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Home > All Bests

11 Best USA Bats we hit the FARTHEST (2023/2022)

By Bat Digest

Updated April 7, 2023

We recorded the exit speeds and player feedback on over 1,500 USA Bats from 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018. If budget was no issue, we like both the 2023 Easton ADV 360 and the 2023 DeMarini CF in a drop 10 and consider them the best USA bats for 2023. We think the best-value USA bat for 2023 is the Marucci F5, but don’t sleep on the older Slugger Solo either.

The 2022 DeMarini CF did not release in a USA version for 2023 but that doesn’t mean it can’t be our favorite for 2023. If you don’t like the CF, the 2023 Easton ADV 360 is a go, too (although inventory seems limited), and it has more sizing options than the CF when comparing USA versions. If you’d rather spend less, than check out an older version of the Solo or Marucci F5 in a USA Version.

Updated April 7, 2023

With the start of April 2023, and the season almost in full swing, we still think the ADV 360 is the best USA bat out there but we go back and forth between it and DeMarini’s CF. Both are great bats, but people continue to love the ADV, so we didn’t want to change. Otherwise, the best USA 2023 list has remained largely unchanged with, if anything, a greater emphasis on an older Solo.

1. 2023 Easton ADV 360

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: YBB23ADV10

Original Price: $350

Release Month: September 2022

1. Best USA Bat 2023

2023 Easton ADV 360 USA Drop 10
USA
2023 Easton ADV 360

$350

Original Price

Amazon

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It’s back on top. As much as we tried liking other USA bats over the ADV 360, we just can’t. This is the top of the class, again. We like the ADV 360 a lot in a drop 10 and 8 and so do a lot of hitters. The original version of the bat, from 2019 or so, had some durability issues, and that complaint has put the ADV 360 USA line at a disadvantage in the collective psyche. But, still, the bat for 2023 hits the ball and feels as good as any 2023 USA bat out there. This is it if you’ve got the money and want to get what many consider the best for 2023.

6. 2022 DeMarini CF

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USA

Sizes: 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: WTDXUFX22

Original Price: $350

Release Month: October 2021

6. Best USA Bat 2023

2022 DeMarini CF USA Drop 10
USA
2022 DeMarini CF

$350

Original Price

Amazon

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Even though this is a 2022 bat, we think it is a best bat for the 2023 USA. The CF has proven its worth. The thing is relatively durable, hits the ball well, feels great, has a big barrel, and swings lightly—all the things kid players like. The drawback is that it isn’t cheap. We continue to be fans of the ADV 360. USA bats all perform pretty similarly (in terms of exit speeds). Still, considering feel, availability, and overall experience, we think the 2022 (for 2023) DeMarini CF in a drop 10 is a fantastic choice.

12. 2021 Rawlings 5150

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USA

Sizes: 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 5

Swing Weight: Mid

Serial Number: US1555

Original Price: $100

Release Month: October 2020

12. Best Drop 5 USA Bat

2021 Rawlings 5150 USA Drop 5
USA
2021 Rawlings 5150

$100

Original Price

Amazon

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There aren’t many options to pick from in the drop 5 USA bat space. That should not detract from our favorite:  the Rawlings 5150 drop 5 for 2021. You can find this bat in most significant retailers—although the drop 5 version is harder to come by some days. This is a single-piece alloy bat with a good-sized barrel, and heavier swing and if you can barrel it expect great things to happen.

3. 2021 Marucci Cat Connect

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USA

Sizes: 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 11

Swing Weight: Mid

Serial Number: MSBCC11USA

Original Price: $200

Release Month: October 2020

3. Best USA Bat (Hybrid)

2021 Marucci Cat Connect USA Drop 11
USA
2021 Marucci Cat Connect

$200

Original Price

Amazon

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We are fans of the CAT Connect in USA for a few reasons. First, it’s a reasonable price for a bat with good tech. A two-piece bat for less than $250 brand new is worth considering. Second, the bat feels excellent on hits and mishits. This helps younger hitters have confidence. And finally, the bat swings light, and although it’s barrel profile is smaller than we’d like to see, it gets excellent ratings across the board.

