As the new baseball season is around the corner, you might be searching around for the best big barrel bats on the market. We are here to help you out.
We have compiled few of these bats and reviewed them in order to help you in knowing the bombs for the year 2019.
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Best Big Barrel Bats for 2019
#1. Marucci 2018 CAT 7-10 Senior League Baseball Bat: MSBC7X10
Marucci is known for producing top-quality baseball bats each year. Marucci has recently extended its famous CAT line-up this year to add a senior league big barrel bat to it.
The CAT 7-10 comes constructed entirely from premium-grade alloy material. As a result, it features a powerful and stiff barrel which offers explosive performance when wielded by a power hitter. Marucci has used its ring-free barrel technology in manufacturing the alloy barrel of this bat. Thanks to this technology, the barrel delivers a consistent performance with guaranteed zero dead spots.
The 2 ¾ inch barrel makes this bat perfect for use in senior league matches where big barrel bats are allowed. Featuring a -10 weight drop, this usssa youth bat carries the USSSA 1.15 BPF certified stamp.
CAT 7-10 features a brilliantly balanced feel overall. This makes it easier for you to control the swing momentum of this bat when hitting with it. Marucci has also used the specialized AV2 knob which significantly reduces the negative feedback from the barrel to the handle while enabling a firmer grip of the bat.
#2. Easton 2018 USSSA Ghost X HYPERLITE Senior League Baseball Bat 2 3/4 (-12)
Easton is another baseball bat manufacturer that needs no introduction. Easton is known for launching top-performing baseball bats during every season. It is no wonder that a number of professional players choose Easton bats each year.
This year, the Ghost X Hyperlite from Easton is one of our favorite big barrel bats on the market. This stunning-looking bat comes constructed entirely from alloy. The single-piece make ensures that Ghost X Hyperlite has a stiff feel. The design also allows you to channel most of your hitting force and swing momentum into the sweet spot of the barrel.
Easton has used the advanced carbon technology in the construction of the alloy barrel. This results in a barrel that delivers an optimal performance while featuring an incredibly light-weight profile. The technology also results in a larger barrel which lets you hit with far greater accuracy. The massive sweet spot improves your chancing of hitting the baseball harder and farther on every swing.
The Ghost X Hyperlite barrel is sized at 2 ¾ inches. Featuring a weight drop of -12, this bat carries certification which makes it eligible for use in USSSA league matches. It is available in length options of 25 inches, 26 inches and 27 inches with corresponding weight options of 13 ounces, 14 ounces and 15 ounces.
#3. Rawlings 2019 USA Threat Baseball Bat (-12)
If you are looking for a big barrel bat that delivers a winning performance, look no farther than this bat. The Rawlings 2019 USA Threat comes constructed from 100% composite material. Compared to alloy construction, the composite material offers a number of notable advantages.
For a start, the composite made of this bat means that it is incredibly light-weight while delivering an excellent performance. The barrel is sized at 2 5/8 inches and thanks to its larger size, allows players to achieve greater accuracy and force when hitting the baseball.
The overall design of 2019 USA Threat is incredibly well-balanced. This helps you control the swing momentum with great accuracy when swinging this bat. This bat comes in a variety of length and corresponding weight options. You can choose from length options of 27 inches, 28 inches, 29 inches, 30 inches and 31 inches with corresponding weight options of 15 ounces, 16 ounces, 17 ounces, 18 ounces and 19 ounces.
So, with all the features and advantages above. When talking about the best USA bats then We could not ignore this bat. It’s one of the greatest big barrel USA bats of 2019 out there.
#4. Easton S3 2 3/4″ Big Barrel (-10) Baseball Bat
The Easton S3 is another big barrel bat from Easton that has made to our list. The key difference between this bat and the other Easton bat included on this list is that this bat features a -10 weight drop whereas the Ghost X Hyperlite bat above has a -12 weight drop.
The Easton S3 bat comes constructed from Hyperlite Matrix alloy. This alloy is used in a one-piece design to construct this incredibly stiff and powerful bat. The use of the Hyperlite Matrix alloy also ensures that this bat comes with an larger sized sweet spot while offering an incredibly degree of trampoline effect. As a result, you are able to hit harder and farther when hitting with it.
The stiff feel of the S3 bat makes it perfectly suitable for power hitters. If you rely on your hitting prowess and strength to hit far and hard, this bat is for you. With a stiff feel and the additional trampoline effect, you can hit home runs with the S3 bat.
