There is a lot to consider when you’re searching for the right baseball bat for a young baseball player, and our guide is a good place to start.
We’ll explain the differences between the types of bats, the materials used to make them, and show you the ten best youth baseball bats below.
Our useful tips and suggestions will make it much easier for you to recognize a quality bat and select the right one for your young baseball star.
Top 10 Best Youth Baseball Bats Table
| Picture | Name | Material | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. DeMarini VooDoo OverLord Senior League (-9) Baseball Bat | Alloy barrel and Carbon – reinforced composite handle | $$$ | 4.7 |
 | 2. Easton YB15S1 S1 COMP -12 Youth Baseball Bat | Composite | $$$$ | 4.7 |
 | 3. Louisville Slugger YBAR152 Youth 2015 Armor (-12) Baseball Bat | Alloy (aluminum) | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 4. DeMarini 2015 CF7 Youth Baseball Bat | Composite | $$$$ | 4.6 |
 | 5. Easton A11166925 S400 Junior Big Barrel Baseball Bat | Composite | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 6. Louisville Slugger MLB225YB Youth Wood Baseball Bat | Ash Wood | $ | 4.5 |
 | 7. Louisville Slugger WB125YB-BW 125 Youth Ash Wine/Black Baseball Bat | Ash Wood | $ | 4.5 |
 | 8. Easton LX73 Reflex -13 Youth Baseball Bat | Alloy (aluminum) | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 9. Rawlings Youth Plasma Baseball Bat | Aerospace Plasma Alloy | $ | 4.0 |
 | 10. Louisville Slugger WB225YB-HN 225 Youth Hornsby Ash Baseball Bat | Ash Wood | $ | 4.0 |
Consideration for Youth Baseball Bats
Before you run out and buy the first bat you find, consider the following:
- Regulations. Your bat must meet the criteria set by the league that they are playing in, and some aren’t allowed. Wooden bats and composite bats the most common choices, so just be sure to double check your league’s bat regulations for further details before you buy.
- For Little League Majors and Below: The maximum length is 33 inches and maximum diameter is 2 ¼ inches.
- For the Intermediate Division/Junior League: The maximum length is 34 inches and maximum diameter is 2 5/8 inches.
- Senior/ Big League: The maximum length is 36 inches and maximum diameter is 2 5/8 inches.
- Height And Age Of Player. The height is the most important factor since it will give you a general idea of the size of bat to look for. For example, a certain bat length is recommended for 11-12 year olds, yet if you find that your child is much taller than most children in that age range they might need a longer bat. You can visit a specialty store to have someone help you determine the right length, and then continue shopping for the right bats online for a better deal.
- Tee-Ball vs Leagues For Older Players. There is a difference between a Tee-ball bat and Little League bat. Children between 4-5 years old (some 6-7 year olds can be allowed, as well) start out learning the basics of baseball by playing tee-ball. This requires a completely different bat, since the ball is not pitched to the batter but rather hit off of a tee that is set up at home plate. These bats are typically shorter. Little league bats are for children around age seven (sometimes younger) up until age 11, but there are also various sub-categories/leagues that they may fit into based on their age and skill level. The bats they use are longer than tee-ball bats and made from a variety of materials, which we discuss below.
Bat Materials
You will find that bats are most commonly made out of:
- Wood – The majority of bats are made from the following types of wood:
- Maple. Lightweight and powerful, but not the best choices for a hitter who is still learning or for those who drive the ball off the end of the bat.
- Birch. Great learning bat. Strong and offers some flexible give, but is heavy as a youth bat. It might be suitable for older Little League players.
- Ash. The lightest option and offers the batter a wide area of sweet spots to drive the ball out into the field.
- Composite. Composite bats are either partially or entirely made of reinforced carbon fiber polymer.
- Aluminum. Aluminum (alloy) bats are another common option.
Bat Care
To prolong its use, you should make sure you know how to properly care for the bat.
Make sure that your young baseball player does not:
- Use the bat on rubber cage balls or waterlogged balls
- Store it in severe heat or severe cold
- Use the bat to clean their cleats
- Share the bat regularly with other players
It will also help if they rotate their bat slightly between swings, and you should also teach them the importance of regularly checking their bat for damage.
5 Best Little League Bats Reviews
1. DeMarini VooDoo OverLord Senior League
This is definitely more of a serious investment, but it’s definitely one of the best bats on our list!
The DeMarini offers you plenty of room for sweet spots with the alloy large barrel and it has amazing pop. When you hit the ball, you will feel very little vibration from the force of impact, thanks to the carbon-reinforced composite handle.
This lightweight bat will be the envy of your teammates and the fear of all pitchers.
An awesome bat!
2. Easton YB15S1 S1 COMP
For excellent grip and faster swing speeds, the Easton YB15S1 is a great choice. It’s certified for use in a variety of leagues (USSSA, 1. 15 BPF, Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball, Pony Baseball and AABC).
Offers great pop and an optimized sweet spot. A great transition bat as your child grows and needs something slightly heavier to help them drive the ball further out.
3. Louisville Slugger YBAR152
If you’re fond of aluminum alloy, then the Louisville Slugger YBAR152 is a modest investment for a quality bat. It features a 2 ¼-inch barrel and a 7/8-inch tapered handle, offering you comfort and control as you swing.
This is a great bat for younger players to learn with. Since they will grow out of their bat in a season or two, you’ll most likely have to upgrade to something bigger. When you want a quality bat but aren’t ready to invest a serious amount of money, this is a great option for your little leaguer.
4. DeMarini 2015 CF7
For a balanced bat with a large sweet spot that will let you shoot those pitches right back out into the field, the DeMarini 201 CF7 Youth Baseball Bat is the one for you.
This bat features a composite barrel that is both light and strong, which makes it easy to swing. The D-Fusion handle keeps you from feeling vibration when you strike the ball and it effectively redirects the energy back into the barrel instead of your hands.
This is a good option for more experienced batters, as it is a bit top-heavy and more costly, so if you have a serious player that is really ready to improve, you’ll both love this bat.
5. Easton A11166925 S400 Junior Big
Another great learning bat is the Easton JBB14S400, perfect for those who are transitioning from tee-ball to a bigger league.
It features a large composite barrel, great for sweet spots. A bit top-heavy, but this will help them as they learn to swing.
Check to make sure that this model is permitted in your particular league, since some leagues won’t allow it.
Always check with your league’s official regulations before you select a bat as they vary.
By using our guide as a starting point, you’ll definitely find some of the best youth baseball bats.
