If you are only trying to teach your kid a few things about baseball, chances are you can do it with any mini bat out there.
I remember my first baseball bat. It had no names on it, but just a random drawing. My father bought it from a toy store.
Everything is different these days, though. When you want to teach your little one some baseball, you want something better that will actually last and help them become better.
Youths require smaller bats than adults, but on the same note, quality is just as important. After all, this is when your kid will decide whether or not they want to play baseball professionally.
Plus, if your kid is already playing in a school league, he wants a quality bat to boost his performance.
Browsing the best drop 5 baseball bats will give you plenty of choices, making the decision a bit confusing.
Luckily for you, I have put together a list with some of the best-rated options out there.
Available in a few different sizes, this unit is based on an EKO composite barrel and guarantees excellent performance.
The swing is light and easy, while the sweet spot is well-optimized for an easy hit. The more you practice, the easier it gets.
Consisting of three pieces, the bat comes with the famous VCX2 system that keeps vibration under control.
The system is patented and guarantees little to no vibration by boosting independent moves between the handle and barrel.
Talking about quality materials, it is worth considering the superior GT1 enc cap as well. Its primary role is to add to the barrel’s strength.
On the same note, it also adds to the player’s swing speed. It may seem insignificant, but such small details make a difference on the field.
Finally, the swing is perfectly balanced between power, direction, and speed. The grip helps in the process too. Louisville Slugger has brought in the LS Pro Comfort grip.
I find it perfect, literally. It is cushioned but not soft. It is tacky, but not deep.
Easton has gone a bit further with its baseball bats, especially the smaller sizes. It made sure they are accepted in official competitions, whether in schools or not.
This one is certified in all baseball leagues in the USA, so there should be no restrictions whatsoever.
Now, let me go into smaller details. This bat features a solid ALX100 military-grade alloy construction.
The end cap is concave. Everything is perfectly balanced, and let me make it crystal clear, this bat will last for many years.
Moving on, the grip is lightly cushioned with a 2.2mm flex layer. It is relatively small, so it will not make the baseball bat feel like an armchair handle.
However, a bit of softness adds to the comfort. Plus, it adds to the grip as well, even if the player’s hands are sweaty.
The -5 drop weight makes the baseball bat easy to swing, but also more appropriate for youth players.
The sweet spot is also larger than average, so it is excellent for young players getting ready for more professional bats too.
DeMarini’s Best Drop 5 Baseball Bat takes quality standards to another level. I recommend this bat to anyone who is serious about upping their game, as well as parents who see their kids have dedicated attention toward baseball. This bat will not disappoint.
It comes with the Paraflex Plus composite barrel design, which is specifically engineered with consistency in mind. The bat is extremely responsive under all circumstances.
On the same note, the large sweet spot is forgiving and gives the player time to get used to the bat.
The bat has a two-piece design. The weight distribution is flawless, so balance should never cause any issues.
Apart from balance, the player will also be surprised by the high speeds, as well as the barrel control. Control is also enhanced by the streamlined design and little to no vibration.
Finally, the so-called ReAction end cap consists of strong, yet lightweight materials. The cap will add to the overall performance.
Since it is lightweight, it will never sacrifice speed or control, so the player will see no changes at all.
Based on AZ105 alloy, this is probably one of the best drop 5 baseball bats out there and definitely the best in Marucci’s line.
So, what does this type of alloy do? Simple, you have thin walls for the barrel, perfect response, and increased durability.
The wall design enhances the responsiveness, but it also provides a pretty large sweet spot. It gives you the opportunity to make fewer mistakes and improve your game.
Sure, the point is to hit with the central part, but a large sweet spot will forgive your small mistakes.
The barrel construction is also ring free. Basically, there is more flex involved. Your performance will gain, as there are no actual dead spots.
Unlike other similar bats, this one has a single-piece construction. It gives you more control and reduces potential vibration.
Talking about control, I find the grip to stand out. It has a micro-perforated pattern, yet it feels quite soft when you touch it.
It has a bit of tack for extra control, and while it feels soft, it still has the right level of sturdiness.
