Best Baseball Bats 2024

The best baseball bat money can buy is the one that's going to help you hit it out of the park every time you step up to the plate. With a multitude of choices though, finding the perfect fit can be a daunting task. But fear not, because we're here to guide you through the process!

We've scoured the market to present some of the finest baseball bats available today. Whether you're a seasoned pro equipped with some of the best baseball cleats around, or a beginner just dipping your toes into the game for the first time, we've got you covered with recommendations that take into account user reviews, pricing, and standout features to ensure you receive the best value for your investment.

We understand that selecting the right material can be a game-changer as well, so we've included an array of options to cater to every preference. While traditional wooden bats remain a timeless choice, innovative composite metal bats offer a lightweight and adaptable alternative, particularly appealing to newcomers.

Furthermore, we've addressed some of the most frequently asked questions, such as budget considerations and how to determine the perfect size. So, when you're ready to make your decision, you shouldn't have any concerns holding you back.

Why wait any longer? Step into the batter's box and aim for the fences with one of the best baseball bats on the market. Let's dive right in...

Best baseball bats

1. DeMarini Voodoo One - best for BBCOR
2. Louisville Slugger Atlas - top USSSA alternative
3. Stinger Nuke 2 BBCOR - best budget pick
4. Easton Ghost Advanced - a superb softball bat
5. Marucci AP5 Pro - an excellent wooden option

Credit: DeMarini

1. DeMarini Voodoo One

Best BBCOR baseball bat

If you're in the market for a high-quality baseball bat that can enhance your swing speed and power, the DeMarini Voodoo One should be at the top of your list. This exceptional bat proudly bears the BBCOR stamp of approval, a testament to its unparalleled quality and performance.

The standout feature of the Voodoo One is its one-piece construction. This design offers a remarkable boost in swing speed and delivers an impressive exit velocity when you make contact with the ball. It practically guarantees that you'll be a tough target to catch, even for opponents armed with the best baseball gloves available.

What sets this bat apart is its cutting-edge X14 Alloy Barrel, a signature feature of DeMarini bats. Complementing this, the refined Tracer End Cap adds to the bat's stiffer feel, empowering you with unmatched power and control throughout your swing.

In short, the DeMarini Voodoo One is the ultimate choice that enables peak performance on the field. With its premium construction and advanced features, it's unquestionably a great option to consider.

Reasons to buy:

• The one-piece build gives it remarkable balance
• Available in a range of sizes

Credit: Louisville Slugger

2. Louisville Slugger Atlas

Best USSSA baseball bat

If you're a dedicated USSSA baseball player, then the Louisville Slugger Atlas is a bat that should definitely be on your radar. This company is known for its cutting-edge technology, and the addition of Uplift to its Hitting Science Center facilities is a testament to that commitment to innovation.

One of the standout features of this bat is the SL Hyper Superlight Alloy, which has been engineered to improve your performance by making the bat lighter than ever before, thanks to its ultra-thin walls.

Additionally, the Louisville Slugger Atlas boasts a re-engineered SPD-Gen2 End Cap, specially designed to optimise barrel performance, thereby converting your swing speeds into increased power on the field.

So, if you're a USSSA enthusiast searching for a top-tier piece of equipment to elevate your game, the Louisville Slugger Atlas is an excellent choice that combines advanced technology and superior quality.

Reasons to buy:

• A superb USSSA alternative
• Made from a super light alloy

Credit: Stinger Sports

3. Stinger Nuke 2 BBCOR

Best budget baseball bat

If you're in the market for a top-notch baseball bat that won't break the bank, the Stinger Nuke 2 is a stellar choice, a bat we regard as one of the best under $200 available today.

First and foremost, this bat features a Power Loaded Barrel, precision-engineered to deliver the highest trampoline effect allowable across all BBCOR baseball leagues. This means you can expect powerful hits that can make all the difference between winning and losing games.

Crafted from a single piece of premium alloy and complemented by a pro-inspired handle, the Nuke 2 ensures both exceptional durability as well as superior comfort and control throughout your swing. As a combination, this can significantly enhance your overall performance on the field.

As a result, the Stinger Nuke 2 is enticing, delivering remarkable value for those seeking to maximise their hitting power without stretching their budget when they step up to the plate.

Reasons to buy:

• Power Loaded Barrel is ideal for big hits
• Cheaper than its rivals

Credit: Easton

4. Easton Ghost Advanced

Best softball baseball bat

The Easton Ghost Advanced is an exceptional choice for softball games, standing out due to its premium build and advanced technology.

One of its best features is the bat's longer, lighter, and stronger barrel, which Easton proudly claims helps players consistently make solid contact with the ball whenever they step up to the plate.

