Here are my reviews of the best baseball bats for 2022.
- Louisville Slugger Meta
- DeMarini The Goods
- Easton ADV Hype
- Rawlings Quatro Pro
- Axe Avenge Pro
- Louisville Slugger Solo
- Victus Vandal Gold
- Louisville Slugger Omaha
- Marucci CAT9
- True Temper HZRDUS
2022 Louisville Slugger Meta Review
The fourth rendition of the Louisville Slugger Meta baseball bat is once again at the top of the list. This bat is available in BBCOR, USSSA, and Youth models. It is an extremely popular bat, and is my pick if the higher cost is not a problem. The 2022 Meta has not changed compared to 2021 except for a fresh coat of paint. There is a PWR version that is more end loaded for pure power hitters. And, it’s more money!
The Meta is a balanced, three-piece, fully composite bat. Its composite barrel makes it a great sounding, lightweight option with a huge barrel. Its patented 3FX Connection System gives it a stiff feel and reduces vibration in the hands. And, the barrel length is maximized with its Premium GT1™ End Cap.
Overall, the Meta is a light swinging bat that makes it one of the best bats for contact hitters and generally any player looking for a balanced, lightweight bat. I love its menacing black and gold design, its massive barrel, balanced swing, and massive sweet spot.
The price is high, but that’s its only downfall.
Pros
- Large sweet spot
- Amazing Pop
- Best performance for contact hitters
- Lightweight and balanced
Cons
- It’s expensive
2021 Demarini The Goods Review
The 2022 DeMarini The Goods is an exceptionally powerful bat. Almost every feature of this bat is desirable. The end-loaded weight and structural end cap make this bat an excellent option for power hitters. It is strong and heavy enough to drive the ball deep and hard in the field. It comes in BBCOR, USSSA, and Youth models.
While I’m recommending the end-loaded version, which makes it a more favorable option for power hitters, it also comes in a hybrid, two-piece design that offers appeal to contact hitters. While the two-piece design is good, I think the Meta is a better option for contact hitters.
The X14 alloy barrel is end-loaded to emphasize power in hitting. There is extra weight below the end cap to mirror the feeling of a heavy, wooden bat. That added weight is a key factor in allowing this bat to crush baseballs with ease.
The Direct Connection technology reduces bat sting so that heavy hitters don’t need to wear out their hands. This technology reduces the feel of the vibration, but doesn’t trade off any of the power. Meanwhile, the lightweight handle works to balance the heavy, end-loaded feel to supply extra power.
The huge barrel has an extra-long sweet spot. Even a ball hit away from the sweet spot will pop well. It has made inroads into becoming the best bat for power hitters in college and high school.
Pros
- One Piece Stiff stick
- Hot out of the wrapper
- Large Barrel
- Huge Sweet Spot
Cons
- Can be hard to find
Easton ADV Hype Review
The Easton ADV Hype is a new bat that will try to compete with the Louisville Meta. It replaces the ADV 360 on the BBCOR side, while the 360 is still available in youth models. It comes in BBCOR, USSSA, and Youth models. And, yes it’s expensive.
The Hype is a two-piece bat made from composite material. and here’s what’s new:
Thermo Composite Technology – They say it’s the lightest swinging bat In Easton’s Lineup. But, the say its composite barrel still displays a massive length and a big sweet spot. Now they have used TCT for years so people may be confused. You should think of this as an upgraded to what was used before.
ConneXion Max – This connection piece creates a stiffer feel at contact. And, it Is filled with Filled With Nitrocell Foam to limit hand vibration. .
Pro-Stiff Carbon Handle – Built with very stiff carbon fibers to exhibit a solid feel.
The feedback to this bat has been positive so far and is an an excellent option for those not concerned about the price. I’d recommend you grab it if you want a bat that will continue to push forward the illustrious tradition of composite bats that Easton has built over the last 2 decades!
