Are you seeking the best bat for high school baseball? If yes, you may need the analysis in this article to help you make a better choice for a wonderful match.
Baseball has long been one of the most popular sports in high schools. And bats are powerful tools to support amateur and professional players. Yet, finding the best bat for high school baseball is never an easy feat.
Besides hats and gloves, there are also many bats on the market to support high school athletes. There are many criteria to evaluate this type of product. These include brand, size, weight, and material.
Eager to pick the right fit that meets all criteria? This article will make a list of the best products based on many previous studies. We also bring you useful knowledge about the BBCOR certification and some tips when buying. Check it out! “best highschool baseball bats”
Comparison Table of 9 Best Bat For High School Baseball
First, to give you an idea of the products on this list, let’s refer to the comparison chart below.
| Barrel | Technology | End Cap | Swing weight | |
| Marucci CAT8 -3 | AZ105 alloy + Ring-free | 2nd Generation AV2 Anti-Vibration | BalancedSwing weight | |
| Easton SPEED | ALX50 Aircraft Grade Alloy | Anti-Vibration Knob | Forged end cap | Power balanced swing weight |
| Louisville Slugger Vapor | 1-piece 7-series alloy | HUB™ 1-shot end cap | Balancedswing weight | |
| Easton 2018 S250 | Alx50 Military-grade aluminum | Concave end cap | Balancedswing weight | |
| Louisville Slugger 2020 Meta | EKO Composite Barrel | Patented 3FX connection system | Premium RTX End Cap Design | Balancedswing weight |
| DeMarini 2019 CF Zen Balanced | Paraflex + Composite | 3-Fusion connection system | 3-Fusion end cap | Balancedswing weight |
| Rawlings 2020 Velo ACP | Ai909 Aluminum Alloy Build | ACP Composite End Cap | Balanced Swing Weight | |
| Marucci CAT7 Black | Lower MOI + One-piece AZ4X alloy | AV2 Anti-Vibration knob | Balanced Swing Weight | |
| Louisville Slugger 2019 Solo 619 | 1-piece SL hyper alloy | Vibex premium vibration damping handle | Speed Ballistic Composite end cap | Extreme balanced swing weight |
Top 10 Best High school Baseball Bats Review
Marucci CAT 8 -3 BBCOR Baseball Bat, 2 5/8″ Barrel – Best Overall
Specifications
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 31 x 3 x 3 inches
- Item Weight: 2 Pounds
- Color: Black
- Size: 31″/ 28 oz
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Grip Material: Polymer Bat Grip
- Grip Type: Micro-perforated soft-touch grip
Review
It’s no wonder that the Marucci CAT collection has increased in popularity year after year since its debut. So that explains why Marucci CAT8 comes out on top of this list.
The product is made of AZ105 aluminum alloy. For Marucci, this is possibly one of the strongest material lines. In addition, it possesses features such as a thin barrel wall and has a high response rate.
The 2nd generation AV2 Anti-Vibration knob is also improved by the manufacturer. To help users feel better, they also use a finely tuned harmonic dampening system for their products.
To ensure high precision and control, its balanced barrel produces low M.O.I, which means high balance. More specifically, the multivariable wall construction produces a larger sweet spot as well as one thinner barrel wall that is the more flexible following.
Without “dead” places, ring-free barrel design allows for further barrel flex and performance. Overall, these bats are ideal for youngsters who want to spend all their time outside. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about the quick tear and wear.
Pros
- The highest quality of aluminum.
- Professional tapered handle with ergonomic knob shape.
- Comfortable feel with soft grip with micro-perforations.
- An anti-vibration knob is a plus.
- Affordable price.
Con
- The narrow sweet spot.
Easton SPEED BBCOR Baseball Bat | -3 | 1 Pc. Aluminum – Best For Casual Practices
Specifications
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 32 x 3 x 3 inches
- Item Weight: 1.5 Pounds
- Color: Multi
- Size: 32″/29 oz
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Grip Material: Hyperskin™ Grip
- Grip Type: Cushioned
Review
The Speed BBCOR Bat is lightweight and durable ALX50TM Aircraft Grade Alloy. This feature promises a long-lasting and lightweight shell for long-term performance.
