Wooden Bats Reviewed: Marucci Wood Bats

Both beginner and advanced baseball players will use a wood bat at a specific point in their career. Either you are looking for your first wood baseball bat or aiming to upgrade your existing one, the Marucci Wood Bats has got your back. Backed by a recognized reputation even by professional players, experience the Marucci difference with their tried and tested high-quality baseball bats!

Looking for affordable wooden bats? You might be interested in our Old Hickory Wood Bats review.

The History of the Marucci Baseball Bats

In 2004, a workshop in Baton Rouge had sparked handcrafted innovations that took the professional league by storm at the time. Headed by two former Big League players, they began handcrafting professional-level maple bats for experienced players. Maintaining consistent craftsmanship, Marucci’s obsession with perfection has led their bats to be the No. 1 choice in professional baseball associations.

Through Marucci’s consistent craftsmanship, it made a slow burn into the hands of great players. Supplying big league players such as Buster Posey, Francisco Lindor, and Anthony Rizzo with professional-level bats, Marucci became one of the staples for excellent baseball bats. In addition, the meticulous handcrafting of the Marucci baseball bats enables the company to provide perfectly made baseball bats to all players around the world.

Until today, the tradition and commitment to excellent craftsmanship have cemented Marucci in the minds of baseball players. Furthermore, Marucci’s dedication to their craft provides all skill-level of players with high-quality and highly reliable pieces of equipment. Trusted by countless professionals and leagues, you can never go wrong with Marucci wood bats.

Buying the best baseball bats are important but finding the best bags to carry them all should be on top of your list too. That’s why we have created a separate article to help find the best bags for your bats: Seven Best Baseball Bags In 2021

What to look for when buying Marucci wooden bats?

There is no doubt that Marucci offers a selection of high-quality bats. However, not all bats fit all playstyle; it simply doesn’t work that way! Therefore, let’s look at the essential things to consider when finding Marucci wood bats that fits your playstyle perfectly.

Level of Skill

Before you open your wallet and purchase a Marucci bat with excellent specifications, it is first imperative that you assess your skill level. In addition, it is also essential to learn the difference between an aluminum and wood baseball bat. Usually, a wooden baseball bat weighs heavier compared to its aluminum counterpart.

Furthermore, wood bat’s naturally heavier weight also trains certain muscle groups that enhance the power of a player’s swing. However, these benefits are only fully realized when the bat’s size, length, and specification fit the player.

Length

There are different sizing for a wood baseball bat. Similar to their aluminum counterpart, the length of a bat measures from its barrel to the handle. Most manufacturers measure their bats in inches. To know if a baseball bat length fits a child, a baseball bat should not be an inch taller than a child’s hip for an optimized swing. On the other hand, an optimal adult bat should fit its user’s middle chest up to their outstretched fingertip.

A longer bat enables a player to have a wider reach when swinging; however, the extended range provides a heavier weight. Conversely, a shorter bat offers a lighter swing but costs the player to lose some reach. Pro Baseball Guide recommends players find the perfect balance between the two depending on their body’s capability.

If you are undecided if you are starting and confused between a longer or shorter bat, Pro Baseball Guide recommends sticking with a shorter bat. A longer bat makes a beginner comfortable, creating bad habits as they go along the way.

Bat Drop

A baseball bat drop refers to its length in inches minus its weight in ounces. For instance, a 30-inch bat that weighs 27 oz will produce a drop of -3. In other words, a bat drop represents how light a bat is. Therefore, a larger bat drop means that a bat is more lightweight.

Barrel Size

Wooden baseball bat manufacturers offer their baseball bats with different barrel sizes. Unlike aluminum baseball bats, the barrel size of a wooden baseball bat only has a minimal effect on its sweet spot size. However, the barrel size of a bat help determines how precise a player should be when hitting the ball.

Manufacturers often base their barrel size on how solid the wood they are using. Usually, a more durable baseball bat features heavier wood; to compensate for this weight, the manufacturers make the barrel smaller. Therefore, it is essential to know what barrel size fits you as it is a crucial indicator of how comfortable it will be to hit the ball.

