6 Best Composite Wood Bats In 2023
Paul Hall
The proper choice of the bat can significantly impact the player’s performance, as well as help the proper development at a younger age.
For years, wooden bats were the dominant kind of bat in baseball and even today they’re still the most used, alongside aluminum and carbon composite bats.
However, another bat type, made of composite wood, has also been gaining a lot of popularity, especially in college, high school, and youth baseball.
It’s understandable, as these bats are much more durable and lighter than traditional wood bats, which makes them perfect for players still learning their craft.
However, the rise in popularity also brought a much bigger offer on the market, so finding the right one can sometimes be a bit difficult.
To help out, I compiled a list of the best composite wood bats currently available and explained the best and the worst features of each of them.
So, let’s dive in!
DeMarini 2018 DI13 Pro Maple Wood Composite Baseball Bat
- Single wall design adds length for increased hitting surface
- Pro maple wood composite holds up years of use
- Large-sized barrel creates an extended sweet spot
- Slightly end-loaded swing weight to maximize power
- Approved for Perfect Game, Short Season A and Rookie Ball level play
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of all kinds of baseball bats, DeMarini also features an innovative line of composite wood bats.
And, the DI13 model is one of the finest examples of their masterful craftsmanship.
It’s made of pro maple wood composite which ensures durability beyond just one season.
31 inches long and weighing 28 ounces, this bat features a balanced swing weight, slightly end-loaded, perfect for younger players, especially teenagers looking to add some power to their swing.
Another feature that will serve young players is the single wall design, providing an increased hitting surface.
At the same time, the barrel is fairly large, so, the sweet spot is extended.
The bat is up to the standards required in Short Season A, Rookie Ball, and Perfect Game leagues.
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Mizuno Maple/Carbon Composite Baseball Bat
- Maple composite barrel with a carbon composite handle
- Sanded carbon reinforced handle
- Bbcor Certified
- 120 day Warranty
- 243 bat turn
Another big name from the baseball equipment industry, Mizuno, is on my list with its bat that brings the best of both wood and carbon composite materials.
The bat features an advanced engineered maple composite barrel, while the handle is made of carbon composite.
This combination delivers both maximum performance and durability, while the sanded carbon reinforced handle ensures a tight and comfortable grip.
The Mizuno bat is 31 inches long and weighs 28 inches, meaning that it has a -3 drop weight.
This provides a solid control of the swing, while still being suitable for power hitters who want to hit with force as it features a 243 bat turn.
Mizuno’s bat is BBCOR-certified, so you can use it in all leagues that comply with this standard.
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DeMarini 2018 D243 Pro Maple Wood Composite Baseball Bat
- Single wall, Pro maple wood composite
- Large sized barrel
- Slightly end loaded swing weight
- Approved for perfect game, short Season a and rookie ball level play
This is the second bat from DeMarini on my list and it’s a part of their DX line of wood composite bats.
The number 243 in the model name refers to the bat turn, meaning that this is another bat designed for use by heavy hitters, with plenty of force behind the swing.
The barrel is large which ensures that even the less experienced players won’t have much trouble hitting the sweet spot.
The weight balance slightly tilts to the end of the bat, ensuring an easier, faster, and better-controlled swing.
One of the best things about this DeMarini product is instant pop off the bat, helping younger batters develop the feel for the hit.
Because of all this, the D243 is probably the perfect bat for older kids before they move on to longer and heavier bats.
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Rawlings Big Stick Elite 151 Youth Maple/Bamboo Composite Wood Baseball Bat
- DESIGNED FOR KIDS AGES 13 AND UNDER, the Big Stick Elite 151 Youth Maple/Bamboo Composite Wood Baseball Bat is...
- MADE OF BAMBOO AND THE STRONGEST MAPLE WOOD AVAILABLE, ensuring durability and consistent performance every at-bat
- EASY, QUICK SWING SPEEDS FOR YOUTH HITTERS thanks to the -5 drop weight and the 151-barrel profile gives you good barrel...
- ALL BIG STICK ELITE BATS PASS THE MLB-REQUIRED PRO INK DOT TEST - this intense test ensures that only the best...