On top of that, the product has a tried-and-true one-piece construction that’s ideal for casual practices and recreation contests. In other words, this traditional design has one stiffer feel on impact while boosting power.
The model also has the forged end cap that aids in driving the swing through a big area for maximum power and speed. The item has a length-to-weight ratio of -3 and approximately 2 5/8 inches barrel diameter. In addition, BBCOR certification is also included with the bat.
On the other hand, there are three minus points in this product. First, it comes with a greater price tag. Also, some leagues do not allow it, so check with your coach. More importantly, while using the bat, a few customers noticed dents.
Pros
- The cushioned Flex grip provides additional comfort.
- Makes the distinctive sound when players hit something.
- Lightweight yet sturdy
Cons
- The material may wear off.
- Be end-loaded compared to other bats
Louisville Slugger Vapor (-3) BBCOR Baseball Bat – Best For High-Level Players
Specifications
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 31.5 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches
- Item Weight: 1.8 Pounds
- Color: White/Green
- Material: Composite
- Size: 31″/ 28 oz
- Model Year: 2018
- Grip Type: Leather
Review
Security is an unprecedented combination of performance and resolution at an exceptional value. The Vapor’s one-piece frame is made of premium Louisville Slugger alloy. This alloy provides players with an ideal balance of robust performance and remarkable durability. Experienced players usually having vigorous practice will find this kit a great deal.
More importantly, the Louisville Slugger BBCOR baseball bat has a -3 rating, which implies it meets the requirement for the drop three bats. That means it weighs three ounces less than the length of the bat.
In addition, its slim 7-Series metal construction ensures optimum stability. At a higher price point, it also gives a steady performance.
The swings comfortably and easily, thanks to its 31/32 inch tapering handle covered in one synthetic leather grip. This neoprene grip gives you an optimal feel on every shot, allowing pro players to experience authentic playing.
Like other products in this list, this BBCOR-certified item is suitable for high school or collegiate play. Overall, this would be one terrific good for high-level players everywhere.
Pros
- Have a sharp and updated look.
- Suitable for those who do not like the flared handle.
- Durable one-shot end cap.
Con
- May sting a little bit on your hands.
Easton 2018 S250 BBCOR – High School/Collegiate Baseball Bat -3 – Best For The Price
Specifications
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 32 x 2.52 x 2.52 inches
- Item Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Color: Dark Gray Blue
- Material: Aluminum
- Size: 32″/29 oz
- Model Year: 2018
Review
If you’re searching for an excellent bat at a low price, this is the best option for you.
You would have to make some quality sacrifices, but it may be great for players at this price. This bat is available in three different weights and sizes.
It is composed of Alx50 grade aluminum, which makes it extremely durable. The model has one weight decrease of -3 and is BBCOR certified. This implies it may be used in all high school or collegiate leagues where BBCOR bats are required.
The concave end cap adorns the strong 2 5/8 inches barrel. As a result, the bat has a flawlessly balanced design. The balance allows players to precisely manage their momentum and swing. S250 will be the solution if players are power hitters seeking the high-performance BBCOR bat next season.
However, the fact is that this item is not as long-lasting as they claim. After a while, it may start bending and then does not have a lot of pop. This product is not suitable for long-term usage and should only be used for several matches. Still, the quality is acceptable with such a price.
Pros
- Lightweight and powerful.
- High swing speeds to create the strength on contact.
Con
- It may bend over time.
Louisville Slugger 2020 Meta (-3) 2 5/8″ BBCOR Baseball Bat, 33″/30 oz – Best Baseball Bat
Specifications
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 36 x 3 x 3 inches
- Item Weight: 2 Pounds
- Color: Blue
- Size: 33″/30 oz
- Handle Material: Composite
- Grip Material: Synthetic
- Grip Type: Non-insulated
- Model Year: 2020
Review
Louisville Slugger is the next BBCOR product to be reviewed. It is built preeminent of an eco-composite barrel. In other words, the supplier built Eko composite to the highest level of performance, such as the massive barrel, light swinging, and the most authentic sound throughout the match.
