Everyone has their own preferences and needs in a baseball bat based on experience, aspirations, material and financial considerations. I’ve sorted my recommendations based on the composition and price of the bat to simplify the process. I believe this makes it easier to pinpoint the bat that’s right for you.
First, I segmented my recommendations into the following categories based on the material:
- Composite Bats
- Hybrid Bats (composite handle, alloy barrel)
- Alloy Bats
I then provided a high and low cost recommendation within each category. This breaks it down into neat, manageable areas that will help your decision.
My Baseball Bat Recommendations for the 2010 model year are:
100% Composite Bats
Easton/Synergy Speed: The difference between the two being the Stealth is a two-piece bat and the Synergy a one-piece bat. The Stealth comes with both a flex and stiff handle while the Synergy comes only in a stiff handle. Both are made from the identical composite material. Which version you choose is simply a matter of preference. These are by far the most popular composite bats on the market from the youth to college level, and the Stealth Speed is more popular than the Synergy Speed. Most College teams have contracts with a manufacturer and their players must swing a bat made by that manufacturer. Many of the players on teams swinging Easton choose the Stealth and Synergy Speed composite bats. While teams swinging other manufacturer’s bats rarely choose that company’s composite model. Just keep in mind these bats are slightly end-loaded and may be a little more difficult for the inexperienced player to swing. The Adult -3 models retail for $399.
Louisville Dynasty Comp: Hands down the best option for those who must have a composite bat but don’t want to break the bank. It’s hard to beat this bat at a retail price of $249 for the Adult -3 model. You get a 100% composite bat in a model that’s been around for several years and has a good reputation. It’s a one-piece composite bat with a stiff handle and balanced design.
Combat B1: At $299 for the Adult -3 model Combat has FINALLY given players who loved the B1 in youth ball the opportunity to continue using it in a big barrel design. The B1 youth has a lot of avid fans and now there’s no reason not to continue using it in Middle and High School. It’s also a one-piece composite bat with a stiff handle and balanced design.
Hybrid Bats
Demarini Voodoo Black: This is a quality bat with a proven reputation that has always had a reasonable price for a high end hybrid bat. It is a favorite among college teams that use Louisville bats. It’s a two-piece hybrid bat with a balanced design that retails for $299 (Adult -3).
Easton SV12: Another very good choice. What I like about this bat, and Easton in general, is that you can buy it with the handle design you prefer as it comes in both a flex and stiff handle design. I believe the stiff handle design will become one of the most popular bats on the market. It’s a two-piece bat with a balanced design that retails for $299 (Adult -3).
Demarini Vexxum: Demarini owns the the low cost hybrid category and the Vexxum is the clear choice for those looking to purchase in this category. It’s a two-piece single wall bat with a flex handle and balanced design. It has the same SC4 alloy barrel as Demarini’s other hybrid bats (Voodoo and Vendetta) but the C6 composite handle is made from their older composite material. The Vexxum has been a quality bat for a long time and can’t be beat at a retail price of $199 for the Adult -3 model.
100% Alloy Bats
Louisville TPX Omaha: The Omaha is a solid bat with a long and trusted reputation. It’s a one-piece bat with a stiff handle and a balanced design. You can’t go wrong with this bat if you desire a 100% alloy bat. The Adult -3 model retails for $199.
Easton V12: The V12 has Easton’s stiffest handle and lowest swing weight. Because of the very low swing weight this bat is a better option for the inexperienced player. If you’re experienced the Omaha is a better choice in this category. The V12 is a one-piece bat that retails for $199.
At this point you’re just looking for something to hit a ball with. Any alloy bat in the $129 – $169 range will fit your needs. If I had to choose I’d say the Easton Titan, a one-piece stiff handle bat would be the top of the class. But it retails for $169 (Adult -3) which is too close to the Omaha and V12.
Best of luck with your decision and keep swinging for the fences. You can check out all of my bat reviews by manufacturer by clicking the links on the right side of the page.
