11 Best High School Baseball Bats For Better Performance

Our reviews of the 11 best high school baseball bats can help you find the perfect bat the first time. What makes a baseball bat better than others? 

It is a bat that is comfortable to hold, the weight distribution is even and it’s easy to find the sweet spot for making the longest possible hits when you connect with the ball. 

It’s also a bat that conforms to the standards for official team play and it is made of premium and durable materials.

We offer a guide that breaks down the elements that make the best high school baseball bats to help you know how to find the bat that is the most suitable for you as a player. 

You’ll learn about what kinds of baseball bats are most commonly used in high school competition, how to know if a bat is certified, which brands are the best, how the different styles vary in performance, and which bats to stay away from because some are illegal in high school sports.

Category	High School Baseball Bats
Best Overall Baseball Bat	Louisville Slugger Meta
Best Runner Up Baseball Bat	DeMarini 2019 CF Zen
Best Budget Baseball Bat	Rawlings 23020 Velo ACP
Best BBCOR Bat For Power Hitters	Louisville Slugger 2020 Select
Best BBCOR Bat For Small Players	DeMarini 2018 D243 Pro

Top High School Baseball Bats

We’ve included the 9 best high school baseball bats in our reviews. Each bat in this review has been chosen because of its top rating by players and coaches for use in high school league play. 

We’ve included the best brands along with a variety of feature differences to help you find the most suitable bat for your size, age, skill level and preferences or playing style.

1. Louisville Slugger Meta – Best Overall

The Louisville Slugger Meta is available in a length between 31″ and 34″ with a weight range between 29 ounces and 31 ounces. 

It is BBCOR certified and is ideal for a range of players of high school age, especially smaller players who prefer a light swing. 

The barrel is made of eco-composite with a 3-piece construction with the brand’s 3FX connection system. This gives the bat a stiff feel on contact.

What I like:

• The bat is well balanced and light
• It’s easier to swing if you’re smaller in size
• The vibration is low
• It’s a sturdy bat that allows for powerful swings with a large sweet spot

This is a highly rated bat that was designed with Louisville Slugger’s patented connection technology. This makes it comfortable to hold and allows for an easier grip. It’s well balanced and ideal for those who require a BBCOR certification with a break in the heaviness.

2. DeMarini 2019 CF Zen – Best Runner Up Bat

The DeMarini CF Zen is a BBCOR certified baseball bat that is our second choice for the best high school baseball bats. 

This bat features a -3 drop but it is light and well-balanced making it ideal for players who prefer a lighter swing. The barrel is 2 5/8 inch and it’s available in 30, 32, 33, and 34-inch lengths with 27-31 ounce weights. 

It is made of Para flex + composite material with 3Fusion end cap construction to reduce the weight at the end. This gives the bat a more balanced feel with flexibility and maximum swing speed.

What I like:

• A great pop
• Light bat that swings fast
• Nice balance that makes a great upgrade bat
• No break-in time. The pop is there out of the wrapper

The CF Zen is one of the top-rated baseball bats because of its lightweight and balanced construction. It is an excellent choice for high school age players who are ready to upgrade to a more premium BBCOR certified bat.

3. Rawlings 2020 Velo ACP – Best Budget Bat for High School

The Rawlings 2020 Velo hybrid balanced bat is the best budget bat that maintains BBCOR certification with a -3 drop weight. This bat is ideal for players who prefer an ultra-light feel to a -3 drop regulation bat. 

The bat is made with 2 inches of carbon composite material which enhances flexibility and lightweight. It’s suitable for players of all skill levels. 

One outstanding feature of this bat is the precision laser po 2.0 technology. This creates a laser groove that runs through the bat’s sweet spot. 

Urethane fibers are infused into the bat for a smoother feel on contact and a reduction of vibration.

What I like:

• Excellent distribution of weight
• Great bat for kids and adults as well
• High quality construction
• Very light and easy for a fast swing

This is a high-quality bat that meets with BBCOR regulations as required for high school leagues. It’s one of the most uniquely constructed bats on the market today with an ultra-light feel thanks to the special alloys and composite materials.

4. Marucci CAT8 Connect Black BBCOR Baseball Bat MCBCC8CB

The Marucci Cat8 is known for its professional grade premium quality materials and consistency in its craftsmanship. 

