When looking for the best baseball bats for 8 year olds, it can be a daunting task. There are many different factors to take into consideration. Most players at this age likely won’t be looking for a youth wood bat and they’ll no longer be looking for a tee ball bat. So, we’ve narrowed it down to alloy and composite bats but even then there are still many other factors to consider.
Within the alloy bat and composite bat space, there are many variations based on the player’s age, height, weight, and league certifications required. Additionally, you’ll also have to take personal preference into account as some kids just like the look and feel of a certain bat better than others. Being happy with the bat they’re using is an additional confidence boost.
Manufacturers have definitely stepped up to the plate to satisfy all the youth player interest in baseball. They’ve provided accessories and equipment to meet everyone’s needs. However, with so many options, you likely need some guidance on choosing the best baseball bat for your child. Each bat review below can equip you with everything you need to make the right choice.
Related Articles for Youth Baseball
Complete baseball bat size & buying guide
Best baseball gloves for 8 year old kids
Here is the Quick List
Amazon.com 
Table Of Contents
Different parts of a baseball bat and their functions.
The barrel and handle are the two main parts of a baseball bat. The bat can be all one piece or can be multiple pieces where the barrel and handle are bonded together usually providing greater bat speed (generates a “whip” effect). On the barrel end, there is an end cap which also comes in many different variations to provide additional features.
On the handle there is a knob which works as a safeguard in preventing the bat from slipping from the batter’s hands. The handle usually has some type of material wrapped around it to provide a good grip and comfort. The barrel is the wider part of the bat and is used to hit the ball directly. Manufacturers try to maximize the “sweet spot” on the barrel as it increases the chances of solid hit. This is one reason most youth players don’t opt for a wooden bat as other bat types are usually manufactured to have a much larger sweet spot.
8U bat size and price range
The bat size is not an exact science as it can vary from one child to the next. However, on average you’ll likely be looking at a bat between 27 and 29 inches. One quick way to estimate if a bat is too large for your child would be to place the knob of the bat in the middle of their chest. Then extend their arm with the other end of the bat at their finger tips. The bat shouldn’t extend past their fingertips.
Another important consideration most parents will likely be looking at is cost. The price of a baseball bat varies greatly depending on the brand, model, and material used. You can get bats ranging in price from $50 to $500 and sometimes more.
Top youth baseball bats reviewed
Marucci CAT9 USSSA Baseball Bat
Overview (Certification USSSA):
Louisville, Easton, and Rawlings have been around for many decades and have provided many excellent baseball bats throughout their history. Although Marucci hasn’t been around as long, their reputation for providing top notch baseball bats is well known by baseball fans and players alike. As one of their newer models, the Marucci CAT9 -10 USSSA Baseball Bat is a beautiful looking bat that once again doesn’t disappoint. With a large barrel providing a huge sweet spot, this is one of the best big barrel bats for young hitters.
Barrel and handle:
The CAT9 comes in many configurations ranging from 27″ to 31″ each with a -10 drop weight (weight in ounces is 10 less than bat length in inches). This is a one piece aluminum baseball bat with a 2 3/4 inch barrel. The barrel provides a large sweet spot that will get you significant pop on contact. As for the handle, it has a micro-perforated soft-touch grip which provides excellent comfort and grip. An anti-vibration knob on the handle also provides extra comfort. This bat is hot out of the wrapper so you don’t have to worry about a break in period. Additionally, the -10 drop weight means the bat should feel quite comfortable for smaller players.
Why we recommend it:
This bat really checks all the boxes when looking for the best baseball bat. It has a great balanced swing, a barrel with a huge sweet spot, and a very nice grip that will really boost your child’s confidence in the batter’s box. The price point is towards the higher end of the baseball bat price range but if you’re looking for a top notch premium bat, you won’t be disappointed here. If this higher cost isn’t a deterrent, then this is the bat to get.
Louisville Slugger 2020 Select USA Baseball Bat
Overview (Certification USA Baseball):
Louisville is one of the best-known baseball bat manufacturers and you can be confident you’re getting a good bat when you go with a Louisville. They have many bats that are geared towards young players and therefore lots of Louisville Slugger bats are highly recommended. The Louisville Slugger 2020 Select is definitely on the list as one of their best.
Barrel and handle:
The Louisville Slugger 2020 is a three-piece composite bat which provides excellent vibration control (less stinging on the hands). The bat comes in quite a few variations with regards to size and weight. There are three drop weights (-10, -8, and -5) and a length ranging from 29″ to 33″. If you choose to go with this bat, the 29″ with -10 drop would be a nice choice.
Just like the Marucci CAT9, this bat has a pretty big barrel with a large sweet spot. The barrel is just slightly smaller at 2 5/8 inches but still provides a really nice pop. The alloy barrel is attached to a composite handle and this handle has a real premium feel with excellent comfort and grip. In addition to the barrel and handle, this bat has an SBC end cap which is designed to increase bat speed.
