Bat Digest is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More.
Bat Digest is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More.
Bat Digest is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More.
![6 Best Big Barrel Bats we hit FARTHEST [2021 Updates]](https://www.batdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Feature-Image-CF-Zen-700x470.png)
December 16, 2020 | by Brian Duryea | @BatDigest
Bat for 2021 Update: Due to COVID, most 2021 USSSA bats are pushed back towards the end of 2020. (They usually release in August of the previous year and we review and rate then). However, with the push back, we don’t have enough to decide what is the “best.” If you’re looking for “best so far,” we have liked the USSSA CAT 9 Connect in a drop 10. As more of the maror ones get released, like the 2021 CF and Prime, we will update this page.
After hitting with every 2020 USSSA big barrel bat on the market, we think the 2020 DeMarini CF in a drop 10 is the best USSSA Big Barrel bat for 2020. It wins our best youth bat of 2020 award as well as a diamond status bat—with only one other in the USSSA bat world. The CF is the perfect blend of barrel size and profile, feel, and performance to top our charts for the 3rd year in a row. It is the most popular USSSA bat by a considerable margin.
Here’s what we did to find the best USSSA bat for 2020.
Our platinum level bats meet the best of the best for almost every player. They rank out well in pure performance, availability, relevance, and player feedback. Often, they rank out well in each one of those categories. The CF and CAT 8 are clear winners in the USSSA space. Their drop 10, 8, and 5 options are destructive. Our survey data (you can see below) shows the two bats make up almost 80% of the entire competitive USSSA market. The CF is about 50% more popular than the CAT 8.
Platinum level bats are highly recommendable. They usually miss the top Diamond level because they fall short in popularity or availability. Meaning, usually, they lack specific sizes or drops. Sometimes, too, they don’t quite get the same stellar ratings on player feedback, although they do perform in our exit speed tests, as well as anything else we measure for the given year. Generally, platinum level bats are great picks, and for the right hitter, they are easily considered the best bat for them.
Gold level bats are also recommendable—although maybe not to as big a range of players. Gold level bats often see unique designs with good to excellent player feedback and well above average performance ratings. If you are in the market for something unique and can find the right size, then Gold level bats are almost always good choices.
| Rank | Brand | Model | Yes, My Bat is Best | Popularity | Player Rank | Owner Happiness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DeMarini | CF Zen | 80% | #1 | 82 | Price | |
| 2 | Marucci | CAT 8 | 74% | #2 | 89 | Price | |
| 3 | Easton | Mako Beast (2018) | 0% | # | 64 | Price | |
| 4 | Louisville Slugger | 619 Solo | 33% | #10 | 82 | Price | |
| 5 | Rawlings | Velo | 27% | #11 | 79 | Price | |
| 6 | Rawlings | Quatro Pro | 78% | #5 | 74 | Price | |
| 7 | Dirty South | Dirty South KAMO | 0% | # | 78 | Price | |
| 8 | Louisville Slugger | Prime 919 | 29% | #6 | 84 | Price | |
| 9 | Louisville Slugger | 519 Omaha | 17% | #18 | 73 | Price | |
| 10 | Axe | Origin | 0% | # | 75 | Price |
*Rank: The bats are ordered based on their popularity.
*Player Rank: Player rank adds up how many self described USSSA players or parents think a certain bat is the best.
*Owner Happiness: Players were asked how happy they were about their bat purchase on a scale from 0 to 100.
*Popularity: How many players claimed to use this bat.
*Yes, My Bat is Best: How many USSSA players claimed the 'best bat' was also the bat they used.
The order by popular brand goes like this:
DeMarini and Marucci dominate the USSSA market. In particular, the CF Zen and the Marucci CAT 8 alone make up more than 50% of the total USSSA competitive league bat space.
The inner ring of the chart below is league, and the 2nd ring shows what proportion of players in that league use a particular brand of a bat. The third ring shows which bat the brand owners of the 2nd ring think is the best bat.
For example, DeMarini and Marucci are the most popular USSSA bats. But, a more significant proportion of Marucci owners think DeMarini is best when compared to the portion of DeMarini owners that think Marucci is best. You can see that by the size of the red DeMarini on the outer ring of the USSSA Marucci section when compared to the orange Marucci found on the outer ring of the DeMarini USSSA section.
In any event, there is plenty to learn from the chart, and we won’t bore you by writing it all out here.
Of some note, USSSA buyers and players are generally pretty happy with their bat. They rank out close to BBCOR players and just like Fastpitch (which are 79/100. USSSA bat buyers and users are a reasonable amount happier with their bat choices than the average USA Bat owner.