The overall feel of Easton S3 is very balanced. This makes it easy for power hitters to control their swing momentum and accuracy when hitting the baseball.
To mitigate the negative feedback on S3’s handle, Easton has topped the handle with a HYPERSKIN performance grip. The grip lets you wield this bat with more comfort and greater stability. The bat has a ¾ inch barrel and a -10 weight drop.
Cheap Big Barrel Bats
If as a baseball player you wish to own the best big barrel bat available out there but your budget is low, here are 2 cheap big barrel baseball bats.
The good thing about these bats is that they are low in price but high in quality. We are sure that you will not be disappointed with your purchase.
With these 2 bats, you can achieve performance similar to that achieved by using expensive ones from top brands.
#1. Mizuno Generation Big Barrel Baseball Bat (-10)
This simple yet powerful bat from Mizuno has a lot to offer. It is a one-piece bat made with Single Wall, Aerospace Grade Aluminum Alloy. This material gives great performance as well as increases durability.
For a massive sweet spot, this bat features Mizuno’s patented wall thickness technology. With this technology the barrel gets 5 zones of barrel thickness which contributes in achieving a massive sweet spot.
With its balanced swing weight you can have more control over the bat. Being a big barrel bat, it has a 2 5/8 inches barrel and a -10 drop weight.
It bears USSSA BPF 1.15 Certification. This bat is approved for play in USSSA leagues.
Pros: Inexpensive, Great feel
Cons: Durability issues, does not have enough pop
#2. Louisville Slugger 2016 Sl Omaha 516 Big Barrel 2 5/8 (-10) Baseball Bat
Finally we have this one-piece beauty from Louisville Slugger – 2016 Sl Omaha 516. This baseball bat has won the hearts of many of its users.
It consists of a 2 5/8 inches barrel that is 40% longer than its predecessors. This barrel is constructed using NEW 7U1 Alloy that makes this bat the lightest amongst others. Thanks to its one-piece design, maximum barrel flex is achieved.
It has a 7/8 inches tapered handle that is covered in Louisville Slugger’s famous Lizard Skin Grip. This grip is soft and helps in providing an exceptional grip.
Sl Omaha has a -10 drop weight and a balanced construction. The balanced swing weight on this bat gives maximum control and amazing power.
It features a USSSA 1.15 BPF certified stamp. This bat is backed with a “30 Day Performance Promise”.
If you are not satisfied with your new purchase, Louisville Slugger gives you an option to either get a refund on your bat or replace it with a new one.
Pros: Feels great, hot out of the wrapper, Cheap
Cons: might have vibration issues
Big Barrel Rules
Different associations have different rules regarding big barrel bats that you need to follow. Rules also differ for senior, youth and junior baseball leagues.
For leagues conducted by USSSA, your big barrel bat must bear the USSSA approval stamp otherwise it is deemed illegal. It should also be manufactured by a USSSA approved manufacturer.
The barrel diameter can either be 2 ¾ inches or 2 5/8 inches. All bats under USSSA league cannot have length greater than 36 inches. Nothing other than these figures is allowed.
While considering the Little League rules for Big Barrel bats, the barrel diameter on your big barrel cannot exceed 2 5/8 inches if you are planning to play for Intermediate Division, Junior or Senior League. Interestingly, 2 ¾ inches bat are not allowed for Junior or Senior Leagues.
According to Little League rules, your entire non-wood big barrel bats should be BBCOR certified. The maximum bat length for these bats is 34 inches.
For Pony baseball league, big barrel bats with barrel diameter 2 ¼ inches or 2 5/8 inches are allowed. 2¾ inches is strictly not allowed.
If you own a 2 ¼ inches bat then it should carry a PONY approval and a 1.15 BPF stamp as well. If your children plan on playing for Pony, Colt or Palomino divisions, then their big barrel bat must have a barrel of 2 5/8 inches and the bat length not greater than 35 inches. For the rest of the divisions, a maximum length of 33 inches is allowed.
Dixie Baseball rulebook provides that 2 ¾ inches big barrel bats are strictly prohibited. Only wood or certified BBCOR bats are allowed. If you have a hybrid big barrel bat, then there is a chance that it will not be approved for play in Dixie leagues.
After looking at the rules, we have come to a conclusion that generally, 2 ¾ inches big barrel bat are deemed illegal by most organizations.
Remember to check with your league/association or your coach the kind of rules that you have to obey. Playing with illegal bats might cause you and your team serious fines and penalties.
