04/23/2023

10 Best Youth Baseball Bats In 2023 (USA & USSSA)

Baseball is undoubtedly a kids' game. From the dirt on your pants to the gum in your mouth, it’s impossible to step foot onto the diamond and not feel like a kid. This leads us directly to the purpose of this article. We have compiled a list of the best youth baseball bats for kids. We have divided up the best baseball bats between USA baseball bats and USSSA baseball bats and included verified bat reviews for reference. Our Bat Experts also included snippets of bat analysis to help you determine the right fit for your young slugger’s swing. But, before we get into the list, we have to review a couple of items to cover all of our bases.

First of all, make sure the bat you're shopping for is legal for play. We recommend asking your coach or visiting websites like Little League Baseball, Dixie Baseball, Babe Ruth League, or USSSA depending on the league you play in for specifics on what baseball bats are eligible. Rules regarding factors like length-to-weight ratio, barrel materials, and barrel diameter can all vary depending on your league.

Secondly, consider whether a wood bat, metal bat, or composite bat makes the most sense. Most youth players use metal/composite bats in competition because they offer better performance and durability while wood bats are very popular for training in the cage or may be required in special Wood Bat Tournaments. But, selecting the right youth baseball bat really comes down to three key elements:

Length
- A longer bat gives you greater reach, allowing you to easily hit balls on the other side of the plate. But selecting a longer bat generally means that the barrel will be more difficult to control. It is imperative that you choose a bat that will help the batter stay in control while at the plate. Finding the right length bat for your player is pretty simple if you know their height and weight. To make the process even easier, we've created the Bat Coach sizing tool. Simply plug in your player's height and weight, and Bat Coach will recommend a range of lengths and show you all of the bats on our website that match your search criteria. You can even narrow down the results further by specifying which materials, brands, or price ranges you're considering!
Weight
- Choosing the correct weight of a bat is all about balance. The heavier the bat is, the more power the player can generate. But if a bat is too heavy, the hitter can lose valuable swing speed and control over the barrel through the hitting zone. It can often be difficult to suggest the appropriate weight for a particular player because their height and weight might not always be indicative of their strength level. But thankfully, most youth baseball bats are only produced in a small range of length to weight ratios (-10, -11, -12).
Length to Weight Ratio (also known as drop)
- OK, there are technically two key elements to selecting a Youth Baseball Bat. But we field so many questions about Length to Weight Ratio or Drop Weight, that we feel it deserves to be explained here. The length to weight ratio, or drop weight of a bat, is simply a representation of the difference between its length and weight. And bats that have a greater length-to-weight ratio will have a lighter overall weight. (ie a -12 Length to Weight Ratio is lighter than a -10 Length to Weight Ratio). Click here to learn more about drop in baseball bats.

In addition and to recap, when selecting a youth baseball bat, it's important to know the following:

Youth baseball bats range from 26" inches to 32" inches in length.
Youth baseball bats range from a (-7) to (-13) length to weight ratio or drop, which is the length subtracted from the weight.
Youth baseball bats must meet league requirements, so make sure you know which one you require (ex. USSSA Baseball or USA Baseball).

As always, if you have any questions or would like youth bat recommendations please contact our Bat Experts via phone at 866-321-2287, email at experts@justbats.com, or you can click here to live chat. Now, let's begin.

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Best Youth Baseball Bats

We're going to start with our top USA baseball bats for 2023. Since 2018, parents have been searching for the hottest USA baseball bats for their youth players. USA Bats from brands like DeMarini, Easton, Louisville Slugger, Marucci, and more are all available at JustBats. However, with so many baseball bats on the market, it can feel overwhelming when trying to find the right bat. This is why we’ve picked out a couple of our best-selling youth baseball bats and their key features to kick off your USA bat search.

Best USA Baseball Youth Bats

2023 Axe Strato -10 USA Baseball Bat (L185K)

Hitters cannot get enough of the Axe Strato (USA) in 2023. Built with a really controllable swing weight, the Axe Strato enables young hitters to effortlessly control the barrel through the zone. But that's just where the fun begins. Once a player squares up the baseball, everyone on the diamond gets a first-hand experience of the high levels of performance the Strato can provide. The Armour Enhanced Alloy barrel is one of the hottest among all USA Baseball Bats in 2023. The ball seemingly jumps on contact to deliver extra base hits with relative ease.

2023 Axe Strato USA Baseball Bat Review - "My 10 yr old son recently started playing baseball and had to get him a USA certified bat. Didn't know much about what was out there but liked the Axe handle so gave this Strato a shot and we have been so happy with the decision. He hasn't put it down since it arrived. Well done, Axe Bat."