Our testers hit every 2019 USSSA Baseball Bat. We tracked the exit speeds of those hits, measured barrel sizes and swing weights as well as detailed our testers’ feedback. We graded out each bat and found the best USSSA Baseball Bat for 2019, regardless of price or drop, is DeMarini’s CF Zen in a drop 5.
We have hit with the BBCOR, Drop 5, Drop 8 and Drop 10 2019 DeMarini CF Zen. The bat rakes. Plain and simple.
Price Check
After a month of use with the BBCOR and USSSA versions of the CAT 8 we put together this 2019 CAT 8 Review. (Looking for the 2020 USA Marucci CAT review?)
Price CheckThose on a budget, or looking for a real value buy, should like the Easton Ghost Speed. We found that bat packs a full-on punch, has a huge barrel, and swings right where we want it too. If you want something cheaper, then check out the 2019 Rawlings 5150. The 5150 is a staple in the traditional bat market. Smooth swinging, although slightly heavier, single-piece aluminum.
We've spent considerable time with Rawlings 5150 line of bats. It is as familiar in the industry as any bat has ever been.
Price Check
We took the 2019 Slugger 619 bat in a few different sizes to the fields and cage.
Price CheckOur process included barrel size measurements, exit speed tests, and swing weight measurements. That objective data, combined with a dozen hitters using the bats and recording their direct feedback, plays roles in determining the best big barrel bats. We also observed what players tended to use at major tournaments and spent considerable time looking for objective online reviews. Much of more detailed findings can be found on our USSSA Big Barrel bat review pages under our reviews for the following bats. Below is a highlight of our 2018 best big barrel bats.
The 2018 CF Zen is a perfect bat. DeMarini has dialed in the feel and barrel performance better than anyone in the USSSA space. We have dozens of players try our every bat in the market (even the small ones), and the Zen always rises to the top, or right near the top, of everyone’s list. This 2018 version is not much different than the 2017 Retooled version. But, even after the retooled 2017 version was released, we still loved it. See our full 2018 CF Zen review.
There are several other great options in the big barrel space. Especially in the drop 5, we love the Easton Ghost X for many of the same reasons we love the CF Zen in the drop 10. The Ghost X Drop 5 has remarkable pop and a good-sized barrel. Expect an end-loaded feel. Oddly, the drop 5 Ghost X has a smaller barrel profile than the drop 8 or drop 10 Ghost X, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t rake. See our 2018 Easton Ghost X review.
Both the Easton Ghost X and CF Zen come in lovely drop 8 options. But, our favorite drop 8 big barrel for 2018 is Marucci’s CAT 7. This swings, feels, and sounds a lot different than the two-piece composite bats that grace this list. But, no doubt, it delivers absolute screamers. We love the balance and slightly tapered grip as well as the durability and brilliant feel. The stiff feel from the single piece can occasionally ring the hands, but Marucci’s AV2 knob is a unique feature that makes it reasonable for even young hitters. The CAT 7 is a top-shelf cold weather bat built for performance players at a fraction of the price. See our Marucci CAT 7 review.
The most comfortable choice on this list is the 2018 Rawlings VELO for the best drop 12 bat. Most bat companies do not take the drop 12 space seriously. They leave their second-tier bats to top out the space. Not Rawlings. They upgrade their traditional single piece Rawlings VELO into a two-piece composite with a huge barrel and a great feel. If you are looking for the best 2018 drop 12 bats, and money is not an option, then the two-piece Rawlings VELO is a fantastic option. See our Rawlings VELO review.
There are not very many cheap 2018 big barrel baseball bats worth mentioning. Under $75 are about the same. That is, a single piece of aluminum shaved down to offer a light swing weight. These rarely have any tech that helps dampen sting. But, if your player is new to the sport and you are just looking to get through a couple of games before diving into the deep end, we like the Easton S450. You can find this bat everywhere for a pretty low price, and as a drop 11 it should be useful to the beginners.
If you have a budget of $100 and are trying to be the wisest, we suggest the 2018 Omaha 518 as the best value 2018 Big Barrel Bat. There is not a ton of tech on this bat as it is, a good old fashioned single piece of aluminum. However, the barrel performs well and is considered one of Slugger’s top end bats. We like the grip, tapered knob, and several size offerings (drop 10, 8, and 5). It’s a very legit choice for under $100. See our Slugger 518 review.
