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Every year it is inevitable for young parents to do searches for a term they did not know existed only a year before: What is the best bat for 7-year-old coach-pitch Little League baseball divisions? Or something close to that.
To assist, here we offer what we believe to be the best bats for age 7 baseball players, using a number of criteria including cost, feel, look, durability, and applications of technology, and a few other factors.
We also provide insight into what to look for in baseball bats for 7-year-olds. This might seem a young age to be buying brand new baseball bats, but make no mistake, it’s a crucial age if the player is to succeed and keep playing each season. We explain that more in detail below.
Summary
- The Rawlings Raptor USA Baseball Bat tops our list for the best bang for the buck.
- Not far behind is the Easton Rival Baseball Bat and it’s eye-catching neon design.
- Louisville Slugger’s Genuine Ash 125 Black Baseball Bat is an affordable bat made of wood.
- The Easton Typhoon USA Baseball Bat has a lighter drop weight to try to improve bat speed.
- To boost power, Louisville Slugger’s Dynasty Baseball Bat has a special alloy in the barrel.
- The Rawlings Exclusive Remix might be the top choice for players who skipped tee ball.
- Check out the ax-like end knob on the Axe Bat Elite One Baseball Bat.
Why Buy a New Baseball Bat for 7-Year-old Players?
The bat selection for this particular age of baseball players is important, maybe even crucial, for a number of reasons:
- Live pitches. Unless a player is starting brand new to the game at age 7, these boys and girls are just moving from hitting a baseball sitting still atop a tee, to a ball moving toward them and home plate. A whole bunch of things must be mastered, from locating the ball in the pitcher’s hand, keeping your eye on the ball in flight, the stride, snapping the bat barrel through the hitting zone, etc. Aside from timing issues, many bats specified as “Tee Ball” are 26 inches long (or shorter) and may make it difficult to reach outside pitches.
- Success. Baseball is a very hard game to play. A key tip for parents: at a young age, focus mostly on getting them to enjoy the game, so they’ll play the next season. Give them a chance with a bat that’s not too heavy, and maybe designed specifically to hit live pitches instead of stationary balls. Trust us, frustration is a normal part of hitting a baseball. Don’t let them quit over it.
- Peer pressure. Why use a bat that says Tee Ball right on it in BIG letters, if you’re already past the tee ball division? Right?
What to Look for in 7-Year-Olds’ Baseball Bats
The first consideration for a baseball bat for 7-year-olds is weight, compared with the size and strength of the player. Start with this most common size for age 7: 27 inches long. Bats from 24 to 28 inches are used, but remember what we stated above. Too-heavy bats cause problems until players age and learn to deal with it (e.g. choking up on the handle, swinging differently).
For weight, the most common is 17 ounces. Then the drop weight, which is the length minus the weight, is most commonly -10. Those are the 3 things to look for in this youth baseball bat, if nothing else: 27’, 17 oz., -10.
The drop weight is an indicator of a lighter bat. The designation was invented when bat manufacturers began using new materials and technology to make metal bats unnaturally bounce baseballs farther and faster compared with wood sticks. To compensate, drop weight caps are set at certain age levels. As players age, the drop weights diminish, until ultimately they are gone for school-level baseball.
Other than that, it’s up to the player, and at this age he or she probably is not yet aware of good vs. bad. Baseball players can be picky, preferring extra thin or extra thick handles, a fat barrel, a colorful-looking stick, or something else that catches their eye.
After all that, it might end up a matter of keeping up with their peers. A friend might be a superstar hitter with a bat that makes a certain “ping” sound, and it might be difficult to talk the player out of that model!
But if you seek a single word to focus on in this search, think comfort. Make sure your little slugger is comfortable swinging a bat of a certain weight, length, and handle feel. (Don’t worry, we provide tips on how to do this and still shop online where there is a much better selection).
Insight for Buying Bats for Youth Baseball Players
Do:
- Try to determine how well he or she swings a bat at a certain weight and length, or how comfortable they say it is.
- We say this because you will find a much-greater selection of baseball bats online, and for better prices. That doesn’t mean your player can’t test by using bats of teammates or friends, or try some sizes inside a store. (Honestly, in-person retail prices for baseball bats are way too high). Batting cages also usually offer complimentary bats to use there.
- Watch the swings: too-heavy bats mean the bat barrel usually will drop right before commencement of the swing, and/or drop downward during the swing (instead of almost parallel to the ground. This indicates the player’s not strong enough to properly snap the bat head into the hitting zone.
Don’t:
- Try to “save money” by buying a bat a little heavier (or longer) than the norm for age 7, with thoughts that it will last beyond a single season. Proper weight and player comfort and success with the bat are much more important, trust us. If the kid doesn’t hit at 7, he or she might not be playing at age 8.