Why we recommend it:
The Louisville Slugger 2020 is another excellent baseball bat with great features. From a very comfortable handle that can really dampen vibration to a large barrel providing a big pop, there’s a lot to like here. One negative is that some issues have been reported with regards to durability and for this price point, that might turn some folks away.
Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo Baseball Bat
Overview (Certification USSSA on -10, -8 drop):
Another great bat from Louisville, the Slugger 2021 SL Solo comes in many different variations. The difference with the Solo is that it comes as a one piece alloy bat instead of a three piece bat like the Louisville Select. Being that it’s a one piece metal bat, the price point is also lower. Although not as expensive as the Select, this is still a great well balanced bat.
Barrel and handle:
The Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo comes in a pretty wide range of sizes from 26″ to 34″ and drop weights of -3, -5, -8, and -10. The bat has a very well balanced swing even though the youth model has a huge barrel at 2 3/4″.
The handle has a nice synthetic leather grip and is quite comfortable. In addition, this bat has a composite end cap which provides a really well balanced light swing which is pretty amazing considering the huge barrel.
Why we recommend it:
The Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo is a very nice bat and quite durable as well. Most players will likely appreciate the light feel when swinging this bat while also getting a big pop off the nice sized barrel. The bat does have a stiffer feel which means you might feel more of the vibration. The price point comes in somewhere in the middle of baseball bat price ranges.
Rawlings 2019 Velo Hybrid USA Youth Baseball Bat
Overview (Certification USA Baseball):
Rawlings is one of America’s beloved sports equipment manufacturers. They have produced various baseball accessories and when it comes to baseball bats, they’re also at the top. The Rawlings Velo series bats are specifically famous for their exclusive design and impressive durability. Additionally, the Velo bats are designed for a speedy swing and they are quite light in weight. The Rawlings 2019 Velo Hybrid USA Baseball Bat is definitely a bat to consider for a young player.
Barrel and handle:
As is the case with most bats, this model comes in many variations. There are two drop weights of -5 and -10 and the size range is from 29″ to 31″. The bat is made with single-piece alloy and likely will be quite durable for a long time.
The Velo has a nice sized barrel at 2 5/8″ and is made of an acoustic alloy creating quite a ping on contact. The handle also has nice grip with decent comfort. Additionally, the composite end cap on this bat provides such a quick swing that some players say the bat feels much lighter than it really is.
Why we recommend it:
Depending on the configuration chosen, the price point on this bat comes in lower than the previous bats mentioned. Surprisingly, this bat still provides great performance and will surely be appreciated by young players for the light feel and large pop.
Marucci CAT CONNECT USA Baseball
Overview (Certification USA Baseball):
Another offering from Marucci, the CAT CONNECT is an amazingly light hybrid bat that also provides good vibration dampening technology which is well appreciated by young players.
Barrel and handle:
The Connect is a two piece hybrid bat with a carbon composite handle attached to an alloy barrel. It comes in sizes ranging from 27″ to 31″ with a weight drop of -11. The 2 5/8″ barrel has a huge sweet spot providing a lot of pop. Kids will appreciate it even more due to the fact that like many hybrid composite bats, this bat really dampens the sting and vibration on contact. The handle also has a nice micro perforated soft touch grip which feels great on the hands.
Why we recommend it:
If you really like the Marucci CAT 9 but don’t like the higher price, you won’t be sacrificing much by going with the Connect and it comes in the middle of the pack with regards to price. The Connect is also USA Baseball certified so it’s likely accepted in more youth leagues like little league. The Connect provides a huge pop for a USA Baseball bat and with a -11 drop weight, you’re getting quite a bit of power in a bat that feels ultra light.
Easton Beast 2019 Speed
Overview (Certification USA Baseball):
Easton is another manufacturer that’s been around a long time and has provided tons of great bats. The Easton Beast is a well known series by Easton and it is a great USA baseball bat that also comes in at a more affordable price without sacrificing performance or durability.
Barrel and handle:
The Easton Beast is a one piece alloy bat that comes with a 2 5/8 inch barrel. it comes in sizes ranging from 28″ to 31″ with a drop weight of -10. It feels quite light and with a nice balanced swing, this is the right bat for a contact hitter. It also has an amazingly comfortable grip.
Why we recommend it:
Easton is another brand where you can’t really go wrong with many of their bats. This is especially true with the Beast series bats and at this price point, the Easton Beast 2019 Speed is an excellent choice for someone looking for a great bat on the lower end of the price range.
Louisville Slugger 2020 Omaha
Overview (Certification BBCOR):
Another Louisville bat to add to the list is the Louisville Slugger 2020 Omaha. It’s one of the greater values on this list as it provides great performance and durability at one of the lowest price points. If you’re looking for a top notch performer on a lower budget, you can’t go wrong with this bat.
