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Home > All Bests

Best USSSA Bats 2023

By Bat Digest

Updated April 7, 2023

TLDR; For April 2023, we think the best USSSA big barrel bat is the 2023 Marucci CAT X Composite. If you want another take on the same kind of 2023 bat, then DeMarini’s CF Mashup is fire too. And some serious April 2023 price drops for the ADV Hype make it attractive too. If you want some old-school work, look for an Easton Maxum.

We get perforamnce data from our bats, directly form real USSSA hitters. And we use that data to find best USSSA bats empirically. That is, we track thousands of swings from multiple players. We collect exit speeds, ball flights, and survey data from players and parents alike on the bat’s value, durability, performance, perception, popularity, and more. For 2023, you can see those results below, these are updated as the season rolls along.

Updated April 7, 2023

We’ve collected the vast majority of our data for the 2023 season in USSSA and updated our page to represent the 2023 bats.

2. 2023 DeMarini CF Mashup

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USSSA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: WTDXCBZFE

Original Price: $350

Release Month: October 2021

2. Best USSSA Bat 2023

2023 DeMarini CF Mashup USSSA Drop 10
USSSA
2023 DeMarini CF Mashup

$350

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

If you don’t want the Marucci CAT X Composite, then DeMarini’s CF is legit and always has been. Over the years, its so-called durability issues have made it lose its luster, but we don’t find it any less durable than other bats—instead its prevalence in the market makes it more likely to break simply because, at one point, 80% of all serious USSSA players used the CF. In any case, the bat is great for all the reasons the CAT X Composite is too. It’s a great bat for 2023.

1. 2023 Marucci CAT X Composite

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USSSA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: MSBCCPX10

Original Price: $400

Release Month: August 2022

1. Best USSSA Bat 2023

2023 Marucci CAT X Composite USSSA Drop 10
USSSA
2023 Marucci CAT X Composite

$400

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

The best USSSA bat for 2023 is tight race, but if the average to good hitter wants a big barrel, light swing, fantastic feel and top-end performance on a great-looking bat, then the best USSSA bat for 2023 is the CAT X Composite for Marucci. Are there other options? Of course. But if you force us to choose, this is the best.

11. 2022 DeMarini Zen

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USSSA

Sizes: 30, 31, 32, 33

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 5

Swing Weight: Mid+

Serial Number: WTDXCB522

Original Price: $350

Release Month: October 2021

Best Drop 5 USSSA Bat - 2022

2022 DeMarini Zen USSSA Drop 5
USSSA
2022 DeMarini Zen

$350

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Look, this bat is a monster. If you are 13 years old and are allowed to swing this bat, then thank you, lucky stars. Sincerely, it will NEVER get better than this. BBCOR bats are duds compared to this monster. It is, without a doubt, the best-performing legal bat on the market today. Some other drop 5 bats hit it well, too, in USSSA, but swing this bat as a 13-year-old if you can because you’ll one day be able to tell your grandchildren that you were one of the few who got to swing the drop 5 CF as a teenager. Swing hard, run harder.

3. 2022 DeMarini Zoa

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USSSA

Sizes: 30, 31, 32, 33

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Drop: 5

Swing Weight: Mid+

Serial Number: WTDXZB522

Original Price: $400

Release Month: October 2021

Best Drop 5 USSSA Bat

2022 DeMarini Zoa USSSA Drop 5
USSSA
2022 DeMarini Zoa

$400

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

The ZOA is more different than its CF brother in its connection piece stiffness. That is, the ZOA has a stiffer connection piece than the drop 5 CF. This doesn’t change performance as much as it changes feel–as both bats can hit the seams out of the ball. Overall, the ZOA gets as good of exit speeds as any bat in the drop 5 space, has a massive barrel and that stiff connection pushes the player ratings beyond that of the CF–which has found itself on top of the best drop 5 USSSA bats. There are a lot of good options here, but if we had to choose we’d take the drop 5 DeMarini ZOA as a best drop 5 USSSA bat for 2022.

5. 2020 DeMarini CF

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USSSA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: WTDXCBZ20

Original Price: $350

Release Month: August 2019

Best USSSA Bat - 2020

2020 DeMarini CF USSSA Drop 10 2020 DeMarini CF USSSA Drop 10
2020 DeMarini CF USSSA Drop 10
USSSA
2020 DeMarini CF

$350

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

The 2020 CF is a legend. The bat hasn’t changed much over the last few years after its retooling in the 2017 version (to be made legal). But, it still has a huge barrel, light swing weight, and feels great on hits and mishits. We’ve never seen a kid hit with the CF and think anything other than this bat was legit and one of the best, if not the best, in the bunch.