- Worry about metal vs. wood. Metal bats have more “pop” than the wood bats, but when the bat speed at this age is not so fast, wood should do just fine. A big reason some older-player leagues (like college) don’t use wood bats is because they might crack or break, so metal is preferred for cost savings (for replacements). The likelihood that players at age 7 or 8 will break a bat is minimal.
- Get a bat with a gigantic barrel. At age 7, barrels no bigger than 2⅝ inches are recommended ~ and most leagues legally cap the size at 2¼ inches. (See the next item).
Know the Rules, Affiliation of the Youth Baseball League Engaged
Going into this process, be sure to understand the regulations of the league that your little player will participate in. Bat size and makeup requirements can differ in leagues aligned with USA Baseball, USSSA baseball, or any other designation.
The USA Baseball designation generally is the most common. Most quality youth baseball bats will be stamped with USABaseball, USSSA, and some for older players also will be marked BBCOR approved, which means they are acceptable for the standards for school-level play.
Our Top Picks for the Best Baseball Bat for 7 Year Old
1. Best Baseball Bat for 7 Year Old Overall ~ Rawlings Raptor USA Baseball Bat
Analysis
That the Rawlings Raptor USA Baseball Bat (see Amazon) attracts mostly positive user reviews, and a lot of them, is no surprise. It’s a long-established, well known sporting goods manufacturer delivering a product with features appropriate for the age and skill level. And it’s price shouldn’t scare parents away.
This excellent baseball bat should be perfect for the transition from tee ball to coach pitch. Rawlings paid attention to balance, and added a bigger sweet spot on the barrel which your player will like. The aluminum alloy makeup is durable for players already thinking about the age-8 season.
Note: Rawlings offers several models that are solid choices for young players, including the 5150 (our to pick for the best bats for 10-year-olds)[LINK https://baseballscouter.com/best-baseball-bat-for-10-year-old-players/ ], and the Rawlings Exclusive Remix included below.
Specifications
- Barrel design 2¼” (approved for use in USA Baseball-sanctioned leagues)
- Length: (Choose) 26” to 30”
- Makeup: 1-piece
- Material: Aluminum alloy
What We Like
- X-Tended Sweet Spot on barrel
- Very light drop weight
- Aluminum alloy 1-piece makeup
- Solid user opinions
2. Best Baseball Bat for 7 Year Old: Editor’s Choice ~ Easton Rival Baseball Bat
Analysis
The Easton Rival Baseball Bat is not far off the fine Rawlings models ~ if at all. Easton offers a bat that adheres to the bat standards of USA Baseball, USSSA, and other organizations like PONY Baseball and Cal Ripken Baseball. And it just looks way cool.
The neon green is sure to attract eyes on your little player whether in the batter’s box, on deck, or in practice. The 1-piece construction is solid and durable; and for the brand and features, the Rival is available at a nice price.
For the uninitiated, Easton has been known to make quality youth baseball bats for 40 years now. To find a quality Easton model like the Rival at the prices you can find online, you’d be making out!
Specifications
- Barrel design: 2¼” (Sanctioned for use by USA Baseball and most youth baseball leagues)
- Length: (Choose) 26” to 32”
- Makeup: 1-piece
- Material: Mixed
What We Like
- Approved for use in numerous youth baseball leagues
- Very eye-catching color scheme
- Very light drop weight
- Solid user reviews
3. Best Baseball Bat for 7 Year Old on a Budget ~ Louisville Slugger Genuine Ash 125 Baseball Bat
Analysis
At the lowest price among the youth baseball bats we reviewed, the Louisville Slugger Genuine Ash 125 Black Baseball Bat attracts great user responses, and an eye-catching old-school look. Wilson Sporting Goods, which makes Louisville Slugger bats, describes this model as dependable, lightweight. and flexible.
A user review from August 2020 probably sums it up best: “Amazing quality for an affordable price.” Other comments from past buyers probably describe this wooden bat better than we could: “Excellent quality product for a good price”; “Thick and very sturdy.”
Note: Adults mention that they purchase this bat for home security. (They even give it rave reviews for this purpose!).
Specifications
- Length: 27”
- Makeup: 1-piece
- Material: Ash wood
- Cupped end
What We Like
- The feel of a wooden bat
- No drop weight needed
- Lightweight at 1.47 lbs.
- Great reviews from past buyers
4. Best Baseball Bat for 7 Year Old for Bat Speed ~ Easton Typhoon USA Baseball Bat
Analysis
While the -10 drop weight is recommended for 7-year-olds, it doesn’t mean parents could go even lighter. Here we include the Easton Typhoon USA Baseball Bat with its -12 drop weight and other neat features.
Parents new to baseball may mistakenly think heavier bats mean more power. In fact, it’s bat speed (and leg- and core strength) that translates to longer hits. Plus, at this age, a lighter bat should mean more consistent contact, which is probably more important at age 7 anyway.
