USSSA baseball bats carry a special certification signifying approval from the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). These bats are specially designed to ensure consistent performance, minimize player risk, and preserve fair play. All USSSA bats have a few things in common.
Our Picks for Best USSSA Baseball Bats – Quick Links:
- Barrel Size: USSSA bats may not exceed 2 3/4 inches. Common USSSA bat barrel sizes include 2 1/4 inches and 2 5/8 inches.
- Maximum Bat Performance Factor Limit:To qualify for approval by USSSA, bats must have a maximum bat performance factor (BPF) of 1.15. In case you’re new to the concept, bat performance factor is a measure of the speed that a baseball is capable of achieving after being hit with the bat. USSSA outlines its reasoning for this in its USSSA Baseball Bat Standards.
- Carry the Appropriate Marking: Unless the bat is wood or is a qualified BBCOR bat, it needs to have a permanent USSSA mark on its taper.USSSA baseball bat rules also dictate that USSSA bats must be manufactured by approved USSSA bat licensees.
If you’re thinking about using an older bat, check to ensure that your bat is not mentioned on the USSSA list of withdrawn or non-compliant bats to ensure that it isn’t refused.Whether you’re looking for the best USSSA baseball bat for yourself or your team, you’ll find that the following options are both reliable and well-rated. Here are five of the most popular USSSA baseball bats on the market now.
AXE Bat 2018 Origin (-10)
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One of AXE Bat’s most affordable offerings, the 2018 Origin features Axe’s patented handle for better swings and maximum speed. This well-balanced bat features a HyperWhip end cap for a lighter feel as well as a larger sweet spot. Shock-absorbing material is built into the handle for reduced vibrations and better comfort. It has a drop 10 length to weight ratio, and it is certified and approved for USSSA play.
Pros:
- Comes in 28” – 31” sizes
- Good combination of light weight and durability
- Encourages proper grip for outstanding speed and leverage
Cons:
- Grip material isn’t quite as sturdy as aftermarket grip tape
While this bat probably won’t work for gameplay by teams in leagues using by USA rules rather than USSSA rules, it’s an excellent practice bat for anyone. Since the AXE bat handle design encourages developing players to grip the bat correctly, it’s ideal for those who are still mastering their swings. The handle design reduces the sting that often occurs with hard hits, encouraging players to hit the ball as hard as possible.
Easton 2018 USSSA Ghost X Senior League Baseball Bat (-10)
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The Easton 2018 USSSA Ghost X features durable composite construction in a 2-piece design with Easton’s patented ConneXion technology. The barrel is 2 3/4 inches, and the length to weight ratio is drop 10. The ultra-thin handle offers a good feel and is pre-wrapped with a 1.4mm Hyperskin bat grip for added comfort. It comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet powerful 2-piece composite design
- Solid feel with good pop
Cons:
- 30”/20 ounce size is no longer approved for USSSA league play
- Some USSSA leagues don’t allow composite bats. Double-check rules before deciding.
Power hitters appreciate the Easton 2018 USSSA Ghost baseball bat for its two-piece design, and those who are still developing their swings like the way it delivers some extra whip. This is a well-balanced bat with a good, ergonomic feel, and it’s available in all the most popular sizes. Do double-check to be sure that your league plays with USSSA bats rather than USA bats. If so, you’ll want to take a closer look at this formidable hitter. It’s worth noting that composite bats need to be broken in by hitting between 150 and 200 balls before it’s considered game ready, so practice as soon as you get home!
Easton S3 2 3/4 Big Barrel Baseball Bat (-10)
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The Easton S3 2 3/4 inch big barrel USSSA baseball bat offers a drop 10 ratio and an impressive sweet spot. Lightweight alloy construction makes for powerful swings with plenty of speed and pop.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Priced a little lower than some other options
Cons
- May not be available in all sizes
- Not for little league
If you’re looking for a great bat for USSSA travel ball, then you’ll probably want to shortlist this one. While it lacks some of the nicer technical aspects found in pricier offerings from other companies, it is designed to deliver plenty of power, speed, and agility, along with plenty of pop. Add aftermarket grip tape if vibrations are a concern and you’ll be ready to play ball.
