
Best Baseball Bats In 2021

It’s time to dust off the old catchers mitt, and hit the home plate for another season. Whether you want to grab youth baseball bats for your kids, or baseball equipment to stock up your own supply, everything you need is a quick scroll away. We’ve made the process as simple as can be, and answered your burning questions on ratings, barrel materials and material types below. We won’t keep you waiting; the best baseball bat brands and models on the market today are at your fingertips.
The Best Baseball Bat
1Cold Steel Brooklyn Crusher

Thanks to the movies, we’ve come to realize that baseball bats aren’t just useful on the baseball field, but can be used in other endeavors. The strength of the bat usually dictates this, and you are unlikely to find many bats stronger than the Cold Steel Brooklyn Crusher. This exquisite bat is made from high-quality polypropylene, which is very robust and reliable. Besides, you never have to worry about your bat breaking, splintering, cracking, or fading as the standard used for this bat makes it one of the strongest on the market. As mentioned above, baseball bats aren’t restricted to helping you on the baseball field; they also have other applications. One of such is martial arts mastery. With the Cold Steel Brooklyn Crusher, you can train and build up your strength and hand/eye coordination, which, in turn, would be very useful when improving your martial arts skills.
Another excellent application of this incredible bat is for defense. Also, the bat is particularly friendly for smaller individuals as it is lightweight enough to swing with ease. Virtually unbreakable and insanely strong, you can deftly use it for a good game. The polished black design makes it attractive to the eye, and the ergonomic grip encourages prolonged use without causing you any discomfort in the process. The Brooklyn crusher takes the top spot in terms of the best choice for a baseball bat. It’s versatile, durable, quality, and easy to use and maintain. With all these attributes, what more could you ask for from a baseball bat? For more must-have gear for baseball players, check out our guide to the best baseball helmets.
Made with high-quality polypropylene
Durable, robust, and long-lasting
Capable of being used to improve strength and hand/eye coordination
Ergonomic grip for comfortable handling
- BrandCold Steel
- Model710721
2Louisville Slugger 2020 Meta Baseball Bat

The Louisville Slugger 2020 Meta isn’t the most affordable baseball bat you’ll find out there, but it costs a pretty penny for a reason: it is incredibly useful. This baseball bat adds to a range of excellent products from the stable of Louisville Slugger, who have been manufacturing sporting goods for over a century. In that time, they have established themselves as a brand that you can always trust and who have developed a knack of always knocking it out of the park with their products. The 2020 Meta is no different, with the bat so well-engineered that it stands head and shoulders above most of the competition. The barrel is huge, but somehow also lightweight, which makes swinging it an absolute joy. Furthermore, the bat includes a ‘three-piece’ design with a patented 3FX connection system, which brings a sense of authenticity when you swing this bat.
The design allows you to have that stiff feel when you connect the bat with a ball, and it also, rather impressively, reduces the vibration that could emanate from hitting a ball or other object. In addition to this, the premium RTX end cap allows this bat to take on the most substantial BBCOR barrel length available, and this is what enables the balanced swing weight that most users commend the 2020 Meta for. That’s not all; the Louisville Slugger 2020 Meta is comfortable to use, and the presence of a premium LS pro comfort grip really aids in this regard as it perfectly balances comfort and tack while you handle this premium baseball bat. On top of this, the bat also comes with a one-year warranty that ensures that you do not make a purchase that you would ever regret. For some amazing storage solutions for baseball players, check out our guide to the best baseball equipment bags.
Premium comfort grip that improves handling
Well-engineered barrel for perfect swing weight
Excellent connection system that reduces vibration
One-year manufacturer’s warranty
- BrandLouisville Slugger
- ModelWTLBBMTB32032
- Weight2 pounds
3Rawlings Raptor USA Youth Baseball Bat Series