This is a BBCOR certified bat that is made for serious baseball players in high school and college league play for power hitters thanks to the end-loaded weight distribution. 

Outstanding features include the two-piece hybrid construction that loads the end of the barrel with aluminum alloy and the SDX EXT connection that makes the bat stiffer for increased energy transfer and vibration decrease. 

The sweet spot is expanded with a multi-variable wall design in the barrel with a ring free construction.

What I like:

• Sturdy and durable bat
• The grip feels good in the hands
• Great bat for power hitters with heavy end load
• Nice balance

This is a premium bat that is ideal for high school power hitters. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s a good investment for serious players who require an excellent balance and good return of power to the ball.

5. Marucci Cat7 Bat

The Marucci CAT7 BBCOR bat features thinner barrel walls yet it is made out of ultra-strong aluminum alloy for greater durability. 

This bat is ideal for high school baseball players who prefer a large sweet spot and high responsiveness. 

The connection is designed to dissipate the shock to cut down on vibration and increase bat stiffness. This ensures a greater transfer of energy to the ball on contact for longer hits.

What I like:

• Durable bat that holds up for more than a season
• The swing is really light
• It’s comfortable to hold
• The sweet spot is big for more successful hits

Although the cost is a bit high, when it comes to BBCOR baseball bats, you generally get what you pay for. This is a premium bat that is well-made, and it has received rave reviews from players who recommend it as a high performer.

6. DeMarini 2019 CF Zen Balanced (-3) 2 5/8″ BBCOR Baseball Bat

The DeMarini CF Zen Balanced 2019 Edition is a BBCOR bat with a drop weight of -3. It’s a heavier bat that produces powerful hits. 

This is the best bat for power hitters who are larger and have stronger arms. The 3Fusion system drives energy into the barrel of the bat and reduces vibration. 

The slight end load makes it possible for more powerful hits. It’s made of Paraflex+ composite materials which give the bat a premium feel in your hands.

What I like:

• Big Sweet spot
• Just the right amount of weight at the end
• Powerful hits
• Great balance

This bat produces a more powerful hit for gaining more distance when it makes contact with the ball. It’s a comfortable bat with a slight end load but it’s not overdone. It’s an excellent BBCOR certified bat offered at a moderate price.

7. Easton BB17MK Mako Beast BBCOR Baseball Bat

The Easton Mako Beast is BBCOR certified. It’s made for high school and collegiate players and conforms to all regulations. 

This bat is best for players who prefer a hard hit. The drop weight is -3. Outstanding features include the 1.4 mm Hyperskin grip for maximum comfort, and the hybrid construction of carbon/atac. 

It’s a powerful bat that delivers high on performance and durability with an aluminum barrel.

What I like:

• The pop is loud
• Nicely balanced bat that is easy to swing
• This bat is a heavy hitter if you have powerful arms
• Quality feel with a comfortable grip for heavy swinging
• Longer barrel is great for power

This is an excellent bat for players with strong arms who like a loud pop. Its hybrid construction gives it an excellent grip with reduced hand vibration on contact with the ball.

8. Louisville Slugger 2020 Solo BBCOR Baseball Bat

The Louisville Slugger Solo is a 1 piece bat that is made of sl hyper alloy aluminum material. It’s very durable and packs a stiff personality for the maximum transfer of energy from the swing to the ball on contact. 

This bat is ideal for high school and college players who require a BBCOR certified bat. The outstanding feature of this bat is the LS Pro comfort grip that provides just enough cushion and tack for hanging onto the bat. 

The handle is designed with vibex premium damping for reducing the sting when you make a mishit. You gain maximum control of the bat with higher swing speed thanks to the speed ballistic composite end cap.

What I like:

• This bat has an ideal weight
• It’s easy to swing
• Big sweet spot for more great hits
• Nice handle grip. Just tacky enough

The Louisville Slugger 2020 Solo is one of our picks for the best high school baseball bats because it has so many great features. It’s comfortable to hold, it’s well-balanced and the larger sweet spot makes it easier to make more hits.

9. DeMarini 2020 Voodoo Balanced

The DeMarini Voodoo is a durable baseball bat that is made to be lightweight without sacrificing on performance. 

It’s a good choice for players who are smaller or prefer a lighter swing. This hybrid bat features an alloy barrel that allows for fast bat speed and a composite handle for comfort and lightness.

