Have you ever wanted to boost your game on the field with a new bat, but don’t know which one to choose? Wish you had an idea where to start looking? Well, lucky for you, you can stop searching because we’ve done the hunt for you. Our expert team of reviewers, made up of players, coaches, and other professionals, have made a list of the 5 best baseball bats for 2021, and they’ll be sharing what they’ve learned.
This guide will teach you:
- The difference between softball and baseball bats
- The best materials for baseball bats
- What you should look for when choosing a baseball bat
And more!
But before you head into the details for each of our top-rated products, here’s a quick preview of our review for each item.
IMAGE
PRODUCT
OUR TOP PICK
Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo Baseball Bat
- Reduced stress from hits
- Great bottom-weighted feel
- Excellent performer for different hitters
BEST BUDGET
Demarini Voodoo One Baseball Bat
- Top-notch balance
- Doesn’t require a break-in period
- Loud pop with each hit
BEST HIGH END
Easton 2021 Speed Comp Youth Baseball Bat
- Reduced vibrations
- Lightweight constructions equals fast swings
- Excellent build quality
Marucci CAT8 Senior League Baseball Bat
- Great control without sacrificing comfort
- Responsive and fast
Axe Elite One Hyperspeed
- A lightweight feel for greater bat speed
- Creates a bigger sweet spot allowing for easier contact
Rawlings 5150
- Durable sole with high impact rubber outsole to help with traction control on the court
- Increased responsiveness on the court
Anderson Rocketech Carbon - 10
- Supports a light-swinging bat with massive pop
- Excellent use for loud batters or power hitters
DeMarini FNX -10
- Stiffer feel to give even more power
- End Cap provides incredible energy transfer
DeMarini The Goods
- Strong material to assure the barrel's strength and power
- Amazing mix of heavy and light materials
Axe Avenge Pro Hybrid
- Huge sweet spot, great energy transfer into the ball, and a power barrel is available to all swings
- Is truly a high-quality product
Miken Freak Primo 14
- Increased bat head speed by maximizing energy transmission from handle to barrel
- Its Sensi-Flex technology allows for incredible bat head speed
Easton Project 3 Alpha
- gives you a more flexible and sensitive barrel that makes a genuine sound when you hit it I
- t's easier to swing and less prone to dents and damage
Easton MAXUM 360 BBCOR
- Allows for a faster swing speed by providing an improved balancing point
- It has a nice swing weight and gives off great pop
Rawlings Impact
- Helps inexperienced players swing through the zone more easily by increasing bat speed
- The ultralight weight increases both comfort and feel with each swing
Easton ZCore Hybrid
- The Sic black carbon handle reduces vibration for a more natural feel
- Swing weight is balanced resulting in a faster swing speed
DeMarini CF BBCOR Bat
- Gives the most consistent barrel and handle response imaginable
- The end cap improves barrel performance without losing swing
Marucci CAT 9 Connect
- Enhances barrel performance and handle stiffness
- all vibrations are eliminated resulting in the strongest, smoothest swing yet on impact
Victus Nox
- Superb craftsmanship and consistency when used
- Materials of professional grade
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo Baseball Bat
After the seemingly countless testing of different baseball bats on the market, the Louisville Slugger 2021 SL-Solo Baseball Bat is our number one pick for 2021. It features solid construction and a balanced feel, and it can be used with varying swings.
Additionally, each hit made with this baseball bat feels like we could swing one more hit. It’s because the vibration disperses reasonably fast, reducing the stress felt with each hit. Therefore, this bat promotes long play. We could even say that this bat can help us hit baseballs for an entire day.
What's In This Guide?
Our Top 20 Best Baseball Bats in 2021
If you’re looking for our top-rated baseball bats in 2021, here’s a list of the best products we bought and reviewed for your convenience.
- Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo Baseball Bat
- Easton Beast Speed Baseball Bat
- Demarini Voodoo One Baseball Bat
- Easton 2021 Speed Comp Youth Baseball Bat
- Marucci CAT8 Senior League Baseball Bat
- Axe Elite One Hyperspeed
- Rawlings 5150
- Anderson Rocketech Carbon -10
- Mizuno PWR CRBN -10
- DeMarini FNX -10
- DeMarini The Goods
- Axe Avenge Pro Hybrid
- Miken Freak Primo 14
- Easton Project 3 Alpha
- Easton MAXUM 360 BBCOR
- Rawlings Impact
- Easton ZCore Hybrid
- DeMarini CF BBCOR Bat
- Marucci CAT 9 Connect
- Victus Nox
What is the Difference Between a Softball and Baseball Bat?
Baseball and softball are two very similar games. They use similar types of equipment, have more or less the same rules, and their fields even have the same setup. The main differences are very minute, but these small differences are what changed how the games are played, and even the rules. The main source of difference will be the size. There are size differences between the balls, the gloves, and of course, the bats.
At the youth or little league, there is no difference between a softball bat and a baseball bat. Size difference mostly affects players on the professional level. Baseball bats are shorter but wider, whilst softball bats are longer but narrower.
Regulation baseball bats are an inch shorter than the softball bats, that is, 33 inches and 34 inches, respectively. Now, although baseball bats are shorter than softball bats, they are wider at the barrel, which is the widest part of the bat. Baseball bats are 2.6 inches in diameter, whereas softball bats are only 2.25 inches in diameter at the barrel.
Length and girth aren’t the only difference between the two. Weight is also a major difference. Baseball bats are at a heavier 28 to 31 oz, whilst softball bats are anywhere between 23 to 28 oz, depending on whether it’s a fast pitch or a slow pitch softball bat.
Table of Contents
Are There Illegal Baseball Bats?
Although the name sounds a bit harsh, using illegal bats wouldn’t send you to prison. They are just baseball bats that don’t meet the regulation parameters of major league baseball. The worse you could get is being banned from the major league, but you can still use illegal bats outside of official games.
Most of the time, illegal baseball bats are made illegal by the material, the length, or the weight, which gives certain players a marked advantage over others. For a bat to be deemed regulation, they are meant to pass certain tests. Even after passing these tests, however, a bat can still lose certification down the line if they are found to give certain players an unfair advantage.
Of course, another way baseball bats can be made illegal is when you take a certified baseball bat and alter it in some way. Back in the day, they did this by taking out the core of a bat to make the bats lighter.
Why Do Kids Use Metal Baseball Bats in Youth Sports?
Major League Baseball players have always used wooden bats since the league started in the 20th century. Technology has advanced quite a lot since then, and now, there are baseball bats that are made from metal, such as aluminum. Despite this, the Major League hasn’t changed its stance on exclusively using wooden bats.
So why do youth leagues use metal baseball bats? Put simply, it’s a matter of affordability. Wooden bats tend to break easier than metal bats do. Parents would then prefer a bat for their children that they don’t have to replace too often.
What’s more, metal bats tend to hit harder than wooden bats, which can be seen as an unfair advantage in the major leagues.
What Wood for Baseball Bats is Best for Hitting Balls the Farthest?
Although metal bats hit better and can send many baseballs farther than wooden ones, wooden baseball bats still see a lot of use, especially in the Major Leagues. But which type of wood is best for baseball bats? Here is a list of 3 of the most commonly used wood for baseball bats, and the reason why they are so popular.
- Maple
Maple is the most commonly used wood for baseball bats in the Major League. It makes up as much as 80% of the bats used on the major league levels alone. Maple itself is a very dense wood, which also makes it very hard and very durable. This type of wood is also very porous, making it perfect for high impact. Maple compresses and becomes harder at the point where it sees frequent ball impact.
- Birch
Another wood used to make baseball bats is birch. Birch is one of the most flexible types of wood out there. When turned into a baseball bat, players can whip the bat for faster swings. Of course, they generate less momentum than maple, because birch is lighter. They also dent quite easily as a result.
- Ash
Ash is a sort of middle ground between birch and maple, at least in terms of flexibility and hardness. Ash was the most commonly used wood for creating baseball bats before maple ever became popular. Of course, that means it doesn’t have the same power as maple, nor does it have the same flexibility as birch.
Read More >> Who Bats First In Baseball? Beginner Baseball Guide
What Should You Look for When Buying Baseball Bats?
