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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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
$100
Original Price
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
$200
Original Price
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.
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
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.
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
$350
Original Price
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 30, 31, 32
Drop: 5
Serial Number: US1555
Release Month: October 2020
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Drop: 11
Serial Number: MSBCC11USA
Release Month: October 2020
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 29, 30, 31, 32
Drop: 10
Serial Number: WTDXUFX22
Release Month: October 2021
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32
Drop: 10
Serial Number: YBB23ADV10
Release Month: September 2022
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32
Drop: 11
Serial Number: WTLUBS619B11
Release Month: September 2018
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31
Drop: 10
Serial Number: WBD2359010
Release Month: March 2023
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32
Drop: 10
Serial Number: YBB22ADV10
Release Month: October 2021
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Drop: 11
Serial Number: YBB21ADV11
Release Month: September 2020
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32
Drop: 10
Serial Number: US8Q10
Release Month: October 2017
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Drop: 11
Serial Number: B08XZK367J
Release Month: September 2019
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 29, 30, 31, 32
Drop: 10
Serial Number: YBB18BXH10
Release Month: August 2017
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.
Certification: USA
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Drop: 12
Serial Number: US9T12
Release Month: October 2018
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The order by popularity brand goes like this:
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).
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.
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.
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.
USABats first went on sale in September of 2017. The leagues adopting the new bats’ rules required them for play starting January 1st, 2018.
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.