Youth bats are made specifically for children ranging in age from 7 to 12 years old. This includes players in Little League, Babe Ruth, Dixie Youth, Pony, AABC and similar leagues. Bats made for this age group usually have a barrel that's about 2 ¼ inches in diameter, between 28 and 32 inches long, and with weight drops of between -7 and -13. Weight drop is the difference between the length and weight of the bat.
Combat
The Combat B3 made both the best youth bats list and best composite bats list on the website Baseball Equipment Reviews. The website points to new blended fiber technology that has increased the bat's durability, and a long barrel that can help with power at the plate. The longer barrel is made possible due to the light weight of the composite material used to make the bat.
DeMarini
Baseball Equipment Reviews lists the CF4 ST, Vendetta and Vendetta C6, the Voodoo Black and Vexxum as top choices in youth composite bats. The Vendetta, Voodoo Black and Vexxum models are hybrids, meaning that part of the bat is made of composite material and part is made of aluminum. The CF4 is supposed to flex and recoil when it strikes the baseball, which can propel the ball farther. It's also end-loaded, meaning heavier at the end cap, which is supposed to provide more power. The Vendetta and C6 models use Rails technology, or shafts that run vertically inside the bat handle that are meant to add power. Also, both use C6 composite materials that give added flex to the bats.
Miken
This manufacturer offers two models that made Baseball Equipment Reviews' top youth and top composite bats lists. They are the MV3, and all-composite model, and the MV3 Hybrid model. Both bats use technology, developed by Miken, called Inner Flex, which the company claims optimizes the amount of flex, or trampoline effect, in the barrel. Miken also uses an aerospace-grade fiber called Mpa7 for added durability.
Louisville
The TPX Z-1000, TPX Exogrid 2 and TPX Dynasty youth bats made Baseball Equipment Reviews' list of top composite bats. The Exogrid employs technology meant to enhance the trampoline effect at the barrel instead of at the handle, which is supposed to propel the ball farther. The Exogrid 2 also uses carbon composite materials as well as scandium, which Louisville claims makes the bats lighter and more durable. The Z-1000 uses new iST technology, which offers a more solid connection between the barrel and handle. This is supposed to provide better power to a hitter. Also, the walls of this bat are thinner than other composite bats, which is supposed to enhance the trampoline effect without compromising durability.
Considerations
In 2011, Little League of America placed a moratorium on the use of composite baseball bats in the Little League Major Baseball Division, which is boys and girls ages 9 to 12. Only select composite models of DeMarini, Combat and Louisville Slugger are approved by Little League of America for use in the Junior, Senior and Big League Divisions. Check with your local league, or with the Little League of America website, to find out if composite bats are allowed.
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