Having the right baseball bat for your needs is already a part of the game done. But to choose the right one, you need to know what you are looking for. Here are just some of the things you need to keep in mind when looking for your new baseball bat.
- League
The league you plan on playing at is a huge deciding factor on the length and the weight of your baseball bat. If you or your child is planning on joining the little leagues, then you will have to choose a shorter and lighter bat. If you plan on getting a bat for a teenager or the major leagues, then you will have to find appropriate bats for those as well.
- Materials
As mentioned before, baseball bats can be made from different types of materials, usually metal and wood. Even wooden bats have different performances depending on the type of wood used. Metal bats are harder, more durable, and can launch a ball much farther away. Of course, if you’re playing for the major leagues, you’re pretty much stuck with wooden bats, but even with such a limitation, you still have options to choose from.
- One Piece or Two Piece
If you’re getting a metal bat, you can make a further choice between a one-piece or a two-piece bat. As the name suggests, a one-piece bat is made from one continuous piece of metal. Whilst two-piece bats are made with the barrel and handle constructed separately then later fused. One-piece bats are less flexible but can produce powerful swings, whilst two-piece bats have more flexibility and can help lessen the vibrations you get from the impact.
- Length
Your bat length should also play a huge role in determining your swing mechanics and plate coverage. With an appropriately-sized bat, you shouldn’t have problems holding that piece of sports equipment with your hand. It should feel like an extension of your arm rather than nothing but a tool.
- Weight
The feel of the bat is very important to the weight it should be. If it feels heavy or drops after a few swings, then it might be too heavy for you. A bat’s drop is the weight that is taken from the length of its body minus the item’s overall weight. Smaller players tend to prefer a heavier drop weight, which can help improve their bat speed.
- Barrel
Take note that USSSA bats will either have 2-5/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch barrels. USA bats, on the other hand, will either have 2-1/4-inch or 2-5/8-inch barrels. Finally, BBCOR bats will have 2-5/8-inch barrels.
Read More >> How To Hit A Baseball – 5 Essential Tips
Pick #1: Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo Baseball Bat
The Louisville slugger 2021 Solo is made from a single piece of aluminum alloy from the knob to the other end. This gives the bat better energy dispersal, making sure that hitting the sweet spot sends the ball flying as far as possible.
The end cap on this model is made from composite metal, which removes a lot of weight from the end of the bat, making it feel a lot lighter, even though the barrel is the widest allowable diameter. This combination makes it perfect for hitters who like a faster swing without sacrificing power.
One problem we’ve found is since it’s made from a single piece of metal, the hand ring can be a bit unforgiving. Of course, this bat has been designed with its comfortable grip, alleviating most of the damage done by the impact.
- Cons
- Impact vibration can be a bit unforgiving, despite the sensations disappearing quickly
Pick #2: Easton Beast Speed Baseball Bat
For a decent Youth League bat, the Easton Beast Speed certainly gets the job done. Visually, the bat itself is stunning to look at, with a lovely outline. If you or your child wants a faster swing, you certainly can’t go wrong.
The entire bat is made from a single piece of thermal alloy, giving the barrel excellent performance on the field. The speed cap at the end also improves the responsiveness and flexibility overall, as well as enhancing the sound produced upon impact.
Unfortunately, despite the pop being superb, some of our team members argued that it doesn’t last that long, perhaps only a few seasons. Others also reported that the bat doesn’t develop a sweet spot as intended.
Pick #3: Demarini Voodoo One Baseball Bat
The DeMarini Voodoo One is an excellent baseball bat with a perfectly balanced swing. If you prefer a stiffer feel and as much speed as you can get, then this is the perfect bat for you. The barrel is moderately sized, but has a larger sweet spot, giving a better margin for impact. On top of this, the end cap shaves off the extra weight for an even faster swing.
Its straightforward design means there’s pretty much no break-in period required. The DeMarini Voodoo is a bat that any hitter can pick up and start swinging.
We did find the bat doesn’t offer a good enough feel, but the better hitter that you are, the less this should matter. Worse still, the most recent model hasn’t changed much since 2019, so if you missed a few years, you haven’t missed much.