Catch them young’ is a pretty common phrase used to describe the need to get kids involved in particular hobbies at an early age; which could lead to a lifelong association with the said hobby. Baseball is no different, and in the Rawlings Raptor USA Youth Baseball Bat Series, you have one of the best bats for kids who are just learning and growing in the game. The bat features a weight drop that makes it much lighter than standard bats, but it lacks in weight, it more than makes up for in speed. The weight drop allows for improved bat speed, which could really help younger players come to grips with the turf and what they are dealing with.
In addition, the bat is constructed with a durable alloy that makes it virtually unbreakable, and you can be sure that your ward will get a lot of joy from this incredible bat. Besides, the bat also contains an extended sweet spot, which increases the likelihood of contact with the ball; this could help boost the confidence of young players. What’s more, the design is sleek and hip in an eye-catching way; this makes it as much a fashion statement as a mark of quality and competence. The bat is approved for the new 2018 standards in all USA Baseball leagues and meets all the required standards. Rawlings has been in the business of making competent sporting goods since 1887 and has always created products with the most impressive quality.
Weight drop allows for improved bat speed
Impressive design is easy on the eye and unique in its detail
Perfect bat with which to get younger players interested and invested in the sport
Created with high-quality, durable alloy
- BrandRawlings
- ModelUS8R10-27/17
- Weight1.06 pounds
4Rawlings 2018 5150 Baseball Bat




Between aerodynamics, negative weight options and raw power, Rawlings and their 2018 model of the 5150 bat have everything that you’re going to need. Crafted of aircraft-grade alloy, you’ll get one sturdy bat with superior grip along the hilt, and a perfect bout of weight distribution thanks to the weighted knob on the base. This was engineered with pOp 2.0 technology, something that keeps Rawlings on the map. With a hollow body and massive power behind your hands, you’ll be optimized to hit your best, and send it flying out of the park (or into the neighbor’s yard). If you love baseball, make sure you also check our guide to the best pitching machines.
Engineered with pOp 2.0
31” in length
Total 20 oz weight
Aircraft-grade alloy construction
- BrandRawlings
- ModelUS8511-31/20
- Weight1.25 pounds
5Louisville Slugger 2019 Prime Baseball Bat




This is the grand old brand that everyone always references when they’re talking about the prime time of baseball, or that one terrifying Carrie Underwood song. Louisville Slugger ensured that this bat, regardless of what length you go with, is perfectly within the necessary -3 ratio required for BBCOR compliance. That being said, it’s also crafted out of composite, and features their VCX technology woven throughout the bat. That means less vibrations rattling your hands, and more power to keep on moving. If you’re going premium, if you just can’t bear to have less than the best, then we believe you’ve met your match.
Tight barrel diameter for precise hits
31” in length
28 oz weight, always within a -3 ratio
VCX technology designed by Louisville Slugger
- BrandLouisville Slugger
- ModelWTLBBP919B3
- Weight3 pounds
6Marucci MCBC7 Cat7 Baseball Bat




Marucci’s about to put a wicked amount of power in your hands, but are you ready for that? We think you are, and want you to experience the superior construction that the Cat7 has. First of all, it’s crafted with an extremely durable alloy composite, making for a louder pop when you collide with the ball, but it also paved way for Marucci to add in a special touch. They meticulously engineered the barrel end to promote faster swing speeds, all while being 100% BBCOR compliant, regardless of what size you choose. You’ll always be met with a -3 ratio. If you love baseball, check out our guide to the best baseball gloves.
Enhanced alloy construction gives a killer pop
31” in length
Total weight of 28 oz (all sizes are BBCOR compliant)
Meticulously designed barrel end allows for stronger swings
- BrandMarucci
- ModelMCBC7-P
- Weight2.5 pounds
7Easton Mako Beast Comp 3 Baseball Bat