2. 2023 DeMarini The Goods

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Mid

Serial Number: WBD2359010

Original Price: $250

Release Month: March 2023

2. Best USA Bat 2023

2023 DeMarini The Goods USA Drop 10
USA
2023 DeMarini The Goods

$250

Original Price

Amazon

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The best thing the 2023 DeMarini The Goods has going for it is that it’s generally widely available. It swings light, gets great reviews and has a price point we can really get behind. Although, to be serious, $250 is still too much. It is the same as the 2022 version of the bat but good luck finding one of those (if you can for a discount, go for it). In any case, the bat is a great late season pick up for the kid looking to get a new tourney bat, has a summer birthday or wants some new confidence going into the playoffs and all stars.

5. 2019 Louisville Slugger Solo

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 11

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: WTLUBS619B11

Original Price: $200

Release Month: September 2018

5. Best Cheap USA Bat

2019 Louisville Slugger Solo USA Drop 11
USA
2019 Louisville Slugger Solo

$200

Original Price

Amazon

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The exit speed performance on the 2020 Louisville Slugger Solo is as good as any USA bat on the market—including the #1 ranked ADV 360. The bat has a great price point (we saw it for under $60 at the time of this writing, and plenty of inventory is left). The bat has a good-sized barrel and, although a drop 11, swings more in line with the drop 10 world. If you want a reasonable bat with good to great performance and a decent-sized sweet spot, this is the win. The downfalls to the bat are its sting on mishit balls. This tends only to happen when you see higher pitch speeds. So, if you’re in the market for a 31 or 32-inch bat, it might not be the best feel. But, if you’re in small leagues that don’t throw too hard yet (let’s say, faster than 45mph), then the SOLO could be a big win. The fact it is a fraction of the cost of other bats on this list is enough reason to consider it alone. If you want to jump to the newer 2020 version then be our guests. The 2020 is the same as the 2019 and since the 2019 was considerably cheaper even at verified vendors at the time of this writing that is our recommendation.

4. 2022 Easton ADV 360

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Mid

Serial Number: YBB22ADV10

Original Price: $350

Release Month: October 2021

4. Best USA Bat 2022

2022 Easton ADV 360 USA Drop 10
USA
2022 Easton ADV 360

$350

Original Price

Amazon

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Although there are plenty of great, less expensive options, if you want the creme de la creme of USA bats for 2022, then the drop 10 USA Easton Ghost ADV is the winner, winner, chicken dinner. The bat has a fantastic feel, a huge barrel, and top-end exit speeds. Those who want the bat in the USA that feels the most like a USSSA bat should find a home for an ADV 360 drop 10 from 2022.

7. 2021 Easton ADV 360

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USA

Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 11

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: YBB21ADV11

Original Price: $350

Release Month: September 2020

7. Best USA Bat 2021

2021 Easton ADV 360 USA Drop 11 2021 Easton ADV 360 USA Drop 11
2021 Easton ADV 360 USA Drop 11
USA
2021 Easton ADV 360

$350

Original Price

Amazon

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USA Bats feel like they’ve come a long way since 2018, but then again, not really. The Easton ADV 360 Drop 11 is the best feeling bat out there. We’ve found the confidence in this bat gives little players a real chance to go after the ball, and, sometimes, that confidence is all they need. In fact, when we’ve gone head to head with the USA ADV 360 drop 11 and USSSA bats, most hitters can’t tell the difference. Contact sounds the same, and the bats feel the same. However, when we compare exit speeds, a USSSA bat still has 3 to 4mph more than the ADV drop 11.

 

8. 2018 Rawlings Quatro

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Mid

Serial Number: US8Q10

Original Price: $350

Release Month: October 2017

8. Best 2019 USA Bat - Legendary

2018 Rawlings Quatro USA Drop 10
USA
2018 Rawlings Quatro

$350

Original Price

Amazon

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Although USA bats have been around for more than a few years, the 2018 Rawlings Quatro comes as close as any to that status. The bat still fetches good prices used in the secondary market and, for a time, was a must-have. The bat is a light swing, big barrel two-piece composite that felt like it packed a punch. It compares a lot to the ADV 360 drop 11. Both have durability issues, but both get top marks for exit speeds and feel.

