Given the mindboggling range of products available on the market, choosing the best high school baseball bats can be a daunting task. Therefore, we put together a list of the 8 best high school baseball bats with detailed comparisons that should help you get started on choosing the right bat.
For high school baseball players using a metal bat or composite bat, a BBCOR certified bat will be required. Therefore, each bat in our list carries the BBCOR certification stamp. Additionally, the bat should also complement each athlete’s capabilities. For example, larger players can likely take advantage of using a heavier bat to get more power behind each hit. Conversely, smaller players might want a lighter bat for better bat control and swing speed. Each bat review will cover these specifications, manufacturer details, and also a glance at the pros and cons.
Table Of Contents
What is BBCOR Certification?
Although a wooden bat is required in Major League Baseball, high school players are allowed to use non-wood baseball bats. However, these non-wood baseball bats have a requirement of being BBCOR certified. BBCOR stands for “Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution” which may sound complex but is simply related to how much energy the ball loses after contact with a bat. This is measured based on the speed of the ball before being hit versus the speed after being hit and the ratio for a BBCOR bat must be .50 or less.
Additionally, a BBCOR bat must also meet some other requirements. For example, the barrel diameter on a BBCOR bat cannot be greater than 2 5/8 inches. Also, the drop weight must be -3 or heavier and the bat length cannot be greater than 36 inches.
The reason BBCOR is enforced is to maintain the integrity of the game and also to improve player safety. By reducing the trampoline effect on baseball bats, some of the dangerous exit speeds are minimized and bat performance is closer to the performance of wood bats. Although this seems like a lot to remember, manufacturers have made it easier by having the BBCOR certified stamp present on each certified bat. Therefore, when searching for a high school baseball bat, verify that the stamp below is present on the bat.
Excellent Baseball Bats for High School: Quick List
Amazon.com 
Top 8 High School Baseball Bats: Full Bat Reviews
The Marucci CAT9 BBCOR Baseball Bat
The Benefits
Compared to its predecessor (the CAT8), the CAT9 is made of the brand’s famous AZR alloy. Therefore, this BBCOR bat provides unbeatable durability that allows the construction of much thinner barrel walls and by extension, a much bigger sweet spot. Additionally, the bat boasts an unparalleled trampoline effect and almost acoustic ping upon contact.
The Specs
- Certification: BBCOR
- Bat Lengths: 30″, 31″, 32″, 33″, 33.5″, 34″
- Bat Drop Weight: –3
- Barrel Size: 2 5/8″
- Bat Type: Alloy
The Pros and Cons
- Responsive bat with a high trampoline effect
- Huge sweet spot (fewer miss-hits)
- Longitudinal Groove System™ for reduced weight and flexibility
- AV2 Anti-Vibration Knob reduces vibration considerably
- Micro-perforated soft-touch grip for a great feel
- Bat can be a little demanding for smaller high school players
Verdict
Marucci is a well-renowned name within the baseball community. Known for its wide range of products and undeniable quality commitment, Marucci offers numerous options of baseball bats to choose from. Accordingly, the CAT9 clearly demonstrates this top-notch quality and many high school coaches also recommend the CAT9 as the best BBCOR bat for its increased sweet spot.
Additionally, the CAT9 has an extended barrel for a better range while still meeting BBCOR bat requirements. The hyper skin grip along with a traditional one-piece body further adds value to this bat which is ready to go straight out of the wrapper. With all these features, the Marucci Cat9 BBCOR Baseball Bat is one of the best BBCOR baseball bats you can get for high school baseball. It’s a definite asset to have on any high school baseball team.
2022 DeMarini Voodoo One BBCOR Baseball Bat
The Benefits
Following up on one of the best BBCOR bats last year, the new DeMarini Voodoo One now even sports an intimidating look. It’s not just the look though as this bat provides huge performance and maximum pop which will also intimidate the opposing team. Additionally, the Voodoo One BBCOR bat provides this big performance while still remaining very lightweight.
