Bats are a key component to any baseball player’s success. The right bat can be the difference between going home with a trophy and going home empty-handed after your first game of the season. It is important to match the size and weight of the bat to the player’s body and style of play.
Just like any other sport, there are different bats for different types of players. This guide will cover some basic considerations when choosing a baseball bat for high school-aged players.
Many high school athletes want to know what bat is best for them, but they don’t have anyone to ask or anything to go off of. That’s where this blog post comes in! We will talk about the different types of bats and their pros and cons so that you can find out which one is perfect for you.
#1. Easton S500 and S200
As with any Easton product, durability is always at the forefront of their design. The Easton S500 and S200 are no exception. Both bats use 100% composite materials to increase swing speed and decrease vibration at contact.
They also feature a 3-fluted barrel to make it easier to get through the hitting zone in one fluid motion, increasing exit velocity on balls hit off-centre. These bats are great for high schoolers that want that little bit extra out of their swings!
Easton Bat Features
Easton bats are lighter than other brands, allowing for less strain on the hitter’s arms. They also can provide power through their large barrels and alloy construction. Most youth baseball players prefer Easton bats because they’re an American brand with a reputation for quality weapons in baseball wars.
This is why it comes as no surprise that many high school ballers choose to use the Easton S series (S400, S500, and S600). The only reason we ranked the S200 and S500 ahead of the S600 was because they’re lighter and still provide a good pop (unlike other bats in their price range).
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#2. BARNETT Baseball Bat
The Barnett Baseball bat is one of the best baseball bats for high school. The bat has received an immense amount of positive reviews from coaches and players alike. The smooth, endless pop it provides makes it easy to hit home runs even on bad hits.
It is for this reason that most high school players prefer the product over its competitors. However, all bats are not equal, especially when it comes to youth leagues. It is important to note the features you should look out for before buying a baseball bat to choose what will be perfect for your playing style, age group and level of performance.
BARNETT Baseball Bat Features
Bat Size/Length
The bat’s size and length are very important features to look out for. The weight of a baseball bat is measured in ounces, while the length of the bat is measured in inches. In terms of the youth league, most players prefer a lighter weight or a shorter length as they tend to be more effective during use.
Based on your age, strength and playing style, you can always choose from different sizes ranging from -13 oz to-3/8 oz and 29 inches to 32 inches, respectively.
Bat Drop
This refers to the difference between the weight at the very end of a handle and its centre of gravity which usually ranges from three half-ounce increments starting with minus 3/4 oz going up to plus 1 1/2 oz going by quarter ounce increments. This is a feature that most beginner players tend to ignore, but it is still very important as it directly affects a player’s performance.
Feel
When choosing a baseball bat, you should always look out for the feel. A good grip makes playing so much more comfortable and will definitely improve your overall performance and style as a result. You can always opt for bats with either cushioned or contoured handles with knobs at the end to achieve this.
The latter provides better gripping, especially if you often sweat during play. In contrast, those with cushioned handles provide softness, thus making them perfect for those who don’t like feeling discomforted by their equipment after use, even though they usually cost slightly more than those without cushions.
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#3. Louisville Slugger 2021 BBCOR Meta
Louisville slugger is a long-time leader in the baseball industry, and they’ve been around for over 100 years. Their products consist of high quality, well-balanced bats that will help you make contact and take your game to the next level! Louisville Slugger also has several types of bats available depending on your preference (e.g. end-loaded, balanced, etc.).
The focus is on their 2021 BBCOR model, which is great for players who like having an evenly distributed weight throughout their bat. This way, you can easily find out what works best for you and be able to transfer it from season to season! It is one of the best baseball bats for high school due to its comfortable grip, a good amount of power behind the ball, and appreciation from other players who have used it.
Louisville Slugger 2021 BBCOR Meta Features:
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#4. SZYT Baseball Bat Self-Defense Softball Bat Home Defense
The SZYT Baseball Bat is an affordable, lightweight option for players who want to get better at baseball. This bat may be made of high-quality materials, but there are some features that you should be aware of before purchasing it. The biggest con with this product is that the barrel isn’t very large, which means that you’re sacrificing power for accuracy and control while hitting.
If you’re someone who’s just getting into baseball or don’t plan on playing it in college, then there’s no reason to go with a more expensive model since this one will still help you improve your game!
However, if power is important to you or you plan to use this bat in any competitive league, we recommend going with another instead. It is suitable for high school students, but it’s also used by some adults who have been satisfied with the results.
Scott Self-Defense Bat Features:
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#5. TRUE TEMPER T2-10 l -8 l -5 USA Youth Baseball Bat
The T2-10 is a little pricier than some of the other bats on this list; however, it uses technology and materials that increase durability and power. It has an alloy barrel construction with a balanced swing weight that helps generate more power. It is the best baseball for high school due to its size, weight, and power.
🠮 Maxload End Cap
The end cap is made of Maxload material which dampens the vibration felt when you make contact with the ball. Not only does this help protect your hands, but it also increases the amount of time that an alloy aluminium bat like this one will last (see our discussion on materials in previous articles).
🠮 Balanced Swing Weight
This bat has a balanced swing weight, allowing easy control through every part of your swing without feeling too heavy or too light. The moment of inertia (i-balance) stays stable throughout the bat, allowing for more energy to hit the ball rather than balance the bat itself. It is very important in youth baseball bats to have a correctly balanced bat because it helps with accuracy and control.
🠮 Swing Weight
The swing weight of the T2-10 is -8, which will help most high school players get a little more power behind their swings without sacrificing too much control. The size and weight of this bat have been proven to give batters an edge against other, cheaper bats that might not be made as well or weigh as evenly distributed.
🠮 XL Grip
More experienced hitters can handle a slightly heavier bat like this one; however, if you feel like it’s too heavy for you, a drop 8 version is also available on Amazon. Be sure to measure your hands properly, though, before purchasing since they do vary so much from person to person. Being able to grip and hold onto your bat comfortably is very important if you want to have the best chance at making solid contact.