Most importantly, this product was created at the pinnacle of excellence. As a result, the bat sways more gently and has a larger barrel. All of these make the item lighter and provide a comfortable grip. Surprisingly, it produces a great sound whenever the player hits a powerful shot.
It also offers remarkable characteristics such as a 3-piece structure with a proprietary 3FX connection system, one balanced swing, superior RTX., and a premium LS.
The 3FX system brings a finely tuned “stiff” sensation on touch while significantly decreasing vibration. In addition, the RTX CAP enables players to use the longest barrel length.
The balanced swing weight is the ideal blend of power and speed. Wilson Sporting Goods also specifically creates the premium LS Pro grip for the ideal balance of cushion and tack.
Pros
- Perfectly suited to elite players with an unrivaled performance.
- Compact and simple design.
- Excellent pop and sizzling speed.
Cons
- The price is not as competitive as some would want.
- It has been banned.
DeMarini 2019 CF Zen Balanced (-3) 2 5/8″ BBCOR Baseball Bat – Best For Material
Specifications
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 36 x 3 x 3 inches
- Item Weight: 1.8 Pounds
- Color: Red
- Material: Composite
- Size: 32″/29 oz
- Model year: 2019
Review
This model will defy expectations and boost your game. The BBCOR bat comes with all paraflex+ composite. This is the newest material from the DeMarini lab, and it’s designed for the ultimate consistency.
They tried to discover the required temperature to contact the barrel during production and exactly how long. This advanced manufacturing process proves that the responsiveness of its barrel is completely reliable. It is one of the best materials for optimum pop of the hit and premium feel.
In other words, this Paraflex+ grip gives the right weight to the ballplayer. Another pretty prominent feature is that its 3-Fusion end cap and barrel design work together to provide a balanced feel for players migrating towards BBCOR.
The well-balanced design allows for higher swing speed across the zone. A streamlined construction of its handle also comes in handy since it effectively distributes the total weight of its material.
In general, the bat generates enough “pop” to get a ball out. It can be said that this product is far more balanced for the smaller contact striker.
Pros
- One of the most well-balanced bats available.
- The incredible feeling with no vibration on hit.
- Good adhesion with the “D-Tak” handle.
- Light swinging
Con
- The price is quite high.
Rawlings 2020 Velo ACP BBCOR Baseball Bat Series (-3) – Best For The Weight
Specifications
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 32 x 2.6 x 2.6 inches
- Item Weight: 1.81 Pounds
- Color: Black, Silver
- Material: Composite
- Size: 32 inches
- Model Year: 2020
Review
The next product is a hybrid alloy barrel hitter. This one-piece bat includes one lightweight end cap as well as the overall compact feel to help with swing speed.
The aluminum and carbon fiber structure is eventually balanced, allowing batters to catch the quickest pitches and stroke every swing properly. With this housing, Rawlings’ product weighs only 1.8 pounds. The lightweight feel supports players in striking the ball with maximum velocity.
Besides that, Rawlings added the two-inch accelerated carbon composite (A.C.P.) end cap to the bat’s enhanced swing speed.
The advantages of the smallest swing weight include more time for noticing the pitch as well as squaring up towards the ball hits of exit velocity. It also has a vibration dampening grip to decrease the pain of hands-on impact for a smoother experience on ball contact.
The laser Pop 2.0 TM innovation is used in this item, with the laser groove carved across its sweet spot to maximize barrel flex. Rawlings altered several ways to create the longer barrel with the larger sweet spot.
This manufacturer especially uses Ai909 aluminum tech, which is robust and contributes to the thinner wall with better weight distribution. Consequently, the bat has a lower swing weight and performs better hour after hour.
Pros
- Five distinct sizes of bats are available.
- Ideal for hitters at the bottom or top in the lineup.
- Light feeling
- Protective grip reducing shocks
Cons
- Do not have the great pop.
