Shopping for wood bats can be one of the toughest tasks for your season. With an assortment of variables like wood types, turn models, swing weights, etc., it can be paralyzing when you go to pick out your next baseball bat. To help alleviate some of the stress, we have picked out a few of the top wood baseball bats available during this season. To make our selections, we have called upon our team of Bat Experts to put their expertise to the test. They have weighed wood baseball bat reviews, customer feedback, and price tags to create this complete list of the best wood baseball bats.
But before we jump into the list, we need to provide you with a little wood bat education. You’ll want to know what you are getting before you checkout. The two biggest factors when shopping for a wood bat are the bat’s turn model and the bat’s wood materials. Luckily for you, we have provided a full breakdown of the pros and cons of each of these elements. As always, if you have any questions or find yourself confused, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Bat Experts at 1-866-321-2287 or email us at experts@justbats.com.
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Popular Wood Bat Turn Models
As you go shopping for your next bat, you’ll need to understand the most popular wood bat turn models. Once you understand the following turn models, you will want to use that information to select the wood bat that best suits your game. The following are the three most common turn models for wood baseball bats.
- 110 Turn: This style of turn model will be the easiest for hitters transitioning away from metal bats. 110s are more balanced than other turn models because they have a thicker handle and a smaller barrel. Among the more experienced wood bat hitters, typically only contact hitters will prefer 110-turn models. 110-turn models will have a 2 ½” barrel diameter.
- 243 Turn: This turn model will provide an end-loaded swing weight to produce the most power. Wood bats with a 243 turn feature a thinner handle and a longer barrel profile to create that end-loaded feel. We only recommend this style of bat to experienced, stronger hitters.
- 271 Turn: This turn model will provide hitters with a nice middle ground compared to the 243 and 110 turn models. Similar to the 110, the 271 has a long barrel design but a thinner handle. As a result, the 271-turn model has a slightly end-loaded swing weight and is suitable for any style of hitter.
Common Wood Baseball Bat Wood Types
There are three main types of wood used in the construction of wood baseball bats. Each has various pros and cons that will impact hitters differently. Be sure to select the right type of wood used on your next bat to ensure you are getting the most out of your bat.
- Ash: Ash wood bats are the most forgiving of all wood materials. Most players that prefer ash bats talk about how ash allows them to feel the ball on contact. Because of their softer and lighter characteristics, ash bats are most commonly used by contact hitters.
- Birch: Birch wood bats provide hitters with a middle-ground option compared to maple and ash. Birch is a harder wood than ash, but softer than maple.
- Maple: Maple wood bats are baseball’s most common type of wood bat. Maple is a rather dense wood that offers hitters a hard-hitting surface and the stiffest feel on contact. Due to their heavier nature, maple wood bats are the hardest to control through the zone.
Best Wood Baseball Bats 2024
Marucci AP5 Pro Maple Wood Baseball Bat: MVE3AP5-BK/N
Built with a turn model specifically made for Albert Pujols, this maple wood bat from Marucci is one of the best on the market. The AP5 turn model features one of the largest barrels in baseball. As a result, it will offer a slightly end-loaded swing weight that typically benefits power hitters over contact hitters. Marucci incorporates their bone rubbing technique to compress the maple grains, creating a harder, more durable finished product. Overall, the Albert Pujols maple wood bat from Marucci is one of the best wood baseball bats in the game.
Notable Features:
- AP5 Turn Model
- Handcrafted from Quality Maple Wood
- End-Loaded Swing Weight
- Pro Cupped Barrel End
- Pro Ink Dot Certified
- Flared Knob
- Baseball Bat Bros Approved
Victus V-Cut Hard Maple Wood Baseball Bat: VGPC-N/BK
If you are looking for the best-value wood baseball bat around, you’ve found it. The Victus V-Cut line is all bats that were originally intended to be made into Victus’ highest-quality wood bats. But because of slight imperfections/blemishes (that have no impact on the bats' performance or integrity), they are now available at a discounted price. They will still arrive with an MLB ink dot of approval to signify their premium quality. The lone downside of the V-Cut lineup is that you do not know which turn model you will receive when ordering your new bat. But still, you cannot beat their wood bat value.
V-Cut Bat Review:
Pros: This bat is great for its price great quality wood hard maple great pop and great feedback balanced bat a bit m loaded great for for power hitters
Cons: None
Notable Features:
- Variable Turn Models
- Professional Hard Maple Wood
- Cupped Barrel End
- Approximately Drop-3 Length-to-Weight Ratio
Brett Bros. Maple/Bamboo Wood BBCOR Baseball Bat: MB110 Adult
Arguably the most popular wood bat sold at JustBats is the Brett Bros Maple/Bamboo MB110. As the name suggests, this bat offers hitters a balanced 110 turn model. The combination of bamboo and maple materials creates a nearly indestructible build that can hold up to the rigors of batting practice and game usage. One of the most unique features of this wood bat is the patented BOA Fiberglass Reinforced Handle. This helps to promote a more durable bat to protect against breakage on fastballs and cutters in on your hands. Players love this bat, and parents love not having to buy another. Definitely worth taking a look at.
MB110 Bat Review:
Pros: Most durable wood on the market. I have used mine for over 6 months and it still performs very well.
Cons: Absolutely Nothing
Notable Features:
- Maple Shell x Bamboo Core
- Non-Cupped Barrel End
- Conventional Knob Design
- Approved for all BBCOR Baseball
DID YOU KNOW
Did you know that the first wood baseball bat was made during the 1840s? That’s right. This means that wood bats have been in production for over 180 years!