Feel

There are two baseball bat feel when it comes to Marucci wood bats, balanced and end-loaded bats. In addition, these two types of feel will supplement an individual batting style. Therefore, it is vital to know your preferred feel before buying Marucci wood bats.

Typically, end-loaded bats are the go-to of power hitters that are capable of handling heavier bats. Since the end-loaded bats are heavier, they produce a more powerful swing than balanced baseball bats. However, an end-loaded bat means it features a large barrel, causing an imbalance between the barrel’s weight and its handle. In a nutshell, an end-loaded bat is more prone to breaking than a balanced bat.

All in all, we recommend a balanced feel wood bat for beginners or players transitioning from aluminum to wood bats. On the other hand, we recommend an end-loaded baseball bat to experienced players capable of swinging heavier bats.

7 Excellent Marucci Wood Bats from Amazon

Marucci Gamer – Powered, Maple Baseball Bat

Product

Staying true with Marucci’s consistent craftsmanship, the Marucci wood bats gamer line offers a classic hard-hitting power in a complete maple construction.

Specifications:

  • All Maple construction.
  • End-loaded feel.
  • Handcrafted in Baton Rogue, LA.
  • Features a classic black and gold finish.

Level of Skill

The Marucci Gamer Maple Baseball Bat fits almost any level of players. We highly recommend the Marucci Gamer Maple Baseball Bat to players transitioning from aluminum to wood bats. In addition, if you are a starting player and want to jump into wooden bats, this baseball bat is an excellent choice for you.

Length

The Marucci Gamer Maple Baseball Bat features four different lengths from 31″ to 34″. However, the Marucci Gamer line does not offer .5″ increments, restricting the size choice of players to whole numbers.

Bat Drop

The bat features a bat drop of -1 and -3 depending on its wood density. With this bat drop, we recommend the Marucci Gamer to players that can handle a heavier bat.

Barrel Size

To compensate for the weight of its end-loaded swing feel, the Marucci Gamer Maple Baseball Bat features an approximately 2 ½” barrel diameter.

Feel

Perfect for players looking for powerful Marucci wood bats, the Marucci Gamer Maple Baseball Bat features an end-loaded feel. The Marucci Gamer Maple Baseball Bat is an ideal choice for power hitters that want their swing to unleash a Herculean force towards the outfield.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

  • Handcrafted in Baton Rogue, LA.
  • Great starting wood bat for beginners and transitioning players.
  • Features an end-loaded swing for more power.

CONS:

  • Doesn’t feature any .5″ sizing.
  • The finish easily dents after weeks of use.

Marucci Electric Fog Maple Professional Cut

Product

Professional cut bats from Marucci were prototype bats for professionals that did not make it to the personal standards of a professional player. However, these professional cut bats are still high-grade baseball bats made affordable for the consumer-grade market. Unfortunately, the Professional Cut series does not offer any warranty with Marucci.

Specifications:

  • Handcrafted from high-quality maple.
  • Highly durable thanks to its Bone Rubbing Technique.
  • Professional-grade construction and quality.

Level of Skill

We highly recommend the Marucci Electric Fog Maple Professional Cut to experienced players looking for professional-level specifications for a fraction of the price. In addition, because of the bat’s weight drop, we do not recommend this for youth players as it is heavier than usual.

Length

Unfortunately, the Marucci Electric Fog Maple Professional Cut only comes in two different sizing— 31″ and 34″. Although the bat features professional specifications, this downside limits the bat from being used by more people.

Bat Drop

The Marucci Electric Fog Maple Professional Cut features a bat drop of -3, but this drop may differ depending on the model used by Marucci.

Barrel Size

Since the Marucci Electric Fog Maple Professional Cut uses repurposed bats at random, the Marucci Electric Fog Maple’s barrel size measures around 2 ½” and 2 5/8″. In addition to this, the Marucci  Electric Fog Maple Bat uses a Bone Rubbing Technique which compresses the wood over time.

