When it comes time to shop for a new youth baseball bat, you’ll need to know the difference between USA baseball bats and USSSA baseball bats. While both govern youth baseball leagues and tournaments, they each have fundamental differences. Our Bat Experts have broken down each of these differences below and hopefully it will help guide you to the proper baseball bat. As always, if you have any questions after the article, please feel free to contact our Bat Experts. They can be reached by phone at 866-321-2287, by email at experts@justbats.com, or click here to live chat.
.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we get into the details between USA Baseball bats and USSSA baseball bats, our Bat Experts have answered three of the most frequently asked questions we get around this topic. Let's dive in:
1. If I can use either, should I buy a USA Baseball or USSSA baseball bat?
When given the choice, we recommend hitters swing a USSSA baseball bat. USSSA bats are allowed to perform at a higher level giving hitters an advantage when compared to USA baseball bats.
2. Can I use USA bats in USSSA?
Yes. But, as mentioned above, players would be choosing a bat with a lower performance.
3. Can I use USSSA bats in USA Baseball?
No. USSSA bats are not allowed in USA Baseball sanctioned play.
USA Baseball Bat Rules & Regulations
Back in 2018, USA Baseball began overseeing popular baseball leagues like AABC, Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken, Dixie, Little League, and PONY. As a result, players were forced to adhere to the new USA bat regulations. These regulations include:
- All baseball bats must display a USABat stamp of approval
- No bat may exceed 2 ⅝” in barrel diameter
- Players are allowed to use one-piece wood bats
As mentioned earlier, the main difference between USA and USSSA baseball bats is the performance. USA baseball bats are designed to hit like wood bats.
So why not just use wood bats for USA baseball then?
Unfortunately, most wood bats are not able to be made with the lightweight designs (while maintaining durability) that young players need. As a result, metal USA baseball bats were created to promote appropriate swing weights and wood-like performance, while still maintaining high levels of durability. If you are interested in learning more about the USA bat regulations be sure to visit our Bat Resource Guide which offers a full breakdown of the USA Bat Standard.
USSSA Baseball Bat Rules & Regulations
The USSSA baseball bat standard has remained unchanged since the 2005 season. Each bat is required to display a 1.15 BPF stamp of approval on the taper between the handle and the barrel. In addition to the stamp of approval, the full list of USSSA bat regulations includes:
- Must have the 1.15 BPF USSSA stamp on the taper OR
- Have the Certified .50 BBCOR stamp (-3) OR
- Be a Wood Bat
- Barrel diameter cannot exceed 2 ¾”
- All must be manufactured by an approved USSSA bat manufacturer*
All USSSA bats sold through JustBats will be manufactured by USSSA-approved manufacturers.*
USSSA is commonly referred to as the governing body of tournaments or “travel ball.” As mentioned, USSSA baseball bats are the hottest bats in baseball and should be swung whenever given the option. They offer a noticeable advantage over BBCOR bats, Wood bats, and USA baseball bats.
--
In conclusion, USA Baseball and USSSA baseball bats are regulated to perform differently. USA bats are intended to offer wood-like swings to younger baseball players. Meanwhile, USSSA bats will deliver high-level results for hitters allowed to swing them.
As always, if you have any questions, our Bat Experts are waiting to help you. Give them a call at 866-321-2287, email at experts@justbats.com, or click here to live chat with a Bat Expert. We’re JustBats and we’re here for you from Click to Hit!
&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.justbats.com%2fblog%2fpost%2fusa-vs-usssa-bats%2f){kind=small}
