What are the best wood bats?

Best Wood Bats

After analyzing customer feedback and reviews, the Bat Experts at JustBats have compiled a list of the best wood bats. Remember that every player has a personal preference, so what might be the best wood baseball bat for others may differ for you. The wood bats below are organized by most popular, but you can filter by latest, average rating, best savings, and more. 

Shopping for wood bats can be one of the toughest tasks for your season. With an assortment of variables like wood bat types, turn models, swing weights, etc., it can be paralyzing when you go to pick out your next baseball bat or softball bat. To help alleviate some of the stress, the Bat Experts at JustBats have picked out a few of the top wood baseball bats available during this season. They have weighed wood baseball bat reviews, customer feedback, and price tags to create this complete list of the best wood baseball bats.

The two biggest factors when shopping for a wood bat are the bat’s turn model and the bat’s wood materials. Luckily for you, we have provided a full breakdown of the pros and cons of each of these elements.

Popular Wood Bat Turn Models

As you go shopping for your next bat, you’ll need to understand the most popular wood bat turn models. Once you understand the following turn models, you will want to use that information to select the wood bat that best suits your game. The following are the three most common turn models for wood baseball bats.

• 110 Turn: This style of turn model will be the easiest for hitters transitioning away from metal bats. 110s are more balanced than other turn models because they have a thicker handle and a smaller barrel. Among the more experienced wood bat hitters, typically only contact hitters will prefer 110-turn models. 110-turn models will have a 2 ½” barrel diameter.
• 243 Turn: This turn model will provide an end-loaded swing weight to produce the most power. Wood bats with a 243 turn feature a thinner handle and a longer barrel profile to create that end-loaded feel. We only recommend this style of bat to experienced, stronger hitters.
• 271 Turn: This turn model will provide hitters with a nice middle ground compared to the 243 and 110 turn models. Similar to the 110, the 271 has a long barrel design but a thinner handle. As a result, the 271-turn model has a slightly end-loaded swing weight and is suitable for any style of hitter

Common Wood Baseball Bat Types

There are three main types of wood used in the construction of wood baseball bats. Each has various pros and cons that will impact hitters differently. Be sure to select the right type of wood used on your next bat to ensure you are getting the most out of your bat.

• Ash: Ash wood bats are the most forgiving of all wood materials. Most players that prefer ash bats talk about how ash allows them to feel the ball on contact. Because of their softer and lighter characteristics, ash bats are most commonly used by contact hitters.
• Birch: Birch wood bats provide hitters with a middle-ground option compared to maple and ash. Birch is a harder wood than ash, but softer than maple. 
• Maple: Maple wood bats are baseball’s most common type of wood bat. Maple is a rather dense wood that offers hitters a hard-hitting surface and the stiffest feel on contact. Due to their heavier nature, maple wood bats are the hardest to control through the zone.

3 Best Wood Bat Picks By The Bat Experts at JustBats In 2024

Victus V-Cut Hard Maple Wood Baseball Bat: VGPC-N/BK

Buy Now

If you are looking for the best-value wood baseball bat around, you’ve found it. The Victus V-Cut line is all bats that were originally intended to be made into Victus’ highest-quality wood bats. But because of slight imperfections/blemishes (that have no impact on the bats' performance or integrity), they are now available at a discounted price. They will still arrive with an MLB ink dot of approval to signify their premium quality. The lone downside of the V-Cut lineup is that you do not know which turn model you will receive when ordering your new bat. But still, you cannot beat their wood bat value.

V-Cut Bat Review:

Pros: This bat is great for its price great quality wood hard maple great pop and great feedback balanced bat a bit m loaded great for for power hitters 

Cons: None

Notable Features:

• Variable Turn Models
• Professional Hard Maple Wood
• Cupped Barrel End
• Approximately Drop-3 Length-to-Weight Ratio

Brett Bros. Maple/Bamboo Wood BBCOR Baseball Bat: MB110 Adult

Buy Now

Arguably the most popular wood bat sold at JustBats is the Brett Bros Maple/Bamboo MB110. As the name suggests, this bat offers hitters a balanced 110 turn model. The combination of bamboo and maple materials creates a nearly indestructible build that can hold up to the rigors of batting practice and game usage. One of the most unique features of this wood bat is the patented BOA Fiberglass Reinforced Handle. This helps to promote a more durable bat to protect against breakage on fastballs and cutters in on your hands. Players love this bat, and parents love not having to buy another. Definitely worth taking a look at.

MB110 Bat Review:

Pros: Most durable wood on the market. I have used mine for over 6 months and it still performs very well. 

Cons: Absolutely Nothing

Notable Features:

• Maple Shell x Bamboo Core
• Non-Cupped Barrel End
• Conventional Knob Design
• Approved for all BBCOR Baseball

DID YOU KNOW

Did you know that the first wood baseball bat was made during the 1840s? That’s right. This means that wood bats have been in production for over 180 years!

Old Hickory Bat Co. Mike Trout Maple Wood Baseball Bat: MT27M Adult

Buy Now

Ok, we may have lied. If there is any one superstar bigger than Acuna, it’s Mike Trout. The Angels outfielder has spent the better part of the past decade making everything on the diamond look easy. But where Trout has made the biggest impact is in the batter’s box. And what bat does Mike Trout use? The Old Hickory Bat Co. Mike Trout Maple Wood. It features a MT27 turn model, long thick barrel, and a thin handle. Overall, it is as complete of a wood bat as you will find.

Mike Trout Maple Bat Review:

Pros: My level of play is a high-level wood bat only Semi-Pro League. This bat is the best I have ever used. I have been using a Marucci Chase Utley model and own a Marucci Pujols bat as well. The Mike Trout Old Hickory has more pop than both and is by far the most balanced bat I have ever used. The ball jumps off the bat and has a huge sweet spot. 

Cons: None!

Notable Features:

• MT27 Turn Model
• End Loaded Swing Weight
• Rock Maple Wood
• Slightly Flared Knob
• Pro Cupped End

Tips for Hitting with a Wood Baseball Bat

1. Always hit with the label of a wood bat facing direction up or directly down to ensure the tightest grains of the bat make contact with the ball.
2. Avoid knocking your cleats with your bat, as this can cause microfractures to form, compromising the integrity of your bat’s structure.
3. Use a steel pipe or old dried-out dog bone to compress the wood grains of your bat and improve its durability.
4. Apply pine tar, a lizard skin bat grip, or athletic tape to the handle of your bat to maximize the control of your swing.
5. The “ink-dot” above your handle is not a cosmetic blemish but rather a really good thing! This certifies that the wood grains are tight enough on your wood bat to be used at the Major League level.

How To Engrave a Wood Bat

Personalized wood bats are baseball bats that are eligible to have the barrel laser engraved. Add your name and number to most wood bats available at JustBats to take your swing to another level. Or, add a custom message to a unique gift that will be a home run! The best part? Order before 7:00 PM CST, and your personalized wood bat will ship the same business day. Get started in five simple steps:

1. Find the wood bat of your choice
2. Find the icon under 'Tag Your Bat" and click "Engrave your bat"
3. Pick your font, add text, and decide whether you'd like to add color or not
4. Click "Confirm"
5. Add to cart, checkout, and enjoy your engraved wood bat!

Need help finding the perfect baseball bat or softball bat? Our knowledgeable Bat Experts are available by email: experts@justbats.com, Live Chat, or our toll-free phone number: 1-866-321-BATS (2287)!