The price range is a bit above the previous bats listed here, but not into the stratosphere like the high-end bats. For parents seeking to get their little player an edge with the equipment, the Typhoon is for you.
Specifications
- Length: Choose from 27” to 31”
- Barrel: 2¼”
- Makeup: 1-piece
- Material: Aluminum alloy
What We Like
- Very lightweight at a -12 drop weight
- Attention to young hands with the Cushioned 2.2mm Flex Grip
- ALX100 military-grade alloy construction
- Little details like expanded sweet spot and concave end cap
5. Best Baseball Bat for 7 Year Old for High-Tech Material ~ Louisville Slugger Dynasty Baseball Bat
Analysis
Bumping up one more notch in the price scale is the Louisville Slugger Dynasty Baseball Bat. The first thing that might catch the eyes of adults is the neat pseudo-antique design, harkening back to the age of the LS brand.
The special alloy in the barrel might be the source of the higher price, but also consider some other details that may be very important to a 7-year-old slugger: 1-piece construction for stiffer feeling upon contact; improved energy transfer; balanced swing weight; and specially designed end cap.
Specifications
- Length: Choose from 27” to 31”
- Barrel: 2¼”
- Makeup: 1-piece
- Material: Aluminum alloy
What We Like
- Neat old-school red, white, and black design
- ST7 Alloy in barrel to increase power
- Attention to balance
- User ratings are very good
6. Best Baseball Bat for 7 Year Old Who Skipped Tee Ball ~ Rawlings Exclusive Remix USA Youth Baseball Bat Series
Analysis
While we really like much of what we see in the Rawlings Exclusive Remix, we can’t seem to get past the gut feeling that this bat model is aimed more for younger or smaller players. The company says the bat is good for players 10 and under, but the longest you can get is 29 inches.
Still, as we said, there is much to appreciate with this bat including the nice price, and a sublimated graphic design that means each bat has a unique pattern ~ so your little player’s bat will be individualized to him or her. Rawlings says the bat is “ideal for entry level players beginning to learn the fundamentals of baseball” ~ indicating it may be a good pick for players who skipped tee ball.
Specifications
- Length: Choose from 26” to 29”
- Barrel: 2¼”
- Makeup: 1-piece
- Material: Aluminum alloy
What We Like
- Space-age graphic design on bat (and grip)
- Big extended sweet spot to produce better contact for young players
- 1-piece makeup for durability
- Solid user reviews
7. Best Baseball Bat for 7 Year Old for Unique Grip ~ Axe Bat Elite One Baseball Bat
Analysis
Not every new baseball player is comfortable with the long-traditional, straight-round tube grip. With this in mind, this up-and-coming manufacturer delivers the Axe Bat Elite One Baseball Bat. It has, of course, a unique grip ~ designed like a real ax handle. Plus, this up-and-coming bat manufacturer dedicates much attention to minute precision machining that may make the barrel perform better than typical youth baseball bats.
Compared with the other youth baseball bats on this list, pricing on the Elite is in the high range. However, it may be worth the investment especially if your little slugger really likes the feel of the handle, both during a swing and upon impact.
The company states that in a 12-week internal study, hitters made harder, more optimal contact compared with the age-old round-knobbed bats. Specifically, they say exit velocity was 0.6 mph faster, and the launch angle boosted by 4 degrees, ultimately adding 22 feet of distance. It’s quite impressive, if true.
Specifications
- Length: Choose from 26” to 32”
- Barrel: 2¼”
- Makeup: 1-piece
- Material: Aluminum alloy
What We Like
- Patented ax-like end of the handle for stable grip
- Upgraded composite end cap
- Engineered for balance and bat speed
- 1-year limited warranty
Terms for Youth Baseball Bat Shopping
Barrel: The thicker part of a baseball bat, designed for striking baseballs.
Handle: The thin part of a baseball bat, where players use their hands to grip, hold, and swing the barrel through the strike zone.
Sweet Spot: Area of the barrel that, when struck with a baseball, provides optimal results.
Drop Weight: Difference between the length and weight of a bat, indicating lightness (ignore the minus sign; the larger the number that follows it, the lighter the bat and faster the bat speed).
Bat Speed: Just like it sounds, it’s the speed of the bat barrel through the “hitting zone,” which is roughly from the rear of home plate to the area right in front of it. (Note for parents of tee-ball players: place the tee in front of home plate for more realistic hitting conditions).
1-Piece: Constructed from a single piece of material, compared with 2-pieced (or even 3-pieced) bat construction that usually involves a connection between the handle and barrel. A 1-piece bat is generally considered more durable since it avoids potential for damage at a connection point.
See Also:
7 Best Baseball Gloves for 8 Year Olds
6 Best Baseball Gloves for 7 Year Old Players
When is it Too Late to Play Baseball?
Travel Baseball: Pros and Cons
What Months are Baseball Season?
