Here are my reviews of what I think are the 10 best baseball bats of 2020. While this review is of BBCOR bats it holds true for youth bats as well. I hope it helps to provide you with insight on selecting a bat.
Here’s the list with my reviews.
- Easton ADV 360
- Louisville Slugger Meta
- Rawlings Quatro Pro
- Axe Elite
- Rawlings Velo ACP
- Louisville Slugger Solo
- Victus Vandal
- Louisville Slugger Omaha
- Marucci Posey28 Pro Metal
- DeMarini CF
1. 2020 Easton ADV 360 – $460
Designed for the best combination of power and speed the Easton ADV 360 is my top choice for 2020. Easton claims this two-piece, fully composite bat that incorporates their Launch Comp technology optimizes the barrel profile and “pushes the limits of bat capabilities”.
While most composite bats required an extended break-in period before reaching peak performance, the 2020 Easton ADV arrives almost game-ready from day one. The newer, lighter iSo ConneXion+ feature on the ADV delivers a solid, powerful swing through the zone. The DFS Carbon Handle blends with the connection feature to create a handle with great feel. Rounding out the bats profile is Easton’s new Soft Knob. It is supposed to allow each player to better leverage the bat for better potential power.
Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- This bat has an incredible soft feel and swings lighter than most BBCOR bats
- An extra stiff handle that provides best-in-class feel
- Patent-pending “Soft Knob” provides more leverage and power potential
- Very little vibration if any at all
Cons:
- Obviously, the price is steep, but you usually get what you pay for
- Durability is unknown at this point
Hitters who are not that concerned with budget and want the best tech Easton has invented will like the ADV 360 in any model type. It is built for the hitter who wants bat speed with power, barrel size and a super smooth feel on both hits and mishits. Performance wise expect a top shelf bat that performs at or near the limit under any number of circumstances. The sweet spot is generally large.
2. 2020 Louisville Slugger Meta – $500
A player-favorite from 2019 stays on the list in 2020. The Louisville Slugger Meta is a three-piece composite bat that offers good balance with a large sweet spot. The electric blue and black design catches the eye and is bound to have people take notice when it’s in your hands.
Louisville says their EKO composite is supposed to have a 1-inch larger sweet spot than the other Louisville bats, and allows for a faster break-in than previous models. The Meta has shown to have a stiffer connection point that most of the composite bats on the market. This means that a hitter is likely to have higher exit velocity using the Meta. It uses a 3FX connection between the handle and the barrel, giving the Meta a true “3-Piece” design which gives the hitter the Meta’s signature stiff feeling, while dramatically decreasing vibration.
There are some tests out there that show an average increase of about 15 feet by most batters. I can’t confirm this myself but, if true, 15 feet is about 4% of the distance from home plate to the foul pole in a major league stadium.
Here are the Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- A stiff barrel that provides a higher exit velocity
- 1-inch larger sweet spot
- Balanced swing
- Fast break in period
- Tacky grip tape ensures a solid grip
Cons:
- It’s expensive!
If you’re willing to crack open your wallet and pay the price, this is great bat and it’s going to perform. As mentioned, it’s look will catch the eyes of others, it breaks in quickly, and has been shown to increase hitting distance.
3. 2020 Rawlings Quatro Pro – $379
The 2020 Rawlings 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.
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 BBCOR 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.
Here are the pros and cons:
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
- Expensive.
The Quatro always seems to be one of the highest-rated in the business. It was our favorite bat in 2019 and, early on, it’s our favorite of the 2020 models. This bat is expensive, but it just might be worth the price. Early reports are that this bat is great for any hitter.
The Rawlings Quatro Pro might be the best balanced 2020 BBCOR bat. It’s also a great two-piece BBCOR bat, which are becoming more rate.
4. 2020 Axe Elite – $350
Axe bats are definitely an outliner in the baseball bat world, but they have a loyal following and the 2020 Axe Elite is one of the best choices for power hitters.
The Axe Elite is a two-piece hybrid bat that is end-loaded. This means that it takes a bit more strength to move the barrel through the strike zone and that this bat is designed for power hitters.
The real change this year is in the focus on having a lower, lighter profile. Axe says the end cap is lighter and walls of the barrel are thinner than ever before. This decreases swing weight and therefore would increase a batter’s swing speed. Some estimates have shown that the new elite has an MOI improvement of over 200 points.
Here are the Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- End-load for power hitters
- Thin walls
- Decreased swing weight
- Axe handle design
Cons:
- It’s not easy to find
The new Axe Elite has been hard for some to find. When it’s in stock, it’s definitely worth considering. It’s a two-piece hybrid with a handle designed for swing speed and only costs around $350. It offers the performance of a hybrid for the cost of a one-piece.
It has a built-in vibration cancelling system built from Endogrid technology that is designed to absorb some of the shock. I’m a huge fan of the Axe brand and I assure you, this bat will not disappoint. The Axe Elite is the best end-loaded BBCOR bat on the market. It’s designed with power hitters in mind and the axe handle design helps hitters develop a smooth, natural swing.
5. 2020 Rawlings Velo ACP – $350
The Velo is a Rawlings model that has been around for a long time and consistently offers elite performance. Players at every level continue to show they trust the Velo. It can be found on a collegiate Division I field, High School field, or a Little League field.