What I like:

• Ultra-light and easy to swing, especially for a -5 drop weight
• You can achieve a great swing speed with this bat
• The quality is good. It holds up under heavy use very well
• Nice mid-range pricing for a great quality bat

This is a great hybrid balanced BBCOR bat that meets regulation standards for use in high school and collegiate baseball. 

It’s a top seller because it is one of the lightest feeling -5 drop bats on the market. It’s not hard to get a fast-balanced swing with the power of a -5 drop to back it up for further hits.

Best BBCOR Bat For Power Hitters

The Louisville Slugger 2020 Select PWR (-3) 2 5/8″ BBCOR Baseball Bat is ideal for high school play with BBCOR certification to meet regulation standards. 

This bat is perfect for larger players with additional stiffness for power hitters. The composite handle is made with a 3fx-pwr connection system. This creates an increase in energy transfer for more powerful hits.

What I like:

• Less vibration at contact
• Heavier weight for achieving max distance and greater momentum
• The grip is comfortable with an ideal balance of tack and cushion
• Larger sweet spot size for more hits

What I don’t like:

• 3 piece construction. Generally sturdy though.

This bat is made for heavy hitters who can handle the extra weight of the bat. It is BBCOR certified with a drop of -3, made for larger players with strong arms.

Best BBCOR Bat For Smaller Players

The DeMarini 2018 D243 Pro Maple Wood Composite Baseball Bat is BBCOR certified that is slightly end loaded but made for rookie and smaller players. 

It is available in a range of lengths from 31″ to 34″ and weights from 29 ounces through 31 ounces. The combination of Maple Wood for strength, feel and unique contact sound for the barrel with composite material for exceptional handle comfort and ease of swing.

What I like:

• This is a good quality bat that feel sturdy in the hands
• A great value for the cost
• Just enough weight for power but light enough for smaller players
• Nice pop on contact

What I don’t like:

• The end load takes a little getting used to

This is one of the best wood bats for high school players who are required to use a BBCOR bat for league play. Although it’s end-loaded, the weight variation is only slight compared to some others. 

It’s far easier to swing than some of the heavier bats and it’s available in a range between 28 and 31 ounces.

High School Baseball Bat Buyers Guide

Baseball bats that are used for competitive sports are required to comply with certain established standards. Those typically used for high school must be certified. 

This is the first consideration to make when shopping for a new bat, but there are other important things that combine to make one bat superior to another. 

Have you ever wondered why some bats hit further than others or why there are baseball bats of different sizes available? Continue reading to learn everything that you need to know about the best baseball bats for high school before you make your decision.

What Baseball Bats Are Used In High School

Every competition baseball league has established specific standards for the bats that are legal to use in game play. For High school, ages 14 through 18, bats used must meet BBCOR standards.

BBCOR Certification

The acronym is short for Bat-ball coefficient of restitution. It is a performance standard for baseball bats that was set on January 1, 2011 by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, also known as NCAA. 

This certifies the performance of composite baseball bats that are used in competition. What it means is that the bat must be constructed with materials that are made with materials other than one piece of solid wood. 

Manufacturers must go through a process of requesting testing for NCAA Certification to an official center on specific models of the bats made. 

This is how the certification process works and bats meeting the requirements and approved are then certified. The manufacturer then has permission to stamp the bat to let consumers know that it meets standards. 

It is usually placed on the taper or the barrel of the bat. The length to weight ration must not be greater than -3 and the diameter of the barrel must not be over 2 inches.

Top Brands

There are 5 top brands of baseball bats for high school. These are Rawlings, Louisville Slugger, Easton, Marucci, and DeMarini.

• Louisville Slugger is an iconic name in baseball bat production. The company has been in business for more than 100 years. Many baseball greats such as Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Jackie Robinson have used this brand to win championships. It’s a high-quality brand known best for the production of wood bats.

• Marucci is a brand that has surpassed Louisville Slugger in competition popularity. The bats are more popular because they offer a different feel that players like. It gives them a more comfortable feel and sense of confidence when swinging.

• Easton makes high quality bats and the price is among the least expensive when you’re looking for a BBCOR certified bat. The swing tends to be lighter. Some players prefer this to the heavier end loaded versions.

• Rawlings bats tend to be robust and made from premium materials. Although some players are not thrilled with the grip, they are customizable.

