Hey everyone,

I’m looking for recommendations on the best baseball bats for players in the U12-U13 age range. My son has been playing for a few years now, and he’s starting to get more competitive in his league. I’ve noticed that the right bat can make a huge difference in both performance and confidence, so I want to make sure we pick something that’s both effective and comfortable for him.

Here are some details that might help:

• League Type: He’s playing in a league that requires either USA Baseball or USSSA-certified bats, depending on the tournament.
• Player Size: He’s about 5'3" and 105 lbs, with average strength for his age.
• Skill Level: Intermediate — not a beginner but not yet a power hitter.
• Budget: Ideally under $300, but I’m open to spending more if the bat’s performance justifies it.

From my initial research, I’ve seen a lot of talk about bats like the Easton ADV 360, Marucci CAT X, and Louisville Slugger Select PWR. Does anyone have experience with these, or are there other models you’d recommend?

I’m particularly interested in:

• Balanced vs. end-loaded weight
• Durability (something that lasts the season without breaking)
• Swing feel and how forgiving the bat is on mishits

Thanks in advance for your input! Would love to hear what’s worked (or hasn’t) for your players.

Looking forward to your suggestions!