Buying the bats above can save you a few bucks. Except for the drop 12 VELO, the 2017 version of each of the bats we list above are identical. And, if you can find them, likely worth it at a discount from this year’s model. Finding used or last year’s model is a bit of an art form, and we discuss some tricks to buying bats here.
One notable exception, in terms of saving money, the 2017 Drop 5 DeMarini CF Zen. This bat is straight ridiculous. Very hard to find at any level of a discount. It is our favorite drop 5 bats, maybe ever.
(The below section entails our write up for 2017 bats. If you are looking for our thoughts, after hours of testing, on the 2017 line of big barrel bats then see below).
There are a ton of reasonable drop 5 bats on the market. Easton’s MAKO XL Beast, Marucci’s CAT 7, or the Voodoo Insane are big-time drop 5 options. But the bomb-making ability of the CF Zen is unmatched.
The 2017 model, over the 2016 model, added some barrel length with a new internal design. The technology in the knob to help dampen sting is still there. Expect a focused barrel and a super smooth feel. Great for kids who can handle a drop 5, but who don’t think an end-load is the feel for them. See our 2017 CF Zen review.
We originally had DeMarini’s CF Zen in the drop 8 as the winner of this section. However, the bat was deemed illegal by USSSA and several other leagues. As such, it probably does not deserve a strong recommendation.
The drop 8 CAT 7, however, does. The at is dynamite for all the same reasons the drop 5 bat is incredible. Expect a smooth swing and a beautiful ping. The bat swings well, and it benefits the player who has good bat speed. The barrel is the right size, and the balance is manageable but by no means light. See our 2017 Marucci CAT 7 review.
DeMarini’s Voodoo 2 5/8 big barrel bat is our favorite drop 9 of the bunch, in part because the balanced two-piece hybrid is a fabulous smooth swing with that hot out of the wrapper aluminum from DeMarini we have grown to love. Collegiate teams that swing DeMarini almost always tend toward the Voodoo over the CF Series.
The other part of the reason we think it is the best drop 9 big barrel today is that it is just about the only one. Most other brands offer a drop 10 or a drop 8. A two-piece hybrid in a drop 10 or drop 8, though, is difficult to find, too. Hence the reason the DeMarini Voodoo dominates the space. See our 2017 DeMarini Voodoo review.
No bat space in the baseball bat market is more competitive, save BBCOR than the drop 10 big barrel space. There are a half dozen or more great choices in this same space. We chose the Easton MAKO Beast as our best big barrel drop 10 for its barrel size, balance weight, and high performance. Every single player who used the bat sang its praises.
The Easton Beast won our best overall 2017 baseball bat award. Not a small feat. In part, that award rests on fulfilling the purpose of the drop 10, which the Beast does so very well. We are confident there is not a kid in the drop 10 ample barrel space that will dislike the 2017 Easton MAKO Beast. The only thing we don’t like about the Beast is the price—but welcome to youth baseball. See our 2018 Easton Mako Beast review.
Like the drop 9 section, there are not a ton of bats competing in the drop 12 space. Most drop 12 bats are for the Junior Big Barrel divisions, which come in shorter sizes between 26 and possibly 29 inches. We dedicate an entire page to those best junior barrel baseball bats.
In the Big Barrel, a.k.a. Senior barrel realm, there are only a few that compete with bats longer than 28 inches. One favorite of ours is the 2017 Rawlings Composite VELO. This bat is unlike any other in the VELO line, as instead of a single piece hybrid, it is a two-piece composite bat. It comes in a 2 3/4 only but has a super light swing weight. Reviews of last year’s model were not stellar due to some durability issues on some early releases. But the 2017 model claims to have fixed that, and our players have had great success with the drop 12 VELO. See our 2017 Rawlings VELO review.
(Below are some bats you can rarely find new anymore. But, in terms of eBay type purchases, they may serve you well if you can find a reputable seller and a good deal.)
Anyone who reads this blog knows we are in love with the drop 10 2015 Marucci Hex Composite. For us, it was love at first sight. The barrel is gigantic, swing weight light, and sweet spot large, to say nothing of the design, which we think looks fantastic. Those in the market for a top-shelf big barrel bat in only a drop 10 will not regret this decision. It’s a top-shelf choice for 2015. (Check pricing here).
The Drop 5 CF7 from DeMarini may be our favorite bat of the year in any category. My three sons prefer this bat over any of the arsenals we have, and the ropes drilled from this bat are remarkable. It does not come in a 2 3/4 version (only 2 5/8), but we stand by our earlier claim: if you can swing it, you should swing it. It’s also not inexpensive, but if any bat has a share on the top of a list of the best senior league or big barrel bats, we don’t know how this wouldn’t be anything but first. (These are still hard to find, but check the pricing here).