We like the CF even better in a drop 8, but the drop 10 is where 9 through 11-year-old legends are made.

4. 2022 Easton Maxum Ultra

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USSSA

Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: SL22MX10

Original Price: $300

Release Month: October 2021

Best Single Piece USSSA Bat - 2022

2022 Easton Maxum Ultra USSSA Drop 10
USSSA
2022 Easton Maxum Ultra

$300

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

In all our years of awarding bats, we aren’t sure we’ve ever put a single piece as our favorite drop 10 USSSA bat. This category is dominated by the two-piece composites of the world. You may blame this ranking on our fatigue of feeling like a broken record. But, to be perfectly sure, we think the Easton Maxum Ultra is the best 2022 USSSA bat in a drop 10 because its barrel is massive, the sizing options are wide (27 to 32-inch), the barrel is bigger than anyone and the swing weight is light. There really is a size for any hitter. Throw in the fact it is widely available and more than $100 less than two-piece composites and we have ourselves a winner.

6. 2019 DeMarini CF Zen

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USSSA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: WTDXCBZ19

Original Price: $350

Release Month: August 2018

Best USSSA Bat - 2019

2019 DeMarini CF Zen USSSA Drop 10
USSSA
2019 DeMarini CF Zen

$350

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Aside from its durability (or lack thereof), the 2019 DeMarini CF Zen in a drop 10 is all anyone could ever hope for. The bat has a great sweet spot, feels fantastic on every hit, and was the most popular 2019 USSSA bat for a reason. Despite the problems, the 2017 through 2018 version had with certification (some got banned), people still flock to this bat.

Note, for sure, the bat still suffers from durability issues. If you are going to buy it, we suggest you either get a terrific deal on a used one or find one from a vendor who can make sure you have a warranty.

As a colorway, DeMarini also released a “Black” version of this exact bat. It is not any different than the other 2019 other than the paint job.

10. 2021 Louisville Slugger Meta

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USSSA

Sizes: 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Drop: 8

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: WBL2468010

Original Price: $350

Release Month: September 2020

Best Drop 8 USSSA Bat - 2021

2021 Louisville Slugger Meta USSSA Drop 8
USSSA
2021 Louisville Slugger Meta

$350

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

The truth is, we could have chosen the CF, CAT 9 Connect, and CAT 9 in this spot. But, we thought we’d share the brand love (although Slugger, like DeMarini, is also owned by Wilson). It turns out, too, the drop 8 Meta is an absolute win—which is rare for the bat’s first run. The Meta builds on the Prime series of bats from previous years, uses what they learned in the connection piece in the very popular Meta, and puts that in a great feel, big barrel, and top-end performance of the drop 8 2021 Slugger Meta.

If budget is not a concern and you want what many consider the best drop 8 bats on the market (including us), then you can’t go wrong with the 2021 Louisville Slugger Meta.

9. 2019 Easton Beast Speed

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USSSA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: SL19BS10

Original Price: $200

Release Month: August 2018

Best Cheap USSSA Bat

2019 Easton Beast Speed USSSA Drop 10
USSSA
2019 Easton Beast Speed

$200

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

At the time of this writing, we could find plenty 2019 Easton Beast Speeds available. The original price of the bat was $199, but we found it in a few places for less than $100. With a sub $100 price point new in wrapper, it makes all other bat buys in the USSSA space feel ridiculous. The Easton Beast Speed gets great ratings, has top-end exit speeds, a light swing, a good grip and a big barrel profile. Aside from the composite sound of the CF and the buttery smooth feel of the other two-piece bats on this list it lacks nothing.

If you want a deal on a legit bat in the USSSA space then we think the best cheap USSSA bat on the market right now is the 2019 Easton East Speed.

 

8. 2018 DeMarini CF Zen

Player Feedback
Performance
Relevance
Demand
Tech Specs
Specs

Certification: USSSA

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Drop: 10

Swing Weight: Light+

Serial Number: WTDXCBZ

Original Price: $350

Release Month: August 2017

Best USSSA Bat - 2018

2018 DeMarini CF Zen USSSA Drop 10
USSSA
2018 DeMarini CF Zen

$350

Original Price

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

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.

