10 Best Youth Baseball Bats by Exit Speeds [February 2024] (2024)

10 Best Youth Baseball Bats by Exit Speeds [February 2024] (1)

Updated for February 2024 (which hasn’t changed from January) are the 2024 Easton Hype Fire as the Best USSSA Bat, the 2023 Easton ADV 360 USA as the Best USA Bat, standouts like the Victus Reserve for wood enthusiasts, and the timeless 2017 Zen as our all-time favorite.

As we move into the 2024 season, our list of top youth baseball bats stays the same. The 2024 Easton Hype Fire leads the pack in USSSA, acclaimed as the Best USSSA Bat for its unmatched balance and power. The 2023 Easton ADV 360 USAstands out as the Best USA Bat, offering a perfect blend of speed and enough durability to make it recommendable. Our favorite wood youth bat is the Victus Reserve, and our favorite all-time is still the 2017 Zen.

Quick Top 3

Updated February 8, 2024

For January of 2024, we’ve kept our list from the end of last year largely intact. Not a lot of feedback has changed since people got their Christmas presents. We expect there to be changes come early spring as we start to see more of these bats on the field.

10 Best Youth Baseball Bats we Hit the Farthest [February 2024] Write Ups

What is the Right Bat Size

As we say everywhere, there is no such thing as the right bat in the wrong size. The most critical factor in having the ‘best youth bat’ is to have one the player can swing comfortably and fast. This is often only found through some degree of trial and error. Considering how quickly they grow, this can also change what sometimes feels like overnight. In any case, get the bat with the right size before you get excited about any particular bat on this list.

Bat Rumors

Most of the 2023 bats have come out already. Very recently a new DeMarini 2024 ZOA has dropped but we’ve yet to hit it so can’t make comment yet. We expect good things. Expect more bats to drop here shortly.

Are Youth Bats and Little League Bats the Same?

We should blame the industry for the confusion. A swath of young players play youth baseball in Little League organized leagues. Notice the capital L’s. Those leagues put their requirements on the bats, including, for example, a 2 1/4 inch max barrel diameter. But there is also an even more significant swath of players that we call Youth players. However, they do not play in leagues affiliated with Little League. As such, the youth bats they use are not the same as the youth bats Little League operates. 2 1/4 baseball bats are called Youth Bats. But 2 5/8 or 2 3/4 barrel bats are called Youth Big Barrel Bats. It isn’t apparent. But, in the end, Youth Bats and Little League bats are not always the same.

What Are the Best Youth Bats Ever?

More than a few bats have reached epic reputational level.

However, it’s important to note that when supply gets low on the secondary market, some very dishonest market manipulators buy up all in the inventory, try and pimp the bat as the best ever, and then sell it for 10x the price. This happens way more than people realize, see the Z1000 for Slugger in BBCOR that people STILL think is a ‘hot’ bat, but it’s a full lie. The bat is terrible. But, someone cornered the market, hyped it up, and then made a killing. The legend persists to this day.

That said, some bats have stood the test of time in youth. So, the ‘best youth bats’ of all time should most certainly include bats like this:

Best 2 1/4 Youth Bat EVER: 2014 Easton MAKO Youth (eBay)
The Easton MAKO transformed youth baseball in the last decade, especially in 2014. It was unmatched at its peak.
Best Big Barrel EVER: CF Zen Drop 8 2 3/4 (eBay)
The 2016 CF8 is a renowned bat despite its high price. It’s known for its performance but has durability issues. The CF Zen is a potential alternative.
Best Aluminum Barrel EVER: 2006/2007 Anderson Techzilla (eBay)
The 2006/2007 Anderson Techzilla is robust and one of the top youth bats. It’s now not legal in many leagues but remains a favorite for its performance.
Best Drop 5 EVER: 2015 DeMarini CF7 Drop 5 (eBay)
The 2015 DeMarini CF7 Drop 5 is a balanced, powerful bat and one of the best available. It’s known for its smooth hits and extensive barrel.

How Did We Determine The Best Youth Bat?

We spend considerable time using the bats we review on this site. We are not, as so many are, merely parroting lists from Amazon or other major vendors’ bestsellers lists. Our reviews take on serious research by players and parents. Often, we discuss our findings with significant vendors and several manufacturers. Throughout that process, bats in each category rise to the top of the list. We are the first to admit that our recommendations are not foolproof. Indeed, the best for most is not the best bat for all. We are hopeful our insights are one piece of the puzzle for you in determining the best youth baseball bat.

