Best Baseball Bats of 2022 | Bat Club USA
Best Baseball Bats of 2022
The 2022 baseball season is here, and that means that it’s time to start purchasing new equipment for players. Whether your player is just getting started or has been in the game for a while, the need for the newest, top-performing equipment remains constant.
When shopping for a new baseball bat for the 2022 season, you want to make sure that you have the very best bat for the needs of the player. To make it easier to find the right baseball bat, the team at Bat Club USA has created a quick review of the most recently released baseball bats. We’ll review barrel sizes, weight ratio, sweet spots, grips, and more so that you’re able to focus on the details that matter the most to you.
Why Buy the Most Recent Baseball Bat Model
There’s no doubt about it, baseball bats are not an affordable purchase to make on a whim. Even so, most players will use a new baseball bat each season. Whether you’re just getting started and trying to find the best bat for your player or you’re checking out which of the recently released baseball bats are performing the best for a new bat, Bat Club USA has you covered.
That being said, there are various reasons that one may need a new baseball bat. Because of how expensive bats can be, we can understand the hesitation to purchase one every season. Even so, there are various reasons that players need new baseball bats every season, and we’ve mentioned a few of them below.
Improved Materials & Technology
Purchasing one of the newest baseball bat models allows for players to play with equipment made from the most up-to-date materials. Something that we continue to see in the manufacturing of baseball bats is the upgrade in materials and technology.
While baseball bats were once solely made from one-piece wood, they can now be made from metal alloy or a hybrid of the two. The use of various materials in the construction of newer baseball bats also means that there is improved technology for most of the newly released bats. This new construction can help to increase speed, provide additional balance, or reduce vibrations upon contact with the ball. All of these differences can make a significant difference in a player's game, making those newly released baseball bats extremely enticing.
New Styles
Every year there are new styles of bats released. This is done so that manufacturers can continue to improve the bats they've released in the past. If a player has used a bat for a while, there may be new styles that would help improve player performance. As we mentioned just a moment ago, manufacturers may be making improvements to the profile of the bat to help increase the pop of the bat or may change the materials of an end cap to help absorb vibrations.
If there is a bat that a player is fond of, but that is starting to get a bit worn, looking into a newer model of the same bat is always a great option. This can help increase the level of comfort with a player using a new piece of equipment, while still getting to enjoy the benefits of that particular bat.
Outgrowing the Bat
As with any other piece of equipment, baseball bats can be outgrown by a player. A player may need a new baseball bat if they’ve recently gone through a growth spurt. For a player to perform their best, they need their baseball bat to match their size and strength. If a player's bat from the previous season is not fitting as comfortably or performing as well, it may be that they've grown out the bat entirely.
For kids playing in youth leagues, this is going to happen almost every year. While it may not seem like a big difference, the length to weight ratio of a bat can play a significant role in the performance of a player, so the last thing that you want to do is hold off on updating this piece of equipment if this seems to be the case.
Keeping Play Consistent
When equipment is heavily used during games, it’s inevitable that it will wear down. To ensure a player continues to play their best, they must continue to play with a bat in the same condition. When a baseball bat has worn down and is not playing the same as it once did, it may be telling that it’s time to invest in a new bat.
Purchasing a new baseball bat needs to be done every two to three years, depending on how often it is being used in games. The lifetime of the average composite bat is one to three years once it has been fully broken in. For a bat that is used more heavily, a lifetime of one to two years is more typical.
While these are the average time frames recommended for replacing a bat, they aren’t set in stone. You may need to replace a bat sooner than these time limits based on play. Use your best judgment on the condition of the bat and how it’s performing to determine if it is time to get a replacement.
Different Types of Certified Baseball Bats
When looking at the top bats for 2022, we had to take into consideration the various types of accreditations and certifications that baseball bats have. When we dive into the top bats released in 2022, we will provide a couple of each certifications so that you can find the right bat for the level of your player. Below is a quick breakdown of the different baseball bat certifications that are available.
USSSA Baseball Bat
Baseball bats that are USSSA approved are going to be the bats used at a youth level. These bats are going to have a larger barrel than other bats. Bats are USSSA baseball bats will have a barrel that is 2 ¾ or 2 ⅝ in barrel diameter with a drop of anywhere from -5 to -12.
USSSA baseball bats are also going to have a higher BPF than other baseball bats. The USSSA BPF is 1.15, meaning that these bats can hit the ball further than bats of other certifications.
USA Approved Baseball Bats
Little League Baseball is now requiring players to play with USA approved baseball bats. In 2018, USA baseball stated that they would adhere to this standard moving forward, and that baseball bats previously used would no longer be approved. They believed that wood-like performance standards would help to maintain the integrity of the game for these young players.