Big Barrel vs Regular Bats
Big barrel bats, as the name suggests, have big barrels as compared to regular bats. The barrel diameter on these big barrel bats can either be 2 ¾ inches or 2 5/8 inches. Regular bats have a barrel diameter of 2 ¼ inches.
A big barrel bat is associated with having a large hitting area. In case of a regular bat the hitting area isn’t large as the barrel size is smaller.
The taper on big barrel bats differs from that on regular ones. It is longer for regular bats and is shorted for big barrel ones.
Regular bats are more aerodynamic. This means that they are easier to swing and can help in getting the ball through the hitting zone and shooting it to the outfield.
Regular bats are also easy to control, thanks to their smaller barrel. When players have better control over their bat, they are supposed to perform in a better way.
Unfortunately, these regular bats are not allowed in high school or college leagues.
Big Barrel Bats Pros and Cons
Although big barrel bats are loved and preferred by many baseball players, these bats have their pros and cons as well. The advantages and disadvantages associated with these big barrel bats are discussed below.
Pros
With a big barrel bat you tend to have a higher surface area on the barrel. This translates into a larger sweet spot and higher performance. You tend to hit greater homeruns and higher shots.
With a big barrel bat your little one who has a passion for baseball, can easily get into the game and to swinging his new big barrel bats. There isn’t a lot of technique involved when it comes to swinging a big barrel bat which translates into an advantage for new players.
Cons
Big Barrel bats are usually heavier than regular ones. This makes them unmanageable for kids under 10. This in turn contributes in them developing an incorrect swing style.
With a big barrel bat, players especially in youth and junior leagues tend to have slower swing speed. That’s why we usually hear the coach calling out to these players to swing faster and be quick. This slow speed is again due to the heavy weight.
Big barrel bats with a barrel diameter of 2 ¾ inches are not illegal in most of the baseball leagues. This means purchasing such bats is completely pointless.
Big barrel bats are usually more costly than regular ones.
The Bats with Barrel 2 3/4 vs 2 5/8
Although both 2 ¾ inches and 2 5/8 inches barrel bats are considered big barrel bats, one is clearly better than the other. 2 5/8 inches big barrel bats is a winner here.
The 2 5/8 inches bat has a larger sweet spot and a manageable weight. It is highly recommended for kids between 10-15 ages. These bats help a lot when a player is transitioning to adult BBCOR bats.
The biggest drawback associated with a 2 ¾ inches big barrel baseball bat is that it is not allowed in most middle and high school leagues. This means that buying such a bat will only be wastage of money.
Another con with 2 ¾ inches bats is that these have extremely thin walls which make them prone to damage. They are specifically designed for leagues where the coach pitches.
Top 10 Big Barrel Bats Recommended for 2017
The top 10 best big barrel bats for 2017 are even better than their predecessors. They are constructed using innovative technologies that give them an extra edge over others.
For your convenience, we have divided our list of the best big barrel baseball bats into 3 categories – best senior, youth and junior league big barrel bats.
This categorization will help you in finding the bats that are suitable for your or your child’s age. Later we also look at the bats that are affordable and are best for players who are on a budget.
Best Senior League Big Barrel Bats
For our senior players who are looking for the best senior league big barrel bats, we have made a list of the top 3 big barrel bats available in the market. To help you in understanding their features, pros and cons we have reviewed all 3 below.
#1. Easton SL17MK10B Mako Beast 2 3/4″ 10 Senior League Big Barrel Baseball Bat
So our list of the top senior league big barrel bats starts with this beast from Easton. SL17MK10B Mako Beast is a latest bat that is released in 2017. It is a member of their power brigade line.
This is a two-piece composite bat with 2 of Easton’s favorite technologies – Patented ConneXion Technology and TCT Thermo Composite Technology.
The connexion technology ensures that the connection between the two parts is strong with lesser vibration and greater energy transfer. To give this bat a massive sweet spot, TCT is used.
The barrel on Mako beast is 1.5 inches longer than its predecessors. It has a diameter of 2 ¾ inches which makes it a big barrel bat. The barrel offers low moment of inertia and a balanced swing weight.
Its barrel is connected to an ultra-thin handle which has a diameter of 29/32 inches. This handle is covered in hyperskin grip that keeps your hand comfortable.
Mako Beast has a -10 drop weight and is sold in a variety of length to weight ratios. It is USSSA 1.15 BPF certified. It is approved for play in PONY Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball, AABC and USSSA.
