As the school year winds to a close, the summer baseball season is warming right up. And getting ready for America’s pastime also means making sure your baseball gear is ready for play. With so many different baseball bats, gloves, and other equipment, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the best brands before you make your choice. Here are five of the top picks in baseball bats:
COMbat B1 Composite: B1YB1 -12 Youth
Review: COMbat is famous for their development of superior composite bat technology, and the B1 is a stellar example of their achievements. It is intended for the “precision line drive hitter,” and is known for its all-weather duty and extreme performance.
Price Range: $180-$190
Where to Buy: Specialty online stores like Just Bats or Cheap Bats, or sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Age Group: All Youth League Associations (2-1/4 inch barrel)
Kids Will Love: Pros include a large sweet spot and great balance, along with better-than-average grips.
DeMarini Vexxum: DXVNL Black Youth
Review: Called the “Bionic Bat” because it feels like a natural extension of your body, the Vexxum is a popular bat from DeMarini. It combines a lightweight SC3 aluminum alloy barrel with a new carbon-reinforced carbon fiber handle for maximum swing and control.
Price Range: $70-$80
Where to Buy: Specialty online stores like Just Bats or Cheap Bats, or sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Age Group: All Youth League Associations (2-1/4 inch barrel)
Kids Will Love: The great “pop” and good-sized sweet spot, especially for smaller players.
DeMarini Hornet: DXHKL Youth
Review: DeMarini’s Hornet features the patented design known as “Half & Half,” which is an extra-long aluminum alloy barrel combined with a carbon-reinforced carbon fiber handle. The longer barrel means a larger sweet spot, while the carbon handle gives kids a comfortable grip for better bat control. The Hornet offers a faster bat balanced with smooth flexibility.
Price Range: $85-$90
Where to Buy: Specialty online stores like Just Bats or Cheap Bats, or sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Age Group: All Youth League Associations (2-1/4 inch barrel)
Kids Will Love: No sting, great grip and pop, as well as very light and fast.
Easton Reflex Extended: LX70 Youth
Review: In 1969, Easton introduced the first aluminum bat, and has been in the forefront of bat innovation ever since. Easton’s new Reflex Extended continues the tradition, made with an extremely lightweight 7050 aircraft aluminum alloy. The extended barrel allows for a much larger sweet spot, while better bat control comes from the cushioned grip handle.
Price Range: $60-$70
Where to Buy: Specialty online stores like Just Bats or Cheap Bats, or sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Age Group: All Youth League Associations (2-1/4 inch barrel)
Kids Will Love: Very light for great bat speed, yet durable and ideal for young players.
Louisville Slugger TPX H2 Hybrid: YB9H2 Youth
Review: Making bats since 1884, Louisville Slugger remains a top-selling baseball bat manufacturer. Their TPX H2 is a single-piece design made of a graphite composite alloy hybrid, which allows for a lightweight, stiffer handle and greater flexibility. The H2 also features a longer barrel for an extra-large sweet spot.
Price Range: $95-$110
Where to Buy: Specialty online stores like Just Bats or Cheap Bats, or sporting goods stores such as The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Age Group: All Youth League Associations (2-1/4 inch barrel)
Kids Will Love: Very light bat with great “trampoline” effect; good for both power and base hitters.
Sources:
“COMbat B1 Composite: B1YB1 -12 Youth.“Just Bats
“DeMarini Vexxum: DXVNL Black Youth.” Just Bats
“DeMarini Hornet: DXHKL Youth.” Just Bats
“Easton Reflex Extended: LX70 Youth.” Just Bats
“Louisville Slugger TPX H2 Hybrid: YB9H2 Youth.” Just Bats