If you’ve been on the hunt for the best baseball bat in the past, you’ve likely seen Easton’s Mako model in all its glory. Since BBCOR regulations began to carry more weight, they’ve upgraded their old model with this beauty, measuring 1.5” longer than the previous version. Everything is BBCOR compliant, including each size that they offering, coming in with a -3 ratio every single time. The real beauty behind Easton’s triumph is the two-piece composite construction that allows you to swing faster, especially when accompanied by the TCT composite barrel end that gives proper balance and increased weight control. You’ll command the stands with Easton.
Two-piece composite barrel allows for faster speeds all within regulation guidelines
31” in length
Total of 28 oz (all sizes are BBCOR compliant)
Additional TCT thermo composite component for more control
- BrandEaston
- Model8053769
- Weight1.86 pounds
8Louisville Slugger Solo 618 Baseball Bat




They’re the best of the best, but they’re also not just about keeping everything MLB-appropriate. Louisville Slugger designed this backyard baseball bat with all the fixings that you can expect on major league gear, without having to fall into the BBCOR guidelines. You get a single piece of hyper alloy, providing much faster swing speeds than your standard metal bat, while also remaining super lightweight for little hands to get a grip on. Speaking of which, they’ve also included their lizard skin grip on the handle, so slips will be a thing of the past. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best basketball hoops.
Single piece hyper alloy construction
28” in length
Total of 17 oz
Lizard skin handle grip for optimal performance
- BrandLouisville Slugger
- ModelWTLUBS618B11
- Weight1.5 pounds
9Rawlings Velo Hybrid Balanced Collegiate Baseball Bat



If you’re going to be taking things a little more seriously, then it’s time to introduce you to Rawlings completely BBCOR-compliant bat. They keep every single size within the necessary -3 ratio, and offer you everything you need to retain complete dominance over your bat. You get a flex grip that helps make perfect contact with your skin and gloves, even if the heat is getting the best of you and sweat finds its way onto the handle. Apart from that, it’s a simple design and solution for high school and college players, and anyone trying to get into the major league.
Aircraft grade aluminum design
31” in length
Total of 28 oz (all sizes are BBCOR compliant)
Flex grip helps out even with sweaty palms
- BrandRawlings
- ModelBB7V-P
- Weight3 pounds
10DeMarini 2018 Voodoo Balanced Baseball Bat




DeMarini wants you to remember that fun is the objective, which is why they made this bat perfect for little league, AABC and more. You get an exceptionally long handle, which is fitted with a 3Fusion end cap to provide maximum stability and weight control throughout use. It gives the feel of a high school or college bat, without the added pound of weight. DeMarini also constructed their Voodoo bat out of a single piece of X14 alloy, making it tougher, faster and more durable than standard aluminum. You won’t see dings and dents for a long time.
Single piece X14 alloy design
28” in length
Total of 18 oz
3Fusion technology in the end cap
- BrandDeMarini
- ModelWTDXUD2-18
- Weight5 pounds
11Louisville Slugger Prime 917 Baseball Bat




They’re back at it, and doing it better than ever. Louisville Slugger isn’t going to be your cheapest option, but this BBCOR-compliant bat will be one of the last you ever need to buy. Between the microfoam composite construction blended with fused carbon, and the perfect texture of the customized lizard skin grips, you’ve got the full package deal in the palm of your hands. Each size is designed with a perfect -3 ratio, and comes with a stellar, unique aesthetic that only Louisville Slugger can properly pull off. If you are into slower sports, check out our guide to the best golf club sets.
Crafted of microfoam composite and fused carbon
34” in length
Total of 31 oz (all sizes are BBCOR compliant)
Customized lizard skin grip
- BrandLouisville Slugger
- ModelWTLBBP917334
- Weight1.83 pounds
12Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 Baseball Bat