The Specs
- Certification: BBCOR
- Bat Lengths: 29″, 30″, 31″, 32″, 33″, 34″
- Bat Drop Weight: –3
- Barrel Size: 2 5/8″
- Bat Type: Alloy
The Pros and Cons
- Lightweight X14 alloy barrel provides excellent swing speed and bat control
- Composite tracer end cap results in a lightweight feel but powerful barrel
- One-piece construction provides a stiff and very responsive feel
- Intimidating colorway and Intimidating performance
- Expensive
- Some quality issues with the end cap
- Can be hard to find in stock
Verdict
DeMarini has been in the business for a long time and has built a reputation for providing quality construction and massive performance when it comes to their baseball bats. Accordingly, the Voodoo One simply crushes pitches and allows high school batters to reach another level in their game.
In some cases, players need to move up to a heavier bat to get increased power on contact. However, that’s not the case here as the Voodoo One provides huge performance while still feeling very lightweight. Nevertheless, as mentioned in our cons, there have been some complaints about end cap issues. However, Demarini does offer a one-year warranty so you should be able to get a replacement if you end up with a similar issue.
In the end, this BBCOR bat provides some pretty insane pop so it definitely belongs near the top of the list for best high school baseball bats.
Easton 2022 Hype BBCOR Baseball Bat
The Benefits
The new Easton Hype could possibly be one of the best BBCOR bats that Easton has produced. First, this two-piece composite bat has a massive barrel and sweet spot. Additionally, the very lightweight construction provides increased swing speed while still providing big power at the plate. The bat also feels great in your hands with an ultra-premium grip and a soft knob that greatly reduces vibration.
The Specs
- Certification: BBCOR
- Bat Lengths: 30″, 31″, 32″, 33″, 34″
- Bat Drop Weight: –3
- Barrel Size: 2 5/8″
- Bat Type: 2-piece Composite
The Pros and Cons
- Very light swing weight
- Power Boost™ soft knob and filled with Nitrocell foam to reduce vibration
- Flow-Tack™ grip provides a premium feel
- Optimized barrel length and balanced swing
- Expensive
- Requires some break in period
Verdict
Easton is definitely one of the most respected baseball bat manufacturers and their composite bats consistently get positive reviews from coaches and players alike. The Hype is yet another Easton bat that should be quite popular amongst high school baseball teams.
For any hitter who prefers the feel of two-piece bats and a balanced swing, the Hype is highly recommended. The large barrel along with the optimized length provide a massive sweet spot that will please both power and contact hitters. One negative is that this is one of the most expensive bats in our list of bat reviews. However, the higher price is somewhat expected with all the premium features packed into this baseball bat.
DeMarini 2022 The Goods BBCOR Baseball Bat
The Benefits
For high school baseball players looking for a powerful bat, this DeMarini The Goods BBCOR bat provides just that. With its massive X14 alloy barrel, this baseball bat generates a ton of power. Additionally, with its two-piece hybrid design, you get excellent swing speed and a very responsive feel.
The Specs
- Certification: BBCOR
- Bat Lengths: 31″, 32″, 33″, 34″
- Bat Drop Weight: –3
- Barrel Size: 2 5/8″
- Bat Type: Two-piece (Alloy barrel, Composite handle)
The Pros and Cons
- Slightly end loaded for big power
- Lightweight X14 alloy barrel
- Excellent swing speed and responsive feel
- Tremor end cap for optimized barrel performance
- Contact hitters may prefer a more balanced bat
- Can be hard to find in stock
Verdict
Another excellent DeMarini baseball bat on our list, The Goods BBCOR bat provides big power for high school baseball players that tend to be the team power hitters. The hybrid construction consists of a composite handle and a massive alloy barrel that provide a stiff and explosive swing. Although this may not be the right bat for contact hitters, those looking to hit the ball a long way should definitely consider this bat.
Axe 2022 Avenge Pro Hybrid BBCOR Baseball Bat
The Benefits
Many high school baseball players have come to love the patented Axe handle that provides excellent swing speed and bat control. On this new Avenge Pro hybrid, there are many other features to love as well. The massive barrel provides a huge sweet spot that all hitters will enjoy. Additionally, high school baseball players will appreciate the greatly reduced vibration on this bat even when contact is outside the sweet spot.