- Cons
- No design changes from the 2019 and the 2020 model except for the color
Pick #4: Easton 2021 Speed Comp Youth Baseball Bat
The Easton 2021 Speed Comp Youth Baseball Bat offers decent swing speed, thanks to its composite metal construction. The handling is improved further by the carbon fiber handle, giving any hitter an extra stiff handle with little to no vibration on impact.
The Easton Speed is currently marketed as the baseball bat with the fastest swing available. This is thanks to the speed cap that offers responsiveness to the barrel, as well as a natural sound upon impact.
Unfortunately, since it’s so light, the barrel itself is prone to cracking rather easily. On top of that, the pop doesn’t last as long as other bats would.
- Cons
- We felt that the barrel is slightly flimsy and is prone to cracking
Pick #5: Marucci CAT8 Senior League Baseball Bat
Thanks to its solid one-piece aluminum construction, the Marucci CAT 8 offers a significantly superior feel and durability. Because it’s made from strong aluminum, the construction allows for thinner walls with increased response. The thinner wall design also offers a larger sweet spot, with a more forgiving response if the ball doesn’t hit the center.
One thing we did find disappointing is the lack of an audible pop, or if there is a pop, it doesn’t last very long, usually a few seasons at most.
- Cons
- It doesn’t make a significant popping sound with each hit
Pick #6: Axe Elite One Hyperspeed
Axe Elite One Hyperspeed is one of the best baseball bats in 2021. It’s a durable and lightweight bat, which is perfect for players who need to be agile and quick on their feet.
Axe Elite One Hyperspeed is a dynamic and lightweight bat, which is perfect for players who want to be quicker and nimbler on the field. However, it’s not just for athletes; it’s also an excellent choice for those who just love to hit the ball around with friends or family members. The Axe Elite One Hyperspeed has an extended barrel that generates more power and has a lighter swing weight than other bats, making it easier to use in any situation.
- Cons
- If someone has smaller hands then they might have issues gripping this item due to the size being on the larger side
Pick #7: Rawlings 5150
The Rawlings 5150 is one of the most popular models on the market and has everything you could ever want in a bat. Firstly it’s very well-made, which ensures that it will last for more than just a game or two. It’s also extremely lightweight, which makes it easier to swing for long periods of time without getting tired. And finally, it’s also fairly priced for what you’re getting.
It’s not too expensive but not too cheap either- which is hard to do with any sports equipment. That means that you get more than what you pay for with this bat!
- Pros
- The bat is light, durable and provides maximum power to the player
- This model has a barrel with a large diameter that has been tapped for one full inch to provide greater performance with less vibration and shock on hands and wrists
- The 5150 features a composite construction that is made from composite wood
- Cons
- Is expensive, heavy and noisier than other bats
Pick #8: Anderson Rocketech Carbon - 10
The Anderson Rocketech is one of the best bats in the market. It is made with a composite design, which includes a carbon fiber handle. The handle is designed with 10% more carbon fiber than the average bat, which helps it increase its durability.
The construction of this bat is perfect for any player who likes to get more power on the swing without compromising on weight. The grip on this bat is large enough for any player who prefers not to have their fingers drag against the handle during a swing. This grip also helps you maintain a consistent swing every time, especially if you are not used to using a baseball bat with a long barrel length.
- Cons
- It doesn't come with any protection on the handle or the knob of the bat
Pick #9: Mizuno PWR CRBN-10
PWR CRBN-10 is a bat that has a lot of good features. One of them is its power insert handle that allows for an easy grip and a more comfortable feel during the swing. It has a patented concaving technology to provide stability and durability.
The technology behind this bat is very impressive as well with its use of Mizuno’s NP material. This material helps to prevent vibration from happening as the ball touches the bat which will help to increase your accuracy when hitting those crucial pitches.
- Pros
- Mizuno PWR CRBN-10 bat is designed for players looking for maximum power without compromising control
- This bat has a large sweet spot, which makes it perfect for players who are not the most skilled at the game.