Pros: Very little vibration, biggest barrel
Although not quite famous like its competitors, Anderson’s baseball bats are a true hidden gem. Their alloy bats are innovative and strong.
Anderson SL165FIRE (Centrefire) is another one of their amazing alloy bats made for senior league for the year 2016.
It is a two-piece hybrid design with alloy barrel and composite handle. The 2 5/8 inches barrel uses AB-9000 Aerospace Grade Alloy which is durable and offers high performance.
Its High-Grade composite handle reduces vibration and enhances trampoline effect. The bat has a balanced swing weight which helps in getting amazing swing speed.
Centrefire has -5 lengths to weight ratio. Bears the sign of USSSA BPF 1.15 Certification.
Pros: Sturdy, Great Pop
Cons: Might be too stiff for some players
#3. DeMarini 2016 Voodoo Raw Big Barrel Senior League Baseball Bat
Finally we end our list of the best senior big barrel bats with this popular bat from DeMarini – 2016 Voodoo Raw Big Barrel bat.
It has a two-piece hybrid construction with a composite handle and an alloy barrel. It has an extended end loaded barrel with a 2 ¾ inches of barrel diameter.
This barrel has a ThermoFused Taper which offers massive sweet spot with end load swing weight. More flex is achieved thanks to the X12 Alloy used in its construction.
Its handle has DeMarini’s famous D-Fusion 2.0 Handle Technology which helps in decreasing vibration. This handle is connected with Low Pro End Cap which keeps the weight balanced throughout the barrel.
With the end cap an RCKATM knob is attached that gives a comfortable grip and offers a perfect fit for your hand.
Overall the bat has a -10 drop weight with USSSA BPF 1.15 Certification.
Pros: Amazing Pop, Great feel, reduced vibration
Cons: Not yet
Best Youth Big Barrel Bats
How can we forget our youth baseball players who are passionate and are working hard to become great senior league players in the long-run?
Here are 3 Best youth big barrel baseball bats for our youth players.
#1. Easton Senior/Youth SL16MKT5 Mako Torq League Big Barrel Baseball Bat
We all know that the popularity of Mako Torq is unmatched. This 2016 version of Mako Torq is a bomb. Easton has just amped up its game.
SL16MKT5 Mako Torq is a two-piece composite design that has a composite 2 5/8 inches barrel and an ultra-thin 29/32 inches composite handle. Its handle is covered in TORQ TAQ Grip.
Easton’s famous ConneXion Technology reduces vibration and increases energy transfer. TCT Thermo Composite Technology gives this bat a massive sweet spot.
TORQ 360 Degree Rotating Handle Technology offers more control over the bat. This technology is an important feature that makes this bat a winner.
This bat has a -5 drop weight and it includes USSSA BPF 1.15 Certification. It has end loaded construction that gives maximum power. Keep in mind that the XL on this bat refers to its end-loaded construction.
Pros: Durable, Comfortable, Reduced vibrations
Cons: Not yet
#2. Combat Youth 2016 Maxum Big Barrel Senior League -10 Baseball Bat 25/15
For the year 2016, Combat has come up with a bat that is bound to perform (or should we say outperform its competitors). We are talking about their Maxum Big Barrel Baseball Bat.
Combat has made a number of claims regarding this bat which are worth mentioning here. To start off, this is a one-piece bat with a fully composite construction.
Its 2 ¾ inches barrel is made using Precision Molding Technology which offers uniform performance throughout the barrel. Combat has designed this bat in a way so that it has 20-40% more hitting surface area.
This area then translates into a MAXUM sweet spot. The bat does not have any weak spots because of its seamless construction. With the construction that it has, this bat reduces the swing weight up to 20%.
The handle is covered in Lizard Skins Grip. Maxum has a -10 length to weight ratio and is USSSA 1.15 BPA certified. Combat is so confident about the performance and quality of its bats.
Pros: Amazing Pop, Huge Sweet Spot
Cons: Durability issues; might feel increased vibration
#3. DeMarini 2015 CF7 Youth Big Barrel (2 5/8-Inch) Baseball Bat (-10)
DeMarini is known to produce some of the most sizzling composite baseball bats available in the market. Their CF7 isn’t any different. It is sold in various in order to cater to all the different types of players.
This model is a two-piece 100% composite design. It has a 2 5/8 inches Paradox +Plus Composite Big Barrel. The compact carbon fibers in this barrel make it strong, light in weight and a huge sweet spot.
