Are you also familiar with the statement that 'Wood bats are made only for professionals' ? C'mon You know that's not true. You know that best wooden bats are not reserved for Pros.
There are wood bats available to senior and youth as well, Some leagues also give players rights to choose players their own bats.
And as any other bats, there are tons of options available and we are here to point out the Best Wood bats for you to buy right now:
Best Wood Bats for Youth & Senior
Bat Name | Material | Drop | Barrel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Marucci AP5 Pro | Maple | -3 | 2 5/8 | |
DeMarini D243 Pro | Composite Maple | -3 | Large | |
X Bat 73 Pro | Maple | -2 | Large | |
Rawlings Game Day model Pro | Maple | -3 | Large | |
Easton Mako Pro | Comp Maple | -3 | Big Barrel | |
Marucci AP5 Youth | Maple | - | 2 1/4, Maple Wood | |
MPowered MFUZD Youth | Untreated raw Birch | -3 to -5 | 2 1/2 | |
Easton S1 Youth | Standard Maple | -2 to 4 | 2 1/4 approx | |
Rawlings Adirondack Youth | Adirondack ash | -5 | 2.5" or smaller | |
Lousville Slugger Youth | Northern White Ash Wood | -4 to -5 | 2 1/4 Inch |
Marucci AP 5 Pro
Bat Specs
Barrel Diameter: Large Traditional Barrel
Barrel Material: Maple Wood
Handle Material: Maple Wood
Build: One Piece
Feel: End Loaded
Available Sizes: 31", 32", 33", 34 inches
Warranty: 30 Days
Bat Details
Ap5 Pro is one of the most popular bat models produced by Marucci company. It is made for power with a large traditional barrel.
It is a one piece bat fully made with the maple wood both the handle and the barrel is made with same material.
The barrel has some extremely serious pop and it has a tapered knob moreover it has a powerful end loaded weight..
The bat is Bone rubbed for ultimate wood density and is Big League-grade ink dot certified.
Pros
Cons
A Brief Review for MARUCCI AP5 PRO
What I Like?
Marucci AP5 is obviously the king of this list of best wood baseball bats, It has a large barrrel that provides huge sweet spot.
It is really very smooth when hitting the ball, in other words it has some amazing sort of Pop. The end load provides extra power to the bat when swing.
It is a pro bat and is Ink dot certified, which means that you can play MLB tournament with this bat.
It has a 30 day warranty which is also good.
Overall this bat is Strong, Durable and Heavy. Best for hitters.
What I don't like?
If the price was a little lower then it would attract more wood bat lovers.
But still for this price if you get such kind of Beast wood bat then it's not a bad deal.
DeMarini 2018 D243 Pro
Bat Specs
Barrel: Large Wood Barrel
Barrel Material: Composite Maple Wood
Handle Material: Composite wood
Build: Two Piece
Drop: -3
Available Sizes: 31", 32", 33", 34 inches
Warranty: 1 Year Warranty.
Bat Details
Demarini wood composite bat is the only wooden bat that is produced by the Demarini company nowadays. It has 4 different versions with different features into it.
This Demarini D243 Pro maple bat has a large barrel made with maple and its handle is made with composite.
This hybrid bat is slightly endloaded and has been approved for Perfect Game, Short Season A and Rookie Ball level play.
The bat now comes with a complete one year warranty and has the following certifications: BBCOR, Perfect Game, Rookie Ball, Short Season A.
Pros
Cons
A Brief Review for Demarini D243 Pro
What I Like?
First thing is that it is a lightweight and easy to swing wood bat that makes it different from other wooden bats.
This Demarini wood bat can be used by smaller players and of course by them who prefer light weight bats.
The end load of the barrel is not very heavy, it is as described. It is also BBCOR certified and some other league certified also.
Second this is its Pop, It has arguably some great kind of pop thing, you will definitely feel more energized and perform well when having this kind of bat which has amazing pop.
Though, the bat is durable and is made with good quality material still it has a 1 year complete warranty, which I guess is also a plus point.
