Which USA Baseball Bat Is Best for You?
USA Baseball bats, also called USABat, are the standard for Little League and most youth baseball. They're made to perform close to a wood bat. Two things decide the right one: the right size and the barrel you want.
Quick Picks
Best
Metal Pro USABat
The largest barrel allowed, 2 5/8 inches, for the biggest hitting area.
Lowest price
Metal USABat
A 2 1/2 inch barrel and a quick swing, at our lowest price.
Both are -10 aluminum alloy bats with a balanced swing weight, in lengths from 27 to 32 inches.
What USA Baseball Means
USA Baseball set its bat standard in 2018 so youth bats perform more like wood. Legal bats carry the USA Baseball mark.
Barrel: up to 2 5/8 inches.
Length: up to 33 inches in Little League Majors and below.
Who requires it: Little League, Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken, PONY, AABC, Dixie Youth and other youth leagues.
USA Baseball bats are also legal in USSSA play, except in events that require BBCOR. A USSSA bat is not legal in these leagues.
Compare StringKing USA Baseball Bats
| Bat | Barrel | Drop | Lengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Pro USABat | 2 5/8 in | -10 | 27–32 in |
| Metal USABat | 2 1/2 in | -10 | 27–32 in |
Both bats are a -10, so the length sets the weight.
| Length | Weight |
|---|---|
| 27 in | 17 oz |
| 28 in | 18 oz |
| 29 in | 19 oz |
| 30 in | 20 oz |
| 31 in | 21 oz |
| 32 in | 22 oz |
What Size Do I Need?
A common starting point: age 6 swings a 26-inch bat, age 8 a 28-inch, age 10 a 29-inch, and age 12 a 31-inch. Size up for a taller or stronger player.
Three quick checks:
• Put the knob at the center of the chest and hold the bat out along the arm. The fingertips should reach the end of the barrel.
• Stand the bat next to the leg. The knob should reach the palm.
• Hold the bat straight out to the side for 30 seconds. If the player can't, it's too heavy.
When in doubt, go shorter. A bat that's too long or heavy slows the swing down.
Barrel and Swing Weight
Barrel size
A bigger barrel gives a bigger hitting area. The Metal Pro has the largest barrel the rules allow, 2 5/8 inches. The Metal has a 2 1/2 inch barrel, a little lighter at the end.
Swing weight
Both bats are balanced, so they're quick through the zone and easy for young players to control.
What's Changing in 2028
Starting in 2028, high school baseball will allow USA Baseball bats with a -4, -5 or -6 drop, along with BBCOR. Our USA Baseball bats are -10, made for youth leagues. For high school, see our BBCOR bat guide.
Questions
What's the difference between the Metal Pro and Metal USABat?
The Metal Pro has the larger 2 5/8 inch barrel and is built to last longer. The Metal has a 2 1/2 inch barrel and costs less.
Should I get a USA Baseball bat or a USSSA bat?
Check where your player plays. Little League and most local leagues need a USA Baseball bat. USSSA travel teams can use either. See our USSSA bat guide.
How do I know if a bat is legal?
Look for the USA Baseball mark on the bat.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Every StringKing USA Baseball bat comes with a 1-year durability guarantee.
Find Your Bat
Every StringKing USA Baseball bat comes with a 1-year durability guarantee.
Shop USA Baseball bats · USSSA bat guide · BBCOR bat guide
Updated October 2026