Rawlings Big Stick Elite Maple/Bamboo Composite Wood Baseball Bat: 243CUS
Is there a better name to describe a big, powerful wood bat? The Rawlings Big Stick features a 243 turn model that is fully end-loaded. This long, thick barrel has been Bat Bros certified and comes with a 90-day manufacturer’s warranty. It features the same Maple shell x Bamboo core build as the previous Brett Bros model, which serves to provide hitters with impeccable durability. We recommend that only bigger, stronger hitters pick up the Big Stick, but if you can handle it, you will be a problem for opposing pitchers.
Big Stick Review:
Pros: Big sweet spot. Nice bat for a stronger kid to use to transition to wood bats and a very reasonable price for a wood composite bat.
Cons: None
Notable Features:
- Maple Shell x Bamboo Core
- Long, Thick Barrel
- Conventional Knob
- 90-Day Manufacturer’s Warranty when purchased through JustBats
Louisville Slugger MLB Prime Acuna Maple Wood Baseball Bat: WBL2436010
There is no bigger superstar in baseball than the Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. Now, you can swing the turn model he designed through Louisville Slugger. The MLB Prime Acuna features the RA13 turn model, which gives hitters an end-loaded swing weight and an ultra-flared knob. Hitters talk about how much leverage they can get on their swings due to the uncommon knob design. The prime maple wood used is among the strongest in baseball, and coupled with the EXOPRO finish, the Acuna MLB Prime will give you unprecedented longevity.
MLB Prime Acuna Bat Review:
Pros: Great pop, great feel, strong maple. My 15u son absolutely loves it. He’s been training with it since September indoor and outdoor non-stop. We ordered 2 more before we left the facility. He’s now using one new one for training and has the other one on reserve for the wood bat tournaments this summer. Will likely add another towards tourney season since it’s wood and wood breaks obviously.
Cons: It’s wood so if you use it a lot, it will eventually break like any other wood bat. Cosmetically the knob sticker falls off easier than it should.
Notable Features:
- RA13 Turn Model
- End Loaded Swing Weight
- Very Flared Knob
- Bone Rubbed Finish
- MLB Maple Prime Wood Material
Old Hickory Bat Co. Mike Trout Maple Wood Baseball Bat: MT27M Adult
Ok, we may have lied. If there is any one superstar bigger than Acuna, it’s Mike Trout. The Angels outfielder has spent the better part of the past decade making everything on the diamond look easy. But where Trout has made the biggest impact is in the batter’s box. And what bat does Mike Trout use? The Old Hickory Bat Co. Mike Trout Maple Wood. It features a MT27 turn model, long thick barrel, and a thin handle. Overall, it is as complete of a wood bat as you will find.
Mike Trout Maple Bat Review:
Pros: My level of play is a high-level wood bat only Semi-Pro League. This bat is the best I have ever used. I have been using a Marucci Chase Utley model and own a Marucci Pujols bat as well. The Mike Trout Old Hickory has more pop than both and is by far the most balanced bat I have ever used. The ball jumps off the bat and has a huge sweet spot.
Cons: None!
Notable Features:
- MT27 Turn Model
- End Loaded Swing Weight
- Rock Maple Wood
- Slightly Flared Knob
- Pro Cupped End
Sam Bat Maple Wood Youth Baseball Bat: LLCD1 Cherry/Black
All of the previous bats listed have been adult wood bats. However, more and more young players are starting to swing wood bats. If you are looking for the best youth wood baseball bat, you’ll want to take a look at this Sam Bat maple wood youth bat. It delivers a controllable drop-4 to drop-5 to help transition younger hitters into the drop-3 range. The cupped barrel end takes some of the weight out of the end of the bat to further help smaller hitters control it through their swing. Plus, the one-piece maple build has impressive durability considering it is a wood bat for under $100.
Notable Features:
- LLCD1 Turn Model
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Cupped Barrel End
- Conventional Knob Design
- 30-Day Manufacturer’s Warranty when purchased from JustBats
Tips for Hitting with a Wood Baseball Bat
- Always hit with the label of a wood bat facing direction up or directly down to ensure the tightest grains of the bat make contact with the ball.
- Avoid knocking your cleats with your bat, as this can cause microfractures to form, compromising the integrity of your bat’s structure.
- Use a steel pipe or old dried-out dog bone to compress the wood grains of your bat and improve its durability.
- Apply pine tar, a lizard skin bat grip, or athletic tape to the handle of your bat to maximize the control of your swing.
- The “ink-dot” above your handle is not a cosmetic blemish but rather a really good thing! This certifies that the wood grains are tight enough on your wood bat to be used at the Major League level.
How To Engrave a Wood Bat
Personalized wood bats are baseball bats that are eligible to have the barrel laser engraved. Add your name and number to most wood bats available at JustBats to take your swing to another level. Or, add a custom message to a unique gift that will be a home run! The best part? Order before 7:00 PM CST, and your personalized wood bat will ship the same business day. Get started in five simple steps:
- Find the wood bat of your choice
- Find the icon under 'Tag Your Bat" and click "Engrave your bat"
- Pick your font, add text, and decide whether you'd like to add color or not
- Click "Confirm"
- Add to cart, checkout, and enjoy your engraved wood bat!
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There you have it. That’s our list of the best wood baseball bats. If you have any questions while you shop, our Bat Experts are standing by, ready to help assist you. They’re friendly and would love to help you find your next baseball bat or softball bat. Call us at 866-321-2287, email at experts@justbats.com, or click here to live chat. We’re JustBats, and we’re with you from Click To Hit!