In addition, the bat incorporates Easton's 2nd generation Double Barrel design, specifically engineered to provide the maximum barrel flex and performance by ensuring the lowest compression possible.

On the whole, it's difficult to overlook this lightweight bat if you're in search of top-notch equipment for fastpitch softball. The Easton Ghost Advanced is a remarkable option that combines innovation and performance seamlessly.

Reasons to buy:

• A superb option for softball games
• It has a strong barrel, yet has some flex to generate power

Credit: Marucci

5. Marucci AP5 Pro

Best wooden baseball bat

If you're an avid MLB viewer, you've probably noticed that professional players exclusively use wooden bats. This preference is primarily due to safety considerations for the other players on the field. Therefore, if you're a strong hitter aiming to emulate the pros, the Marucci AP5 Pro is your answer.

It's crafted with a custom turn model designed specifically for Albert Pujols, helping this maple wood bat stand out as a premier choice in the market. It also boasts one of the most expansive barrels in baseball, providing a slightly end-loaded swing weight that typically favours power hitters looking to hit it out of the park every swing.

Marucci also employs a bone rubbing technique to compress the maple grains, resulting in a sturdier and more resilient final product.

All in all, Marucci's AP5 maple wood bat is definitely up there as one of the top wooden baseball bats available today.

Reasons to buy:

• Is made of wood, just like on TV
• It's sturdy and resilient, ready to last the season

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

With a huge variety of regulations and types of bats available, you probably have a few questions about what makes each of them stand out. Don't worry though because we're here to clear up some of the most common queries.

What do BBCOR and USSSA mean?

BBCOR and USSSA represent two prevalent bat certifications, yet they diverge significantly in their specifications and intended applications.

BBCOR, or Bat-Ball Coefficient of Restitution, primarily evaluates a bat's 'trampoline effect' - the rebound of the ball off the barrel. This certification encompasses a range of sizes and is predominantly utilised in high school and collegiate baseball leagues.

Conversely, USSSA refers to the United States Specialty Sports Association, serving as the regulatory body for many travelling baseball tournaments. Bats approved by USSSA typically boast a higher Bat Performance Factor and are frequently employed in youth baseball leagues and various travelling baseball competitions.

In short, while BBCOR scrutinises the bat's trampoline effect for higher-level play, USSSA accreditation is linked to enhanced performance factors and is commonly associated with youth leagues and traveling tournaments under the USSSA umbrella.

How much should you spend on a baseball bat?

This can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the brand, materials used, quality, and intended use. Generally, baseball bats can range anywhere from double digits to several hundred dollars.

For recreational or casual players, a budget-friendly option below $100m can be sufficient. These bats are typically made of aluminum alloy or composite materials and offer decent performance and durability for casual use.

However, if you're a more serious player, investing in a higher-quality bat can be beneficial. High-end bats made from composite materials or wood can cost well over $100, but they're often designed with advanced technologies to enhance performance, such as improved weight distribution, increased power, or reduced vibration upon contact with the ball.

It's important to consider your skill level, playing frequency, and personal preferences when determining how much to spend on a baseball bat. If you're a beginner or play infrequently, a mid-range bat should suffice. However, if you're an experienced player or compete at a higher level, it may be worth investing in a higher-quality bat that suits your specific needs.

Additionally, it's always a good idea to consult with coaches, teammates, or experienced players who can provide recommendations based on your playing style and requirements.

What size should your baseball bat be?

According to Dicks Sporting Goods, one of the best ways to choose what size baseball bat you need is to measure the distance from the centre of your chest to your outstretched arm. This should roughly be the length of your bat.

Alternatively, you can measure the distance from the floor to the palm of your relaxed arm and get a similar result.

If you're still unsure, then most manufacturers have a handy size chart that you can compare your height and weight against to help you select a perfectly sized baseball bat.

How do you know if a baseball bat is too heavy?

Determining whether a baseball bat is too heavy relies on several factors, including the player's age, size, strength, and experience level. Generally, using a bat that is too heavy can lead to slower swings, reduced bat control, and increased fatigue or risk of injury.

To assess if a baseball bat is too heavy, you can try holding it with one hand at the end of the barrel and check if you can comfortably sustain it in the air for 20-30 seconds without experiencing arm shaking or fatigue. If you struggle to hold it for that duration, it is likely too heavy for you.

Another method involves practicing your swing. If you encounter difficulties swinging the bat swiftly and accurately, or if you feel a loss of control during your swing, it may indicate that the bat is too heavy.

Choosing a bat that feels comfortable to swing and enables you to maintain proper form throughout your swing is crucial. It can be beneficial to experiment with various bat weights and sizes before finalising your decision.

