From birch to maple to ash to bamboo, wood baseball bats are expanding their options. With 450+ options on JustBats.com, we know a thing or two about these splendid splinters.
After reviewing the 7 Best 2017 wood bats last year, JustBats.com gathered customer feedback, reviews from players, and input from coaches to name the six (6) best 2018 wood bats.
As a review, here are the different types of wood that baseball bats are made from and what each entails:
- Maple is dense wood that gives a bat a heavier feel.
- Ash is the lightest type of wood bat and offers an excellent combination of strength and forgiveness.
- Birch is a good blend of the hard-hitting surface with a lighter, more flexible feel.
- Bamboo is the most durable design on the market, but not always legal.
Louisville Slugger MLB Prime High Roller Maple Wood Baseball Bat (WTLWPM271B17)
Constructed exclusively with the top 3% of all Louisville Slugger's wood to assure the utmost in quality and excellence, the High Roller bat is exactly that...high roller. The bat feature that makes this maple bat model high-quality is Louisville Slugger's revolutionary EXOARMOR premium hard coat that delivers a multi-layer top coat for double the surface hardness, superior power on contact, and an exceptional overall feel. Other key features of the Slugger MLB Prime High Roller Maple wood bat include:
- Approximate 2 1/2 inch barrel diameter and (-3) length to weight.
- Standard handle offers better control.
- MLB grade maple wood provides unmatched durability.
- C271 turn model.
- Bone rubbed to compress wood and make it denser.
Rawlings Professional Birch Wood Baseball Bat (PROB243)
Wondering why this wood bat is less expensive than others? Rawlings deemed this bat didn't meet their high standards, so they labeled it as Custom Professional Overstock. So, the bat is still structurally sound and has no cosmetic blemishes. While this birch bat might be a better option for both batting practice or cage hitting, it's been extremely popular with players and (given the price) is one of the best bargains on JustBats.com. Other key features of the Rawlings Pro Birch wood bat include:
- 2 9/16 inch barrel diameter and approximate (-3) length to weight.
- End-loaded swing weight.
- Recommended for adults with experience hitting wood bats.
- 243 turn model.
- A cupped end helps improve weight distribution and durability.
Mizuno Bamboo Elite BBCOR Wood Baseball Bat (MZE271WB)
For over 30 years, Mizuno has been adding to their expertise in engineering the highest quality bamboo bats around. This Mizuno model is part of their Bamboo Elite series that gives players a bat with bamboo and glass fibers melded together in the handle and taper and then combined with a bamboo barrel to create unparalleled durability. Other key features of this Mizuno Bamboo Elite BBCOR wood bat include:
- Approximate 2 1/2 inch barrel diameter and (-3) length to weight.
- BBCOR certification for NCAA and NFHS play.
- Glass fiber reinforced taper and handle for long-lasting performance.
- 271 turn model.
- Recommend for both contact hitters and power hitters.
Victus Grit Matte JC24 Maple Wood Baseball Bat (VMRWMJC24-MOG)
During the 2017 World Series, did you notice a lot of Houston Astros swinging Victus? The Grit Matte bats from Victus are made for the grinders out there. Each model is handcrafted out of the same high-quality maple wood as the Pro Reserve lineup the professionals are using. This wood bat's textured matte finish gives it a sleek look and unique feel. Other key features of the Victus Grit Matte JC24 Maple wood bat include:
- Read more about Victus bats.
- Approximate (-3) length to weight.
- Balanced swing weight.
- JC24 turn model.
- Recommend for contact hitters and the perfect option for players transitioning from metal to wood.
Louisville Slugger MLB Prime Black Comet Ash Wood Baseball Bat (WTLWPA271A17)
You knew the iconic Prime series bats would make the list. This ash bat model comes bone rubbed with a pro cupped end to ensure a more dense piece of wood with phenomenal durability. Louisville Slugger is the official bat of Major League Baseball, and this wood bat proves why with its pro ink dot stamp, handcrafted beauty, and exceptional overall feel. Other key features of the Louisville Slugger MLB Prime Black Comet Ash wood bat include:
- Approximate 2 1/2 inch barrel diameter and (-3) length to weight.
- MLB ash wood provides the best flex in the business.
- Most balanced swing weight.
- C271 turn model.
- EXOARMOR doubles the surface hardness for superior power, better feel, and unbeatable sound.
BamBooBat Bamboo/Maple Composite Wood BBCOR Baseball
Some of the most durable and dependable wood bats in the business, because BamBooBat's are built from one of the strongest natural materials on the planet: bamboo. BamBooBat bats are crafted with long barrel profiles, which provides you with a larger sweet spot for more plate coverage. Plus, with this specific model, they've combined the bamboo core with a maple composite hitting surface and pro cupped end to improve balance, pop, and overall durability. Other key features of the BamBooBat Bamboo/Maple Composite wood bat include:
- Approximate 2 5/8 inch barrel diameter and (-2) to (-3) length to weight.
- Slightly end loaded swing weight.
- Recommended for power hitters and approved for High School and Collegiate play.
- 271 turn model.
- New rubberized handle reduces negative feedback to the hands.
Have you had a chance to swing or see any of these 2018 wood bats? What do you think is the best wood bat?
If you have any additional questions about wood bats, give our Customer Coaches a call at (866) 321-2287, shoot them an email at support@justbats.com, or click here to live chat! Remember, we're here for you from click to hit!