What I don't like?
The only negative thing I can point out is that its handle can be slippery for people with sweaty hands.
The handle felt really very comfortable and smooth but I feel like it will be slippery when played for long time with a sweaty hand.
Another thing is that if you are short tempered person who keep throwing his/her bat everywhere then this bat is not for you. Because the bat seem to develop cracks when hit hard surfaces like wall, concrete etc.
X Bats Pro 73 Model
Bat Specs
Barrel Diameter: 2 5/8
Barrel Material: Wood
Handle Material: Wood
Build: One Piece
Drop: -2
Available Sizes: 32", 32.5", 33", 33.5", 34inches
Warranty: 101 Days Warranty
Bat Details
X Bats 73 model wooden bat is a stock model if you buy if from amazon, but there are options to customize each and every aspects of your X bat if you buy if from their official website.
This stock model has 2 5/8 barrel diameter and is available in various sized including 32.5 and 33.5 inches.
The handle of this bat is around 15/15 inches long. This bat is made with premium maple wood.
It if made to provide better power and durability than a traditional ash wood baseball bat.
It has an option to avail a 101 days warranty when bought from the official website.
Pros
Cons
A Brief Review for X Bats Pro 73
What I Like?
This X bat model is really very durable and strong enough, In my opinion you do not need to buy warranty from their website. Because it is a 101 days warranty and this bat is far more durable than that.
This Stock model is available on amazon, it is really very balanced which is rare for a wooden baseball bat.
The barrel is large enough and the Pop is also great, it's really very smooth when makes contact with the ball.
This bat is not made according to MLB 2019 specifications, but there is an option on their website to order it by paying some extra bucks.
What I don't like?
This stock model X bat does not come with a manufacturer warranty. You can buy 101 days warranty but you have to pay some extra bucks.
I think this is something weird because this is a pricey bat and is should have a warranty.
Moreover, even though if you buy their 101 day warranty still they take extra shipping charge from the customer at the time of replacement.
The bat is very durable but still I think that not having a warranty is a disadvantage.
Rawlings Pro Gameday Model (All Pro Player Models)
Bat Specs
Barrel Diameter: Large
Featured Players: Bryce Harper, Justin Turner, Kris Davis,
Manny Machado, Ozzie Albies
Material: Wood
Drop: -3
Available Sizes: 33 inches
Warranty: 30 Days Warranty.
Bat Details
The new Rawlings pro label baseball bat line features some of the top hitters in the Game Day Series.
The Rawling Pro label line wood bats are factory sealed using Woodsaver Technology which ensures that the bat keeps its preferred weight in all climate.
It is Ink Dot approved which is implemented by the MLB that ensures that high bat performance.
This wooden baseball bat is trusted by 5 gameday hitters with their favourite/preferred models. These Players are Bryce Harper, Justin Turner, Kris Davis, Manny Machado, Ozzie Albies
The Rawlings Pro wood baseball bat comes with a 30 day manufacturer warranty.
Pros
Cons
A Brief Review for Rawlings Pro Gameday Model
What I Like?
The first thing that I like in this wooden baseball bat is its Woodsaver Technology, it protects your bat from external moisture and other weather issues.
Pop of this wood bat is just as it is to be expected with a pro MLB bat.
This bat is trusted by 5 Game Day league players and comes with their name too.
30 Days free warranty is also a plus point of this Rawlings Pro Wood baseball bat. And that makes it one of the best wood baseball bats right now.
What I don't like?
The bat is really good and I guess that's why it is not very easily available.
While I'm writing this there are only 2-3 Pieces available in stock on amazon but don't worry I don't think there is scarcity of this bat.
Simply, just order if it is available, You will never regret when buying any of our recommendation.
Easton Mako Comp Maple
Bat Specs
Barrel Diameter: Traditional Big Barrel
Barrel Material: Composite Hand-split Maple
Handle Material: Composite maple with Resin Covered
Drop: -3
Available Sizes: 32 inches
Warranty: 90 Days Warranty.