Feel

There is no way to determine the feel of the bat since the professional cut series comes from random rejected professional series bats. However, Marucci offers two types of bat feel— end-loaded and balanced.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

  • Professional and high-quality construction.
  • Costs cheap in consideration of its specs.
  • Features a Bone Rubbing Technique that provides durability overuse.

CONS:

  • Feel, weight drop, and overall construction come at random.

Marucci AP5 Youth Model Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Product

Based on the AP5 Pro Model, the Marucci AP5 Youth Model offers the same power and feel as the classic AP5 with a scaled-down body fit for younger players.

Specifications:

  • Tapered knob
  • Traditional handle
  • 2 1/4” barrel diameter
  • Handcrafted Maple wood bat
  • Features Marucci’s bone rubbing technology.
  • End-loaded feel.

Level of Skill

The Marucci AP5 Youth Maple Wood Baseball Bat is the perfect choice for young players that prefers a solid end-loaded bat. Given the end-loaded feel and smaller barrel diameter, we recommend the Marucci AP5 Youth Bat for players that can handle a heavier bat while maintaining precision. In addition, we do not recommend this bat for young players transitioning from aluminum bats to wood bats.

Length

Since the Marucci AP5 Youth Model caters to younger players, the AP5 Youth offers sizes from 26” to 31”. These size offerings make it perfect and usable for players in the little league up to the high school level. However, the AP5 Youth does not offer size 27” wood bats.

Bat Drop

The Marucci AP5 Youth features a weight of approximately 30 ounces. Therefore, based on their 26” to 31” models, we can compute for their bat drop. Marucci claims that their bat drops are around -2 for their adult AP5 model.

Barrel Size

The Marucci AP5 Youth Model features a barrel diameter of 2 ¼”. This barrel size trains young players to be more precise as they try to hit the ball with the bat’s sweet spot. In addition, the bat features a bone rubbing technique that helps the bat become more durable with every hit.

Feel

The Marucci AP5 Youth Model offers an end-loaded feel that is perfect for batters that prefers to unleash heavy and robust swings. In addition, to compensate for this end-heavy bat, Marucci decreased the barrel size to 2 ¼” for a more lighter and precise feel.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

  • Handcrafted Maple bat.
  • Great for younger players.
  • End-weighted feel for a harder swing.
  • Includes a one-time 30-day replacement warranty.

CONS:

  • Does not offer a size 27” bat model.
  • Comparatively heavier compared to other bats in this list.

Marucci JB19 Pro Model Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Product

Backed by Jose Bautista’s seal of approval, experience professional-level quality on the palm of your hands. Built with Marucci’s years of excellent bat-making experience, the JB19 Pro Model features unparalleled versatility and comfort perfect for your batting needs.

Specifications:

  • Traditional knob
  • Medium handle.
  • Handcrafted from high-quality maple wood.
  • Bone-rubbing technique.
  • Balanced feel.

Level of Skill

The Marucci JB19 Pro Model is an excellent choice for high school, collegiate, and professional players who are looking for a quick, lightweight, and balanced bat. In addition, we recommend the JB19 Pro Model for people who are transitioning from aluminum to wood. Furthermore, the JB19 Pro is also perfect as a starting bat for someone beginning to play baseball. The overall construction of the JB19 Pro is for people who have experience and knows the ins and out of wood bats.

Length

The Marucci JB19 Pro offers sizes from 31” to 34”; however, the line does not offer 32” on this particular offering. Paired with its balanced feel, the JB19 Pro is a great option for players who want longer bats without compromising weight.

Bat Drop

The bat drop of the Marucci JB19 Pro Model Maple Wood is not specified. However, it is safe to assume the drop to be approximately -3 since adult wood bats usually feature this drop.

Barrel Size

The barrel size of the Marucci JB19 Pro Model is not specified, but Marucci claims that it has a traditional barrel. Marucci defines its traditional barrel as a longer and denser barrel compared to the large barrel and medium barrel model. The traditional barrel construction provides players with a balanced feel and an extended swinging range.