- Mizuno PWR CRBN-10 bat provides an easier time to hit for someone with a wide range of swing speeds
- Cons
- Mizuno PWR CRBN-10 bat can be too heavy if you are not used to playing with these types of bats
Pick #10: DeMarini FNX -10
DeMarini is one of the most popular choices for aspiring baseball players. The bat has a low profile, which assists with swing speed. The bat is also lightweight, ensuring that players can swing it quickly and then move to the next step of their game plan.
The bat also has a Hyperlite handle with a superb design on the grip which means that players have a good grip over the bat while they are swinging it at high speeds, making sure that they do not lose control of it when they are about to make contact with the ball.
It is a great bat for players who need lighter weight and can be used for all positions on the field.
- Cons
- Unfortunately, the price of this bat may discourage some players from purchasing it
Pick #11: DeMarini The Goods
The DeMarini The Goods as one of the best baseball bats in 2021 has many great features that make it a good choice for any player. The DeMarini The Goods has an optimized taper, which is specially designed to optimize the sweet spot and allow for more power.
It also has a free end cap that gives you increased performance through increased flex and decreased vibration. This bat also is easy to handle due to its lightweight design and also gives you a great feel on contact.
- Cons
- Increased barrel size can also increase the difficulty in making a solid contact with a pitch
Pick #12: Axe Avenge Pro Hybrid
The Axe Avenge Pro will be the number one choice for many players because it has a consistent feel to it, and does not have any flaws. It has a really good pop to it and is an overall great bat for many levels of play.
It has an excellent grip because the grip itself is made out of rubber so it does not slip at all. This bat is mainly used for hitting balls over the infield or over the outfield fence. With its wood-like dense barrel, this bat will help you hit home runs with ease and without any problem whatsoever.
- Cons
- The composite materials are not as durable as aluminum bats, so they don't last as long
Pick #13: Miken Freak Primo 14
The Miken Freak Primo 14 has made a name for itself when it comes to being one of the most durable and high-performing bats in the industry. The Miken Freak Primo 14 has a large barrel, but it’s also one of the lightest bats in its class.
This means you can swing this bat very fast with less effort, which is especially useful when you need to start adding more power to your game. The end load design with a balanced swing weight profile provides all of the benefits of an end-loaded bat without any drawbacks like reduced control or stability at contact.
This bat generates more power than most other bats in the market today, hence giving players an advantage over their opponents.
- Pros
- Produces a strong and fast swing, which can result in a farther trajectory and a quicker ball speed.
- This bat offers a lighter feel which helps players with getting through extra reps during practice sessions
- Is able to withstand any kind of weather conditions that come its way; this makes it the perfect choice for high school or college games in coastal areas where there are often high amounts
- Cons
- Not for power hitters who need a stiffer bat to hit the ball farther
Pick #14: Easton Project 3 Alpha
The Easton Project 3 Alpha as one of the best baseball bats in 2021, is a graphite baseball bat. It is on average lighter than aluminum bats, but still significantly heavier than composite or wooden baseball bats. The Easton Project 3 Alpha is more forgiving than any other bat on the market today, providing the player with an easier time making contact with the ball.
This balanced weight distribution will help players get off to a quick start by making it easier to swing the bat more smoothly and quickly through the zone while also helping them stay balanced at contact. The Easton Project 3 Alpha is an excellent bat for hitters looking to join the next level of baseball players who are striving to be at their best.
- Pros
- This bat has the largest sweet spot out of any other Easton model
- The Easton Project 3 Alpha baseball bat is made of 100% aluminum alloy, meaning that it has the highest durability among all aluminum bats on the market
- Has a new barrel design that makes it very easy to swing and delivers a higher exit velocity when in contact with a ball
- Cons
- This bat does not have a big barrel size which can lead to short balls in certain situations when hitting off
Pick #15: Easton MAXUM 360 BBCOR
Bats are one of the most important pieces of equipment for a baseball player. One of the most popular bats in the game is Easton MAXUM 360 BBCOR. The Easton MAXUM 360 BBCOR is made with a patented design that makes it stronger than other bats on the market while still providing some flexibility.
This bat also has an end cap that is both strong and lightweight which helps to make contact with balls easier. It’s designed with both power hitters and contact hitters in mind, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to play at their best level.
