Which USA Baseball Bat Is Best for You?
USA Baseball bats, also called USABat, are the standard for Little League bats and most youth baseball bats. They're made to perform close to a wood bat. Two things decide the right one: the right size and the barrel you want.
Best USA Baseball Bats
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 slightly end-loaded swing weight, in lengths from 27 to 32 inches.
What Is a USA Baseball Bat?
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 USA Baseball Bat 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.
See our full baseball bat size chart.
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 slightly end-loaded, with a little extra weight toward the barrel for power, while staying quick enough 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.
USA Baseball Bat 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.
Are USA Baseball bats legal in Little League?
Yes. Little League Majors and younger divisions require a bat with the USA Baseball mark. Both StringKing USABat bats have it.
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 USA Baseball 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