Feel

The feel of the Marucci JB19 Pro Model is balanced. Therefore, having a balanced feel enables the Marucci JB19 Pro Model to sport a denser and longer barrel without affecting its weight significantly.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

  • Features Marucci’s bone rubbing technique that provides more durability.
  • Approved by Pro player Jose Bautista.
  • Great for players transitioning to wood.
  • Great for beginners.

CONS:

  • Bat drops not specified when buying.
  • Younger players will have a hard time using this bat.

Marucci AP5 Pro Model

Product

Do you prefer the explosive power and speed end-loaded barrels provide? If so, then the Marucci AP5 Pro Model is the perfect choice for you. Made for heavy swingers, the Marucci AP5 Pro’s solid construction enables its user to have improved control despite the heavy swing it provides.

Specifications:

  • Tapered knob for a stress-free grip.
  • Features a Traditional handle
  • Large barrel construction.
  • Handcrafted with Marucci’s high-quality Maple wood.
  • Bone rubbing technique for increased durability.

Level of Skill

The Marucci AP5 Pro Model is great for experienced players who want to incorporate an end-loaded feel barrel into their playstyle. However, we do not recommend the Marucci AP5 Pro Model to players transitioning from aluminum to wood. In addition, it is also not advisable for beginners due to its heavier weight.

Length

The Marucci AP5 Pro Model offers sizes 31” up to 34”, perfect for college and professional players who desire to incorporate explosive swings and straightforward power into their batting.

Bat Drop

The Marucci AP5 Pro Model features an approximate -2 bat drop. This makes the AP5 Pro an excellent choice for players who are looking for a heavy-swing bat that packs a serious punch. However, heavier does not mean better. Therefore, we would like to advise you to pick the appropriate bat size for you to have an optimal balance between weight and power.

Barrel Size

A large barrel size construction is incorporated into the Marucci AP5 Pro Model to maximize its end-loaded feel. Since an end-loaded feel bat utilizes mass to produce a massive force, Marucci incorporated a larger barrel design— concentrating the mass in the barrel. In conclusion, with a higher mass, more energy is exerted towards the ball.

Feel

The end-loaded feel of the Marucci AP5 Pro Model offers batters unbeatable power on the plate. However, the downside of this is end-loaded feel makes the bat harder to swing due to its weight. In addition, the imbalance of weight between the barrel and the handle makes the bat more prone to break.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

  • Solid handcrafted maple construction.
  • Features Marucci’s bone rubbing technique for a more durable barrel.
  • End-loaded feel for players who require more power in their swing.
  • Large barrel design for a more prominent sweet spot.

CONS:

  • Not recommended for beginners.
  • Not recommended for players transitioning from aluminum to wood bats.

Marucci AM22 Pro Model

Product

Are you a player looking for a striking balance between weight and power? Do you want a balanced baseball bat that features a larger barrel? If so, the Marucci AM22 Pro Model is an excellent choice for you!

Specifications:

  • Features a slightly flared knob for increased grip comfort.
  • Medium handle.
  • Incorporates a medium barrel design.
  • Handcrafted construction from Marucci’s high-quality Maple.
  • Features bone rubbing technique for a more durable barrel.

Level of Skill

The Marucci AM22 Pro Model is one of the most versatile bats on Marucci’s roster. However, the features of the AM22 Pro Model are far from the standard wood bats. Therefore, we do not recommend the AM22 Pro Model for beginners and players transitioning to wood bats as they may develop bad habits as they continue to use the bat.

Length

The Marucci AM22 Pro features sizes from 31” up to 34”. This makes the Marucci AM22 Pro Model a perfect bat for adults who prefer a balanced bat that features a larger barrel.

Bat Drop

Since the AM22 is part of the Pro Model line of Marucci, it offers a standard -2 weight drop. This weight drop does not make it suitable for younger players as they may encounter difficulty and muscle strain as they try to swing this bat.