10 Best Youth Baseball Bats by Exit Speeds [February 2024] (2024)

FAQs

Which bats have more pop USA or USSSA? ›

USSSA bats are designed with a focus on enhanced performance and power, making them popular choices among young players looking to boost their hitting abilities. USSSA bats are engineered to offer a higher "pop" effect, resulting in a livelier ball coming off the bat.

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How to choose youth baseball bats? ›

Youth Baseball Bats

According to Baseball Monkey, there are certain ways that you should select a bat size for your child. Starting at a young age, if your child is between 3' and 3'4”, you would want to start with a 26 inch bat, and for every 4-5 inches that your child grows, you should add one inch to the bat.

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What baseball bat hits the farthest wood or aluminum science project? ›

The aluminum baseball bat, on average, would hit 1.71 meters farther than the wooden bat. Wooden baseball bat results: Shortest distance hit = 3.67 meters. Farthest distance hit = 6.98 meters. Average distance hit = 4.84 meters.

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What size bat for a 9 year old boy? ›

In addition to height and weight, another characteristic to measure with is your child's age. As they mention in the above video, age tends to correlate well with bat length. For example, players aged 8 typically use a 28” bat, players aged 9 used a 29” bat, and so on.

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Is drop 3 heavier than drop 5? ›

Drop 5 bats are lighter and easier to swing, while drop 3 bats offer more power.

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Why can t you use USSSA bats in little league? ›

USSSA bats are illegal in the Little League organization because they have “too much pop.” Removing these bats from the available list was primarily implemented as a safety issue.

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How do you tell if a bat is too heavy for a kid? ›

The first, simple test is to have your kid hold the bat straight out in front of them, parallel to the ground, with their dominant hand. If they can't keep the bat steady in this position for 20 seconds, then the bat's probably too heavy. Another test to try is evaluating your hitter's soft toss performance.

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How do you know if a bat is too light? ›

If that bat feels like a toothpick and that you could do this drill all day long then the bat might be a little too light. If you are capable of holding the bat in this straight position for ten seconds without straining then the bat is probably the right weight and length.

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Why are USSSA bats better than USA bats? ›

This standard also sets a maximum barrel diameter of 2 5/8 (2.625) inches. USSSA Baseball Bats, on the other hand, used by the United States Specialty Sports Association, are typically used in “Travel Ball” tournaments, and allow for a higher peak barrel performance than USA Bat.

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Is it easier to hit with a wood or metal bat? ›

Wooden bats do have a smaller sweet spot which makes them harder to hit with for everyone. So, if you have a young and developing player, they are going to have an easier time hitting with a metal bat. If you don't think they'll ever go professional, they probably won't have much need for using a wooden bat.

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Can you hit farther with a metal or wood bat? ›

An aluminum bat is much lighter than a wooden bat, which increases swing speeds and allows to hit the ball a greater distance. Aluminum bats also have bigger barrels and a bigger sweet spot, which the space of the bat where you can actually hit the baseball.

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How much farther can you hit a baseball with an aluminum bat? ›

Aluminum baseball bat results: Shortest distance hit = 4.64 meters. Farthest distance hit = 7.59 meters. Average distance hit = 6.55 meters. The aluminum baseball bat, on average, would hit 1.71 meters farther than the wooden bat.

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Can a 12 year old swing a drop 5 bat? ›

Players 12 years old and under often use a -8 weight drop, and 13 year old players often use a -5 weight drop. These are recommendations.

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Can a 9 year old swing a drop 8 bat? ›

Younger players who are still growing may not be able to handle the weight of a drop 8 bat. Drop 8 bats are better suited for experienced players who are looking for more power in their swings, can handle the weight, and are looking for more pop.

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Are USA bats better than USSSA bats? ›

Do USA bats lose their pop? ›

Unfortunately, all bats have a limited life, and at some point, your bat will lose its pop.

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Which is better USA or USSSA? ›

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.

Is there a difference between USA and USSSA bats? ›

USSSA bats are allowed to perform at a higher level giving hitters an advantage when compared to USA baseball bats.

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