You want the best for your kid, this is the truth. The best baseball bat for a 10 year old is not just any bat you buy from the shop. You must know what makes it the best one.
Last month I went to buy a bat for my 10 year old nephew, Martin.
Martin was just a toddler when he started to play with me, when I was still playing in the leagues. So, he has good experience with wood bats or composite bats.
While he was 6, he did use alloy bats as his first real youth baseball bat.
As an experienced player, his bat must follow baseball league rules. We do expect great things from him.
But if you have a 10 year old who is just starting his/her first days in the diamond field, then the best baseball bat for 10 year old should be different.
So, I have compiled a blog on the best baseball bat for 10 year old depending on experience, figure, material, and budget.
Buyer’s Guide For The Best Baseball Bat For 10 Year Old
Following is a checklist of questions for your 10 year old to find out the best baseball bat-
- Is it the first baseball bat for your kid?
- Does your kid have prior experience with softball or baseball?
- Does your kid use more force on the bat or less force?
- Does your kid mishit often or not?
- Is your kid healthy enough or a little under-weight than other kids?
Why should you ask these questions?
First of all, if you ask the questions to yourself or observe your kid for the results, then you can easily judge which is the best baseball bat for a 10 year old.
For example, in my opinion, if your kid is going to hold the first bat at the age of 10, then you should try wood bats at first. A handmade wooden bat is the best choice for the first bat for anyone out there. I always follow the tradition myself for my kids as well as students.
You can try an ash wood, hickory or maple wood bat. I like ash wood best for the bat weight and balanced swing. It is also a very light bat. I do have a blog on how to make a wooden baseball bat for the newcomers in the game.
If your kid has any kind of prior experience with softball or baseball, then you must go for a composite bat or aluminum bats.
What should be considered for youth baseball bats after this?
After material, you should consider the 2 piece vs 1 piece bat as this is another vital point to choose the right bat for baseball players.
Composite bats or aluminum bats, one piece bats are best for the kids who use more power. On the other hand, the kids still mishit, and should use two piece bats for vibration and force control.
If your kid is underweight than the kids at his/her age, then you should give a lighter bat while a heavy bat is for those young players who had good growth compared to the age.
Most importantly, kids should use big barrel bats with the right drop weight.
A bat drop is the length and barrel ratio and it determines the sweet spot and swing speed.
Which dreams should I show my kid?
The best bat for your kid should be a USA bat, a USSSA bat as well as a BBCOR bat.
All the young baseball players must have a dream to play in the little league baseball or the league baseball bats.
That’s why, you should choose the big barrel youth baseball bats for 10 year olds with the same respect and determination you would have if you were buying the best baseball bat for an MLB player.
8 bats to be considered best baseball bat for 10 year old in 2022
Best wooden baseball bat for 10 year old
- Louisville slugger youth genuine – Maple Y125 (Right Bat for New Students)
Honestly speaking, I keep Louisville Slugger on top of my lists for bats most of the time.
The reason behind it is simple, you can play with their bats in most of the league baseball games.
Whether you need a USA baseball bat or USSSA bats, Louisville can perform mostly anywhere.
The Louisville slugger youth genuine Maple Y125 is a basic wooden bat that has a drop weight of -3 to -5.
If you have a 10 year old, then you should get him/her the 28 inch one. Whether he or she is underweight or not, this basic bat can give a good feel.
This is a good bat for your kid’s first practice matches or if you are really interested in wooden bats like me.
It does have a huge sweet spot and good swing speed. Most of the young players love it as their first bat.
The color is natural and the finish is a regular one. The bat is a balanced maple wood bat and will not disappoint your kid in the long run.
Pros
- A basic wooden bat for all the kids of 10 year old
- Finishing is regular
- The material is maple wood, which has a good durability
- It is a balanced bat with a larger sweet spot
- Can be the first bat for your kid without thinking twice
- Louisville slugger is a brand of choice for MLB players, you should give your kid a taste of it
Cons
- Bat size may support the age of kids, but the drop weight is -3 to -5 which would be better if it was -10 to -11
- The bat is a basic bat. Not for use in the long run. Best as the first bat for your kid. When your kid becomes experienced, you should change it.
Comment on price
Price is very reasonable for a basic wooden bat for your kid. You can buy the bat for under $65.
- Marucci CU26 Youth Baseball Bat (Most Trending 2022)
Marucci is another big name in the baseball industry and I do have a knack for their bats. This particular maple bat CU26 grabbed my attention.
There is a trend among new players who are good with wooden bats.
It has a gorgeous chocolate color and I did try it with Martin. He did like it. This bat model has a big barrel and lighter swing weight.
The one piece bat has a considerably -8 to -10 drop weight and your kid will enjoy swinging with it.
According to your kid’s figure, the 26” or the 27” should be the best one.