Bat Details
Mako Comp maple bat is a balanced pro bat provided by a large barrel and made with durable hand-split professional grade maple for straighter grain material.
The barrel is laser engraved and equipped with cupped end.
Handle is composite resin covered which provides it more comfortable in hand and makes it more durable.
This Professional wood baseball bat comes with a 90 Days warranty.
Pros
Cons
A Brief Review for Easton Mako Comp maple
What I Like?
This is a pro wood baseball bat that is just amazing for this price, It should be bought for bigger kids, teens.
The bat is well balanced and it really has tons of pop as I described earlier.
It is easier to swing, speed and smoother when made contact with the ball. This wood bat comes with a 90 days warranty.
Overall this wood bat is great for teens and is also the best at its price.
What I don't like?
This bat does not occupy any professional certifications like MLB ink dot or BBCOR etc.
Moreover, I would not recommend it for hard hitters, neither you will feel good while using it if you are a hard hitter.
This is because it is not an end loaded bat.
Top 5 Wood baseball bats for Youth Players
Marucci AP 5 Youth wood Bat
Bat Specs
Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4
Barrel Material: Maple Wood
Handle: Traditional Handle
Build: One Piece
Drop: -3
Available Sizes: 26", 27", 28", 29",30", 31 inches
Warranty: 30 Days Warranty.
Bat Details
The Marucci Youth wood bat is built with same technology and specification as the Marucci Pro model.
It has a 2 1/4 barrel size which is considered to be the ideal barrel size for youths.
This youth wood bat is also bone rubbed and has a decent wood density as the pro model.
This wooden bat is also end loaded and provides extra power and smoothness when swing. It also equips tapered knob.
It also featured an Ink dot on the barrel, and comes with a 30 days warranty.
Pros
Cons
A Brief Review for Marucci Ap5 Youth
What I Like?
What I like the most is its Specification, the Marucci brand company has made this bat with same specifications as the Marucci AP5 pro model.
This Marucci ap 5 youth wood model also has the same durability and power as the pro model.
It is also slight end loaded and comes with a 30 days warranty.
What I don't like?
If this bat had an option for a slight bigger barrel then it would have been more loved by bigger teens.
But still I think it is great for all of the youth.
MPowered MFUZD Youth Wood Baseball Bat
Bat Specs
Barrel Diameter: 2 1/2
Barrel Material: Untreated raw Birch
Handle Material:Carbon fiber and KEVLAR overlay
Drop: 3-5
Available Sizes: 31 inches
Warranty: 90 Days Warranty for handle breakage.
Bat Details
The M Powered creative team has developed a Carbon Fiber-Kevlar wrap for a birch bat in the area that is the most prone to breakage.
Barrel diameter of this birch youth bat is 2.5 inch and overall length of this wood youth bat is 31 inch.
Its average drop (length to weight ration) is 3-5 and has great pop and is very balanced when swing.
This youth wood baseball bat has 60-day M Powered Baseball manufacturer warranty for handle breakage.
Pros
Cons
A Brief Review for MPowered MFUZD
What I Like?
As far as I experienced that baseball bats that are made for youth are not very much durable but this bat is specifically made to be durable.
All the other things are just decent, nothing can be complained. It has decent pop and great balanced weight.
The Material of this wood bat is birch which is raw and untreated which means yo can treat it in your own way.
What I don't like?
Its performance is not so great and neither bad, It's just an average performing wood bat.
The warranty in this wood bat covers only the handle breakage, so if you break or crack the barrel then it can't be replaced.
Easton Youth S1
Bat Specs
Barrel: Standard Maple barrel
Handle Material: Maple
Available Sizes: 30 inches
Warranty: 1 Year Warranty.
Bat Details
The S1 Maple wood bat is made with the premium quality maple wood and is made to last longer and harder.
The available size of this bat is 30 inches and is balanced in nature. There are no end loaded model available in this varient.
The Easton S1 maple wood bat comes with a 1 Year Warranty.
Pros
Cons
A Brief Review for Easton S1 maple
What I Like?