Pros:
- A very large sweet spot
- The stiff handle
- Patent-pending “Soft Knob” provides more leverage and power potential
- Very little hand vibration
Cons:
- We don’t know about its durability yete
Rawlings Quatro Pro Review
The 2022 Rawlings 2023 Quatro Pro offers a well-balanced swing and a stylish design. Players say it seems hot out of the wrapper, but has even better power after being broken in with 200 – 300 hits. It is available in BBCOR, USSSA, and Youth models.
Players and coaches alike love the sound of this bat. It’s a soft ping rather than the harsh sound you get from some of the other models You’ll find that the Quatro swings lighter than you would expect because of the balance it offers.
Rawlings says it has what they call a “focused flex” by reconstructing the collar and creating a stiffer barrel head. They said they also changed the way they’ve layered the composite to increase the trampoline effect when contact is made.
The Quatro always seems to be one of the highest-rated in the business. It was among my favorite bats over the years. This bat is on the expensive side, but it just might be worth the price. It might be the most balanced bat and is good for any hitter.
Pros
- The design is extremely appealing
- The bat is well-balanced
- Great sound on contact
- Very little vibration at the handle
- The redesigned inner barrel has a longer barrel with larger sweet spot
Cons
- It has the same Lizard Skin Grip as in the past, many are not crazy about this grip
- On the expensive side
Axe Avenge Pro Review
The 2022 Axe Avenge Pro composite baseball bat is a 3 piece charge carbon composite barrel construction.
Its VCS (Vibration Cancellation System) deploys advanced shock absorbing material to the three points on the bat. The Hyperwhip composite end cap has a sleek profile that provides faster and more efficient swings.
The attraction point of this bat is its AXE handle for speed and handling almost any pitch in the game. Oval bottom and full-length backside create a natural, seamless connection through your palm for tracking pitches and providing faster and powerful hits. Endogrid technology in the AXE handle absorbs a lot of vibration and smooth feels to your hands.
Like other bats, it also has a one year warranty, but AXE bats is one step ahead, they give you No Risk 30 day challenge, so if you do not like the bat then you may return it under 30 days.
Pros
- Faster Swings
- Great Pop
- Lightweight and Balanced
- Reduced Vibration
- 30 Day Challenge
- Faster Swings
Cons
- Not for power hitters
Louisville Slugger Solo
The Louisville Slugger Solo has a lightweight bat design for maximum swing speeds. Its SPD end cap reduces weight and the Hyper Alloy with thinner walls should make this one of the lightest swinging bats on the market. So, it’s meant for contact hitters.
The single-piece alloy has a Pro Comfort grip that offers tackiness for better control of the bat. The Vibex handle will also help reduce vibration and negative feedback on mishits.
Louisville Slugger’s Solo is the modern version of last year’s Solo 619. You’ll find that it maintains its reputation as one of the lowest MOI (swing weights) in its class. That means that the Solo is one of the lightest BBCOR bats you’ll find.
I’ve been really impressed by how well this bat compares to the Rawlings Velo. The Solo is about $50 cheaper, but tests out just as well. It comes down to whether you prefer to use Louisville or Rawlings. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Louisville Slugger models are the most used in college sports. Of the teams that made it to the College World Series a fair amount use Louisville sluggers. You could find various models of the Solo on the teams that used Louisville. That may be because it’s one of the best college bats on the market.
Pros:
- Balance, balance, balance
- Comfortable grip
- One of the lowest swing weights on the market
Cons:
- Boring design
Victus Vandal Gold
So what the heck is Victus? It started as a custom wood bat manufacturer and Big League bat supplier. Marucci recognized itself in Victus as a new, disruptive, innovative brand and after further diligence, found their premium brands were born of the same DNA – a player-centric philosophy and obsessive attention to quality. So they bought them and are now part of the Marucci family.
The Vandal is a great bat. It’s a one-piece alloy model that is “ultra balanced”. This is the first aluminum BBCOR bat that Victus has put out and I think they did a great job.
Victus offers a micro-perforated grip that is among the most comfortable in the business. Some players have compared this to the top Louisville Slugger models and prefer the Vandal. We’re not ready to go quite that far, but it’s definitely among the better bats on the market.
The Victus Vandal seems like a solid bat, but does lack a reputation. Victus has been known for their wood bats. We can understand where people may be scared away from the first aluminum BBCOR that the company has ever made.