Other Key Features Include:

USA Baseball Certified Stamp
One-Piece Alloy Construction
Balanced Swing Weight
Patented Axe Handle
HyperWhip Composite End Cap
2 ⅝” Barrel Diameter
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty when purchased from JustBats

DeMarini CF -10 USA Baseball Bat

The DeMarini CF offers something for hitters of all shapes and sizes. It has a highly-reactionary composite barrel, an easy-to-swing balanced weight, and a confidence-boosting feel on contact. Hitters can freely attack any pitch in the zone without fear of stingers. The DeMarini CF is simply one of the best youth baseball bats we have ever seen.

DeMarini CF USA Bat Review - “Feels great on contact! Nice size barrel and it's got a lot of pop! Looks like a great bat for the 2023 season!” Henry W.

Other key features include:

USA Baseball Certified Stamp
Two-Piece, All-Composite Construction
Balanced Swing Weight
ReAction End Cap
2 ⅝” Barrel Diameter
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty

Louisville Slugger Solo -11 USA Baseball Bat

If you are looking for a youth baseball bat to boost bat speed and improve your child’s swing, you have to look at the Louisville Slugger Solo. Built with a lightweight drop 11 construction, the Solo is ultra-controllable and perfect for young hitters. Specifically, the thinner barrel walls help unleash additional pop on contact to send balls deep into the outfield (and even beyond!) This is one of the best youth bats to help the Little Leaguers soar through their youth seasons.

Louisville Slugger Solo Bat Review - “Great pop and really light swinging. Bat has a slight end load but the overall swing feels really good. Bat also feels REALLY REALLY good when squared up.”

Other key features include:

Features USA Baseball Certified Stamp
One-Piece, Alloy Construction
Ultra Balanced Swing Weight
SBC End Cap
2 ⅝” Barrel Diameter
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty

2023 Rawlings Clout -10 USA Baseball Bat (RUS3C10)

Rawlings continues to churn out USA baseball bats that young players love to swing. Their latest, the Rawlings Clout, is no exception. The barrel provides plenty of power and the one-piece design enables hitters to leverage the ball on contact. Furthermore, players love the one-piece, hot-out-of-the-wrapper aluminum alloy profile. And parents, we didn’t forget about you either. The Rawlings Clout is one of the best youth baseball bats for under $200.

Other key features include:

Features USA Baseball Certified Stamp
One-Piece, Alloy Construction
Balanced Swing Weight
NEW Red Alloy Materials
NEW Flex Technology
2 ⅝” Barrel Diameter
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty

2023 Easton ADV 360 -5 USA Baseball Bat (YBB23ADV5)

The Easton ADV 360 is one of the top USA baseball bats on the market. If you are interested in a baseball bat with a massive barrel and plenty of POP, you've gotta take a look at the ADV 360. This fully composite youth bat is designed to be swung fast and deliver results. It will require a couple of hundred swings before it is fully broken in, but once you've got it game ready there isn't another bat that can beat it.

2023 Easton ADV 360 Bat Review - “The bat had amazing pop and the barrel was like 65% of the bat. The [ADV 360] performed more like an OK USSSA bat, which is saying a lot."

Other key features include:

USA Baseball Certified Stamp
Two-Piece, All-Composite Construction
Balanced Swing Weight
Engineered w/ Launch Composite Materials
Carbon Handle - Nullifies Vibrations + Creates an Awesome Feel
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty When Ordered from JustBats

Want to see our full list of top USA Baseball Bats? We’ve got a full breakdown of the Best USA Baseball Bats in 2022.

Best USSSA Baseball Youth Bats

When you are talking about the hottest bats in baseball, you have to talk about the USSSA youth bats (also known as travel ball baseball bats). With a much higher threshold for performance (compared to USA bats) the USSSA baseball bats give hitters a large advantage every time they step into the batter’s box. We have chosen a couple of our favorites to highlight as you shop for your next youth baseball bat.

Marucci CATX USSSA Baseball Bats

Our team of Bat Experts loves the Marucci CATXs. They are easily approachable for hitters of all ages. The one-piece alloy design generates easy power when barrelled up. The balanced profile enables hitters to comfortably swing the CAT and the anti-vibration technology in the knob reduces the sting of mishits. If you're looking for a bat that can help even the newest of youth baseball players, any hitter of any age can swing the CAT9.

