Which USSSA Bat Is Best for You?
USSSA bats are made for travel and tournament baseball, 14U and under. They're allowed a bigger barrel and more pop than USA Baseball bats. Three things decide the right one: the drop your age group allows, the right length, and how long you need the bat to last.
Quick Picks
Every StringKing USSSA bat is aluminum alloy with a 2 3/4 inch barrel and a balanced swing weight.
What USSSA Means
USSSA stands for United States Specialty Sports Association, which runs travel and tournament baseball across the country. USSSA bats are tested to a 1.15 bat performance factor (BPF) and carry the USSSA 1.15 BPF stamp.
Barrel: up to 2 3/4 inches.
Where they're legal: USSSA play, 14U and under.
Where they're not: Little League and high school. Those use USA Baseball and BBCOR bats.
Which Drop for My Age?
The drop is the bat's length in inches minus its weight in ounces. A 30-inch, 20-ounce bat is a -10. A bigger drop number means a lighter bat.
| Age group | USSSA rule | Our bats |
|---|---|---|
| 12U and under | Any drop | -10, -8 or -5 |
| 13U | -8 or heavier | -8 or -5 |
| 14U | BBCOR (-3) or wood in most events. Some states still allow -5. | -5 where allowed, or a BBCOR bat |
USSSA set the 14U rule for 2026, and states can choose to allow -5. Check with your state's USSSA director. For 14U events that need BBCOR, see our BBCOR bat guide.
Compare Every StringKing USSSA Bat
| Bat | Material | Drops | Lengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal 2 Pro USSSA | Performance alloy | -10, -8, -5 | 27–32 in |
| Metal 2 USSSA | Alloy | -10, -8, -5 | 27–32 in |
| Metal Pro USSSA | Alloy | -10 | 27–32 in |
| Metal USSSA | Alloy | -10 | 27–32 in |
Drop 10 (-10)
Our lightest USSSA drop, and the easiest to swing. The right choice for most players 12U and under, and for any player still building bat speed.
Read our full drop 10 USSSA bat guide.
Where it's legal: USSSA 12U and under. It's too light for 13U and 14U.
| 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 |
All four of our USSSA bats come in -10.
Drop 8 (-8)
Two ounces heavier than a -10 at the same length, for stronger players and the move to 13U. A -8 is the lightest bat USSSA allows at 13U.
Read our full drop 8 USSSA bat guide.
Where it's legal: USSSA 13U and under. A strong 11U or 12U player can move up early to get used to the weight before 13U.
| Length | Weight |
|---|---|
| 28 in | 20 oz |
| 29 in | 21 oz |
| 30 in | 22 oz |
| 31 in | 23 oz |
| 32 in | 24 oz |
Drop 5 (-5)
Our heaviest USSSA bat, and the closest to a BBCOR. For strong 13U players, 14U events that allow -5, and players getting ready for a -3 BBCOR bat in high school.
Read our full drop 5 USSSA bat guide.
Where it's legal: USSSA 13U and under, and 14U in states that allow -5. Most 14U events require BBCOR. See our BBCOR bat guide.
| Length | Weight |
|---|---|
| 30 in | 25 oz |
| 31 in | 26 oz |
| 32 in | 27 oz |
What Size Do I Need?
A common starting point: age 8 swings a 28-inch bat, 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.
A lighter -10 is easier to control for younger players. Move to a -8 or -5 as the player gets stronger, and before the age group requires it. Each drop is covered above.
Questions
What's the difference between a USSSA bat and a USA Baseball bat?
USSSA bats are allowed more pop and a bigger barrel, but they're only legal in USSSA play. USA Baseball bats perform closer to wood and are legal in Little League and most other youth leagues. See our USA Baseball bat guide.
Can I use a USA Baseball bat in USSSA?
Yes. USSSA allows USA Baseball bats, except in events that require BBCOR.
Can I use my USSSA bat in Little League?
No. Little League doesn't allow bats with the USSSA 1.15 BPF stamp.
What's the difference between the Metal 2 Pro and Metal 2?
Both have the extended Metal 2 barrel and come in -10, -8 and -5. The Metal 2 Pro is made from our performance alloy. The Metal 2 is aluminum alloy and costs less.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Every StringKing USSSA bat comes with a 1-year durability guarantee.
Find Your Bat
Every StringKing USSSA bat comes with a 1-year durability guarantee.
Shop USSSA bats · USA Baseball bat guide · BBCOR bat guide
Updated October 2026