Combat’s 2 5/8 drop 12 Portent G3 puts a stamp on the phrase “big barrel bat.” This stick should make any list of top-shelf big barrel youth bats for 2015. The barrel is smooth, and Combat’s seamless construction makes for an enjoyable hit. The green version is a boat oar at the plate with an ultra-light swing weight and a lizard skin grip. Those who prefer one-piece bats and Combat fans will be utterly pleased with this green monster. (Check pricing here).
We admit this choice is predictable, but how do we leave off what is probably the most popular bat off the best bat list? Easton’s 2015 big barrel MAKO is as good a bat you may ever swing, and, like the BBCOR version, those who swing it scoff at the idea they should ever try something different. Huge long barrel, low swing weight per length, and a couple of other options: a drop 10 2 3/4 and drop 9 2 5/8. The marquee bat from the most prominent metal and composite bat company is predictably tremendous and is easily a top 5 big barrel bat for 2015. (Check pricing here).
At the risk of being an Easton Homer, we follow up on the MAKO with the 2015 Easton XL1. This bat is the only drop 8 big barrel to make a list (although the DeMarini CF7 and Combat G3 both come in a drop 8). But the big barrel 2015 XL1 drop 8 is the perfect bat for a heavy hitter who isn’t quite ready for a drop 5 yet. The XL1 is a monster bat whose genealogy contains the famed Easton Omen and little league series lore. The bat is highly, highly recommended. (Check pricing here).
Probably should have made this list: Slugger 915 Prime drop 5, DeMarini Overlord FT drop 9. Why they didn’t make the list is a mystery, but it’s a top 5 list, and we had to make it shorter. These bats rock in the big barrel market.
There is significant confusion in the industry surrounding the terms’ big barrel’ and ‘senior league.’ Each vendor often uses them interchangeably. Technically, a 2 5/8 bat that is NOT a drop 3 is considered a Senior Barrel bat. Big Barrel bats are 2 3/4 sized bats. But, don’t expect the vast majority of vendors and manufacturers to make the distinction.
Junior Big Barrel bats are 2 3/4 inch baseball bats meant for smaller players. They often come in a max size of 26 or 27 inches and have considerable drop weights. These bats are usually not rated for pitch speeds over 45 miles per hour.
We cover the 10-year-old question exclusively in the best bat for a 10-year-old article.
If you are talking about the official Little League, then the answer is no. They use USA Bats now, and you can read all about that stuff here.
It is probably safe to say that a top-shelf bat from any number of companies performs at peak powers. If it says Slugger, Easton, DeMarini, Rawlings, Axe, Anderson, Marucci, or Combat (and maybe one or two others), then you can bet the bat is legit.
Bats that have higher price points tend to have larger barrels, more specific swing weights, and technological innovations that dampen hand sting.
BPF 1.15 standard implementation has forced bat companies to the drawing board on innovation.
To the contrary of what many vendors often erroneously claim, a bat with an end load does not also have a high swing weight or MOI (mass moment of inertia). Instead of where the load is found in a bat is only one of many factors that determine swing weight—the most important of which is arguably the total length of a bat. Just because a bat has a handle or end load does not also mean it has a low or high swing weight. You can prefer an end-loaded bat but get a low swing weight by only getting a shorter size. See our swing weight charts.
Just Bat Reviews, LLC DBA Bat Digest participate in affiliate marketing programs including but not limited to Amazon and eBay. We most likely earn a comission from companies we link to on this site.
© 2021. Just Bat Reviews, LLC DBA Bat Digest Company.
We’ve finally got around to updating our comments section! This page is read hundreds of times a week by several real and normal parents and players. Please be kind and assume the best in people while commenting.
This still was a great list and helped a lot thank you!
Looking for USSSA advice. My son is 13 and will need a -8 or -5 in the spring. He’s 5-4 and about 115 right now, but I expect him to be at least 5-5 if not taller by the time spring rolls around. A 31 is the longest bat he’s swung so far – at 31-21 (Prime) in Little League and 31-23 (Velo) in USSSA — so I’m a little nervous about going up to a 32, but based on the size charts I think that’s probably what he should be swinging in the spring? Would you agree with that? I think my plan is to get him a -5 since he’ll probably be going up to BBCOR sometime next year.
Also, any recs on which bats will be more on the balanced side? I’m willing to buy a new bat and pay up to $300-350.