The 2020 model comes with a new end cap that offers a slightly lighter swing weight. It’s a one-piece hybrid made from Ai909 alloy meaning that it has a stiff feel and increased exit velocity. The Velo comes with a urethane infusion to minimize the vibration felt on contact.
It’s a good choice for those wanting a trusted bat at an affordable price.
Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Ai909 alloy offers excellent exit velocity
- One-piece design offers a stiff swing
- Decreased vibration from urethane infusion
- Decreased swing weight
Cons:
- It isn’t a “hybrid” bat, it’s aluminum with a composite end cap
The Velo is a solid option for any player. The Ai909 allow has proven to be high quality over the years. Rawlings was smart to maintain what has worked while trying to improve the handle and its vibration.
The Velo is a one-piece alloy model, meaning that it will be more reasonably priced than its hybrid, multi-piece competition. The price tag is reasonable for its high-end performance.
We believe that the Velo is the best one-piece BBCOR bat on the market. Some players have a strong preference for the natural feel of a one-piece design. If that’s what you prefer, you the Velo is the way to go.
6. 2020 Louisville Slugger Solo – $300
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.
What we like (and don’t like) about the 2020 Solo BBCOR:
Pros:
- Balance, balance, balance
- Comfortable grip
- One of the lowest swing weights on the market
Cons:
- Boring design
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 8 teams that made it to the College World Series in 2019, 4 of them used Louisville sluggers. The 4 that didn’t seem to be brand-loyal and every player on the team used a bat from the same company. You could find various models of the Solo on all 4 of those teams. That may be because it’s one of the best college bats on the market.
7. Victus Vandal – $350
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 bestter bats on the market.
Here are the pros cons:
Pros:
- Great balance
- Flexible sweet spot
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
- It hasn’t been in the industry long, and there’s concern about the quality.
- Very ordinary design
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 consideration. Early input says that it lives up to the reputation the company has earned on the wood bat market. The price for this one-piece alloy bats is reasonable. It is probably best for contact hitters.
8. 2020 Louisville Slugger Omaha – $200
The Omaha is a staple in the baseball bat world. It has been a viable option for many, many years and once again makes the top 10 list. Louisville added their new MX 7U1+ alloy to the bat. The new 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.
Here are the pros and cons:
- 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
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, it’s one of the most popular bats on the market.
In 2020, it’s definitely facing 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.
9. Marucci Posey28 Pro Metal – $300
I don’t tend to choose pro models, but Marucci’s Posey28 is an understated bat that offers outstanding quality. It’s a one-piece alloy meaning that it will be stiff. From a hitter’s viewpoint, it will be preferred by power hitters. The bat was designed to look like the bat that Buster Posey uses.
The AV2 knob has harmonic dampening which is supposed to decrease vibration on non-solid hits. Many have stated that the grip tape as it is tackier than a lot of the competition. This can ensure better control of the bat when swinging.
The Posey28 isn’t going to compete with the more expensive bats on quality, but it’s still a great value at the $300 price tag. While it isn’t the premier bat on the market, it definitely deserves a place in the top 10.
Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Many like the extra tacky grip
- Expanded sweet spot
- Decreased vibration
- Thinner barrel walls
Cons:
- Not the same pop as the high-end bats
- It’s a simple bat that some are not excited about
The Posey28 is a textbook middle of the pack bat for those who want to buy a one-piece alloy model. Marucci decided it didn’t need the bells and whistles making it a high-quality, affordable option. If you’re happy with something simple, this is a great option.
The Posey28 was one of two Marucci models used in the 2019 College World Series.
10. 2020 DeMarini CF – $330
The CF Zen has been a favorite for years and it’s once again in the top 10 list of baseball bats.
Demarini’s Paraflex composite returns providing a responsive barrel that minimizes vibration. Its two-piece composite design allows for some flexibility in the barrel. The new ReAction end cap helps with bat speed by minimizing the end weight (a.k.a. it’s more balanced).
You’ll find that this bat continues to offer high quality but, other than the end cape, isn’t significantly different from last year’s model. Which is okay!
Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- A large sweet spot
- Track record of success
- Consistent performance
Cons:
- Not much change from previous models
The CF is one of the few bats that we don’t see much of a change or update. But, it’s still a great bat, at a good price that offers great quality.
Just like the 2019 model, this bat is going to offer great performance. Given the durability and quality of the CF Zen in year’s past, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to look at last year’s model as an option.
DeMarini offers another one of the most used college bats on the market. While players use a variety of models, DeMarini tied Louisville Slugger for the most appearances in the 2019 College World Series. DeMarini’s were found on 4 different teams.
Summary
I hope this… Buying a new bat can be tough, especially early in the season. We realize that most companies put a fancy name on their product and that only makes things more difficult. Also, please remember that while this is a review of BBCOR bats it holds true for 2020 youth baseball bats as well.
We’ve looked at each bat style and had the opportunity to get some insight from players that have used the newest bats. These are our favorite options on the market right now.
Hitters who are not that concerned with budget and want the best tech Easton has invented will like the ADV 360 in any model type. It is built for the hitter who wants bat speed, barrel size and a super smooth feel on both hits and mishits. Performance wise expect a top shelf bat that performs at or near the limit under any number of circumstances. The sweet spot is generally large.