USA approved baseball bats are designed to perform similarly to one-piece wood bats and have similar standards to those of a BBCOR bat, which we’ll get to shortly. These bats are designed to match the play of one-piece wood bats. These bats are available in barrel sizes of 2 ⅝ and smaller.
BBCOR Baseball Bats
For ages 14 and over, BBCOR baseball bats are required for play. BBCOR certification came to exist when baseball bats were no longer solely made from one-piece wood. With materials like metal alloy being used in the manufacturing of baseball bats, the standard was put in place to ensure that bats performed the same during play regardless of the materials.
BBCOR baseball bats are required to have a BPF of .50 and require a significant amount of testing to be completed before certification can be given. Finding a BBCOR baseball bat is easy, simply look for the black label showing a BPF .50 on the tapper or the barrel of the bat.
What to Look For When Buying a New Baseball Bat
When looking for a new baseball bat, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration to ensure the bat is the right fit for you. Below are a few of the details that we recommend thinking about to help narrow down your selection when shopping for a new baseball bat.
Length & Drop
The length of the bat will depend on the height and weight of the player. You can use Bat Club’s bat recommendation tool to help you find the right length based on these numbers. Once you have the desired length of the baseball bat figured out, you're going to have the option of drop.
The drop of a baseball bat is factored by subtracting the weight of the bat from the length of the bat. If the drop of a bat is a higher number, the bat is going to be a lower weight. Baseball bats with a lower weight will provide a smoother swing, while baseball bats with a higher weight will pack a tighter punch. Finding the sweet spot for a player can take a little while, but once they get comfortable with their swing, this will be something to keep in mind for future bat purchases as they age.
If you’re not entirely sure what drop is best to start with, we have a general rule of thumb that can help you narrow down your options. For younger players, a baseball bat with a higher drop of -10 or -12 is usually best. Bats of this drop will make it a little easier for them to hit the ball.
As the player gets older and gets more comfortable with the bat, the drop will start to decrease. This allows them more control of the bat since it is a little lighter in weight. Below is a general outline to look to if you’re not sure which drop would be the best fit.
- Players 7 to 10: -12 to -8 baseball bat
- Players 11 to 13: -8 to -5 baseball bat
- Players 14 and older: -3 BBCOR bat
For additional help finding the right size of bat, you can use this Bat Club USA tool.
Certification
Depending on the age of the player, a specific type of bat may need to be used. For example, players that are 14 and older or are in high school or older are required to play with a -3 BBCOR baseball bat. Along the same lines, little league players are also going to require a USA approved baseball bat. So, when shopping for a new baseball bat, it’s best to know in advance what type of certification is going to be required of the player to ensure the right bat is purchased. If you’re not sure, you can refer back to our certification breakdown above or reach out to the coach of your player's team for clarification.
Material
Baseball bats are no longer only made from one-piece wood. Now, baseball bats are made from other materials, most commonly metal alloy. Manufacturers are required to go through tons of testing to ensure the performance of bats made from other materials performs the same as bats made from one-piece wood. Given that these bats will perform similarly, it comes down to preference when shopping for bats and selecting a material.
Construction
The construction of bats is another thing that we’ve seen change over the years. Again, baseball bats used to be made from one-piece wood, and that’s no longer the case. There are so many hybrid bats that are two or more piece bats. Of course, there are benefits to each of these construction styles, but will all come down to preference on how a player feels when using these different bats.
If you’re not entirely sure what design would fit best for your player, you can always start with a traditional one-piece wood bat. You can also look over our reviews of what we’ve deemed the top-rated bats of 2022 and see which attributes you think would be most beneficial for your player.
Comfort
At the end of the day, it will all come down to comfort. All players will find a bat that works for them. They will discover a preference in materials, drop, and grip. While new bats are coming out every year, don’t let comfort fall to the wayside; if there’s a bat that’s been used in the past that worked well for a player, there’s no need to change.
Top Rated Bats Of 2022
Now that you have a well-rounded idea of what to look for when searching for a new baseball bat, we are going to go over 15 of the top-rated bats of 2022. There are going to be five USSSA baseball bats, five BBCOR baseball bats, and five USA certified baseball bats that we cover.
USSSA Baseball Bats
There are dozens of USSSA baseball bats available to choose from, but there are five that stand out to us from the 2022 lineup.
2022 DeMarini The Goods One Piece
In 2021, the DeMarini The Goods baseball had a lot of upgrades to report back on, but this year there isn’t much separating the last model. The one notable difference is the paint job that the bat has. What that means is that you can count on the 2022 model being equally as powerful as last year's model.
The DeMarini The Goods baseball bat gets a lot of attention because it works for so many players and is highly reviewed across the board.
2022 Louisville Slugger META
The 2022 Louisville Slugger META is available in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find the right fit for your competitive or traveling baseball player. The drop 10 and drop 8 are the most popular versions of this bat, and ideal for younger players who are looking for max performance when it comes to swing speed. While this bat is known for having a light swing, the drop 5 version of this bat is also known for packing a serious punch.