- Not one power hitter.
Marucci CAT7 Black BBCOR (-3) MCBC7CB Adult Baseball Bat – Best For Durability
Specifications
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 32 x 3 x 3 inches
- Item Weight: 2 Pounds
- Color: Black
- Size: 32″/ 29 oz
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Grip Material: Standard
- Grip Type: Standard
Review
Among the most noticeable improvements between last year’s CAT6, this year’s CAT7 is the updated and enhanced AZ4X Alloy, which significantly boosts strength and durability. Furthermore, the improved barrel shape is more sensitive and has one sweet spot, twice as big as the CAT6.
Marucci’s engineer discovered that vibration in hands is the most prevalent concern among amateur players after conducting thorough studies and consulting with their experts.
The all-new AV2 Knob, commonly known as the famous second generation of anti-vibration knob, provides a considerably better feel as well as noticeably less vibratory response in the hands of players. Besides, the tried-and-true ring-free barrel innovation continues to deliver unrivaled efficiency with no ‘dead’ regions.
Pros
- Barrel design with variable wall optimization.
- A well-calibrated resonance dampens system for improved sensation.
- Consistent and clean swing.
- Nice color scheme.
Con
- A little heavy.
Louisville Slugger 2019 Solo 619 (-3) 2 5/8″ BBCOR Baseball Bat – Best For Balanced Bats
Specifications
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 35 x 3 x 3 inches
- Weight: 1.74 pounds
- Color: white
- Material: Composite
- Size: 29″/ 26 oz
- Model Year: 2019
Review
The Louisville Slugger Solo series sprang out of nowhere and was ranked several times as one of the finest hitting balanced Baseball Bat. The updated solo 619 adds the necessary pace to your game.
Its one-piece S.L. Hyper alloy design delivers a large sweet spot as well as a stiffer feel on impact. The huge sweet spot ensures maximum energy transmission when players square up the ball with the Slugger 2019 Solo 619.
It also has the vibex premium vibrating dampening handle structure that reduces hand sting and the S.P.C. end cap for greater optimal control and swing speed. The best part is that the all-new Slugger Pro pleasure grip strikes the ideal balance of tack with a cushion.
Pros
- Have a great pop.
- Unique and attractive white design.
- Affordable price.
Con
- The solid is not perfect.
A Better High School Baseball Bat Buyer’s Guide
What Baseball Bats Are Used In High School?
For high school sports, be it playing with bats or not, they each have their own set of rules. In other words, the types of tools that support players in the match will have to have certain certifications. Yet, all bats used at schools must follow the so-called BBCOR certification.
This can be said to be the most important and top priority when you want to buy a new bat. Then consider other basic criteria and compare between different brands to make the best choice.
The following session will help you better understand the parameters or materials of the best baseball bats used for high school students. “best high school bats“
BBCOR Certification
As you have seen in the list above, BBCOR is the most mentioned term of all product lines. So what is it? More precisely, the phrase stands for Batted Ball Coe ratio of Restitution.
This standard has become more popular and gradually replaced the BESR standard. The reason is that the BESR will measure the speed at which the ball goes out after contact with the bat. BBCOR is related to the “trampoline effect” when they meet each other, to be exact.
It was the NCAA that worked on this rule. And they realized that composite-barrel would not conform to the BESR standard once they are used more, or they get older. At that point, the exit speed can increase up to 15 mph. “best highschool bats”
Top Brands
Marucci
Marucci can be said to be one of the most famous baseball brands for a long time. It always ensures the quality and serves you a variety of product lines worldwide.
More specifically, whether amateurs, beginners, or professional athletes, can choose a suitable product for themselves with this brand.
Easton
Recently, Easton’s new product lines have always been praised by baseball coaches and athletes. The product lines from this company always possess high quality.
In particular, in BBCOR certified bats, the price is often lower than that of other manufacturers’ products. In addition, the swings are also lightweight, suitable for some buyers who do not like loaded and heavy versions.