That being said, we think this bat is worth considering. Early input says that it lives up to the reputation the company has earned in the wood bat market. The price for this one-piece alloy bats is reasonable. It is probably best for contact hitters.
Pros:
- Great balance
- Flexible sweet spot
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
- There are concerns about the quality
- Very ordinary design
Louisville Slugger Omaha
What can I say? The Omaha has been a staple in the baseball bat world for a long time. And, I continue to recommend it because it’s a good bat at a good cost. The 2022 model has the same MX 7U1+ alloy material driving the bat. The alloy is designed to improve energy transfer. It also is designed to improve durability and the swing weight.
The Omaha is similar to the Solo but has more of an end-loaded design. The one-piece alloy bat offers a great feel due to its Vibex handle that minimizes negative feedback on mishits. For hitters who want a slightly more end-loaded bat at an affordable and solid end-loaded model, the Omaha is a perfect option.
I’m always a fan of the Omaha. For years, it’s been the standard of consistency, durability, and performance for one-piece bats. Because of its quality and reputation, its been on the market and popular for many years.
It definitely faces some competition, but I think that says more about other companies than it does Louisville. What really stands out is that this bat offers high performance while maintaining a price tag of around $200. It’s one of the best values on the market.
As mentioned, it’s not quite an end-loaded bat, but it’s also not a fully balanced bat. Add in that the price point is around $200 and you’ve got the perfect option for a bat to figure things out.
Pros:
- The new MX 7U1 alloy gives improved energy transfer
- A stiff handle
- Minimal negative feedback on bad hits
Cons:
- Not quite balanced, but not quite end-loaded
Marucci CAT9 Pastime
The Cat9 Pastime is a 2-piece and all-composite design. The barrel is going to be contrived from the MDX Composite design that places the carbon fibers of the barrel in many layers and at many different directions to create a bat that is ultra-responsive! That composite barrel is locked into the composite handle by the OLS (Outer Locking System) Connector Piece. This connection system incorporates a threaded groove that internally locks the barrel and handle together. And then they complete the connection with the external sleeve that puts an extra hold on the connection point.
All of the technology at the connection point results in less vibration getting to a batter’s hands -PLUS- a super-stiff feel at contact with a baseball. In past years, the flex feel was desired on 2-piece bats, but as more and more players are looking to add a power aspect to their game, they have found that the stiff connection benefits their potential to knock the ball to the fence and beyond. Ultimately with this bat, you’ll get a 2-piece BBCOR that limits vibration and delivers the stiff feel to boost power potential.
Lastly, this Marucci BBCOR bat will feel a little barrel-heavy, making it a better option for power hitters. However, the slightly heavy barrel on this bat can be managed by both contact and power hitters!
Pros
- Less Hand Vibration
- Slightly End Loaded
- Mostly for power hitters
Cons
- It’s very expensive
There have been updates from the 2023 DeMarini Vodoo One model. Review
The True Temper HZRDUS is a good option and a formidable foe. This bat is a 1-Piece, hybrid, alloy barrel & composite handle, that will suit players looking for a stiff bat with a decent-size barrel and a slight end load.
This alloy used on the barrel is extremely responsive, and the slight end load and stiff feel will suit power hitters well. The Hzrdus doesn’t use a connection piece. Instead, it seamlessly connects the barrel and handle for a stiff feel that transfers max energy from the swing into the baseball. The composite handle has angled fibers along its length to limit hand sting, and the end cap helps immensely with this bat’s acoustics.
The thing that sets True Temper apart from the other non top market bats is its bat sizing options. Most other manufacturers offer their bats in whole sizes, while True Temper offers additional half sizing options to make it easier for high school and college players to find their true bat size.
The Hzrdus feels very good in you hands, and the sizing options guarantee you find a suitable length thanks to the half inch sizes. The Hzrdus is no slouch, and competes with other hybrid bats at a more affordable price.
Pros:
- Stiff Bat Design
- Slight end load, not balanced, not too heavy
- Half sizing options
Cons:
- You might be the only one swinging it