Pete,
I think a 13-Year-old swinging a 31/26 is reasonable. It will likely just come down to the model. Stay away from a bat-like the Elite which swings real heavy for a drop 5. But, any of the others, like the CF, might be a great fit. I wish it were as easy as some algorithm on the right size, but it’s rarely that easy. It will just be a matter of trial and error. My guess is he’ll be fine with a 31 and he’s used to that in terms of relativity to the plate.
In terms of deals and the right bat, we’d try and find a 2018 Easton Ghost in a 31/26 used on ebay.
This guy:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Easton-SL18GX5-31-26-Ghost-X-5-Baseball-Bat-2-3-4-USSSA-stamp/174512686791?hash=item28a1c446c7:g:dJAAAOSwLwhfYEpX
Under the radar bat that we’d put against the Zen all day. The longest hit we’ve ever seen by a 13-year-old was with that bat.
To be sure, we have no idea who that seller is so proceed with caution. It is eBay after all.
But there should be plenty of those for sale. In fact, with a $350 budget, maybe just buy the 31 and the 32, throw in a wood bat for the winter to get his strength up and see how it goes come spring.
Hope that helps and thanks for reaching out.
My son has been using a USSSA Easton Beast Speed Hybrid for the last couple years in a 30 and 31 lengths. I am looking for something similar in a drop 8 for next year. Outside of the CAT 9 Connect that is impossible to find in stock, is there anything else I should be looking at?
Dave,
The most comparable bat in a USSSA would be something like the CAT 9/8/7 etc. (not connect). It’s also a single piece and has that sort of balanced swing and big barrel. That’d be our bet.
Also in USSSA, you have bats like the new T1 from True. That’d be our second choice behind the CAT in terms of things that are similar to the USSSA Beast.
Hope that helps and thanks for reaching out.
Have a soon to be 13 y.o., 5’5” / 125 lbs. Really athletic and pretty strong kid. Has a few 260/270 bombs but more of a line drive hitter. Goes the other way really well. Spent the fall transitioning to -5, now ready to make a purchase for his bday. Likes the Bonesaber (hasn’t hit yet), Rawlings Velo ACP, and Cat9 (loves hitting a -8 Cat7 this Summer). Any thoughts?
The reason he might like the USSSA Bonesaber is due to it’s handle—the barrel is decent although arguably a bit undersized. But, we do love that handle—especially in the bigger BBCOR and for the right kind of USSSA kid. Of the bats you mentioned, we thik the CAT 9 drop 5 will be the favorite. The VELO drop 5 swings very, very light—drop 10 light so its almost weird. But, we still like two piece composites like the CF or Easton Ghost in the drop 5 for that age group–they seem to really get a hold of them.
So, if we had to choose, maybe an older drop 5 Easton Ghost? If you want to pay an arm and a leg, then no one has ever gone wrong with the drop CF.
My 8 yr old son has a few bats I got used. Louisville slugger catalysts, combat pg4 and a Louisville slugger attach (2013 Model). As it is a bit chillier in northern Illinois this spring, he get hand sting when he swings hard and I notice him letting off with all but the attack. He says that is the only one that doesn’t hurt his hands. I am guessing it’s because the old attack is a 2 piece bat. I know there are a lot better bats out there, but the bat with the most pop in the world will not make up for a reduced swing. I am looking for the best new bat that: #1 has low hand sting and #2 has good pop. What do you suggest?
Dustin,
Thanks. And, to your point, we think hand sting is a huge factor in kids doing well with bats. It’s why, as far as we can guess, most young kids prefer two-piece bats even if they don’t know it.
For USSSA, we really like the CF series of bats. No bat feels better and less stingy than the CF. However, those bats are notorious for their durability. But, until they break, they do have the best pop and the least sting.
If you want to go for something less expensive and cliche’, then there are many two-piece bats out there. Today’s iteration of the Attack is called the Slugger Prime. They even made a Meta version of that bat this year, which feels fantastic. You can find that in all types of sizes and shapes. Marucci has a new USSSA bat called the CAT 9 Connect. They have been hard to find in stock so far but are worth a look if you can. Easton’s has a group of bats called the ADV 360. Those are also great feeling bats with outstanding performance.
So, in the spirit of giving you a bat, not a list, we’d say this: Get a CF. If you don’t want that, then a solid second place could be the 2021 Meta from Slugger. If you want to spend less, find a 2018/19 Easton Ghost in USSSA on eBay/sidelineswap.