Pros
- A basic bat from a big brand, Marucci
- Has a good weight distribution, balanced swing
- Has a large sweet spot and faster bat speed
- One piece construction for maximum impact
Cons
- The bat we have used had a faulty finishing. We could not find other bats to compare
- Mishit sting is not reduced
Comment on Price
As a trendy bat, the price is considerably higher. You will need a minimum $130 to get it.
- Louisville Slugger 2020 Youth Flylite Baseball Bat (Editor’s Choice)
This is another good bat from Louisville that has a target drop of -10.
The bat is heavier than the last two bats and the swing speed is marvelous.
As one piece wooden bats are all approved as USA bat and USSSA bat, this is no different. You can use it on most of the games.
It is a Y243 model and the 27 inch bat size is perfect for a 10 year old. The color of the bat is very beautiful on this 2 1/4” barrel bat.
Pros
- The bat has a good outlook of full dark gray color or dark blue color
- The bat is good for those who are switching to a metal bat
- Bat length is good and has a drop weight of -10
- Good for kids who use a lightweight bat and are hitter
- Youth players who want to try their first wooden bat must try it for once.
Cons
- Heavier bat than a first-time wood bat but worth it for a 10-year-old kid
- If your kid is a hitter then try to avoid hitting with the middle area
Comment on Price
It is very reasonable. You can get it for under $50.
Best aluminum bat for 10 year old
- Rawlings Ombre Fastpitch Softball Bat (Faspitch Girls’ Special)
I will be starting the aluminum bats section with a fastpitch bat that is approved by all the leagues.
It is ASA, USSSA as well as ISF approved for fastpitch and has a drop weight of -11.
The bat has a shining outlook of white and golden that can bring the attention of the whole gallery to the player. Alternative colors are white and purple and that has a cool outlook too.
The Rawlings bat barrel is 2 1/4 inch and gives a good feeling to all the girls using it.
Although the bat is an alloy bat, it is a blend of two or more types of metal. In a sense, you can also call it a composite bat.
Pros
- A good fastpitch softball bat for girls
- Approved for all little league games for girls
- High grade aluminum alloy construction
- If you are looking for USSSA bats for fastpitch, this is the bat for you
- The bat is heavier with a -11 drop and one of the best fastpitch bats for 10 year
Cons
- The bat is best only for faspitch. Not a regular bat for baseball.
Comment on Price
If you are looking for a good softball bat then you can buy it. The bat costs under $50.
- Easton ADV (-10) 2022 baseball bat (Editor’s Choice)
This is one of the top USA bats I have ever seen. Among all the USA baseball bats for 10 year old I have tried with Martin, this Easton bat has the most swing speed.
The bat is a light bat and does have valid USA bat certification. It is a blend alloy bat for your kid and has a drop weight of -10. I mean -10 is the right one for your 10 year old.
The bat control is easy and the thinner barrel walls make it one of the lightest bats ever built.
The bat’s length is good for control and the big barrel helps you to throw the ball further than any other bat.
Yes, this is the bat I have bought for Martin and among all the bats, whether wooden or alloy, I think this one was the best for Martin.
But it does not necessarily mean that it is the best baseball bat for your kid too with bat lengths and USA baseball stamp, but a good choice if your kid has enough experience on the field already.
Pros
- 28 inch bat with a -10 drop is a perfect 2022 USA baseball bat for your kid
- Certainly, when it comes to bat performance factor this is the best bat of my choice
- Extended sweet spot
- Reaction end cap is a speed cap for better velocity
- Ring free barrel construction gives a strong and durable body
- Lightweight
- Soft knob and custom cushioned grip
- Best for kids who have already played baseball for more than a year
Cons
- The bat length is 28 inch, 1 inch longer than usual bats for a 10 years old
- Higher price point makes it a high-end bat
Comment on Price
It is a bat that costs you over $350. But the bat is worth every penny.
- Rawlings 5150 (-10) 2022 Bat (Best Budget-Friendly Alloy Bat)
Rawlings has a good name when it comes to baseball bats. You cannot deny the power of their baseball gloves. Those have been circulating the market for a long time with a good name.
Rawlings 5150 must be the most budget-friendly alloy bat for a 10 year old in my opinion. It is a blue-black bat with a drop -10 weight distribution for a 27 inch bat.
The bat performance factor really establishes a territory for this bat among baseball lovers and you can use it as a USSSA bat as well as a USA bat. The main advantage lies here. Most of the league games approve of this bat.
The balanced swing of this bat is nice and has an extended sweet spot, very nice compared to other high-end bargains.
The 2 5/8 inch barrel size makes it a good choice for your kid.
Among all the baseball bats in my list, this one is an emergency bat you can buy your kid.
Pros
- Certainly one of the best available budget-friendly bats in the market
- Perfect size, length and drop weight
- One of the best baseball bats which has most of the league approvals
- Bigger barrel and larger sweet spot
- -10 weight for 27 inch bat makes it the best choice for your kid whatever the weight is
Cons
- Not always available on the market
- Targeted for only youth players, not adult players
Comment on Price
Best alloy bat under $100 on the whole market. Do not let it go if it is available on the market.
