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Updated August 4, 2022
By Bat Digest
We spend hundreds of hours, every year, testing bats and, specifically, drop 12 bats. We categorize our top picks with our best drop 12 bat details below. In short, we like the Easton Maxum in a drop 12 the best. The bat has smooth light swing, huge barrel and does a good job of dampening sting despite being a one piece bat.
Certification: USSSA
Sizes: 25, 26, 27
Barrel Size: 2 3/4
Drop: 12
Swing Weight: Light
Serial Number: JBB22MX12
Original Price: $200
Release Month: October 2021
$200
Original Price
Our favorite drop 12 bat is Easton’s 2022 Maxum in USSSA. It also comes in a USA version which we’d suggest if your required to swing USA bats. If not, stick with the USSSA version of the Maxum for your best bet on a high-performing drop 12 bat.
Certification: USSSA
Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32
Barrel Size: 2 3/4
Drop: 12
Swing Weight: Light+
Serial Number: WBL2531010
Original Price: $250
Release Month: October 2021
$250
Original Price
Huge fan of this bat, and, to be honest, we can’t aren’t sure (other than price) why it isn’t better than the Easton Maxum. The barrel is massive, the feedback is excellent, the bat feels good, and swings almost perfect for a drop 12 bat. The fact it is $50 more than the Maxum is a primary reason for raking it 2nd instead of first–we don’t think drop 12 bats deserve expensive price points, and anything over $200 is pushing it (because $200 alone is pushing in). In any case, the bat is great, and if money is no object or you can find it for a deal, then we like the Meta One in a drop 12.
Certification: USA
Sizes: 26, 27, 18, 19, 30, 31
Barrel Size: 2 1/4
Drop: 12
Swing Weight: Mid
Serial Number: YSB22TY12
Original Price: $70
Release Month: October 2021
There is no reason to overthink this bat buy; the Easton Typhoon is a simple single-piece bat with a balanced swing. If you’re in the drop 12 space, we suggest you keep it simple—this is for younger kids who are just trying to find the ball. It’s a great value, and while no one is hitting home runs with this bat, it will get the job done.
Certification: USA
Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 12
Swing Weight: Light
Serial Number: YBB20ADV12
Original Price: $250
Release Month: September 2019
$250
Original Price
If you want the best drop 12 USA bat then the ADV1 from Easton is your ticket. The bat is not cheap, and we hate that for a drop 12 bat that is made for new hitters, but it is the best bat. Granted, no one is hitting home runs with a drop 12 bat. But, if they wanted a great-sized barrel, a balanced swing, and the best feeling drop 12 bat around, the 2020 ADV1 from Easton will do the trick.
Why We Love the 2022 Maxum Ultra
Our favorite drop 12 bat is Easton’s 2022 Maxum in USSSA. It also comes in a USA version which we’d suggest if your required to swing USA bats. If not, stick with the USSSA version of the Maxum for your best bet on a high-performing drop 12 bat.
Certification: USSSA
Barrel Size: 2 3/4
Sizes: 25, 26, 27
Drop: 12
Serial Number: JBB22MX12
Release Month: October 2021
Related: Best USSSA Bats
Why We Love the 2022 Meta One
Huge fan of this bat, and, to be honest, we can’t aren’t sure (other than price) why it isn’t better than the Easton Maxum. The barrel is massive, the feedback is excellent, the bat feels good, and swings almost perfect for a drop 12 bat. The fact it is $50 more than the Maxum is a primary reason for raking it 2nd instead of first–we don’t think drop 12 bats deserve expensive price points, and anything over $200 is pushing it (because $200 alone is pushing in). In any case, the bat is great, and if money is no object or you can find it for a deal, then we like the Meta One in a drop 12.
Certification: USSSA
Barrel Size: 2 3/4
Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32
Drop: 12
Serial Number: WBL2531010
Release Month: October 2021
Related: Best USSSA Bats
Why We Love the 2022 Typhoon
There is no reason to overthink this bat buy; the Easton Typhoon is a simple single-piece bat with a balanced swing. If you’re in the drop 12 space, we suggest you keep it simple—this is for younger kids who are just trying to find the ball. It’s a great value, and while no one is hitting home runs with this bat, it will get the job done.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 1/4
Sizes: 26, 27, 18, 19, 30, 31
Drop: 12
Serial Number: YSB22TY12
Release Month: October 2021
Related: Best USA Bats
Why We Love the 2020 ADV1 360
If you want the best drop 12 USA bat then the ADV1 from Easton is your ticket. The bat is not cheap, and we hate that for a drop 12 bat that is made for new hitters, but it is the best bat. Granted, no one is hitting home runs with a drop 12 bat. But, if they wanted a great-sized barrel, a balanced swing, and the best feeling drop 12 bat around, the 2020 ADV1 from Easton will do the trick.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Drop: 12
Serial Number: YBB20ADV12
Release Month: September 2019
Related: Best USA Bats
Despite the title of this article, we make no sweeping claims that we have somehow found the categorical best drop 12 bat. We submit, the following bats in the drop 12 space are legit and should be a very good fit for a number of hitters. But, by no means do we suggest that the best bat for many is therefore the best bat for all.
Our bat size chart is useful in terms of finding the right length bat. The max weight you can get in a drop 12 is a 32 inch bat. This would give it a scale weight of 20 ounces, roughly.
Using the chart, you’ll see that this type of bat is good for a 12 year old that weighs less than 80 pounds; a 10 year old under 50 inches tall; virtually any size player under the age of 9.
The best bat is the right-sized bat. Of all the things we try and preach at BatDigest.com, you should always get the right-sized bat before getting any bat you think is hot or overpowered. You can see our bat size chart to reference where you should be. Generally, drop 12 bats are reserved for those under the age of 10 who want more length in their bat. But, be warned, you’ll get more hand stings when your bats’ weight-to-length ratio increases.