When choosing your next wood bat, there are many factors to consider. One important feature is barrel diameter, and Marucci offers barrel sizes from narrow to large. But what bat barrel size is best for you? Let’s break down the benefits of each barrel size so you can choose the bat for your preferences and swing style.

When we are crafting a bat for a Big Leaguer, we strategically distribute the weight through different areas along the bat to fit that player’s specifications for feel and performance. Barrel size, handle thickness and knob shape are all factors in bat feel. “Feel” is classified into two categories: balanced and end-loaded. To find the difference between balanced and end-loaded bats, read our Balanced vs. End-Loaded blog.

Today, we will focus on the role barrel size plays when choosing a Marucci Pro Model.

Large Barrel:

A common misconception is that a bigger barrel diameter is best for better contact due to its large surface area. A larger barrel will make it easier to create contact with the baseball and put it in fair territory, but more often, players choose a large barrel for its top-heavy design. Bats with larger barrels are typically classified as end-loaded because most of the bat's mass is concentrated in the barrel, making it larger. With this barrel design, your bat will create a “whipping” motion through the zone which will increase bat speed and exert more energy onto the ball. 

Our Large Barrel Bats

AP5 Pro Model – Although the AP5 is an end-loaded bat, the tapered knob and traditional handle allow the hitter to gain more control over this bat.

Josh Donaldson ‘Bringer of Rain’ Pro Model – Inspired by Josh Donaldson's game bat, this model is built with a thin handle to give it a distinct end-loaded feel and creatse the extreme bat whip power hitters love.

Buster Posey POSEY28 Pro Model - The POSEY28 features a massive barrel and thin handle, resulting in an end-loaded feel and the unmistakable BOOM that goes with it.

CB15 Pro Model – Combine a large barrel with a thin handle, and the result is power for days. The CB15 does just that, giving power hitters what they need to get ducks off the pond and runs on the board.

Traditional and Medium Barrels:

Our traditional and medium barrel bats are more dense than a large barrel bat. With a traditional or medium barrel, your bat will have more balanced feel. One of the key differences between a traditional and medium barrel is the length of the barrel. A traditional barrel will have a longer length through the end of the bat compared to their slightly shorter, medium barrel counterparts.

Our Traditional Barrel Bats

JB19 Pro Model - The versatile bat for the versatile hitter. We know your kind. You can go up top at any moment, but you feel just as comfortable spraying liners in the gaps. The JB19 bat keeps the balanced feel with a long barrel and medium handle.

JR7 Pro Model - Keep your balance. The JR7 wood bat is the perfect maple bat for those who prefer a thin handle, but not an end-loaded feel. The long barrel ensures balance from knob to cup, so you can swing with confidence.

Anthony Rizzo RIZZ44 Pro Model - Inspired by Marucci partner Anthony Rizzo, the RIZZ44 features a traditional knob that's slightly flared, and a balanced feel that stays true through the taper and into the barrel.

Our Medium Barrel Bats

AM22 Pro Model - Hit for average? Hit for power? The AM22 Pro Model wood bat allows you to control both with authority. This maple baseball bat features a thick tapered knob and handle to balance out the wrath of a large, explosive barrel.

CU26 Pro Model - Built with the contact hitter in mind, the CU26 Pro is perfectly balanced for complete control. The thinner handle and long barrel allow for greater bat speed, the staple of a consistent gap-to-gap hitter who isn't afraid to leave the yard from time to time.

Francisco Lindor Lindy12 Pro Model - The LINDY12 Pro Model is the ultimate wood bat – made for both contact and power hitters. Inspired by Marucci Partner Francisco Lindor, this maple piece features a unique bell knob that’s slightly flared and rounded on the end, while the thin handle and medium barrel provide the slightly end-loaded feel.

VW10 Pro Model - It's all about balance with the VW10, which serves as the perfect wood bat for those making the transition to wood from aluminum with its medium handle and barrel. Though it's great for beginners, the feel of the VW10 keeps experienced hitters happy as well.

Narrow Barrel:

A narrow barrel will produce a more balanced feel due to its weight being more evenly distributed from knob to barrel. Every player wants their hits in fair play to be hard-hit balls. A narrow barrel is constructed precisely for that. The barrel is denser with a smaller surface area, which means a fair hit ball is likely to be a hard-hit ball. If you’re swinging for the fences, you can feel safe with a narrow barrel. But know that if your swing is off target, it’s likely to be a foul ball resulting in another chance at the pitcher.

Our Narrow Barrel Bat

M-71 Pro Model - Built for the precise, confident hitter, the M-71 features a narrow barrel, tapered knob and thin handle for ultimate control in the hands with a balanced, evenly distributed weight.

Marucci and Baseball Performance Lab

Our partnership with the Baseball Performance Lab has allowed us to dig even deeper into bat specs. Up until now, players chose their bats strictly off of feel. BPL conducts performance tests at their state-of-the-art facility to help players of all levels analyze their swings and find the best bat for them.

“Our data has shown that over 70% of players were using a BPI (swing weight) that was not optimal for their performance. Finding the right optimum BPI has allowed professional players to gain an average of 4.7mph of exit velocity with no swing change,” said Liam Mucklow of BPL.

Here are a few suggestions for choosing the best model for your swing style based on the BPL’s research data:

Large barrels (end-loaded) tend to perform best for:

• Players with high grip strength
• Players who struggle with pop-ups
• Low zone coverage

Medium barrels (balanced) tend to perform best for:

• Moderate to below average grip strength
• Balanced zone coverage
• Neutral launch angle

Narrow barrels tend to perform best for:

• Moderate to below average grip strength
• High zone and high spin coverage
• Players that struggle with ground outs and roll-overs

Now that you understand the differences between wood bat barrel sizes, you can choose your next gamer with confidence. For more information on Marucci wood bats, check out our Ultimate Wood Bat Guide.