This bat is really very good performing bat, it has great sort of pop and is easy to swing.
The balanced nature makes it ideal for the kids/youth and helps to swing faster and hit farther.
Like other Easton bats it also comes with a warranty.
What I don't like?
There is a serious demerit for this bat that this bat is not so durable.
So, I would not recommend it to hard hitters, It is ideal for the average hitters like kids and teens etc.
Rawlings Adirondack (Best Ash Youth Wood Bat)
Bat Specs
Barrel Diameter: 2.5 inches or smaller
Barrel Material: Adirondack ash
Handle Material: Adirondack ash
Drop: -5
Available Sizes: 27", 28", 29", 30", 31", 32 inches
Bat Details
The Rawlings Youth wood bat has a barrel size of 2.5 inches and is made with the ash wood.
This bat has been a part of the youth wood series and now comes with a thinner 1" diameter handle.
Its knob is laser engraved not printed. This Ash wood bat is specifically made for kids and is a perfect choice for the kids.
The Adirondack ash wood bat is recommended for youth players who have plans of transitioning to a heavier BBCOR baseball bat in the near future.
Pros
Cons
A Brief Review for Rawlings Adirondack Youth
What I Like?
I loved this bat's performance, At this price I was not expecting a bat of this kind of performance.
This Ash youth wood bat has amazing pop and is evenly balanced which is suitable for little kids.
Light weight makes it easy to swing and easy to handle for little batters.
Overall this bat is great for kids who are planning to play with heavier bat in near future.
What I don't like?
There is only one demerit in this bat that I can point out is that this bat can not be expected to last longer.
This can be avoided if it is used by only soft hitters, Hard hitters are not recommended to use this bat.
Louisville Slugger (Cheapest youth wood bat)
Bat Specs
Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4
Barrel Material: Northern White Ash Wood
Handle Material: Northern White Ash Wood
Drop: -4 to 5
Available Sizes: 27" to 31 inches
Warranty: No Warranty
Bat Details
The Lousville Slugger Ash Youth wood bat is the perfect fit for beginners and for those parents who want a cheap bat.
It has a 2 1/4 inches barrel which is made with a decent quality of Ash wood, it was also approved in major youth leagues but it no longer is.
The bat is completely made with Northern White Ash Wood and is a Walker finish.
The bat is lightweight and has a balanced feel swing.
Pros
Cons
A Brief Review for DeMarini CF Zen
What I Like?
At first, I was not about to add this bat in the list but I added because a lot of parents want a bat for their smaller kid and want a cheap one.
So, This bat is great deal for the price.
The Lousville slugger youth wood bat is Lightweight, balanced and easy to swing bat. It also has a good amount of pop.
It can be the best choice for kids who are 9 years old or Younger.
What I don't like?
This wooden bat is good for practices and I would not recommend it to play it in leagues and other team matches.
This bat is not supposed to last longer and neither it is very sturdy bat. So, keep in mind what you are buying.
Final thoughts
So, these were some of the best wood baseball bats obviously these are best in our opinion. A bat best for someone may not be the best for other person.
I've listed the 5 best wood bats that is suitable for senior players and other 5 are suitable for the youth baseball players.
We've tried to make this list of best wood bats a step towards the perfect list. If you have any suggestion regarding any bat that should be in this list then you may comment any time and we will take that into account.
If you have any questions regarding size, weight and other expert advice, just comment below!
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Buying Guide: How to choose the right bat for you?
Choosing the right bat is the crucially important step when you are buying or planning to buy a baseball bat.
This guide is about wooden bats so we will be more precise to your interest of buying a wood baseball bat.
Probably, this is not very difficult to understand what wood bat is the best fit for your hitting style. But there are tons of guides that has made it like Rocket Science.
No! that's not typo, you read it correct. I'm saying it because why would someone who is trying to find out some help related to buying a wooden baseball bat will need to read about Wood Baseball History or how wood bats are made?
Isn't that funny?
Yes it is, Because I doubt they literally want or I doubt even if they can tell about baseball bats. They just want to waste your precious time on their blog page.