• DeMarini is known for produced baseball bats with even weight distribution through 3Fusion technology.

What Type Of Bat Hits The Farthest

Baseball bats that are made of aluminum material tend to hit the ball further than those made of wood. This is because the sweet spot, or area that produces the farthest and fastest hits occupies a larger area of the bat. 

Scientific studies have shown that aluminum material produces further hits because a player can swing it faster compared to wood and the increase is between 5 to 10 mph. 

Another reason is that players can swing an aluminum bat faster because the balance point of the bat is closer to the handle than it is on a wooden bat.

Do Big Barrel Bats Hit Farther

Big barrel bats have a larger contact area, so they tend to make it easier to rack up more hits. However, they do not make the ball go further than a smaller barrel. The larger bat is harder to control and the swing is not as fast as with a smaller barrel. 

If you use a large barrel, the odds are that you’ll make more hits and they can travel over a wider area of the field but they will not connect with the same power and force of a smaller bat because of the weight of the barrel that slows the swing.

Is A Longer Bat Better

Studies have shown that there are pros and cons to swinging a longer bat. A longer bat gives the swinger an increase in reach, allowing for a further hit, however, longer bats are heavier. 

The extra weight tends to slow down the swing. Trying different bats to get the perfect weight to length ratio for the individual is recommended. Height and weight are used to determine the ideal bat length.

Selecting The Right Baseball Bat

One of the most important parts of playing baseball is choosing the perfect bat. It must be the right size, length, and weight for you. It will affect your performance in the game. 

Here are the elements that you need to consider when shopping to get the best baseball bat for high school league play.

Material

Baseball bats are made of a variety of materials. These include various species of wood, composite, aluminum, and a hybrid of different materials combined. 

The type of material impacts the performance of the bat as well as the weight and its durability. We’ll get into the details of these materials in a moment.

Length

A longer bat gives you an increase in reach. Potentially, balls can be hit further, but a longer bat is also harder to control and it is heavier. 

Beginners usually start out with a shorter bat and increase the length. It’s good to practice swinging bats of different length to find the size that is perfect for your swinging style and skill level.

Weight

Heavier bats are often chosen by larger and stronger baseball players because the extra weight gives them more powerful swings and hits. 

Smaller players usually do best with a lighter bat because it increases the bat speed for easier swings and greater control of the bat. Even if a chart suggests a different weight you should go with the weight that is the most comfortable for you. 

A bat that is too heavy can cause you to lose momentum and impede your performance. It’s important to find a bat that is ideally weighted within the allowed regulations.

Barrel Size

The diameter of the barrel is the measured circumference. There are restrictions on the barrel size that are allowed for league play in competitions. 

The maximum barrel diameter allowed is 2-5/8″. Younger players in little league generally use a 2 1/4″ barrel (age 12 and under). 

Although this is standard for Little League baseball, some teams use a barrel size of 2 3/4″ so it’s important to check the regulations for your team.

Drop

This is also referred to as the weight drop. In higher competition leagues, a lower weight drop is required. The calculation for achieving the weight drop is the bat length in inches – the bat weight in ounces to achieve the weight drop. 

The lower the weight drop, the heavier the bat feels when you swing. For example, a -5 weight drop is heavier than a -10 weight drop bat. 

Lighter bats give you more control over the swing while heavier bats maximize the power behind the swing. For High School baseball, the weight drop is usually between -5 and -3.

Here is a useful video that can give you more information about how to choose the perfect baseball bat for high school competition

Types of Baseball Bats

There are several different types of bats for baseball. These include wood, composite, alloy (aluminum) and hybrid. It’s important to know how the material of a bat impacts the performance. 

The first bats were made of wood, but technology evolved and new and improved, in some cases, materials that offer more options for players to choose from. Each has its pros and cons though.

Composite Bats

Composite bats are created through a layering of material that is like carbon fiber. On the plus side, the weight distribution is more even, and the bat is easier to control because of the balance. 

Some composite bats are made to be end loaded with more weight at the end of the barrel. Composite bats in general have a larger sweet spot and offer a better pop than aluminum. 

They also reduce the amount of vibration in the hands felt when you make a hit. On the downside, composite bats are priced higher than aluminum bats because the manufacturing process is more labor intensive. 