- Pros
- The taper of the knob is evenly distributed over the length of the knob, which helps players get a better feel for the bat
- The grip is long enough that it can be extended all the way to where your fingers are on the handle
- They are made out of composite materials, which make it lighter than aluminum bats, but still durable enough to withstand constant use
- Cons
- This bat does not come with a warranty package which means you have to purchase a separate warranty on top of the cost of the bat
Pick #16: Rawlings Impact
Rawlings Impact is one of the best baseball bats at the moment. One of its most notable features is its barrel. The barrel is one of the most important parts of the bat because it is where all the strength and power come from. Rawlings Impact has a thick barrel which gives it more durability and stability.
The bat has an amazing design that not only looks good but also is created for high-level performance. It can easily find perfect chords with any kind of ball, which makes it easy to play with, whatever type of game you are playing. At least this bat will not let you down if you buy it!
- Pros
- Rawlings Impact baseball bat is made of 100% composite material which makes it lightweight and durable. It also has a large sweet spot that improves the contact area
- The pros are that the bat is durable, it is comfortable to grip, and it has a large sweet spot
- The Rawlings Impact is an affordable option compared to other bats on the market
- Cons
- The aluminum handle is not as protective as wood handles, the grip can be slippery
Pick #17: Easton ZCore Hybrid
The Easton ZCore Hybrid is one of the best baseball bats in 2021. It’s a high-performance bat made for contact hitters who make contact more often than they strikeout. With this bat, it is possible to hit the ball hard and still maintain control. This lightweight bat will keep you on your toes at all times.
The Easton ZCore Hybrid features innovative use of technology to provide a balance between lightweight and durable performance. This bat is ideal for players who lead with their hands during the swing because it provides extra comfort and power.
- Cons
- The knob is located in an awkward spot on the bottom of the grip, which makes it difficult for some players to control how hard or slow
Pick #18: DeMarini CF BBCOR Bat
The DeMarini CF BBCOR bat is a bat that was created with the intention to meet the needs of serious baseball players. The bat was created as a result of extensive research and development as well as industry-standard technologies.
Furthermore, the DeMarini CF BBCOR bat is a bat that is designed with the intent to provide long-lasting performance for serious baseball players. This bat model features a composite barrel construction that is designed to generate more bat speed and result in more line drives.
- Pros
- The end cap is made of rubber which prevents slipping when the bat hits the ball
- The weight distribution allows for more control at contact with the ball, which leads to greater accuracy
- The barrel is made of composite, which leads to less vibration than other bats on the market. This improves performance for power hitters
- Cons
- The main drawback of the product is that the bat only comes in one size that may not be ideal for some players
Pick #19: Marucci CAT 9 Connect
Marucci CAT 9 Connect is designed to have a balanced swing weight, which will allow power hitters to get more out of their swings. The bat also features a new knob design that provides an easy swing for any batter.
It is also a composite balanced bat that is designed with a low-kick design to provide it with a more traditional feel.
The Marucci CAT 9 Connect also has a larger barrel for improved power and performance. The handle of the bat is made from composite hardwood, providing the player with an easy grip on the handle of the bat.
- Cons
- It gets dented easily and this will lead to wear and tear on the bat
Pick #20: Victus Nox
Victus Nox is one of the best baseball bats in 2021. Its features include an ergonomic handle and a balanced, lightweight design. It is a great bat for both intermediate and advanced players. Plus, it has a balanced, lightweight design and an ergonomic handle which makes it perfect for both intermediate and advanced players.
This bat has a high-performance grip that provides great durability and comfortability. It also has an ultra-light pocket that makes it easy to swing. This bat performs well for both left-handed and right-handed batters, so no matter your preference, this is the perfect bat for you!
- Cons
- It doesn't perform as well as it might be expected to when taking into account its price point
Our Top Pick: Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo Baseball Bat
With its solid construction and well-balanced feel, the Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo Baseball Bat takes our number one spot.
This bat has all the traits you’re looking for from a slugger, including power, decent response, and a fast swing. Certainly a bat any hitter can appreciate.
Check out the low price on Amazon.