Recommended Video

Best USSSA Bats 2023

2

2023 DeMarini CF Mashup

2. Best USSSA Bat 2023
CF Mashup 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 CF Mashup

If you don’t want the Marucci CAT X Composite, then DeMarini’s CF is legit and always has been. Over the years, its so-called durability issues have made it lose its luster, but we don’t find it any less durable than other bats—instead its prevalence in the market makes it more likely to break simply because, at one point, 80% of all serious USSSA players used the CF. In any case, the bat is great for all the reasons the CAT X Composite is too. It’s a great bat for 2023.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31

Drop: 10

Serial Number: WTDXCBZFE

Release Month: October 2021

11

2022 DeMarini Zen

Best Drop 5 USSSA Bat - 2022
Zen 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 Zen

Look, this bat is a monster. If you are 13 years old and are allowed to swing this bat, then thank you, lucky stars. Sincerely, it will NEVER get better than this. BBCOR bats are duds compared to this monster. It is, without a doubt, the best-performing legal bat on the market today. Some other drop 5 bats hit it well, too, in USSSA, but swing this bat as a 13-year-old if you can because you’ll one day be able to tell your grandchildren that you were one of the few who got to swing the drop 5 CF as a teenager. Swing hard, run harder.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 30, 31, 32, 33

Drop: 5

Serial Number: WTDXCB522

Release Month: October 2021

1

2023 Marucci CAT X Composite

1. Best USSSA Bat 2023
CAT X Composite 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 CAT X Composite

The best USSSA bat for 2023 is tight race, but if the average to good hitter wants a big barrel, light swing, fantastic feel and top-end performance on a great-looking bat, then the best USSSA bat for 2023 is the CAT X Composite for Marucci. Are there other options? Of course. But if you force us to choose, this is the best.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: MSBCCPX10

Release Month: August 2022

5

2020 DeMarini CF

Best USSSA Bat - 2020
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 2020 CF

The 2020 CF is a legend. The bat hasn’t changed much over the last few years after its retooling in the 2017 version (to be made legal). But, it still has a huge barrel, light swing weight, and feels great on hits and mishits. We’ve never seen a kid hit with the CF and think anything other than this bat was legit and one of the best, if not the best, in the bunch.

We like the CF even better in a drop 8, but the drop 10 is where 9 through 11-year-old legends are made.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: WTDXCBZ20

Release Month: August 2019

3

2022 DeMarini Zoa

Best Drop 5 USSSA Bat
Zoa 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 Zoa

The ZOA is more different than its CF brother in its connection piece stiffness. That is, the ZOA has a stiffer connection piece than the drop 5 CF. This doesn’t change performance as much as it changes feel–as both bats can hit the seams out of the ball. Overall, the ZOA gets as good of exit speeds as any bat in the drop 5 space, has a massive barrel and that stiff connection pushes the player ratings beyond that of the CF–which has found itself on top of the best drop 5 USSSA bats. There are a lot of good options here, but if we had to choose we’d take the drop 5 DeMarini ZOA as a best drop 5 USSSA bat for 2022.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 5/8

Sizes: 30, 31, 32, 33

Drop: 5

Serial Number: WTDXZB522

Release Month: October 2021

6

2019 DeMarini CF Zen

Best USSSA Bat - 2019
CF Zen 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 CF Zen

Aside from its durability (or lack thereof), the 2019 DeMarini CF Zen in a drop 10 is all anyone could ever hope for. The bat has a great sweet spot, feels fantastic on every hit, and was the most popular 2019 USSSA bat for a reason. Despite the problems, the 2017 through 2018 version had with certification (some got banned), people still flock to this bat.

Note, for sure, the bat still suffers from durability issues. If you are going to buy it, we suggest you either get a terrific deal on a used one or find one from a vendor who can make sure you have a warranty.

As a colorway, DeMarini also released a “Black” version of this exact bat. It is not any different than the other 2019 other than the paint job.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: WTDXCBZ19

Release Month: August 2018

4

2022 Easton Maxum Ultra

Best Single Piece USSSA Bat - 2022
Maxum Ultra 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 Maxum Ultra

In all our years of awarding bats, we aren’t sure we’ve ever put a single piece as our favorite drop 10 USSSA bat. This category is dominated by the two-piece composites of the world. You may blame this ranking on our fatigue of feeling like a broken record. But, to be perfectly sure, we think the Easton Maxum Ultra is the best 2022 USSSA bat in a drop 10 because its barrel is massive, the sizing options are wide (27 to 32-inch), the barrel is bigger than anyone and the swing weight is light. There really is a size for any hitter. Throw in the fact it is widely available and more than $100 less than two-piece composites and we have ourselves a winner.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Sizes: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: SL22MX10

Release Month: October 2021

10

2021 Louisville Slugger Meta

Best Drop 8 USSSA Bat - 2021
Meta 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 Meta

The truth is, we could have chosen the CF, CAT 9 Connect, and CAT 9 in this spot. But, we thought we’d share the brand love (although Slugger, like DeMarini, is also owned by Wilson). It turns out, too, the drop 8 Meta is an absolute win—which is rare for the bat’s first run. The Meta builds on the Prime series of bats from previous years, uses what they learned in the connection piece in the very popular Meta, and puts that in a great feel, big barrel, and top-end performance of the drop 8 2021 Slugger Meta.