The Specs
- Certification: BBCOR
- Bat Lengths: 31″, 32″, 33″, 34″
- Bat Drop Weight: –3
- Barrel Size: 2 5/8″
- Bat Type: Three-piece (Alloy barrel, Composite handle, Shock Suspension connector)
The Pros and Cons
- Swing weight for any hitter type
- Ring-free MX8+ alloy barrel
- Shock Suspension connector piece (Significant vibration reduction)
- Hot out of the wrapper
- Patented Axe handle for ultimate swing speed and bat control
- Might need to get accustomed to unique handle
Verdict
For high school baseball players looking for a hybrid BBCOR bat, the Axe Avenge Pro is hard to beat and likely to be a popular choice. If you’ve never tried an Axe bat before, it might be worth getting some extra practice in to get a feel for the unique handle. However, once you get comfortable with the Axe Avenge Pro, you might not want to use anything else. The swing weight, massive sweet spot, and vibration-free comfortable grip will surely please both contact and power hitters alike.
Louisville Slugger 2022 Meta BBCOR Baseball Bat
The Benefits
The Louisville Slugger Meta has been a popular choice for high school players the past few years and the new 2022 version will likely repeat. First, the GT1™ lightweight end cap allows maximum barrel length and swing speed which also provides more surface area for batters to make contact. Additionally, a huge sweet spot ensures that the contact will result in a massive pop. The 2022 Meta just might be one of Louisville Slugger’s top-performing BBCOR bats yet.
The Specs
- Certification: BBCOR
- Bat Lengths: 31″, 32″, 33″, 34″
- Bat Drop Weight: –3
- Barrel Size: 2 5/8″
- Bat Type: Three-piece (Composite barrel, Composite handle, Composite connector)
The Pros and Cons
- Balanced swing weight
- Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip™ (great feel and bat control)
- 3FX™ Connection System (stiff feel, reduced vibration)
- Hot out of the wrapper
- Patented Axe handle for ultimate swing speed and bat control
- Expensive
- Requires some break in period
Verdict
Both contact and power hitters will certainly enjoy stepping up to the plate with the new Louisville Slugger Meta. The balanced swing weight is perfect and the amount of power you get on contact is amazing for a bat that feels so lightweight. Additionally, not feeling a sting on miss-hits is also greatly appreciated by all baseball players. The price on this bat is towards the higher end of bats on this list but expected with all the features Louisville Slugger packed into this bat.
Rawlings 2022 Quatro Max BBCOR Baseball Bat
The Benefits
The Quatro Max is another excellent option for power hitters looking to crush the ball. This two-piece all-composite bat produces massive power for stronger hitters that can handle the end-loaded swing weight. However, to accommodate a wider range of high school batters, the ultra-lightweight end cap should help get a faster swing speed and improve bat control. Additionally, Rawlings introduced a 30% stiffer handle for optimized feel and performance at the plate.
The Specs
- Certification: BBCOR
- Bat Lengths: 32″, 33″, 34″
- Bat Drop Weight: –3
- Barrel Size: 2 5/8″
- Bat Type: Two-piece (Composite handle, Composite barrel)
The Pros and Cons
- Extended inner barrel for end-loaded feel
- Huge sweet spot (fewer miss-hits)
- Ultra-lightweight end cap for faster swing speed
- Improved handle/barrel connection (Better durability and less vibration)
- Lizard Skins™ grip (Excellent tack and comfort)
- Expensive
- Bat can be a little demanding for smaller high school players
Verdict
For a few years now, the Rawlings Quatro Pro has been one of the top-performing BBCOR bats from the iconic Rawlings brand. The Quatro Max introduces an end-loaded version that produces max power for hitters looking to increase their chances of hitting some homeruns. If you’re looking for a two-piece all-composite baseball bat that is end-loaded, has a great grip, and still feels pretty lightweight, you can’t go wrong with choosing the Quatro Max. However, for contact hitters, you may want to take a look at the also excellent and balanced Quatro Pro.
Rawlings 2021 Velo BBCOR Baseball Bat
The Benefits
For high school batters looking to rock a high batting average, the Velo BBCOR provides excellent swing speed and bat control for contact hitters. This one-piece aluminum alloy bat also sports a composite end cap that really contributes to an ultra-lightweight feel. Additionally, a larger sweet spot means you’ll also get some explosive performance that can launch some pitches out of the park.