You must also break in a composite bat before you will feel the pop. They are less durable than alloy bats and cannot be used if they crack.

Alloy/Aluminum Bats

Alloy bats are also called aluminum or metal bats. These bats are made of metal alloys that usually contain high amounts of aluminum. 

This material is more durable than composite, the bats are lower in price and there is no break in time required for peak performance. Aluminum bats can dent, and still be legal to use in game play. 

They do not crack like the composite or wood bats do. The main drawbacks to alloy bats are that there is less pop than a composite, and the sweet spot is smaller. 

Cheaper alloy bats tend to be less well-balanced, but the more expensive of this type give you better performance and balance.

Wood Bats

Wood bats come in a variety of different wood types. Those made of ash wood are the most popular with big leaguers because of the grain structure and the flexibility to provides. 

Ash bats do not fracture as often as Maple wood bats, although many pro players do prefer Maple. This is because it is a hard wood that creates a special feel and sound when contact with the ball is made. 

The grain of this wood is closed, and the durability is enhanced when it is combined with Ash in construction.

Birch is also becoming a popular choice in wooden bats. The surface is hard and the flexible. Much like Maple, it delivers a pleasing feeling and sound when the ball is hit. It is more flexible than Maple with less fractures occurring. It is lighter than Maple for a lighter swing.

Hybrid

A hybrid bat is made with an alloy barrel that is bonded to a handle that is made of composite material. The design is two-piece in nature. The benefits of a hybrid is that the handle is lighter and depending on the model, the barrel may be longer than a regular alloy bat.

Bat Size Chart

Bat length recommendations for height and weight:

Weight / Height	3’5″ – 3’8″	3’9″ – 4’0″	4’1″ – 4’4″	4’5″ – 4’8″	4’9″ – 5’0″
Under 60 lbs	27″	28″	29″	29″	–
61 – 70 lbs	27″	28″	29″	30″	30″
71 – 80 lbs	28″	28″	29″	30″	30″
81 – 90 lbs	28″	29″	29″	30″	30″
91 – 100 lbs	29″	29″	30″	30″	31″
101 – 110 lbs	29″	29″	30″	30″	31″
111 – 120 lbs	29″	29″	30″	30″	31″
121 – 130 lbs	–	30″	30″	30″	31″
131 – 140 lbs	–	30″	30″	30″	31″
141 – 150 lbs	–	30″	30″	31″	31″
151 – 160 lbs	–	30″	31″	31″	31″
161 – 170 lbs	–	–	31″	31″	32″
171 – 180 lbs	–	–	–	31″	32″
Over 180 lbs	–	–	–	–	–

Weight / Height	5’1″ – 5’4″	5’5″ – 5’8″	5’9″ – 6’0″	6’1″ & Over
Under 60 lbs	–	–	–	–
61 – 70 lbs	–	–	–	–
71 – 80 lbs	31″	–	–	–
81 – 90 lbs	31″	–	–	–
91 – 100 lbs	31″	31″	–	–
101 – 110 lbs	31″	32″	–	–
111 – 120 lbs	31″	32″	–	–
121 – 130 lbs	32″	32″	33″	–
131 – 140 lbs	32″	32″	33″	33″
141 – 150 lbs	32″	33″	33″	33″
151 – 160 lbs	32″	33″	33″	34″
161 – 170 lbs	32″	33″	33″	34″
171 – 180 lbs	32″	33″	34″	34″
Over 180 lbs	33″	33″	34″	34″

Helpful Tips To Find The Best High School Baseball Bats

When preparing to play high school baseball you need a bat that is BBCOR certified, but it must also be a bat that you can easily control if you want to achieve your best possible performance on the diamond. Here are a few tips to help you find the best high school baseball bat.

• Find a bat that is the right length and weight for your size and skill level

• Buy an established name brand because the quality will pay off in performance and durability

• Compare bats that meet your needs to get the best price

• Find a bat that suits your playing style

Final Thoughts

When you’re looking for a baseball bat for high school competition, there are no shortcuts and not just any baseball bat will do. It must be the right size and weight to give you maximum control. 

If you’re a smaller person, look for a bat that is lighter while still conforming to regulation standards. Find the right length and weight in accordance with your height, weight, and skill level. 

Look for the most useful features to complement your playing style. We offer reviews of the 11 best high school baseball bats on the market today to bring the best together in one convenient location.