Based on how USA bats have improved in feel and durability over the last couple of years we aren’t sure this bat is worth paying a premium for—unless you really want to go old school. We could not find the bat anywhere from a verified vendor so can’t imagine we could find one with a warranty. However, at the time of this writing, there were a few eBay options out there in the used market that if they had come down $50 or so we would think it was worth a try.

Our strike price for this bat would be under $120 in really good shape on eBay. But, good luck finding that deal.

13. 2020 Easton ADV 360 Drop 11

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USA

Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 11

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: B08XZK367J

Original Price: $350

Release Month: September 2019

13. Best USA Bat 2020

2020 Easton ADV 360 Drop 11 2020 Easton ADV 360 Drop 11
2020 Easton ADV 360 Drop 11 USA Drop 11
USA
2020 Easton ADV 360 Drop 11

$350

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

For 2020 the best USA Bat was (and is) the ADV drop 11 from Easton. This is the same bat as the 2021 version but with a different paint job. At the time of this writing, you could find the 2021 version for LESS than the 2020 version. That isn’t how it usually works, but the 2020 version was a hard find, and its aura is still leaving some wanting more. Still, though, the bat is the same, and you should buy the one you can get with a warranty and for the lower price. At the time of this writing, that was the 2021 version by about $50. The 2020 ADV 360 drop 11 (not to be confused with the drop 10) uses a unique composite in the Easton line, has a huge barrel, great swing weight, and is an absolute ball killer. The only problem is its durability. More than a few have complained of the bat’s connection piece or barrel breaking. So, be sure to buy it from a verified outlet that offers a valid receipt. If you don’t want to deal with durability issues, then look elsewhere.

Recommended Video

11 Best USA Bats we hit the FARTHEST (2023/2022)

12

2021 Rawlings 5150

12. Best Drop 5 USA Bat
5150 Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2021 5150

There aren’t many options to pick from in the drop 5 USA bat space. That should not detract from our favorite:  the Rawlings 5150 drop 5 for 2021. You can find this bat in most significant retailers—although the drop 5 version is harder to come by some days. This is a single-piece alloy bat with a good-sized barrel, and heavier swing and if you can barrel it expect great things to happen.

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Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 30, 31, 32

Drop: 5

Serial Number: US1555

Release Month: October 2020

Our Review: Rawlings 5150 Review

3

2021 Marucci Cat Connect

3. Best USA Bat (Hybrid)
Cat Connect Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2021 Cat Connect

We are fans of the CAT Connect in USA for a few reasons. First, it’s a reasonable price for a bat with good tech. A two-piece bat for less than $250 brand new is worth considering. Second, the bat feels excellent on hits and mishits. This helps younger hitters have confidence. And finally, the bat swings light, and although it’s barrel profile is smaller than we’d like to see, it gets excellent ratings across the board.

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Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Drop: 11

Serial Number: MSBCC11USA

Release Month: October 2020

Our Review:

6

2022 DeMarini CF

6. Best USA Bat 2023
CF Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2022 CF

Even though this is a 2022 bat, we think it is a best bat for the 2023 USA. The CF has proven its worth. The thing is relatively durable, hits the ball well, feels great, has a big barrel, and swings lightly—all the things kid players like. The drawback is that it isn’t cheap. We continue to be fans of the ADV 360. USA bats all perform pretty similarly (in terms of exit speeds). Still, considering feel, availability, and overall experience, we think the 2022 (for 2023) DeMarini CF in a drop 10 is a fantastic choice.

Amazon

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Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: WTDXUFX22

Release Month: October 2021

1

2023 Easton ADV 360

1. Best USA Bat 2023
ADV 360 Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2023 ADV 360

It’s back on top. As much as we tried liking other USA bats over the ADV 360, we just can’t. This is the top of the class, again. We like the ADV 360 a lot in a drop 10 and 8 and so do a lot of hitters. The original version of the bat, from 2019 or so, had some durability issues, and that complaint has put the ADV 360 USA line at a disadvantage in the collective psyche. But, still, the bat for 2023 hits the ball and feels as good as any 2023 USA bat out there. This is it if you’ve got the money and want to get what many consider the best for 2023.