Barrel and handle:
The Omaha is a one piece aluminum bat that comes with a large sized 2 3/4″ barrel. It comes in sizes ranging from 26″ to 32″ and a drop weight of -10. This bat provides a balanced swing and as most bats on the list has a really comfortable grip. You’re more likely to feel some vibration on this BBCOR bat but the stiffer feel provides more power on contact.
Why we recommend it:
The Louisville Slugger 2020 Omaha is one of the great deals on the list. You’re not getting the top premium bat here but for the price it’s well worth it and this bat will still provide tons of pop. Additionally, you’re still getting a bat that has a great comfortable grip and a great balanced swing improving your child’s chance of making contact at the plate.
Easton USA Baseball 2 5/8 Ghost X Hyperlite Youth Bat
Overview (Certification USA Baseball):
Another Easton that makes the list is the Easton Ghost X. Even though it’s one of Easton’s older models, this one piece composite bat is still a very popular pick among young players and for good reason. It offers a super light balanced swing with a massive sweet spot.
Barrel and handle:
The bat has an X-tended 2 5/8 inches long barrel that provides a larger sweet spot. It comes in sizes of 28″ to 31″ and a drop weight of -11 which makes the bat feel very light. The handle has a HYPERSKIN grip which is ultra comfortable and gives it a real premium feel.
Why we recommend it:
Although an older model in the Easton lineup, this is an amazing bat that can can have your child crushing the ball. One thing to note is that being a composite bat, it will have a break in period and there have been some durability issues noted. However, you can likely find this bat at a good price for the premium performance you’re getting.
Easton Speed USA Bat
Overview (Certification USA Baseball):
A great value bat from Easton, the Speed provides good performance and strong durability. Additionally, being USA Baseball certified, it’s acceptable in all USA baseball leagues such as little league.
Barrel and handle:
This is a one piece bat that packs a 2 5/8″ barrel and provides a nice light swing. It comes in sizes ranging from 26″ to 32″ with a weight drop of -10. You won’t see the same premium grip on this bat as some of the pricier bats but the cushioned grip still works well here.
Why we recommend it:
Of all the bats recommended, the Easton Speed is one of the best values. If you’re looking for a great bat that’s received a ton of positive reviews and comes in at a more affordable price, this is it.
DeMarini CF -11 FastPitch Bat
Overview (Certification FastPitch Only):
As the only fastpitch softball bat on the list, this DeMarini CF had to be listed here. As one of the newer bats from DeMarini, this comes at a premium price but you might not be able to find a better bat if you’re looking for the best softball bat.
Barrel and handle:
This is a two piece composite bat that comes in many different sizes ranging from 29″ to 34″ in length. Additionally, the drop weights come in -11, -10, -9, and -8. Sporting a 2 1/4″ barrel with a large sweet spot, young players can really crush the ball. The Type V connection point technology used to connect the handle to the barrel dampens vibration to provide extra comfort for the batter’s hands. A lightweight composite end cap finishes it off to provide excellent swing speed.
Why we recommend it:
As was the case for the Marucci CAT9 as the best youth baseball bat, the DeMarini CF (-11) Fastpitch Bat checks all the boxes for being the top FastPitch bat. Furthermore, this bat is certified by USSSA, NSA, and ASA etc. and by most of its user’s reviews, this is the best bat they have ever used.
Conclusion
Finding the right baseball bat can be quite challenging but once you find the right one, it’s a great investment. Since it can be quite expensive, you might go for a slightly larger bat if your child seems comfortable with it. This would at least provide an extra year or two of usage.
Of course, all kids will want to be out on the field hitting homeruns like Babe Ruth and we want to provide them with the best to achieve this. However, since the bats in this list are all top notch, you don’t necessarily have to go with the most expensive to give them the best shot at success. Additionally, consistent practice will always contribute more towards their improvement than a better bat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best little league baseball bat?
What size bat should an 8-year-old have?
What bat drop should an 8-year-old use?
What are the best baseball bats for youth players?
- Marucci CAT9 USSSA Senior League Baseball Bat
- Louisville Slugger 2020 Select USA Baseball Bat
- Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo Junior Big Barrel USSSA Baseball Bat
- Rawlings 2019 Velo Hybrid USA Youth Baseball Bat
- Marucci CAT CONNECT USA Baseball Senior League Bat
- Easton Beast Speed USA Youth Baseball Bat
- Louisville Slugger 2020 Omaha Senior League Baseball Bat
- Easton 2018 USA Baseball Ghost X Hyperlite Youth Bat
- Easton Speed USA Youth Baseball Bat
- 2022 DeMarini CF Fastpitch Bat