Marucci Cat 7 Senior League Baseball Bat (-8)
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The Marucci Cat7 features a second generation Av2 anti-vibration knob and a finely tuned harmonic dampening system that allows players to deliver powerful hits without worrying about painful vibrational feedback. The one-piece alloy construction is engineered to provide a balanced feel, and the 2 5/8 inch barrel diameter assures a large sweet spot. This USSSA baseball bat is engineered with clean, consistent swings in mind. It is available in 28-32 inch sizes.
Pros:
- Outstanding pop
- Great for clubs and travel
- Feels lighter than many other -8 bats
Cons:
- May not meet little league standards in all areas
If you’re looking for a bat with a traditional feel, the Marucci Cat7 might be right up your alley. The barrel end is engineered with a little extra wall thickness to withstand hard hits, and the sweet spot is amply sized. This bat lets out a loud “ping” sound when you hit the ball with all your might. Most people love this, but a few find that they miss the “crack” sound of a wooden bat.
Marucci 2019 CAT 8-10 Junior Big Barrel Baseball Bat
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Thanks to strong AZ105 alloy construction that allows for thinner walls, the Marucci Cat 8-10 Junior big barrel baseball bat is both durable and lightweight. Designed with Marucci’s signature AV2 anti-v ibration knob, this bat takes the sting out of hard hits while offering the balance young players need. This bat comes with matching Marucci grip tape. It is available in sizes 27” – 31”.
Pros:
- Big 2 3/4 inch barrel helps newer players build confidence
- Balanced, comfortable feel; tapered handle increases control
- Plenty of pop, super light weight
Cons:
- Little less pop than the Marucci Cat 7
- Priced a little higher than some competitors
Double check your league’s bat rules before purchasing. While this is one of the best USSSA baseball bats on the market, it isn’t typically accepted by USA leagues or pony leagues. If your team is following USSSA baseball league requirements, your players are going to appreciate this bat for its lack of dead spots as well as for its outstanding grip and low vibration. While it’s a bit lighter than some other alloy bats, the AZ105 aluminum is less likely to dent, even with power hits.
Considerations when Choosing USSSA Baseball Bats
When choosing a great baseball bat for yourself or the best USSSA baseball bats for your team, there are just a few things to keep in mind.
- Size: While there are a few USSSA bat sizes, most are offered in 2 3/4 inches and 2 5/8 inches. Some players prefer the 2 3/4 barrel size since its sweet spot is a bit larger. The 2 5/8 barrel size is preferred by players who want a lightweight bat that allows for a faster swing. The tradeoff is that smaller barrels call for greater precision. As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect! Be sure that you choose the right bat for your player. For example, a bat designed for older kids probably won’t be approved for little league play, and a bat designed for baseball probably won’t work for a softball player.
- Single-Piece, Double-Piece, or Multi-Piece Design: Where wood bats are typically a single piece, some composite and metal bats are made with multiple components. Each design has its own advantages and disadvantages, so teams may want to get a few different bats to ensure that each batter has the opportunity to work with the right bat. In general, single-piece baseball bats offer strength, but they sacrifice flexibility and whip. Power hitters tend to do very well with single-piece bat designs. Double-piece bats let players make longer hits as they have a bit more whip. The same goes for multi-piece bats. Both double- and multi-piece bats offer the added advantage of reduced vibration. Of course good grip tape and batting gloves can dampen vibrations too so don’t let this be the only deciding factor when making your final decision about which USSSA bats are best for you or your team.
- Material: Wood bats may be the traditional choice but other materials have their advantages. USSSA composite bats are ideal for players who need a combination of performance and low effort. USSA alloy bats are great for power hitters since they’re typically a touch sturdier than their composite counterparts.
- Price: Many of the best USSSA bats are competitively priced, so it’s easy to choose based on performance and material rather than price alone. Still, if you’re outfitting an entire team on a budget, you’ll want to factor in overall cost, sales tax, and shipping if it’s not included. In general, USSSA alloy bats are cheaper than other types.
With the help of these pro tips, you’ll find it’s quite a bit easier to wade through your options and choose the best USSSA baseball bats for your needs or those of your team. Here’s to a great season ahead!
Sources:
https://reviews.orlandosentinel.com/reviews/best-baseball-bats
https://www.slugger.com/en-us/how-to-choose-a-bat/baseball
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