Amazon

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Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: YBB23ADV10

Release Month: September 2022

5

2019 Louisville Slugger Solo

5. Best Cheap USA Bat
Solo Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2019 Solo

The exit speed performance on the 2020 Louisville Slugger Solo is as good as any USA bat on the market—including the #1 ranked ADV 360. The bat has a great price point (we saw it for under $60 at the time of this writing, and plenty of inventory is left). The bat has a good-sized barrel and, although a drop 11, swings more in line with the drop 10 world. If you want a reasonable bat with good to great performance and a decent-sized sweet spot, this is the win. The downfalls to the bat are its sting on mishit balls. This tends only to happen when you see higher pitch speeds. So, if you’re in the market for a 31 or 32-inch bat, it might not be the best feel. But, if you’re in small leagues that don’t throw too hard yet (let’s say, faster than 45mph), then the SOLO could be a big win. The fact it is a fraction of the cost of other bats on this list is enough reason to consider it alone. If you want to jump to the newer 2020 version then be our guests. The 2020 is the same as the 2019 and since the 2019 was considerably cheaper even at verified vendors at the time of this writing that is our recommendation.

Amazon

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Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 11

Serial Number: WTLUBS619B11

Release Month: September 2018

2

2023 DeMarini The Goods

2. Best USA Bat 2023
The Goods Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2023 The Goods

The best thing the 2023 DeMarini The Goods has going for it is that it’s generally widely available. It swings light, gets great reviews and has a price point we can really get behind. Although, to be serious, $250 is still too much. It is the same as the 2022 version of the bat but good luck finding one of those (if you can for a discount, go for it). In any case, the bat is a great late season pick up for the kid looking to get a new tourney bat, has a summer birthday or wants some new confidence going into the playoffs and all stars.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31

Drop: 10

Serial Number: WBD2359010

Release Month: March 2023

4

2022 Easton ADV 360

4. Best USA Bat 2022
ADV 360 Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2022 ADV 360

Although there are plenty of great, less expensive options, if you want the creme de la creme of USA bats for 2022, then the drop 10 USA Easton Ghost ADV is the winner, winner, chicken dinner. The bat has a fantastic feel, a huge barrel, and top-end exit speeds. Those who want the bat in the USA that feels the most like a USSSA bat should find a home for an ADV 360 drop 10 from 2022.

Amazon

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Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: YBB22ADV10

Release Month: October 2021

7

2021 Easton ADV 360

7. Best USA Bat 2021
ADV 360 Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2021 ADV 360

USA Bats feel like they’ve come a long way since 2018, but then again, not really. The Easton ADV 360 Drop 11 is the best feeling bat out there. We’ve found the confidence in this bat gives little players a real chance to go after the ball, and, sometimes, that confidence is all they need. In fact, when we’ve gone head to head with the USA ADV 360 drop 11 and USSSA bats, most hitters can’t tell the difference. Contact sounds the same, and the bats feel the same. However, when we compare exit speeds, a USSSA bat still has 3 to 4mph more than the ADV drop 11.

 

Amazon

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Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Drop: 11

Serial Number: YBB21ADV11

Release Month: September 2020

8

2018 Rawlings Quatro

8. Best 2019 USA Bat - Legendary
Quatro Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2018 Quatro

Although USA bats have been around for more than a few years, the 2018 Rawlings Quatro comes as close as any to that status. The bat still fetches good prices used in the secondary market and, for a time, was a must-have. The bat is a light swing, big barrel two-piece composite that felt like it packed a punch. It compares a lot to the ADV 360 drop 11. Both have durability issues, but both get top marks for exit speeds and feel.