The Specs
- Certification: BBCOR
- Bat Lengths: 31″, 32″, 33″, 34″
- Bat Drop Weight: –3
- Barrel Size: 2 5/8″
- Bat Type: Alloy (Composite end cap)
The Pros and Cons
- Two inch carbon composite end cap (lightweight swing speed)
- Laser-engineered pOp sweet-spot (less miss-hits, more hits)
- Hot out of the wrapper
- Extra sting on miss-hits
- Not as much pop as other top bats
Verdict
With excellent swing weight, reasonably priced, powerful, and promisingly durable, the Velo can prove to be a great bat. Additionally, the lasered groove is an effective feature that adds to the explosive swing of the bat. For those that prefer a two-piece bat, the slightly prominent sting on miss-hits may not be easy to overcome. However, the increased sweet spot should keep these miss-hits to a minimum and contact hitters will especially love the excellent bat control they’ll get.
Conclusion
While the above selection of bats focuses on these eight bats specifically, there are a few basic details to keep in mind before choosing the best baseball bats for high school. The following five points should serve as a beginner’s guide to buying a BBCOR baseball bat. We like to call it the M.A.T.C.H. pointers.
- Material: While aluminum is good for beginners due to price and simplicity, players who feel they are ready for advancement can slowly move on to composite or hybrid bats.
- Anatomy: One of the best quick ways to go about determining if the bat size is appropriate is to measure the length between the middle of the batter’s chest to the tip of his outstretched arm. If the batter can comfortably reach the end of the baseball bat with their fingers, then the bat length is likely right for you.
- Test for Weight: The batter should be able to hold the bat for at least 20-30 seconds with their arm outstretched. Any discomfort at this stage should mean that the bat is too heavy for the batter.
- Certifications: Once you have been able to select a bat, it must also be confirmed that the bat meets the guidelines of your league. All bats have markers to show their certification like a “BBCOR stamp” on all the bats in the list above.
- Handiness: And finally, once you have been able to select a bat, which is legal for your league, do give it a few test swings and make sure you are comfortable with the weight, the swing, and the power. Remember no level of expert opinion can substitute your sense of comfort when you swing your bat on the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baseball Bats for High School
Q: Can a 14-year-old use a baseball bat?
Q: What is the best baseball bat for a 14-year-old?
- Marucci CAT9 BBCOR Baseball Bat
- DeMarini 2022 Voodoo One BBCOR Baseball Bat
- Easton Hype 2 PC. Composite BBCOR Baseball Bat
- DeMarini 2022 The Goods BBCOR Baseball Bat
- Axe Bat 2022 Avenge Pro Hybrid BBCOR Baseball Bat
- Louisville Slugger 2022 Meta BBCOR Baseball Bat
- Rawlings 2022 Quatro PRO MAX BBCOR Baseball Bat
- Rawlings 2021 Velo BBCOR Baseball Bat
Q: What bat drop 14-year-old?
Q: How do you know if a bat is too heavy?
Q: Do heavier bats hit farther?
Q: Can you use a wooden bat in high school baseball?
All one-piece wood bats are allowed in high school baseball as long as they’re not made of bamboo. If a bat is made of bamboo, a combination of woods, or contains some composite materials, it may be allowed if it contains the BBCOR stamp. However, most high school baseball players use an aluminum bat instead of a wood baseball bat.
Q: What is the difference between a balanced bat and end-loaded bat?
A balanced bat means that the weight is evenly distributed throughout the bat and will likely feel more lightweight. Therefore, contact hitters will likely prefer a balanced bat for increased swing speed. On the other hand, an end-loaded bat would likely be preferred by a power hitter since more weight is distributed towards the end of the bat producing more power.
Q: How do you know if your bat is certified for high school baseball?
High school baseball requires that a baseball bat either be a one-piece wood bat (not made of bamboo) or have a BBCOR stamp on it.
Q: What size should a high school baseball bat be?
There are quite a few factors involved with regards to choosing the right high school baseball bat size. High school baseball players can range from being freshman to seniors so the age range between players can be quite different. Also, some kids may be bigger and stronger than others even if they’re the same age. However, on average, freshman/sophomores would typically be using a 31 to 32-inch bat and by junior/senior year could be using 32 to 33-inch bat.