I hope that helps!
My son is a 12-year-old and playing up in the 13-14 division. He is swinging a 31/23 but uses a 31/28 for wood in the cage… Should I get him a 31/26 USA bat or a Solo Bbcor (light swinging) as his next bat… Would the lightest swinging BBCOR be better than a -5 USA bat?
There is virtually no difference between the allowable limit of a BBCOR bat when compared to a USA bat in terms of barrel performance. So, if all other things are equal, the bats will perform the same.
However, Considering BBCOR bats have been around for quite a while, and many companies have created barrels that perform at peak velocities along their length, we’d bet one would have better success with a good BBCOR bat over a good drop 5 USA Bat.
What it will really come down to is swing weight. In your example above, a heavier swinging BBCOR bat will naturally hit harder than a lighter swinging USA bat because of some simple laws of physics. That assumes he can swing both bats at the same speed. That there is our solution, too. It depends on how much dexterity he has with the BBCOR bat. Considering he hits with a 31/28 woodie often enough, we’d guess he’d do better at the plate on average with a 31/28 BBCOR bat. The Solo is a good pick. But, at a 31-inch, you could even go with the Quatro, CF, or META. We would stay away from heavier swinging BBCOR bats like The Goods or CAT 9. But, if we had to pick, we’d go with a 31/28 in his favorite non-end-loaded BBCOR bat.
I hope that helps!
👍thank you very much for the detailed response. That helps me a lot with the decision.. Looks like I’m hoping for some Black Friday deals.. Take care, God bless and stay safe!!!
Sounds good! We got that too. It’s our favorite day of the year:
https://www.batdigest.com/blog/black-friday-baseball-deals/
I’m a 5 hole hitter and I dont know what to buy between a cf zen black and Cat 8. I’m not really a home run hitter, I’m more of a double and single hitter. I dont really have much of a budget either since I’m using my birthday money. Hope u can help.
If you’re talking USSSA, nothing really beats the Zen—although the CAT is a close second. The problem with the Zen has always been durability. So, if you’re down for overpaying for a fantastic bat that might break then go Zen. If you want a really good bat that you can count on, CAT 8/9 all day. At least, that’s what we think.
My 9-year-old made a travel team this spring and needs a USSSA bat. He has been using a Demarini Voodoo One 29/19 USA bat, which seems to be the right size. He is a skinny kid and could work on his strength, so I would say not a power hitter, but sometimes he wows us. The new league has a barrel restriction of no larger than 2 5/8. I thought I had narrowed it down to the 2017 Marucci CAT 7 but then noticed it is a drop 8. Does that 2 ounces make a huge difference? My husband says yes. But it gets such good reviews, and they don’t make 2 5/8 anymore. Also looking at the 2019 Easton Beast Speed & Beast Speed Hybrid (but a little afraid of a 2 pc as I am unfamiliar with these). We live in the cold Northeast, and now I am reading it isn’t good to use some bats in the cold. Am I on the right track? Any other ones I should look at? I am ok with older models as there are more reviews but will pay for the right bat. I cheaped out in the past with bats and now can see the difference in spending more for a quality bat.
The difference between a drop 8 and drop 10, all other things being equal, is from 15 to 25% heavier swing depending on the model. That’s considerable. That said, sizing down an inch gets you half that back. So, in theory, at least, a kid swinging a 32/22 drop 10 might feel like a 30/22 drop 8 is about the same swing weight. Of course, this is all highly model-specific, but those are good enough rules to guess by. Since your boy is swinging a 29, there really isn’t the option to drop to the 8 and size down two inches (they don’t make a 27/19).
In terms of those particular bats, we think that the 9u age group generally prefers two-piece bats, and the Beast Speed Hybrid would be a decent choice in a 29/19. As always, our list above might help if you’re still looking. We try and update it often with the “latest and greatest.”
My son is playing 8U USSSA this season. He has a 2016 -11 Easton Mako and a 2019 Cat 8 Composite. Both bats claim to be 18-ounce bats. Mako 29/18 and Cat 8 Comp 28/18, my son is not a big 8-year-old he’s a little over 4 feet tall and weighs in the 60-65 pound range. Which of the bats would have a lighter swing weight? Or should I be seeking out a different bat for him?
Hey Eric,
The average 8 years old swings a drop 12 28/16. So, you might do better by sizing down an inch to the 28/17 instead of the 29. As you know, increases in length change the swing weight more than increases in scale weight. So, a 28/17 (or drop 12 28/16) will likely feel right at home.