Let’s not forget the little ones here. This bat by the almighty Louisville Slugger is designed to perfectly comply with the USA baseball youth guidelines and regulations, making the Omaha perfect for numerous little leagues across the country. They ensured that with this design, your little one wouldn’t want for anything. Durable alloy construction is met with the synthetic leather grips, marrying the principles of weight and power in perfect unison. You also get over half-a-dozen sizes to choose from, all in that same range of compliance. Game time is right around the corner.
Designed for the regulations governing the USA baseball youth
27” in length
Total of 17 oz
Grip is made of synthetic leather
- BrandLouisville Slugger
- ModelWTLUBO518B10
- Weight3 pounds
13DeMarini 2019 CF Zen Senior League Baseball Bat




DeMarini is known for their 3Fusion technology, bringing a better way to evenly distribute weight in your bat, but they’re also making bats for every single type of league. This senior league bat comes with an average of a -10 ratio and is completely constructed of high durability composite. More power in your hands, faster swings and better hits. On top of that, they’ve included their 3Fusion end cap for the perfect level of weight distribution, as well as a one-year warranty, though we doubt you’ll have to enact it. Lastly, we want to brag about how soft and sturdy the handle grip is.
100% composite construction for faster swinging
28” in length
Total of 18 oz
Includes a one-year warranty and 3Fusion end cap
- BrandDeMarini
- Weight1.8 pounds
14Easton Ghost X Hyperlite Youth Baseball Bat




We know that alloy bats are one of the best types in the world, but Easton took that knowledge to another level. The Ghost X may sound like a Tom Clancy movie, but it’s actually one of the most durable youth bats you could ever imagine owning. You’ll get a total of a -11 weight drop, falling into line with little league and junior league regulations, but you’ll also get perhaps the best feature of this bat: the hyperskin grip. Even if your little one has butterfingers, it’ll be hard to lose control of the bat with hyperskin coating roughly 8” of space. Perfectly weighed, properly durable, and designed for the less-than-dextrous beginners.
Long-lasting alloy design won’t tarnish with age
27” in length
Total weight of 16 oz
Hyperskin grip for superior control
- BrandEaston
- ModelA112869
- Weight3 pounds
15Axe Origin Baseball Bat




Designed to comply with all necessary USSSA regulations, this little league bat is built with some of the strongest alloy that you can buy. It’s not just about the power of the material though, which is why Axe Bat included a hyper whip end cap to promote the best dexterity and weight distribution that you can imagine. You get a soft grip, a powerful pop, and the perfect beginner bat for your little ones. If you’re still not certain what you’re looking for in a baseball bat, read the buying guide below to get acquainted with every aspect you need to be on the lookout for.
Single piece alloy construction
28” in length
Total weight of 20 oz
Hyper whip end cap for better weight distribution
- BrandAxe Bat
- ModelL135F
- Weight1.5 pounds
16SZYT Baseball Bat




Baseball bats have garnered a pretty intense reputation as a weapon, thanks to Hollywood and TV. In fact, they’re almost as well known for hitting people as they are for hitting baseballs. That’s why we weren’t all that surprised that the SZYT Baseball Bat is actually designed as a self-defense weapon. You could use it for lightweight bat speed training but it will dent pretty badly under the force of a well-pitched fastball. This is because it’s made from a lightweight aluminum alloy (it weighs just 12.8 ounces), which can bend if it’s put under too much pressure. It also has a shock-absorbing rubber grip.
28 inches in length
Made from lightweight aluminum alloy
Anti-skid shock-absorbing rubber grip
Diameter – 1.9 inches
- BrandSZYT
- Model180331
- Weight12.8 ounces
17BARNETT BB-W Wooden Baseball Bat

It’s pretty hard to find an old-school wooden baseball bat these days. They’re either adorned in decals, made from metal, or covered in a team’s colors. We don’t have a problem with any of that but it’s nice to see a bat that takes it back to a simpler time when baseball players smoked in the dugout and worked odd-jobs in their time off. Admittedly, the Barnett BB-W does have a large logo imprinted into the side of the bat, but we’ll let them off for that. Whether you’re buying this bat for hitting practice, as a self-defense weapon, or to dress up as Regan from the Walking Dead, it both looks and performs like a traditional baseball bat. It comes in four different sizes and is made from solid composite wood, so it will stand the test of time.
Made from composite wood
Available in 24”, 28”, 30”, & 32”
Black logo on the side
- BrandBarnett
- ModelBB-W
18Franklin Sports Teeball Bats