- SLEEK BLACK AND GREY DESIGN WITH SILVER LOGOS will be sure to make every young athlete stand out on the field
Of course, no list of the best composite wood bats would be complete without at least one product from Rawlings.
Unlike the bats described so far which are mainly intended for teenagers and college players, Rawling's Elite 151 bat is designed with kids 13 years of age and younger in mind.
It’s constructed from maple and bamboo composite wood, so it’s certain to keep up with the intensity of play at this level.
Plus, this also ensures a consistent performance every time a young batter steps to the plate.
The bat is available in four sizes from 29 to 32 inches, each with a -5 drop weight.
This, combined with the 151-barrel profile, provides an easy and fast swing, even for younger kids.
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DeMarini 2018 D110 Pro Maple Wood Composite Baseball Bat
- Glass provides the best clarity in material
- Encapsulated mirrors (between layers of glass) are scratch-proof
- 20% thinner and 22% lighter than average Polarized glass
- 100% UV blockage for maximum protection
- 100% polarization kills reflected glare
DeMarini continues to dominate my list with another great bat from their premium composite wood bat line.
While previous models were mostly intended for power hitters, the D110 , as its name says, features the 110-bat turn, which means that it’s been designed mainly for contact hitters.
It’s made from pro-grade maple composite with a natural barrel finish and features a -3 drop weight.
The barrel is 2.5 inches in diameter, delivering an easy and balanced swing. The whole bat weighs 28 ounces and is 31 inches long.
D110 also features and unique and stylish design with an orange barrel and black handle, making sure that the kid handling it will stand out among their peers on the field.
The bat is BBCOR and BESR-certified and approved for college and high school games.
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DeMarini 2018 D271 Pro Maple Wood Composite Baseball Bat
- Single wall, Pro maple wood composite
- Medium sized barrel
- Very balanced swing weight
- Approved for perfect game, short Season a and rookie ball level play
The final spot on my list also belongs to DeMarini. Like the previous bats from this manufacturer, it’s also made of maple wood composite, for maximum durability, even with everyday use.
However, unlike other DeMarini bats on the list, this one features a 271 bat turn.
The single-wall design and a medium-sized barrel make this bat very versatile and suitable for hitters of various batting styles.
These features also provide more control over the swing, while still delivering enough power to knock the ball out of the park.
The length of the bat is 31 inches and it weighs 28 ounces. The drop weight is, obviously, -3.
The D271 is BBCOR certified and approved for play in Short Season A, Perfect Game, and Rookie Ball leagues.
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What is a Composite Wood Bat?
Composite wood bats, unlike traditional wooden bats, are not made of a single piece of wood, shaved down from a tree to form a bat.
Instead, they’re made of multiple pieces of wood, or even sawdust, that have been combined, pressed and glued together.
In many cases, composite wood bats will also contain other materials, such as plastic.
The composite wood bat can be made of only one type of wood, or have a couple of different sorts combined.
The most common types of wood used for these bats are maple, birch, ash, or bamboo.
The bats of this kind have become quite popular lately, mainly because they rather successfully mimic the feel of a classic wood bat, but are much more durable and produce less vibration.
Are Wood Composite Bats Legal?
The answer to the question of whether wood composite bats are legal depends on the level of competition.
In most professional leagues, MLB included, the use of these bats is not allowed, as bats in these competitions must be made of a single piece of wood.
However, in some minor leagues and unaffiliated independent pro leagues, these bats are legal.
Furthermore, the batters can also use them in most collegiate, high school, and youth leagues.
Of course, in these cases, the wood composite bat in use must have BBCOR certification or comply with any other standard the league may require.
Conclusion
If you have decided to buy a wood composite bat, you should do your research and carefully consider which one will be right for you or your kid.
Of course, the requirements of the league should also be taken into account, as you don’t want bats that you can’t use in games.
Hopefully, the list above will help you make the right choice.
All the bats on the list are worthy of your attention, but, for your money, the top pick is DeMarini 2018 DI13 Pro Maple Wood Composite Baseball Bat .
The things I like about it are that it’s made of premium maple wood composite, is highly durable, delivers a balanced swing, and features an extended sweet spot.
Last update on 2023-03-29 at 15:45 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