Our experience with 8U bats is that the brand and model rarely matter. Both the Mako and Cat Composite do just fine. Players at that age usually cannot generate the bat and pitch speed which really compresses the barrel and pushes towards that limit. That said, if we had to choose, we really like that 2016 Easton MAKO. Fun bat, good look and you can probably get it for a song these days. Better yet, it is two-piece so will likely feel better on stingy hits.
I am looking for a USSSA hybrid drop 8 for my son. He has liked the hybrid feel of his beast speed hybrid but that only comes in a drop 10.
These are our favorite types of questions because it narrows down the options so dramatically.
(As a side note, it blows our minds that bat companies will produce two-piece composite bats in drop 10 droves and single-piece bats in every iteration imaginable, but when you want something like a hybrid USSSA drop 8, they are nowhere to be found. Weird.)
To your question, your only option is the T1 from True bats. And, turns out, it’s a legit option. We’ve hit with them and think they do a great job of meeting performance standards. If you don’t know much, this company is a golf company that hired a bunch of former Easton folks who are now trying to design a bat line. If you’re looking for a drop 8 in a USSSA bat, then that is your option.
If you don’t like that idea for whatever reason, then the only other idea would be to size up in the Beast Speed Hybrid that you do like. Of course, if you’re already swinging the 32, then that won’t work. But, if you happen to be in a 31 or 30-inch, then moving up an inch is about the equivalent of dropping to the 8 from the 10.
Would you recommend the Easton adv 360 for a 12 year old that plays high level u trip ball. He bats lead off but isn’t really your typical lead off hitter, he punches balls in gaps and occasionally puts balls over the wall. He is 5’6 108 lbs. we are leaning toward the adv 360 but what would you recommend for him. Anything but the cf, we think he would probably break a cf considering we live in Arkansas and the temperatures get unpredictable during baseball season. Thanks
Harrison,
We like the ADV 360. It’s got a big barrel, swings light, and probably has better durability than the CF. It is, for all intents and purposes, Easton’s version of the CF. Another idea, although hard to find right now, you might also like the new CAT 9 Connect in USSSA. At 12U, he might really like the drop 8 or 5 if he can swing it. The newer drop 5 CAT 9 Connect is a great bat, but they’ve been super hard to find this year. We’re hoping some will pop up before the holidays. I hope that helps, and, to be frank, it sounds like this guy will do pretty good with any bat. Keep up the good work.
Thank you sir, We also watch your youtube videos and are subscibed to your channel, Hope you and your family have a merry christmas. And thanks for the support!
Hey guys, I really respect your evaluation processes. So, I am considering moving my son up to a drop 8 USSSA bat. He is short, but has a good swing. I have noticed in slow-mo video that his bat slows on contact with the ball. He hasn’t had trouble catching up to faster pitchers so I wanted to get a bigger bat. My main question is what your thoughts were on weight versus length. Again, he’s small for his age, 11. I don’t want to sacrifice bat control, so I’m thinking of keeping the same 28″ length but moving to a 20 ounce bat…limiting me to either Marucci or Victus…same company anyway. Am I wrong in assuming that moving up to a 29″ drop 10 would have less effect on “stopping the bat” at contact…and more negative effect of bat control that keeping the 28″ but moving to a drop 8?
Thanks Adam,
Good question. The reason his bat is stopping, as we’re sure you realize, is there isn’t enough force on the ball at contact.
In terms of his bat, he can increase force one of two ways. The first is to increase his swing speed, the second is to increase the bat’s weight. Swing speed only increases if the bat get’s lighter, the bat’s weight only increases if the bat gets heavier.
In theory at least, it’s hard to say that an increase in bat swing weight won’t slow down his swing and take away any effect the increase in weight might have had. If he’s catching up to the ball just fine, then he might be able to handle more weight. How you get that more weight doesn’t really matter—going down a drop or up an inch.
We think a 28/20 doesn’t make much sense—and neither do most bat manufacturers, hence the reason only Victus and Marucci make such a size. We’d much rather see someone in the 30-inch range bat before they get to a drop 8. Our sense he’s swinging too short a bat and we’d suggest a 29/19 or 30/20. The average 11-year-old is swinging a 30/20. It might be nice to have him borrow or try out a bat in that size to see how he does with it. But, in short, if the start point is 28-inches, we’d go with a longer bat before we’d go with the lower drop. When he gets through the 30/20, then look at a 30/22 or 31/23.
Thanks and hope that helps.