Easton’s Drop 5 Baseball Bats come with a series of unique characteristics and this one has its own set of particularities too. Designed with balance in mind, it is engineered with computer precision technologies for incredible consistency in every single swing.
Available in a few different sizes, the bat feels pretty lightweight and can seriously up your game. I believe the carbon construction makes it stand out. Then, it consists of one piece only, so there will be no vibration whatsoever. It has good precision and provides uniformity all over.
The high balance ensures a comfortable approach. You can feel the power being transmitted to the ball, but at the same time, you will notice an increase in speed as well. The best part? You do not have to hit stronger to boost the speed, as it feels supernatural.
When it comes to grip, Easton is known for using premium materials for full control. Well, this bat makes no exception either. There is a bit of tack for extra control, but the grip is also slightly cushioned to be comfortable for hours.
Pros
Well balanced
Superior control
Good value for money
Lightweight carbon design
One piece construction
Cons
Only available in one design
What Is a Drop 5 Baseball Bat? Effects on the Performance
Who is the drop 5 baseball bat for? I know, I made it look like it is mostly suitable for youngsters. Well, it is, but definitely not limited to them.
These bats are quite heavy when compared to other alternatives and can help players prepare for certain types of play.
Young teenagers will find them quite useful in particular. They can get used to heavier swings, which is essential before dropping to even heavier bats.
An adult may also benefit from a drop 5 baseball bat, especially if they are new to the game and are just getting used to the system.
Compared to drop 8 or drop 10 bats, the drop 5 option is much heavier.
But then, what does this drop actually mean?
The drop is the difference between the length and weight. It sounds weird, but here are a few examples.
A 30-inch bat with a drop 10 will be 20 ounces in weight.
A 30-inch bat with a drop 5 will be 25 ounces in weight.
The drop refers to the weight. A higher drop underlines a lighter bat, simple as that.
Choosing the Best Drop 5 Baseball Bats – Our Buying Guide
Browsing the best drop 5 baseball bats out there is not everything. There are a few other things to pay attention to.
Material
Wood and metal are the most common materials. Each of them has pros and cons. Wood is a bit heavier, though. Now, carbon is also pretty common in high-end bats, so it could make an excellent choice if you want a lightweight profile without sacrificing performance.
Size
The size refers to the actual length. The length must be chosen with your height in mind. The same rule applies if you buy it for your kid. Youngsters will normally do with smaller sizes because such bats are easier to control.
Weight
When it comes to the weight, it is directly proportional to the length. Short bats will weigh less. Heavy bats are suitable for those with extra strength, but other than that, they will slow the swing. Obviously, too light is not a good idea either.
Handle
Finally, pay attention to the handle too. The best drop 5 baseball bats come with soft and comfy handles that will not put too much pressure on the palms. Cheap units may have rough handles, which can become painful after a while, not to mention causing blisters.
Best Drop 5 Baseball Bats – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should I move to a drop 5 bat?
Not all the players should move to a drop 5 bat. These bats are quite heavy when compared to other sizes. They can help certain players prepare for a more professional game. They are usually indicated to young teenagers, normally around 15. Older players may also try them out, especially if they are new.
How do I know if my bat is too light?
Generally speaking, anything with a -4 ratio or higher will feel a bit too light for high school games or professional games. Believe it or not, the weight is simply not proportional to the players’ force, so there is a risk of causing injuries to other players.
Do end-loaded bats hit farther?
End-loaded bats basically have more mass by the hitting area. A strong hitter can definitely come up with extra momentum, so the ball will go much farther than normal. This option is suitable for old and experienced players, rather than newbies.
Should I go for USSSA or BBCOR bat?
BBCOR bats have lower BPF so they would be better for stronger and older baseball players.
USSSA bats have higher BPF and wider barrel diameter. They are good for beginner and younger baseball players as they provide help with bat speed and power.
Final Words
Deciding on the best drop 5 baseball bat is not that difficult when you have all the information you require.
Louisville Slugger 2022 Meta USSSA is one of the most advanced bats in this segment. It costs more, indeed, but I find all those technologies to give you an upper hand in any game.
If you are still new and trying to develop a good swing, Marucci CAT 8-5 USSSA is probably better because of its forgiveness.