Based on how USA bats have improved in feel and durability over the last couple of years we aren’t sure this bat is worth paying a premium for—unless you really want to go old school. We could not find the bat anywhere from a verified vendor so can’t imagine we could find one with a warranty. However, at the time of this writing, there were a few eBay options out there in the used market that if they had come down $50 or so we would think it was worth a try.

Our strike price for this bat would be under $120 in really good shape on eBay. But, good luck finding that deal.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: US8Q10

Release Month: October 2017

13

2020 Easton ADV 360 Drop 11

13. Best USA Bat 2020
ADV 360 Drop 11 Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2020 ADV 360 Drop 11

For 2020 the best USA Bat was (and is) the ADV drop 11 from Easton. This is the same bat as the 2021 version but with a different paint job. At the time of this writing, you could find the 2021 version for LESS than the 2020 version. That isn’t how it usually works, but the 2020 version was a hard find, and its aura is still leaving some wanting more. Still, though, the bat is the same, and you should buy the one you can get with a warranty and for the lower price. At the time of this writing, that was the 2021 version by about $50. The 2020 ADV 360 drop 11 (not to be confused with the drop 10) uses a unique composite in the Easton line, has a huge barrel, great swing weight, and is an absolute ball killer. The only problem is its durability. More than a few have complained of the bat’s connection piece or barrel breaking. So, be sure to buy it from a verified outlet that offers a valid receipt. If you don’t want to deal with durability issues, then look elsewhere.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Drop: 11

Serial Number: B08XZK367J

Release Month: September 2019

9

2018 Easton Beast X Hybrid

9. Best USA Bat 2018
Beast X Hybrid Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2018 Beast X Hybrid

Although a hefty swing, Easton came out really well in their first run at a USA Bat. The 2018 Easton Beast Hybrid is (was) a monster bat that could hit it as far as anything on the market for 2018 (and farther than most). Those looking for an old-school USA bat in the drop 8/5 space might really like the drop 10 Beast Hybrid. It has an intense swing weight.

At the beginning of the 2018 season—when USA bats were coming online—the swing weights were all over the place. The Easton Beast Hybrid was marketed as balanced, but it was not. The lack of conformity was expected in USA Bats inaugural year. By today’s standards, the 2018 Easton Beast Hybrid would be considered endloaded.

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Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: YBB18BXH10

Release Month: August 2017

10

2019 Rawlings Threat

10. Best Drop 12 USA Bat
Threat Ratings
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter
swing weight meter

Why We Love the 2019 Threat

In full disclosure, we are not huge fans of the drop 12 Rawlings USA Threat. However, in the drop 12 space, every bat is tough to like. We dislike the threat the least amount—so it wins. We love its price point and durability. We also think most kids swinging it like how it looks and feel like they have something special.

But drop 12 bats struggle to impress anyone. They should be chosen strictly as a swing-weight play. That is, if you need an entry-level bat for a new, young or smaller player, then the Rawlings Threat is your best bet. Here, we’re thinking of a 6 through 8-year-old (and maybe 9) who needs a USA bat, a light swing, and isn’t seeing crazy pitch speeds. It’s a great starter rec type bat at a decent price in an older model (sub $60).

However, it lacks the punch to do any real damage for a skilled hitter. If you are playing travel ball, seeing any decent amount of pitch speeds, and/or can fit into a drop 10, then we suggest you look elsewhere. However, those that need a drop 12 this as good a value and bat as you’ll find anywhere in the USA Bat land.

Also, the Rawlings Threat USA has been released since 2018 but has not changed much. So, any year will do. The 2019 and 2018 are painted the same. The 2020 has an updated paint job.

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Specs

Certification: USA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Drop: 12

Serial Number: US9T12

Release Month: October 2018

The Research

How to Break in a USA Bat

One concern we raised in our hottest bats testing is the lack of performance within the USA composite bats. We wondered out loud—and will here too—whether USABats with composite barrels require more break-in when compared to BBCOR and USSSA composite barrels. Early evidence and reports suggest they do.  But, we know for sure, aluminum barrels tended to outperform the composite ones in the USABat space out of the wrapper.