Rawlings
Rawlings is also a name that is often mentioned a lot. Durability and very competitive prices always bring satisfaction to users. This makes the brand always appear as a high-end brand in the BBCOR market.
What Type Of Bat Hits The Farthest?
The answer will be aluminum models. An aluminum bat will have an average hit of up to 6.65 meters, and the best shot can reach 7.59 meters.
They have a larger sweet spot. As a result, the batter would get the larger zone to hit the ball, increasing golden opportunities of hitting great shots.
More notably, metal ones are exceptionally strong and ideal for striking powerful pitches. Most of them are made of two pieces, which leads to a less stingy feeling. Some manufacturers even additionally include three-piece bats for greater sting reduction or gaming.
Selecting The Right Baseball Bat
Material
Material is, of course, one of the most important properties. We can see some basic materials like aluminum alloy, composite or wood, etc. Wood is a suitable material for players who are just starting to practice baseball. However, its durability will not be as high as the rest.
Meanwhile, products made from aluminum are more difficult to break, ensuring sturdiness without much difference in price.
Composite is also a well-known material these days. They stand out thanks to the almost absolute limit of vibration for each shot.
Weight
Whether you are an adult or a child, inexperienced or experienced, weight is always a big concern when buying bats. For high school students, medium weight and not too heavy models will help them have comfortable and flexible swings. Weight ranges from 14 to 20 oz will work wonders.
Length
The length is quite an important factor for players of different heights. 27 to 30 inches is the average length for high school athletes, according to BBCOR standards. Simply put, this length should be 2 to 3 inches longer than the player’s arm length.
Barrel Size
This criterion is fixed according to the BBCOR standard. They will be 2-¾ to 2-⅝ inches in diameter. But 2-⅝ inches will be the standard diameter. In addition, the smaller diameter size will also be more suitable for beginner players.
Drop
The drop of a bat is indeed the amount remaining after subtracting the weight from its length. A bat weighing 20 ounces as well as measuring 30 inches in length, for example, does have a drop of -10. In other words, the lighter one bat, the smaller the drop parameter. “baseball bat high school”
What Materials are BBCOR Bats made of?
Composite Bats
This famous material is made of carbon and graphite. It can deliver superior performance in matches but cannot withstand extreme heat. Because of the texture, they can become brittle and break.
Wood Bats
Wood has been around for a long time in baseball bats. The oldest that can be mentioned is hickory wood. And now, the most renowned is the wood made from white ash and maple.
Of course, the material needs to obtain BBCOR certification before it can be entered into the major tournament. Otherwise, it will be considered illegal.
Alloy/Aluminum Bats
Aluminum shares the same concept as a trampoline. They create a great push that makes the ball bounce further. Another advantage is lightweight. Many students choose bats with this material for this reason.
Hybrid
This is the material with the most improvement. It combines composite and aluminum. Typically products will include an aluminum barrel and a composite handle. Depending on the manufacturer, they can come in three-piece or two-piece designs.
All these features will help players feel good when playing with the large sweet spot. Due to this great combination, the price of these bats is higher than the rest.
Helpful Tips To Find The Best Highschool Baseball Bats
Before talking about some tips, you need to remember that no matter what type it is, it must meet the BBCOR standard.
Depending on your skill level, weight and length will be the first two criteria that need to be considered.
To ensure durability and playing performance, the brand is the next thing you should pay attention to. Old brands have always had a reason to exist today and are just as popular.
Next, you should compare as many items as possible to clearly see their differences and similarities. This also helps you see feedback from previous users. Ultimately, it’s up to your playing style or not.
Conclusion
The top choices for the best bat for high school baseball for players are listed above. The size, material, design, and technology of different goods will differ. As a result, all you can do is select one product that best meets your demands.
The Marucci CAT8 -3 BBCOR Baseball Bat 2 5/8″ Barrel is strongly recommended among the nine picks because it has lots of qualities that one baseball bat needs. In addition, the cost of this item is reasonable for most students.
And if you’re still seeking other products, never forget to check the BBCOR certification. Have a great match with your best highschool baseball bats!