- Marucci CAT 9 (-10) (Best USSSA Bat)
This is the last alloy bat in my list and I am proud to give you the best USSSA bat for your 10 years old.
Marucci CAT 9 drop 10 is one of the hottest alloy bats in the market for its look, design and power.
The one piece alloy USSSA bat may have the most extended sweet spot in my list.
I have tried this bat with my son, not Martin. But my son still does not match its size as he is far younger. I hope to buy it for him someday later.
Marucci did not disappoint me with its name when I tried it and yes, the cool look was the first and foremost attractive thing about it.
The bat uses the force to be amplified and hits the ball further.
The true ring free barrel construction gives it durability better than any other alloy bats which is true for all versions of this bat.
Most important, the bat lengths match the drop weight and fit the kid perfectly. For USA baseball, this alloy bat is one of the perfect ones.
Pros
- Best alloy bat for USSSA games for USA baseball
- Cool outlook, black and red body
- One piece alloy construction for maximizing the force
- Beautiful and powerful knob design
Cons
- Please match the weight with your kid. Otherwise the bat may get harmed after one or two matches.
Comment on Price
Get the bat under $300. It is a mid-priced bat for your kid. If your kid likes it and matches the size chart then you can buy it for him/her.
Best composite baseball bat for 10 year old
- DeMarini CF (-10) 2022 Bat (Best Composite Bat)
DeMarini is a big name when it comes to composite bats and I do have review blogs for their adult and youth baseball bats for my students.
You can have a look at their reviews in my blogs and find if you like composite bats.
Although I have found the best bat for Martin among alloy bats, this one is also on my list of choices.
The DeMarini CF (-10) 2022 model is one of their top models for young players under 10 till now and you cannot deny the power of this bat even from the look of it.
The dark gray blue 2 piece construction is mesmerizing. You can have fun while you are doing break-in.
It has a thin handle with a big barrel and the swing speed is more than marvelous.
The only reason I did not buy it for Martin as he was having trouble swinging it and was not able to use the full power of its extended sweet spot.
Otherwise, as a fan of composite bats, I would have bought it for him without any doubt.
The reaction end cap increases the performance of the balanced construction.
On the other hand, the three fusion connection does the best work on a composite bat for vibration absorption.
This is one of the top composite bats for young players I have ever seen and I do recommend it if your kid is able to handle it.
It is a USA approved composite barrel bat and the bat drop is perfect for a two piece composite bat as a USA baseball bat.
Maucci and DeMarini both are good bats and I have some comparative blogs on their adult size bats.
This is the best of the best baseball bats I have chosen for Martin and you must give it a try for your kid too.
Pros
- One of the best baseball bats for kids when it comes to two piece composite bats.
- One of the top USA bats for 10 year old in 2022
- Bat drop is perfect according to the age group
- Composite barrel with balanced construction
- Best for USA baseball league games
- The end cap and grip is of high quality material for best comfort
- The bat lengths 29 inch which is longer for 10 year old
Cons
- Not for all the league games
- Not good as an emergency bat as you need a minimum of 100-150 balls to break in
Comment on Price
The 29 inch bat with -10 drop weight will cost you $350-$400. But the price is worth it and you must not let it go if you find it available.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size baseball bat does a 10 year old need?
A 10 year old must have a bat of drop 10. It can be 27-30 inch long. Although 29/30 inch is a little longer already. But if the length ratio is alright and it is a -10 then your kid can easily play with it.
2. What type of bat should a 10 year old use?
A 10 year old should be using a -10 bat. The length can be 27-30 inch. It must be a big barrel so that the weight length ratio is maintained. Usually, the barrel is 2 5/8 inches for the bat. Wooden bats are for starters. Experienced players should use alloy or composite bats.
3. What is the hottest bat in baseball youth?
- Louisville slugger youth genuine – Maple Y125 (Right Bat for New Students)
- Marucci CU26 youth baseball bat (Most Trending 2022)
- Louisville Slugger 2020 Youth Flylite Baseball Bat (Editor’s Choice)
- Rawlings Ombre Fastpitch Softball Bat (Fastpitch Girls’ Special)
- Easton ADV (-10) 2022 baseball bats for 10 (Editor’s Choice)
- Rawlings 5150 (-10) 2022 Bat (Best Budget-Friendly Alloy Bat)
- Marucci CAT 9 (-10) (Best USSSA Bat)
- DeMarini CF (-10) 2022 Bat (Best Composite Bat)
Conclusion
Right now, alloy barrels are in trend for youngsters. But composite bats are also making an impact on the market. For your 10 year old, you can choose the best bat according to the buyer’s guide I have provided. It is not important that you give your kid an expensive bat, but a good bat that matches his/her figure and strength. Then that will be the best gift for him/her.
Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.