Whether that phenomenon is a limitation of composite and the USABat standard, or something more simple like requiring a stronger work in, is yet to be seen. (We did work the USA Bat composites the requisite 250+ times before testing).  As of this writing, we are confident the Beast X Hybrid hits the ball harder, although not by much, than any composite USA Bat barrel on the market.

Are We Right?

Bat performance standards in baseball bats have narrowed the performance gap considerably, and as such, the feel of a bat becomes much more a conversation point than the actual performance.

What is a USA Bat

What’s the New USA Bat Standard?

Why?

USA bats are the new standard by which many youth baseball organizations abide starting 1/1/2018. These bats use a performance standard different than USSSA or 1.15 BPF bats. Although more like BBCOR bats, which are used in the high school and collegiate space, these USA baseball bats use a more prominent drop (or lighter swing weight) to allow younger players success. You can read more about the reasons behind the change in our USA Bats article.

Best 2019 USA Bat Video

Customer Satisfaction by Leauge

Best USA Bats Rating Chart
There is virtually no surprise here. USA bat customers are not nearly as happy as USSSA or BBCOR folks. (Fastpitch, although not listed here, come back with an average score of 79). We can think of no other single metric we have yet to gather that is as telling as the general dissatisfaction USA players and parents are with their choices of bats.

Users Rank By Brand

In our survey, we found that DeMarini, Slugger, and Easton owned a similar amount of market share in the USA Space. But, unlike USSSA and BBCOR bats, the USA market had 4th and 5th place not far behind. Both Rawlings and Axe have considerable market share.

The outer ring of the chart below shows which brand bat owners thought was best. As an example, the majority of Easton owners though Easton was the best USA brand (not surprising). But, many of them also thought DeMarini was the best USA bat brand. It is one thing to understand that bat owners think their bat is best and quite another to know when bat owners think another USA brand is best.

In any event, there is a lot to gather from the chart below. Have at it.

Best USA Bats 2019

Most Popular 2019 USA Bat Brand

Most Popular USA Bats

The order by popularity brand goes like this:

  • Easton
  • Louisville Slugger
  • DeMarini
  • Rawlings
  • Axe

Somehow Marucci, which didn’t even make a 2019 USA bat, made the list. This oversight is likely to user error as people don’t know in what league they are. (They do make a 2020 Marucci CAT, but this is a 2019 Survey completed before the release of the 2020 Marucci USA Cat).

What are USA Bat Rules?

Players in leagues that require the new USABat standard will need to use bats with the USABat stamp. The stamp indicates the bat has passed its performance restrictions. Those restrictions include a particular trampoline effect akin to BBCOR and less than USSSA 1.15 standards. Barrel size must be no greater than 2 5/8.

Who is required to swing the USABats?

Many leagues have agreed to use the new USABat standard. They include Little League International and many of its affiliates. Including, but not limited to, Cal Ripken, Dixie Youth, Pony, and at least a few more. Check with your local league to see if they are adopting the new standard.

Why Make New USABat Rules?

 

This continues to be a question in many people’s minds—and one we have yet to find a great answer for.

Ultimately, USA Baseball felt the Little League game was wrought with too much offense. Insomuch the game was morphing into something different than what they had envisioned. A restriction on bats would limit the offense, force the game to become more defensive and give players a chance to focus on skills outside of hitting home runs. We find this mostly hard to believe, but there it is nonetheless.

Safety is another issue many have brought up, but USA baseball denies this as a reason for the change. And, yes, we are stretching for an answer here.

When did USA Bat rules take effect?

USABats first went on sale in September of 2017. The leagues adopting the new bats’ rules required them for play starting January 1st, 2018.

What is the Right Bat Size

The right bat size is significant. We’ve said it before and will repeat it here to get the right bat size before getting the ‘best’ bat. If your size is not available in the ‘best bat,’ then find a bat that has the right size.

Also note, bat size is really a question about swing weight. It would be best if you were not concerned about the length and drop as you are the correct swing weight—which is determined by the distribution of the weight within the bat. Bats of the same length are NOT created equal. You can read much more about swing weights here and the right bat size here.

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