As always, Louisville Slugger has delivered a high-quality bat that is ideal for a wide range of players. If your player is ready for a powerful bat that can also pack a punch and lead them to max performance in swing speed and distance on the field, the 2022 Louisville Slugger META is for them.
2022 DeMarini CF
In comparison to the 2021 version of the DeMarini CF, the 2022 version is exactly the same. The bat continues to offer its high-quality composition, but with a new paint job.
For players who are going to be transitioning to BBCOR bats within the next season or so, the 2022 DeMarini CF baseball bat is a great option. This baseball bat offers such a smooth transition from the USSSA approved bat to the BBCOR certified bat, players can easily make the adjustment without their game taking a hit. If you are looking for the next level of baseball bat made by DeMarini, make sure to check out the 2022 DeMarini CF
2022 Easton ADV Hype
The 2022 Easton ADV Hype is a light bat with a larger barrel, giving players a light swing and a powerful point of contact. Aside from that, most players are raving about the Power Boost knob, which is a pliable rubber knob that feels great in the hands, allowing for a better grip and more powerful swing.
All in all, we are excited to see how this bat performs on the field this season and interested in how it will compare to previous Easton baseball bat models.
2022 DeMarini Zoa
This DeMarini bat is a two-piece composite bat that is available as both a USSSA bat and a BBCOR bat, which is great for players who will be transitioning to the BBCOR requirements in the next year or two. All things considered, there are various reasons that a player might want to use a 2022 DeMarini Zoa during their next season.
BBCOR Baseball Bats
2022 True Temper HZRDUS BBCOR Baseball Bat
The True Temper HZRDUS baseball bat is a hybrid bat with a seamless connection. There is a slight end load at the bat that helps drive the swing that players looking for max performance seek. All in all, this hybrid pat performs very similarly to other hybrid bats on the market, but the half-size option that players can choose from makes this model significantly more appealing. That being said, many players also struggle to find the right half size to match their needs.
2022 DeMarini Voodoo One
The only change from the 2021 DeMarini Voodoo One to the 2022 version is the new endcap. Other than this one feature, this bat feels and performs very similarly to the previous models that have been released since 2017. All in all, you can count on this light bat to provide max performance with the stiff feel and manageable swing.
If you’re looking for a USSSA bat and you want a bat that has a reliable following behind it, the DeMarini Voodoo One is a great option.
2022 Louisville Slugger Meta BBCOR Baseball Bat
The Louisville Slugger META was built with the balance and power that a player needs for consistent performance. One of the most notable features of this bat is the vibration connection control system throughout the bat. This can be seen in the barrel control and the lack of vibrations passing to the player's hands.
We foresee this bat being a popular option for players that are 12 and underplaying travel baseball.
2022 Warstic Gunner BBCOR Baseball Bat
The barrel of the 2022 Warstic Gunner baseball has a moderately sized barrel and a great feel. This hybrid is gaining popularity among players who are looking for a heavier hit that still meets the BBCOR requirements.
The 2022 version of this bat isn’t much different from the 2021 version. Power has been a consistent factor for Warstic Gunner bats, but there is a notable difference in the weight of the bat in 2022. The good news is, none of that power is lost with the drop in weight.
2022 DeMarini The Goods BBCOR Baseball Bat
Players love the feel of this bat when they’re on the field. The stiff performance and big barrel lead to some insane hits. The technology within the bat helps absorb as much vibration as possible, which is necessary given the sweet spot on this bat drives balls upon contact.
This two-piece hybrid has a mild end load, making it the perfect bat for players that are looking for a heavier baseball bat. For years, the BBCOR DeMarini The Goods bat has received fantastic reviews, and that continues to be the case for the 2022 version.
USA Certified Baseball Bats
2022 DeMarini CF (-10) USA 2 5/8" Baseball Bat
This balanced bat is USA certified and has a smooth swing speed. There is a streamlined connection throughout the bat designed to help reduce vibration to the handle. The technology of this bat helps to redirect the energy from the bat right back into the barrel.
For players that are looking for a balanced bat that can still offer max performance, the 2022 DeMarini CF (-10) is a fantastic option. The USA certified bat is included in the raving reviews of all the DeMarini CF baseball bat models, so you can rest assured that it’s a great bat for the upcoming season.
2022 Easton ADV (-10) USA 2 5/8" Baseball Bat
This two-piece composite bat offers launch comp technology that takes a player's performance to the next level. The larger barrel profile allows for a large sweet spot for those younger players looking to get further hits. The 2022 Easton ADV barrel offers some additional flexibility that helps put additional force behind each hit.