Teeball is the first step in your kid’s Little League career. Even at this stage, it’s important that they have the right equipment if you want them to progress at the fastest possible rate. The Franklin Sports Teeball Bat is the perfect first bat. It’s ergonomically-designed for small hands and is covered with extra sticky batting tape. Plus, it has an extra-wide (2.625-inches) barrel making it easier for them to find the sweet spot. The bat is made from aluminum alloy because it provides the perfect blend of being super lightweight and powerful enough. Crucially, this bat has also been approved by USA Baseball because it fits all of the appropriate standards for league play.
Made from aluminum alloy
Extra-wide barrel (2.625-inches)
Ergonomic handle for small hands
USA Baseball approved
Available in four colors
- BrandFranklin Sports
- Model24700
19Farsler Baseball Bat

The Farsler Baseball Bat is designed for softballs only. It’s made from aluminum alloy, so it will dent under the pressure of a real baseball. So, whether you’re practicing with softballs or looking for an affordable, lightweight baseball bat for self-defense, this could be the product for you. At 25-inches long, it’s not a full-sized baseball bat, so it’s a great option for practicing with kids. It has a shock-absorbing rubber grip, which stops your hand from slipping when you’re trying to hit one out of the park. Plus, it’s available in four different colors, so you can choose one to match your outfit.
25-inches in length
Made from aluminum alloy
Available in four colors
Shock-absorbing rubber grip
- BrandFarsler
Baseball Bat Buying Guide and FAQs
Features to Look for in Baseball Bats
Weight - This will majorly impact whether or not it can be used for any league (we’ll cover more of this in the guide below). You want to ensure that the weight of your bat and the length of your bat are close. For example, if you want to be able to use this as the pros would, you would want a bat with a twenty-six ounce weight, and no more than a twenty-nine inch length.
Length - This is another contributing factor to the viability of a baseball bat. The length and weight must be close. For example, if you had a thirty inch bat, you would want the weight to be no less than twenty-seven ounces.
MOI - MOI stands for moment of inertia, and is primarily used in laboratory control tests to measure how well the bat will perform. The maximum potential speed of your bat depends on the MOI rating, which is basically how weight is distributed throughout your bat. That’s why there’s a knob at the bottom of the hilt, to keep the weight even.
Material - Aluminum, or wood? We’ll break down the different wood types, but what you need to know is aluminum bats and wooden bats usually come in at the same cost. Aluminum bats weight less and require less maintenance, but nothing beats holding a wooden baseball bat like the good old days.
Barrel Diameter - The barrel diameter may determine a small advantage or disadvantage, but most baseball bat manufacturers are aware of this. We’ll break down the reasons why the diameter affects your purchase decision, but it’s something you need to be on the lookout for.
How to Properly Maintain and Take Care of Baseball Bats
Good news: if you have an aluminum bat, you’ve got far less maintenance to worry about than if you own a wooden one. In short, you have to maintain two things: your handle, and the barrel of your bat.
For aluminum bats, you’ll probably have a dense rubber handle. Rubber starts to split and get damaged when you keep it in alternating climates. For instance, if you keep it in the back of the car in triple digit weather and then bring it into the air conditioned house, the rubber isn’t going to react well. Keep it in a fair temperature range.
For wooden bats and the barrels, the number one thing you can do is to get rubbing alcohol and shine it. Sounds crazy, but it helps get those dirt specs off from when you dropped it on the home plate, and remove scuffs and scrapes (to some extent) so you can keep a smooth barrel and hit area.
Baseball Bat FAQs
Q: What Are the Negative Numbers on a Bat?
A: Quite simply, this number refers to the ratio or difference between the length and weight of a bat. For example, if you had a bat that was thirty-one inches, and only weighed twenty-five ounces, you would see a -6 as the negative number. The reasons for this, which will affect our next topic on BBCOR regulations, is to keep the game as fair as possible for high school, college and major league games.