So, Let's not waste more time.
In a nutshell: Things to consider in a wood bat?
- Wood Type
- Ash
- Maple
- Composite wood
- Bamboo
- Turn Models
- 110 turn
- 271 turn
- I-13 turn
- 243 turn
So, technically there are only two factors that decides the best wood bat for you. Wood will decide the quality or the bat and Turn Model will decide the Size & Weight of the bat.
Both are explained below.
Best Wood bat types
Ash Wood bats
The Ash wood bats are the lightest of all the wood types that are used to make a wooden baseball bat.
Ash bats used to be the most popular wood bats in Baseball but Nowadays, only about 25% or less players of Major League Baseball swing ash bats. These bats started losing is popularity in 2001, when Barry Bonds broke the single-season record for home runs using a maple bat.
Ash wood bats may not be so popular these days but it still has some qualities that makes it viable option to many players.
Ash is the most flexible kind of wood for a baseball bat, The flexibility of ash makes it ore forgiving for hitters when mishit.
It means that it does not sting when mishit and if the bat breaks then it is also forgiving to the flying barrel, thus it is on safer side when it breaks.
Other Pros of the ash is that it is more traditional looking bat and it has large open grains as well as a much lower cost when compared to the prices of other wood type bats.
The demerit of Ash wood is that it is a soft wood which means that it has less pop and it is less durable as well.
Maple Wood bats
Maple have become far more popular than ash wood bats as previously mentioned about the Barry Bonds made maple popular back in 2001 by smashing 73 home runs with a maple bat.
Maple woods is a close grains wood type which makes it a lot harder and stiffer than the ash woods.
Maple doesn’t experience the flaking and splintering seen with ash. When it breaks it shatter into two pieces, it might be very dangerous for other players and for audience too.
The Maple wood bats are gone through the ink-dot test that shows the straightness of the grains. The straighter the grains are the more it is durable.
Other than the potential danger of flying barrel, the only real drawback of these bats is their price tag.
Composite Wood Bats
Composite wood bats are a kind of hybrid wood bats, these are made with a kind of mixture of wood and composites.
They could have a core of composite material and laminated with maple lamination or they could have a composite handle with a maple or ash barrel.
Composite wood bats are a lot harder and durable compared to the pure wooden baseball bats.
These wood bats are very durable and is fun to play but these are not approved in most of the leagues so I recommend you to get familiar with the league rules you are going to play.
Bamboo wood Bats
Bamboo is meant to be the most durable and the most flexible. But technically it is not a wood, it is a kind of grass.
To be used in High school or collegiate adult leagues your bamboo bats must be adorned with BBCOR .50 Certification.
Bamboo has a stronger tensile strength than steel, which is only strengthened during the bat manufacturing process.
Depending on the turn model, the bamboo bats have a lighter swing weight and moreover these bats offer better durability than traditional wood bats.
Determining Turn Models
Turn models can be defined as a Blueprint of wood bats size and feel, the is used by various companies/brands to manufacture the perfect bats.
These are few factors that determine the Turn model for a bat:
- Barrel Diameter
- Taper
- Handle Diameter
- Balanced/End Load
110 Turn
Barrel Diameter: 2 ½ inches
Taper : Long Taper
Handle Diameter: 1.00"
Balanced/End Load: Most Balanced
271 Turn
Barrel Diameter: 2 ½ inches
Taper : Long Taper
Handle Diameter: 15/16"
Balanced/End Load: Slight End Load
I-13 Turn
Barrel Diameter: 2 ½ inches
Taper : Medium
Handle Diameter: 15/16"
Balanced/End Load: End Load
243 Turn
Barrel Diameter: 2 5/8 inches
Taper : Medium
Handle Diameter: 29/32" or 15/16"
Balanced/End Load: End Loaded
These were the turn models that are commonly used to build the wood bats, I hop this complete guide will help you to choose you Ideal wood bat for you whether it be best Youth wood bats or best wood bats for senior leagues.