If budget is not a concern and you want what many consider the best drop 8 bats on the market (including us), then you can’t go wrong with the 2021 Louisville Slugger Meta.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Sizes: 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 8

Serial Number: WBL2468010

Release Month: September 2020

9

2019 Easton Beast Speed

Best Cheap USSSA Bat
Beast Speed 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 Beast Speed

At the time of this writing, we could find plenty 2019 Easton Beast Speeds available. The original price of the bat was $199, but we found it in a few places for less than $100. With a sub $100 price point new in wrapper, it makes all other bat buys in the USSSA space feel ridiculous. The Easton Beast Speed gets great ratings, has top-end exit speeds, a light swing, a good grip and a big barrel profile. Aside from the composite sound of the CF and the buttery smooth feel of the other two-piece bats on this list it lacks nothing.

If you want a deal on a legit bat in the USSSA space then we think the best cheap USSSA bat on the market right now is the 2019 Easton East Speed.

 

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: SL19BS10

Release Month: August 2018

8

2018 DeMarini CF Zen

Best USSSA Bat - 2018
CF Zen 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 CF Zen

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.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Drop: 10

Serial Number: WTDXCBZ

Release Month: August 2017

7

2021 Marucci CAT 9 Connect

Best Hybrid USSSA Bat - 2021
CAT 9 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 9 Connect

For as long as we’ve been reviewing bats (2014) we’ve never chosen a best USSSA bat that was anything but the CF. But, the CAT 9 Connect just blew us away. We love the bat’s feel, barrel size, durability, price point, and performance. Player feedback is also top-shelf stuff. We have nothing bad to say about this bat and feel like it matches the CF stride for stride in performance and feel and then passes it up in durability and price.

Amazon

Buy Used from SidelineSwap

Specs

Certification: USSSA

Barrel Size: 2 3/4

Sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31

Drop: 10

Serial Number: MSBCC910

Release Month: October 2020

The Research

How We Rank Bats

Best USSSA Bats 2020

Diamond Level Bats

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

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.

  • Combat B2
  • DeMarini Voodoo Balanced
  • Easton ADV 360
  • Easton Maxum
  • Louisville Slugger Prime
  • Louisville Slugger Solo
  • Rawlings VELO ACP
  • Rawlings Quatro Pro (See Rating)

Gold Level Bats

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.

  • Axe Elite One
  • Axe Avenge
  • DeMarini Voodoo One
  • Easton Alpha
  • Easton Fuze
  • Louisville Slugger Prime One
  • Louisville Slugger Omaha
  • Marucci F5
  • Rawlings 5150
 

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.

Best USSSA Bats 2019 Video

Bat League Satisfaction

 

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.

Best USA Bats Rating Chart

What Users Think is the Best USSSA Bat

What Users Think is the Best USSSA Bat

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.

What is the difference between a Senior League bat and a Big Barrel Bat?

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.

What is a Junior Big Barrel Bat?

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.

What is the best Big Barrel Bat for a 10-year-old?

We cover the 10-year-old question exclusively in the best bat for a 10-year-old article.

Can you use a Big Barrel Bat in Little League?

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.

Are all bats the same?

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.

Are better bats always more expensive?

Are better bats always more expensive?

Bats that have higher price points tend to have larger barrels, more specific swing weights, and technological innovations that dampen hand sting.

Are Swing Weight and Bat Load the Same?

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.

What is the Right Bat Size

We think the right size bat is way more important than the right model bat. Never buy the wrong size in the model you or your player might believe is hottest. Our data shows that the most significant piece to determine exit speeds is the swing weight of a bat. It follows that fitting the right size to the right player is single most important piece of data to get right. You can see more on our bat size chart.

Bat Rumors

We don’t see any major changes to the USSSA line in the short run. However, some rumors suggest we’ll see a few new USSSA bats in May of 2022.

Download our data.