Q: What is a BBCOR Bat?
A: It stands for Bat-Ball Coefficient of Restitution, and essentially means that it’s league-appropriate for use. The reason why this certification system exists is because without regulation on bats, you would have an unfair advantage while hitting a ball based on materials. We’ll get into this more in a moment, but know that the difference is not all that great, but when you’re measuring who’s winning or losing, you want to ensure certifications and guidelines are in place.
Q: What Leagues Use BBCOR Bats?
A: Just about all high school and college baseball teams use BBCOR certified bats, as well as the MLB. The truth is, BBCOR ratings have only recently become an issue, and many believe that this certification system is actually ruining the sport. It’s a much tighter grip on the rules and guidelines than we’ve previously seen, and we’re expecting more leagues to adopt this certification requirement as well.
Q: Do Big Barrel Bats Hit Farther?
A: Not really. You’ll find a lot of publications that try to shove a bunch of illegible scientific formula in your face regarding mass and what not, but the truth is, we’re dealing with hard and dense materials to begin with here, so it’s all about your strength and speed.
The more strength you possess, the faster you can swing your bat. Aluminum bats are popular because they’re usually hollow, meaning you have less weight that you’re swinging. Sensibly you can swing it faster, resulting in a harder hit of the ball. But your personal strength is a greater decider of how far you can hit the ball. Two men could stand next to one another, one with a disadvantage based on his barrel size and bat material, and still hit farther than the man with “better” equipment. Larger barrels don’t matter, speed and strength do.
Q: What is the Best Type of Wood for a Bat?
A: You won’t see standard oak when you’re looking at baseball bats. A quality or even subpar quality baseball bat will be made out of either ashwood, maple or birch, and rarely anything else.
To outline why those three woods are chosen, let’s look at the key differences to help you decide what bat material you should get to match your specific needs.
Ashwood isn’t as commonly used anymore ever since maple took the spotlight, but it’s still a great wood. It’s hard, mildly flexible, and rests somewhere in between cost and toughness compared to maple and birch.
Maple is a hard, dense wood that doesn’t quit for anything. Going for a high-end bat that you don’t plan on replacing anytime soon? Maple will hold up.
Birch is a very flexible wood, making it perfect for companies to create bats with. This makes it a little bit cheaper, but also, the flexibility could potentially make these more aerodynamic, depending on how fast you swing.
Q: What is the Difference Between a Baseball Bat and a Softball Bat?
A: It all comes down to the physical makeup, and we’re not just talking about what materials were used to build it. You have to look at the overall weight, the length of the bat, and the circumference of the end. The number one thing that will set apart baseball bats and softball bats is the length. You might be surprised to find out that softball bats are usually a little bit longer than baseball bats, on average by about 2”.
Softball bats have shorter barrels, but wider diameters. This means that your swing has more power behind it since you’re using less weight to pull it at the hilt, and a wider area to hit a softball, which is much larger than a standard baseball. Keep in mind that softball bats can come in similar lengths and sizes to baseball bats, which is why we have regulations to help separate them.
Q: Can I Use a Baseball Bat in a Softball Match?
A: Just tossing it around in your backyard? Sure, but it’s not going to fly with little league or if you’re trying to practice for the company game. Baseball bats are designed specifically for baseball, based on league regulations, and the previous attributes we mentioned that define a physical difference. It’s also important to note that if you’re practicing to actually play against other teams or against friends, using a softball bat for practice and then switching to a baseball bat is going to throw off your center of gravity while swinging. Know the differences, and practice them accordingly.