Looking for some guidance on a bat for my 12 year old son. He is 5 feet and 90 pounds. This will be his first year using a USSSA bat. Previously, he was using a USA bat. He likes the lighter bats, his USA bat is 29” drop 11. Wondering about alloy vs. composite and any other recommendations. I would prefer to stay under $200 if at all possible.
Hey Kirk,
If you want to stay under $200 new for a USSSA bat, then you don’t have too many 2021 options. Especially now, December is a terrible time to find a deal on new bats. Retailers know people are opening up their wallets, and deals are very hard to come by. We did a quick search at Dicks Sporting Goods and found the CAT 8 for $229. Based on your description, and assuming we had to buy new on DSG’s website (all of which is not true, but that helps us narrow some things down), then we’d buy a 30/20 Marucci CAT 8 in USSSA (https://dicks-sporting-goods.ryvx.net/AM07N).
We also found, on JustBats, a Slugger Solo in a 30/20 for under $150. (https://www.justbats.com/product/2020-louisville-slugger-solo–10-usssa-baseball-bat–wtlsls6x1020/31775/). If under $200 is a hard stop, then the Solo is a very, very good choice (and an excellent deal, surprisingly).
Going from USA to USSSA should be a real treat for your son. He’ll likely feel like any USSSA bat he has is clobbering the ball compared to the USA counterpart.
All that said, and to answer a question you didn’t ask, we’d probably use our $200 to buy an A2000 like this (https://www.justballgloves.com/product/wilson-a2000-superskin-11-75–baseball-glove–wta20rb191787ss/30483/), and then, come January, we’d look on eBay or Sidelineswap for a used CAT 8 in a 30/20 for <$100. Hopefully, you can find something useful in there. Thanks for reading.
Hi, I have a soon-to-be 9 year old that’s on the larger side (56″, probably about 90 lbs now). He’s swinging the Cat 9 28/18 pretty well, but as with most young players, he’s got a little bit of elbow drag. I was thinking about getting him a 2021 Axe Avenge Pro to give him a little help with his hands (we bought a used 2019, and he does well with it) once he’s ready to move up to 29/19. But the exit speed data doesn’t seem encouraging for that bat. Is the reworked handle for 2021 the issue, or is this just a mediocre bat?
Hey Josh,
As I’m sure you know, If the “elbow drag” is a function of his mechanics, then a different bat with the same swing weight isn’t going to fix much of that. If it’s a function of the bat being too heavy for him, then you might want to get a lighter swinging bat. Maybe, something like the Victus Vandal?
In terms of the Avenge Pro for 2021, it doesn’t swing as light as it did in previous models. So, going from the 2019 to the 2021 might make his problem worse—if, in fact, it is because of too heavy a bat.
To your point, the axe avenge data wasn’t terribly impressive. Our hitters couldn’t find the barrel on that thing, although it is bigger and feels better than previous versions. We’ve always loved the Axe Handle but always struggled to find the barrel. Maybe some can?
Those exit speeds might be more a function of the bat’s swing weight and length (it was a 30/20).
We really like the CAT 9 Connect in USSSA. If it were our money and we were looking for a new bat for this coming year, then our money would be on one of those.
Thanks, and I hope that helps.
Thanks, Brian. I think the drag is mostly just not getting his hands
out in front. He was whiffing on the insider bat off a tee up until we
really started working on it the past couple of weeks. Now he can line
them up pretty reliably, but when he transitions back to a regular bat
he still lets his hands follow the top hand elbow. I’m not looking to
fix it with a swing weight change but rather hoping the axe handle
would encourage him to take his hands to the ball earlier, because he
has more leverage to whip the barrel later in the swing.
Do you like the CAT 9 Connect over the CF Zen? Thanks
That makes sense. And, for sure, the Axe handle does help get the hand to the ball. Personally, I love the handle. For some reason, I haven’t convinced the hitters that come into the facility to do so—but I personally love it.
FWIW, you might also want to look into the SwingRail. It might help some. I had a younger boy who really benefited from it. But, as well, I realize you didn’t come here for hitting advice.
We don’t like the Connect better than the CF, unfortunately. And we say unfortunately because we feel like we’ve been preaching CF from the beginning of time. However, the Connect is as good as you’ll get out there that isn’t called the CF. It’s also cheaper and more durable, which is enough reason, in our mind, to get the Connect instead. But, both choices are great ones.
In January, Marucci is releasing a bat called the CF Composite. We love it. Still, again, not the CF. But, it’s as close as any two-piece composite bat has yet to be. If it can be more durable than the CF, we’ll think it is the best there is.