The Best Baseball Bats
When it comes to America's favorite pastime, any super slugger will tell you that playing the game feels even better than watching it. But hitting homers out of the park isn't as easy as it looks. That's why every beginner who first steps up to the plate needs to have the right bat at hand to hit that dream grand slam. Knowing whether to opt for a classic wooden bat or a lighter aluminum one can be tough. So to help you get started, we've compiled our top list of baseball bats available today. We've taken material composition, bat size, durability, and certification into consideration when making our list. For beginners looking to turn pro in the minor leagues quickly, we recommend the aluminum bat by Franklin Sports. It comes in a variety of sizes to match your body size, and it's also USA Baseball approved for use in official games. On the other hand, if you're just looking to practice with your buds, then opt for the classic, solid option by SZYT. While it's not certified for league play, you'll get to work on your power thanks to its wooden design and shorter size. Check out the rest of our list below to start hitting those dingers.
Rawlings Raptor T-Ball Bat
Hit, run, score
Though wooden bats used to be all the rage, these days, most baseball bats are actually made from aluminum. Lightweight, durable, and easier to swing, alloy bays like this youth t-ball bat by Rawlings are a great jumping-off point for future sluggers. And thanks to the larger sweet spot on this particular bat, you can be sure that you’ll have maximum contact on every pitch.
Pros:
- If you’re looking to impress on the diamond, you’ll love the super vibrant colors on this baby, which makes your bat easy to spot amongst others.
- This bat is also great for backyard t-ball for beginners looking to improve their skills.
Cons:
- The bat may dent if hitting faster pitches.
Rawlings Raptor USA Baseball Bat
Designed for the real thing
Sharing your love of the game is one of the best things about playing baseball with your family. But while any old bat makes do for backyard bunting, you’ll want to get a certified option for the big game. We love this baseball bat by Rawlings precisely for this reason. Not only does it have an ultra-light drop weight for a faster bat speed and smoother swing, but it’s also USA Baseball certified for official gameplay.
Pros:
- Even though this is a youth bat, you’ll still get that great pop here as you would with more expensive, professional bats.
- Perfect for kids with sensitive hands, this bat comes pre-wrapped with a soft and easy-to-hold grip.
Cons:
- The bat may get warped after a few seasons of playing.
SZYT Baseball Bat
Train your taters, safely
Believe it or not, the reason that MLB players use wooden bats isn’t that they’re better than aluminum ones. It’s actually because wood doesn’t generate as much power, keeping everyone in the stands safer when a super slugger comes to bat. That’s also what makes a classic wooden bat like this one by SZYT a great option when casually batting. Work on your power without worrying about broken windows.
Pros:
- If you’re not a fan of stamped logos on bats, then you’ll love how easy the logo is to sand off for a more traditional look.
- We love the smaller, lightweight size, which makes it a perfect option for players of all sizes and body types.
Cons:
- This bat is shorter than regulation-size baseball bats.
Franklin Sports Kids Baseball Bat
Grow their confidence
Control and confidence are key when choosing the right beginner bat for you or your children. That’s why we recommend opting for an aluminum alloy bat that has more of that beloved “pop” on every hit while still being lightweight and easy enough for smaller hands to handle. Best of all, with a kid-friendly bat like this one by Franklin Sports, you’ll have lots of different colors and sizes for your tyke to choose from.
Pros:
- Because this bat is certified by USA Baseball, you’ll be able to take it to league games.
- We like the bigger barrel, which gives the bat a larger sweet spot for more contact and better drive on every hit.
Cons:
- Tapping the bat against hard surfaces may cause the paint to chip off after a few uses.
Louisville Slugger Select 719 Baseball Bat
Better swing, no sting
We love seeing our heroes knock a ball into oblivion, but anyone who’s taken a hard swing at a fast pitch knows that this isn’t as easy as it looks. The harder you hit a ball, the more “sting” you feel, especially if your bat isn’t designed for professional play. Thankfully, the Select 719 bat by Louisville Slugger is made to move with you upon contact due to the built-in vibration control. This might cost a pretty penny, but it’s worth it for those that want the best in design. Plus, it looks awesome and has a powerfully durable build, so you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros:
- We love the powerful and balanced feel of this slugger. The alloy barrel and composite handle provide maximum durability and power when you make contact with the ball.
- Faster swingers will appreciate the end cap on this bat, which increases speed and control through the zone.
Cons:
- This bat comes with a higher price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which size bat is right for me?
Before purchasing your baseball bat, you want to make sure you get one that’s the right length for your body. And while there are plenty of size charts online, sometimes you need to make a more intuitive decision. Fortunately, there are a few tips you can use when finding your dream slug machine. One of these, for example, is to stand the bat upright against the side of your leg. When you reach down, the top of the bat should align with the center of your palm as you hold it.
Does a heavier bat mean a faster ball?
Increasing the mass of the bat will give your ball more momentum. So if you swing a lighter bat and a heavier bat with the same bat swing, the ball will go farther faster in the latter case. Unfortunately, though, heavier bats are also harder to swing faster. So if you’re getting better speeds with a lighter bat, then it’s okay to stick with what feels more comfortable.
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