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5 Best USA Baseball Bats [2022 Update]

Ready to play ball? If your league or your child’s little league plays by USA Baseball rules, then you’re going to want to choose the best USA baseball bat for your needs. Great news: There are a lot of qualified bats out there! We’ve put together these reviews to save you some time and effort so you can get out onto the field and start practicing your swing.

Quick Links: Our Picks for Best USA Baseball Bats

Here are some things to keep in mind as you decide on the best USA baseball bat for you or your young player.

  • Age group: Be sure to pick the right bat for the age group in question. USA Baseball guidelines provide specific information to help you decide on the best USA bat size and material, as well as mentioning associated events.
  • Material: Depending on age group and event, USA bats may be wood, metal, or composite. Some bats must also be NFHS or BBCOR certified.
  • League Rules:Baseball bats look a lot alike, but there are quite a few rules to keep in mind as you select the best USA baseball bat for yourself or your child. If you’re not certain about which bats are allowed, it’s best to check with a coach or another official before you make your final decision. He or she might even have some specific recommendations to offer.

Whether you’re looking for the best USA baseball bat for yourself or your team, you’ll find that the following options aren’t just acceptable; they’re alsohighly rated.  Here are five of the most popular USA baseball bats available now.

Easton Beast Speed -10 Youth USA Baseball Bat

Easton Beast Speed -10 Youth USA Baseball Bat

CLICK HERE FOR PRICING, PICTURES, AND REVIEWS ON AMAZON.COM

The Easton Beast Speed youth USA baseball bat features 1 piece ATAC aluminum alloy construction with a built-in speed cap at the end. A 2 5/8 inch barrel provides an extended sweet spot and a Lizard Skin grip provides plenty of tack plus ample cushioning for less vibration. This bat comes in 27-32 inch sizes, and is approved for play in associations and leagues that comply with USA Baseball standards.

Pros:

  • Satisfying pop
  • Great feel, smooth swings and great for building confidence in developing players
  • Good grip, no need to worry about adding after-market grip tape until this one wears out

Cons:

  • Overall good value, but priced a bit higher than some other options

Little leaguers tend to love this bat for its comfortable feel, and the extended sweet spot makes for more hits and less frustration. While there are more affordable bats on the market, they don’t perform as well as this one. At the same time, this bat isn’t the most expensive. If you’re hoping for a good combination of overall quality, player satisfaction, and decent pricing, this might very well be the best USA baseball bat in its league.

Easton Rival -10 USA Youth Baseball Bat 2019

Easton Rival -10 USA Youth Baseball Bat 2019

CLICK HERE FOR PRICING, PICTURES, AND REVIEWS ON AMAZON.COM

The 2019 Easton Rival youth baseball bat is made with aircraft-grade ALX50 alloy, and features a cushioned 2.2mm FLEX grip for greater comfort. A concave end cap and attractive graphics add to its appeal. This USA youth baseball bat features a 2 1/4 inch barrel and a sturdy one piece design. It is available in sizes 27 through 32 inches, and has a -10 length to weight ratio.

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Available in all the most popular youth sizes
  • Distinctive graphics

Cons:

  • Less power than some other bats in the same category

If you’re looking for a good all-around bat at an affordable price and your hitter prefers a 2 1/4 inch barrel, then you’re probably going to be pleased with the Easton Rival. This bat doesn’t hit as hard as some of its higher-priced competitors however the feel is smooth and balanced, and the smaller barrel size is ideal for practice. Consider switching to a larger barrel during games and your hitters may notice fewer strikes.

Louisville Slugger Omaha 518(-10)

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The Louisville Slugger Omaha 518  features durable one-piece alloy construction . A comfortable grip reduces vibration. This bat is approved for play in USA baseball leagues and comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. It is available in sizes between 27 and 30 inches, and features a 2 5/8 barrel.

Pros:

  • Great weight distribution for comfortable swings
  • Holds up well
  • Good combination of value pricing and quality components

Cons:

  • A little heavier than some similarly sized bats
  • Graphics may peel off after some heavy use

If you’re looking for a decent mid-grade bat that offers a good value, then you’re probably going to like this Louisville Slugger. As it’s a touch heavier than some others in the same category, it might not be best for weaker kids who are still building the ability to swing all throughout the zone. For strong, hard hitters who don’t need a huge sweet spot, this bat is likely to hit the mark.