Marucci CATX Bat Review - “My son loves this bat. He's not a homerun hitter, more of a line drive hitter which turns into homers. Great pop and balance. Nice ping to it, lets you know when you hit sweet spot.”

Other key features include:

Features USSSA Baseball Certified Stamp
Available in -8 & -10
One-Piece, All-Alloy Construction
Balanced Swing Weight
Exclusive to JustBats
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty When Ordered from JustBats

2023 Easton Hype Comp USSSA Baseball Bats

Hitters of all ages have fallen in love with Easton's premiere all-composite youth bat. The Hype Comp provides effortless swings and eye-popping results every time your slugger laces up their cleats. The latest updates to the 2023 Easton Hype Comp will give your hitter the utmost confidence every time they step into the box. This is one of the best bats for youth baseball if you're looking for versatile and easy-to-swing.

2023 Easton Hype Comp USSSA Bat Review - “Great pop, nice smooth balanced feel through contact. The ball jumps off the bat and has that sweet sound of composite. Great right out of the wrapper but has gotten better with use. Cool clean look."

Other key features include:

Features USSSA Baseball Certified Stamp
Available in -5, -8, & -10
Two-Piece, Composite Construction
Engineered w/ Thermo Composite Technology
Power Boost Knob Delivers Leverage w/ Each Swing
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty When Ordered from JustBats

2023 Axe Avenge Pro -8 USSSA Baseball Bat

We continue to field reviews from customers raving about the new Axe Avenge Pro. The resounding theme is that this is a hot youth baseball bat. The popular Axe Bat handle feature gives it the grip and comfort needed for smooth and strong swings. The composite materials take a couple of hundred swings to break in, but once you’ve put in the work you will reap the benefits.

Axe Avenge Pro Bat Review: “Got this bat for my 8-year-old son, he plays major level USSSA kid pitch. There are lots of bats out there competing for the top spot with these kids, but this one has the biggest rake! He makes more contact, and swings faster and harder due to the handle. The sweet spot is HUGE! He loves it!”

Other key features include:

Features USSSA Baseball Certified Stamp
Also Available in -5 & -10
Three-Piece, Composite Construction
Balanced Swing Weight
HyperWhip End Cap
Charged Carbon Max Composite Material
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty When Ordered from JustBats

2023 DeMarini The Goods -10 USSSA Baseball Bat: WBD2354010

DeMarini has cemented itself as one of the premiere bat manufacturers in the world. Parents, coaches, and players are all seeking out the best 2023 youth baseball bats from DeMarini. Their latest release, the 2023 DeMarini The Goods, is one of the hottest USSSA bats in 2023. The two-piece hybrid design will be ready to go right out of the box. The results? Outstanding.

DeMarini The Goods Review: “Highest exit velocity in a drop 10, huge sweet spot, I've tested it against everything almost, and it's the best!”

Other key features include:

USSSA Baseball Certified Stamp
Two-Piece, Hybrid USSSA Bat
Balanced Swing Weight
X14 Alloy Barrel
Paraflex Plus Composite Handle (Eliminates Vibrations)
Innovative Tracer End Cap
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty When Ordered from JustBats

Victus Vandal -10 USSSA Baseball Bat

The Victus Vandal is one of the top USSSA baseball bats in 2023. From the lightweight profile to the hard-hitting design, hitters have spent all summer addicted to this one-piece aluminum alloy bat. Anticipate a barrel with more-than-enough POP and a sweet spot larger than most any other alloy bat on the market. If you want a top youth USSSA baseball bat, you want the Victus Vandal.

Victus Vandal Bat Review - “Nice balance, good swing, & a huge sweet spot. It's very durable and feels great in the hands.”

Other key features include:

USSSA Baseball Certified Stamp
Available in -5, -8, & -10
One-Piece, All-Alloy Construction
Ultra Balanced Swing Weight
Carbon Composite End Cap
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty When Ordered from JustBats

Want to see our full list of top USSSA Baseball Bats? We’ve got a full breakdown of the Best USSSA Baseball Bats in 2023.

And for those of you moving up to high school baseball, we have a full list of the best BBCOR bats for 2023. Be sure to take a look at those bats before you pull the trigger on your next purchase.

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Note that we will continue to update this page with more information on the best youth baseball bats as they come out. In the meantime, if you have any additional questions, concerns, or requests, don't hesitate to contact our Bat Experts at 866-321-2287, email at experts@justbats.com, or you can click here to live chat. We are JustBats and we'll be here for you from Click To Hit!