The Low Pro End Cap on one end of the barrel is a lightweight dual density flat end cap which offers a balanced weight throughout the bat.
This barrel is connected to D-Fusion FT Handle using the FT treatment. This flame tempered treatment fuses the handle and barrel together and reduces vibration.
The handle is made to eliminate further vibration and to redirect the energy towards the barrel. It is joined with an RCK knob that gives a perfect fit and prevents your hands from getting injured.
The drop weight on this bat is -10. It comes with a 1.15 BPF certified stamp.
Pros: Performs great, Great Pop, No vibration
Cons: Not an excellent quality bat
Best Junior Big Barrel Bats
Junior league baseball players need best junior big barrel baseball bats to perform well in the game. We have reviewed 4 junior big barrel bats and provided their pros and cons as well.
#1. Easton JBB17MK12B Mako Beast 2 3/4 12 Junior Big Barrel Baseball Bat
Easton Mako Beast for Junior Baseball league is truly a beast. With its one-piece fully composite construction this bat is bound to outshine.
It consists of a 2 ¾ inches extended barrel that is 1.5 inches longer than its predecessors. It also has the most balanced and lowest swing weight as compared to others in the brigade line up.
The barrel is made up of IMX Advanced Composite material that optimizes sweet spot and makes this bat light in weight. The walls of the barrel are extremely thin which offers great trampoline effect.
It is connected to an ultra-thin 29/32 inches handle. This handle is wrapped in a cushioned grip.
Easton recommends this bat for players of ages 8 and below. It has a -12 drop weight and it bears USSSA 1.15 BPF stamp.
Pros: Specially designed for junior players
Cons: Not yet
#2. DeMarini CF Jr Big Barrel -11 Drop 2 3/4″ Baseball Bat
DeMarini CF is one of the heavier bats from their CF series of composite bats. This bat has a Paraflex Composite 2 ¾ inches Barrel offers a uniform weight distribution throughout the bat and makes this bat 22% stronger than its competitors.
This barrel is connected to a Low Pro End Cap on one end which gives this bat a more balanced swing weight.
CF Jr features D-Fusion 2.0 handle that eliminates vibration and provides maximum energy transfer. This handle is connected to DeMarini’s famous RCK Knob which provides a perfect fit.
This bat has a -11 drop weight and a 1.15 BPF USSSA certified stamp.
Pros: Balanced Weight, decreased vibration
Cons: Heavy
#3. Louisville Slugger Junior Big Barrel Omaha 517 2 3/4″ (-10) Baseball Bat
Omaha 517 is a one-piece alloy bat with a big barrel of 2 ¾ inches. This bat is made using NEW ST 7U1+ Alloy which keeps this bat stiff and maximizes the sweet spot.
This barrel is attached to a 7/8 inches handle that is covered in a durable synthetic leather grip. This grip keeps your hand comfortable and provides exceptional control over the bat.
It has a -10 drop weight and it bears 1.15 USSSA BPF certification stamp. It is recommended for players of ages 8 and under.
Pros: Durable, Stiff, Inexpensive
Cons: Not yet
#5. DeMarini Voodoo Insane Balanced -9 Drop 2 5/8″ Baseball Bat
Finally, we have this powerful bat from DeMarini’s Voodoo series – Voodoo Insane Balanced Baseball bat. It is their new release for the year 2017.
This bat is a two-piece hybrid design with an alloy barrel and a composite handle. The barrel has 2 5/8 inches diameter and is made up of New X14 Alloy which gives more pop and varied wall thickness to this barrel.
A Low Pro End Cap on one end of the bat keeps its weight balanced and optimized. The barrel is connected to a D-Fusion 2.0 handle which is constructed using D-Fusion 2.0 Handle Technology. This technology ensures that this bat has less vibration and a greater energy transfer.
The handle is finally joined with an RCK knob which gives a comfortable grip. This bat is designed in a way so that it has a balanced swing weight.
Voodoo Insane comes in -9 drop weight. It also bears a USSSA 1.15 BPF certified stamp.
Pros: Amazing Pop with No vibration
Cons: Not yet
Conclusion
We hope that our comprehensive guide about the best big barrel bats 2019 was helpful for our readers. We presented to you the top 4 bats for 2019 and top 10 bats for 2017 that including those for adult, youth and junior players.
We also reviewed some of the inexpensive big barrel bats. The rules, pros and cons of big barrel bats were also listed. We believe that now you will be able to buy a big barrel bat that’s most suitable for you.