most of the energy is transferred.
Here are quick tips you need to hit with the sweet spot.
•In your ready stance, make sure the engraving is facing you
•Take a practice swing stopping right before you hit the ball
•Roll the bat with your top hand with your bottom hand on the bat so that the engraving faces the sky
•Go back to your ready stance and strike the ball
•Repeat these steps whenever you adjust your hands and step out of the batter’s box a few seconds to catch a breathe
5. Relax and Focus
There are those baseball players that perform well when practicing but end up messing everything up as soon as they get to the real gaming situation. That’s where nervousness and anxiety take over your brain, and your hands start sweating and shaking. If you find yourself in such a situation, you better step out of the batter’s box and take a deep breath outside.
You need to make mental relaxing techniques part of your training. Meditation or yoga classes can be the best techniques for relaxing.
You understand yourself better, and you’re the only one who will determine what your mind needs to relax. Do you need to dance, jog, sing, or do some yoga? By adopting your appropriate relaxing techniques, you train your body to calm down and focus on what you’re doing at the moment.
Relaxing and focusing to improve your swing are somehow related. Both your mind and eyes need to focus on the pitch. Don’t let your eyes fail you. Ensure your eyes focus strictly on the ball and nothing else. Look at the ball keenly so that you understand whether to pull out a slow swing or a fast one.
6. Hit the Gym
Even if you practice all the tips mentioned above and you’re not fit or strong enough, all those will just go to waste. You need to adopt a regular workout routine not only for your hands, legs, and hips but for the rest of the body. You need to build up and reinforce that body.
Apart from the broad shoulder, massive chest, and bulging biceps, you also need to work on other muscles such as your legs, arms, core, grip, etc. Here is a breakdown of how you need to work out these muscles for effective performance.
• Your Grip and Forearms
While most people think that all they need for a powerful swing are the biceps, these do not really add much to your game. Your arms and grip need maximum strength for you to achieve incredible ball speed. Don’t just go to the gym to build biceps and forget about your grip.
• Your Legs
Some players focus most on the upper body and forget about the legs. Well, there is no denying that your upper body is going to work more on the swing, but the strength will be generated right from your legs. Work on your lower body to ensure it gains the power and strength necessary to give you enough stability.
• Your Core Muscles
You need to stabilize your upper body by working on your lower back, abs, and oblique. Your legs and arms all depend on the power generated from your core to make a perfect swing. If your core is not strong and flexible enough, you’ll not only compromise your swing but also put yourself at risk of getting injured.
• Work on Your Flexibility
Going to the gym also helps you work on your flexibility. Yes! To swing that bat perfectly, you need to be very flexible and ready to move. Ensure you go for a jog every morning, attend some yoga classes, or join a dance group. Yoga will help you build the strength of your core muscles and increase your motion. If you’re flexible enough, you’ll be amazed at how fast you’ll react to the ball and also help enhance your swing speed.
Bonus Tips
• Practice frequently to master the swing techniques
• Find some tutorials for swinging drills
• Practice alongside an expert or a fellow player
• Watch helpful tips from experienced baseball players
• Take it slow. Don’t overwork yourself
• Eat healthy meals and stay hydrated before and after the game
Final Remarks
While adopting these tips into your baseball swing, don’t forget that different players have different swings, and all you need is learning the style that suits you most. Remember, your swinging the ball also depends on the pitcher. You’re going to meet different kinds of pitchers, and sometimes the technique you’ve spent weeks learning won’t work on them.
All you have to do is accept that every day is a learning day and find out how you can adapt to every situation. Remember, once the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand, you will not have any time to think but to react. So, as you work on your body coordination, don’t forget to work on your brain and focus. You need stability both physically and mentally to swing that bat like a pro.
Hopefully these tips help you with your new baseball bat!
Final Verdict
All of these baseball bats are extremely interesting and have a lot to offer each player. Hopefully the information provided in this review helped you to differentiate all the unique aspects that can be found in a baseball bat.