Rawlings 2018 5150 USA Baseball Bat

 

Rawlings 2018 5150 USA Baseball Bat

 

CLICK HERE FOR PRICING, PICTURES, AND REVIEWS ON AMAZON.COM

The Rawlings 2018 5150 USA Baseball Bat is made of aircraft-grade 5150 alloy, with a grip-tape wrapped handle for lower vibrations. This bat is engineered with Rawlings’ p0p 2.0 technology, so the sweet spot is above average and the overall feel is smooth. This high-performance metal bat is available in different length to width ratios including -5, -10, and -11. It comes in sizes between 27 and 31 inches.

Pros:

  • Approved for play in most youth, Cal Ripken, Little League, and PONY leagues
  • Surprising amount of pop even though it meets new USA baseball standards
  • Good level of control for developing players

Cons:

  • Some players find this bat feels a little top heavy

If you’re looking for an all-around utility bat that most players will like, then you’ll want to take a good look at the Rawlings 2018 5150. This bat isn’t perfect; in fact it is a couple of ounces heavier than some others which can make a difference particularly in weaker players. At the same time, it delivers in terms of overall quality, price, and feel. As it is available in a variety of sizes and drops, it’s easy to find the correct bat for your player’s height and weight.

Rawlings 2019 5150 USA Youth Baseball Bat

 

Rawlings 2019 5150 USA Youth Baseball Bat

 

CLICK HERE FOR PRICING, PICTURES, AND REVIEWS ON AMAZON.COM

The Rawlings 2019 5150 USA Youth Baseball bat is constructed of aircraft-grade 5150 alloy for a responsive feel. Designed to deliver balance and maximize speed, it features Rawlings’ p0p 2.0 technology for a larger sweet spot on the 2 5/8 inch barrel. This bat is USA-stamped and approved for all USA baseball leagues. It comes in 27-32 inch lengths, with -5, -10, and -11 drops.

Pros:

  • Low vibration
  • Fast and powerful

Cons:

  • No 26 inch size for small kids

While this might not be the lightest USA baseball bat on the market, it’s definitely well balanced. Most players enjoy hitting ball after ball with this bat: It’s got excellent pop and it’s very comfortable for use during extended batting practice sessions. In keeping with many other items from this brand, the Rawlings 5150 USA baseball bat offers a combination of reasonable pricing and reliable quality, with plenty of options in size and weight.

Considerations when Choosing USA Baseball Bats

When choosing a great baseball cap for yourself or the best baseball caps for your team, there are just a few things to keep in mind.

  • Size: You probably know that baseball bats come in a variety of sizes, but which one is right for your height? If you’re not sure, take a look at a baseball bat size chart to find the best USA baseball bat length for your unique height and weight.
  • Barrel Diameter:Most USA bats max out at a diameter of 2 5/8 inches, which is quite a bit bigger than the old maximum standard of 2 1/4 inches. Double-check regulations for your league before you make a decision. Bigger bats have larger sweet spots, but they might not let you make your most powerful hits. If you’re newer to the sport, you’ll find that a larger barrel lets you hit more balls with less frustration.
  • Materials:Since composite, wood, and metal are allowed in most USA baseball leagues, you have quite a few options. Check if your league disallows any materials before you shop, so you can weed out bats that won’t be suitable and focus on the best USA baseball bats for your team.
  • Specifically Authorized by USABAT Standards: We’re not recommending any bats that haven’t been authorized for use by USA Baseball, but we’d like to help make your choice easier if you want to keep shopping after checking our reviews. To learn more, be sure to read about USA Bat standards and find the best USA Baseball bat for use within your organization. These guidelines are subject to change, as are league rules. It does take some time to educate yourself but when you’re well-informed, you’re less likely to make a costly mistake.

Armed with these helpful tips, you’ll find it’s fairly easy to find the best USA baseball bat for yourself, your little leaguer, or an entire team. Be sure to look for the USA Baseball mark – it’s a good sign that the bat you’re considering is suitable. Happy shopping, and best wishes for a great season ahead!

Sources:

https://www.usabaseball.com/about/about-usa-baseball

https://www.slugger.com/en-us/how-to-choose-a-bat/baseball