Easton is known for having high-quality grips on their bats. The 2022 Easton ADV is no different. This USA certified baseball bat has a combination of cushion and tack, providing a comfortable grip for younger players that are still getting adjusted to the feel of a baseball bat in their hands. The two-piece build of the bat and the stiff composite handle help to absorb the vibrations upon contact, providing players with the max performance they’re looking for.
2022 DeMarini The Goods One Piece (-5) USA 2 5/8"
It’s no surprise that the 2022 DeMarini The Goods has yet again made our list of top baseball bats, this time showing up in the USA certified section of the list. The 2022 DeMarini The Goods one-piece baseball bat is a perfect bat for players in need of a USA certified baseball bat. As with the other certified bats, the USA certified DeMarini The Goods bat is a favorite amongst players.
This USA certified bat was designed for youth players that are looking for a bat to take their game to the next level. The 2022 version of this bat is back stronger than ever and offers a stiff feel with a large barrel for max performance every game.
Made from a light alloy composite, this bat is perfect for fast swings and powerful hits. There is a tracer end cap at the end of the barrel that helps enhance the speed of the swing while also helping absorb vibrations upon impact. All in all, this is a major hit for younger players.
2022 Louisville Slugger SOLO (-11) USA 2 5/8" Baseball Bat
The 2022 Louisville Slugger SOLO was built for speed. This youth baseball bat is designed for younger hitters that are looking to get serious about their game. The profile and balanced weight of the bat make it easy to swing while the hyper alloy barrel provides maximum control.
This bat is ideal for players that are confident in their swing and are looking for a bat that can move with their body. This is also a great fit for players that are looking to improve their batting skills.
The end cap on the bat works well with the thin walls of the baseball bat barrel, helping to increase the speeds of the bat while also reducing the vibrations after impact. Made from extremely light alloy, this bat is one of the lightest around, which undoubtedly contributes to the max performance players see on the field.
2022 Louisville Slugger Prime (-10) USA 2 5/8" Baseball Bat
Another Louisville Slugger has made the list of the top USA certified baseball bats of 2022. The 2022 Louisville Slugger Prime (-10) has been widely sought after, to the point where it’s difficult to find.
This USA certified bat offers a good barrel profile with a moderate swing weight, making it a fantastic fit for younger players. One of the most positive things that players say about this baseball bat is that it feels great when swinging and has a great pop when coming in contact with the ball.
There are various bats that perform similarly or are more highly recognized, but this bat performs insanely well and has somehow stayed below the radar in other review lists that are covering the top USA certified baseball bats.
FAQ
What is the hottest bat for 2022?
There’s no easy way to answer this question because the reality is that it all comes down to the preference of the player. The list that we’ve compiled above provides the five most highly rated bats of each stamp and certification.
What 2022 BBCOR bat has the most pop?
The BBCOR baseball bat that has been said to have the most pop is the 2022 Demarini ZOA BBCOR. This baseball bat features a balanced power barrel, providing hitters with an insane amount of speed behind each swing and an amazing amount of pop. The large sweet spot on this bat makes it a desirable bat for many players, given that they’re able to gain quite a bit of acceleration as they come in contact with the ball.
What types of updates are companies making to baseball bats in 2022?
Companies continue to work on improving the performance of the bats that they’re manufacturing. This is being seen in the materials that are being used, the construction of the bat, the size of the sweet spots in the bat, the ability to absorb vibrations, and so much more.
What is the break-in period for these new bats?
A majority of the bats that we’re seeing in 2022 are made from aluminum alloy, meaning that there’s no need to break these bats in. The composite barrels are the bats that are going to need some additional time to be broken in. That being said, there are a few bats on the list above that will require some time to break in. If you’re not entirely sure, check the bat that you’re interested in to see what materials it’s made of. Again, bats that are aluminum alloy will not require a break-in period while one-piece wood bats and composite bats will need some time to be broken in.
Learn About Bat Club USA Memberships
Bat Club USA is paving the way to affordable baseball equipment. There’s no other way to say it: the founders, Erik and Oscar, founded this company on a passion for baseball and sharing their love of the sport with other young athletes. Early on they noticed the need for high-quality equipment among younger players.
Younger baseball players are still growing, which means continuing to spend money season after season on the best equipment of the season to ensure their player has everything they need to perform their best. To make doing so more affordable, Erik and Oscar created Bat Club USA, a membership where getting the newest, high-quality equipment doesn’t have to break the bank.
Our memberships are designed to make purchasing new baseball equipment affordable. Whether you rent a bat for the season or choose to pay it off over time, we have a membership that can serve you. Aside from that, our memberships also allow you the ability to exchange bats if they are not the right fit.
So, now that you have a bit more information on how often bats need to be replaced and how to pick the best bats of 2022, it’s time to find the right Bat Club USA membership plan for you. Take a moment and look over our membership options and find the right one for your needs so that you can ensure you have the very best bat, and additional baseball equipment, for the upcoming season.