How do you pick the right baseball bat drop?

According to Louisville Slugger, as the level of competition increases, the weight drop of bats tends to decrease. The weight drop refers to the difference between the length of the bat in inches and its weight in ounces.

A lower weight drop means that the bat is heavier, which can be advantageous for generating power and hitting more home runs, especially as you gain more experience.

The most common weight drops available for bats are -12, -10, -9, -8, -5, and -3. However, the appropriate weight drop for you depends on the league you participate in. For example, BBCOR games have a standardized -3 drop weight requirement, while USSSA fixtures offer a wider range of drop weights to choose from. On the other hand, USA Baseball has no specific weight restrictions, allowing players more flexibility in selecting their bat.

Therefore, when selecting a bat, it's important to consider the weight drop regulations set by your league to ensure compliance and find the bat that suits your playing style and level of competition.

What is a Bat Performance Factor?

The Bat Performance Factor (BPF) is a metric used to gauge the trampoline effect or the "pop" of a baseball or softball bat. It is calculated by comparing the speed of the ball as it leaves the bat to the speed of the ball when it enters the bat.

BPF is typically represented as a decimal or a percentage, with higher values indicating a more pronounced trampoline effect, resulting in a bat that is considered "hotter."

Various leagues and age groups may have distinct BPF standards, and certain leagues may mandate that bats must be certified as compliant with the established standard before they can be used in games. Adhering to these regulations is crucial to ensure fairness in competition and uphold player safety.

Do you need to break in a baseball bat?

We'd advise breaking in a composite bat before use for the first time. This is because composite bats reach their optimal performance level only after undergoing several hundred hits.

In fact, it's widely recommended that you need to hit approximately 150-200 swings to fully break in your bat. Using a tee can make this process a bit more manageable.

How long does a baseball bat last?

There's not really a set time frame on how long a baseball bat will last as it will depend on the material of the bat, the conditions you play in, and how often you play among other factors.

For instance, a composite bat used only sparingly in dry weather may last up to or even over three years. However, a bat that's not broken in before use and only used in cold weather is unlikely to last as long.

The same applies to wooden bats, which are also greatly influenced by the quality of the wood used to make them. If it's made from high-quality wood and maintained correctly though, then a wooden bat could last for thousands of swings.

Ultimately, we'd recommend looking for a replacement bat if you start to notice a significant drop-off in the performance of your current equipment.

Can you use a baseball bat that has dents or cracks?

Using a baseball bat that has dents or cracks is generally not recommended. The reason for this is that dents or cracks in a baseball bat can significantly impact its performance. They can affect the bat's balance, weight distribution, and overall structural integrity, leading to reduced power and accuracy when hitting the ball.

A damaged bat poses a safety risk to the player and others on the field. Dents or cracks can cause the bat to break or shatter upon impact with the ball, potentially sending sharp fragments flying and causing injury.

In fact, most baseball leagues and organisations have rules prohibiting the use of bats with dents or cracks. Using such bats in an official game may result in penalties, disqualification, or even suspension, depending on the specific league's guidelines.

So, if you notice any dents or cracks in your baseball bat, it's best to retire it and consider getting a new one that is in good condition. Regularly inspecting your bat for any signs of damage and taking appropriate measures to maintain its integrity is crucial for optimal performance and safety.

Can you use a softball bat for baseball or vice versa?

While it is technically possible to use a slow-pitch softball bat in a baseball game without causing damage to the bat, its performance would be suboptimal in our opinion. This is due to the fact that bats are designed and constructed specifically for the particular game or league they are intended for.

For example, softball bats tend to be shorter and lighter than baseball bats. As the ball is pitched underhand at a closer distance, a shorter bat is necessary to get the right swing to make solid contact. Baseball bats, on the other hand, are designed for overhand pitching at greater distances and require longer and heavier bats to generate more power and reach.

Also, softball bats often have larger barrel diameters compared to baseball bats. This allows softball players to have a larger hitting surface and more forgiveness when making contact with the larger softball. Baseball bats, on the other hand, have smaller barrel diameters to optimise swing speed and control.

And finally, softball bats and baseball bats are typically made from different materials. Softball bats are commonly made of composite materials, while baseball bats can be made from wood, aluminium, or composite materials, depending on the league and level of play.

In fact, on that point, different leagues have specific regulations regarding bat specifications, and using the wrong type of bat may result in disqualification or penalties. Therefore, while it may be tempting to use a softball bat for baseball or vice versa, it is generally best to use the appropriate bat designed for the specific sport to ensure optimal performance and adhere to the rules and regulations of the game.