Barrel Size

The barrel size of the AM22 Pro features a medium barrel. The Marucci medium barrels are comparative to their traditional barrels. The main difference between them is that medium barrels tend to be shorter in length while retaining their density compared to their longer traditional counterpart. As a result, medium barrels tend to be lighter while retaining a traditional barrel’s density.

Feel

The Marucci AM22 Pro offers a balanced feel; however, this feature is quite different compared to other balanced bats. The AM22 Pro offers a slightly smaller barrel compared to a traditional barrel. This construction was made to make the barrel of the AM22 denser without having to add weight. As a result, the AM22 Pro offers a balanced feel while unleashing a vast amount of power.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

  • Bone rubbing techniques make the barrel more durable.
  • Offers an excellent balance between weight and power.
  • Handcrafted by Marucci using high-quality Maple wood.
  • Offers incredible versatility.
  • Includes 30-day one-time replacement warranty.

CONS:

  • Not for beginners and players transitioning to wood bats.

Marucci Josh Donaldson BRINGER OF RAIN Maple

Product

You can never go wrong when a professional like Josh Donaldson, endorses a brand. A legendary all-star player during the 2014 MLB season, he knows the small intricate details of what makes a great bat. Therefore, we introduce to you the Marucci John Donaldson BRINGER OF RAIN!

Specifications:

  • Features a tapered knob for an easier grip.
  • Incorporates a thin handle that fits almost all hand sizes.
  • Large barrel design.
  • Bone rubbing technique for more durable wood construction.
  • Handcrafted construction from Marucci’s high-quality Maple.
  • End-loaded feel.

Level of Skill

The Bringer of Rain is an excellent choice for most players. Built for power, the combination of the thin handle and large barrel negates each other’s weight, resulting in a flawless end-loaded swing without strain. Therefore, we recommend the Josh Donaldson Bringer of Rain to young experienced players. However, we do not recommend this bat for beginners as it is an end-weighted bat.

Length

The Marucci Youth Josh Donaldson Bringer of Rain model offers sizes from 26” up to 31”. This makes the Bringer of Rain a suitable wood bat for all experienced young players.

Bat Drop

The bat drop on the Youth Josh Donaldson Bringer of Rain model is not specified. However, the Bringer of Rain is designed for all youth levels. Still, it is important to check the bat length as it is an important criterion when looking for youth bats.

Barrel Size

The Marucci Bringer of Rain youth model features a barrel size of 2 ¼”. This size is perfect for young players that are looking for a balance between barrel size and power.

Feel

The Bringer of Rain youth model features an end-loaded feel that is paired with a medium barrel. This mixture lets the Bringer of Rain deliver a larger and denser barrel without compromising weight, resulting in powerful swings from a lighter and compact bat.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

  • Perfect for young players.
  • Offers a great balance between weight and power.
  • End-loaded dense barrel.
  • Features All-star player Josh Donaldson’s specifications.

CONS:

  • Still on the heavy side when it comes to youth bats.
  • Offers a smaller barrel.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marucci Wood Bats

Q: Which Marucci wood bat is the best?

A: According to JustBatReviews.com, the Marucci AP5 is the overall best Marucci wood bat.

Q: Why are Marucci wood bats so good?

A: Marucci’s consistent craftsmanship and meticulous handcrafting provide both amateur and professional players with an unparalleled bat quality.

Q: What type of wood bat has the most pop?

A: Because of Maple’s density, it makes it more durable and robust, offering players an unrivaled pop.

Q: What is better for a wood bat maple or ash?

A: Both kinds of wood are excellent for bat making. However, maple and ash offer different features; therefore, either is used depending on the goal of a manufacturer. Lighter bats usually offer ashwood while heavier and durable bats offer maple because of their natural density.

Q: Does a wood bat hit farther?

A: Although wood bats require more precision, a proper hit with a wood bat will offer more distance and power compared to the same hit from a aluminum bat. However, if you prefer aluminum bats, check out our list on the Top 10 Best Baseball Bats For Youth.

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