The following list is a breakdown of the most popular bat models found in Major and Minor League Baseball. If you’re wondering what wood bat you should buy/swing, this post is where you should start. There are thousands of turns, but this list of the most popular bat models in MLB will help you familiarize yourself with the primary models, off which all other bat models are based. All of these model numbers (i.e. 271, 243) originated from the longest-running wood bat maker in history, Louisville Slugger.
#1 | 271 & 271L
The 271 model is easily the most popular bat in the game. The 271 has a tapered knob, medium handle, and a tapered medium barrel. This profile makes the bat very easy to swing and balanced.
The 271 bat profile allows for the bat to be made out of the densest wood available. Denser wood equates to a bat that is harder and more durable. Even though the 271 is not considered a large barreled bat, many of the game’s best power hitters swing the 271 and 271L, as well as gap to gap guys. The difference between the 271 and 271L is that the 271L has a slightly thicker handle.
Current pros that swing 271 bat turning model: DJ Lemahieu (as the AR13), Nolan Arenado swings a 271 handle with a 141 barrel (read on for more on the 141), Manny Machado, Matt Chapman
Past pros that swung 271: Prince Fielder (also swings C271L), Troy Tulowitzki, Corey Dickerson, and Pedro Alvarez.
Shop the 271 and its many variations from our partners (when you buy through links on our site, we may earn money):
- BaseballExpress.com
- Rawlings.com
- OldHickoryBats.com & Chapman’s JB5 (C271L lookalike)
- SamBat.com
#2 | 243
The 243 is known as the original power hitters bat. Endless models have been created based on this turn (D200, 243L, 243m). The thin handle tapers abruptly to a fairly compact large barrel making it an end loaded bat that many power hitters look for.
Current pros that swing 243 bat turning model: Big Bad Vlad Jr., Cody Bellinger, Rhys Hoskins, Daniel Murphy, Kris Bryant, Buster Posey
Past pros that have swung the 243 bat turning model: David Wright, Ian Kinsler
Shop the 243 and its many variations from our partners:
#3 | 110
The 110 was a bat that was originally created for Mickey Mantle. It features a long 2.5 inch barrel with a thick 1 inch handle. The thick handle makes the 110 feel extremely balanced. Along with the bat’s superb balance, the 110 is also known to be one of the most durable bat models you can buy due to the thickness of the handle.
Current pros that swing the 110 bat turning model: Didi, Salvador Perez, Alex Bregman, Xander Bogaerts, Edwin Encarnacion
Past pros that swung the 110 bat turning model: Curtis Granderson
Shop the 110 and its many variations from our partners:
#4 | i13/i13L*
The i13 is also a bigger barreled model that features a small flared knob (the i13L features the same profile with a larger knob) and a medium handle. The handle has a very long taper to a long mammoth of a barrel. This bat is great for players that like to feel that the bat is “whipping” through the strike zone.
Current pros that have used/use the i13 model: Fernando Tatis, Jr., Bo Bichette, Tim Anderson’s TA7 is similar, Evan Longoria (who uses this model exclusively in ash) Nelson Cruz, Dansby Swanson, Albert Pujols
Shop the i13 and its many variations from our partners:
#5 | 318
With the 318 turn you get a medium barrel with a long sweet spot, a medium handle, and a balanced swing weight. The 318 is great for players that want a nice hitting surface while having complete bat control. This is a favorite of gap to gap hitters but is used by some power guys also.
Current pros that have used/use the 318 bat turning model: Josh Donaldson, Brandon Crawford, and Starlin Castro
Past pros that used the 318 bat turning model: Hanley Ramirez, Dustin Pedroia
Shop the 318 and its many variations from our partners:
#6 | 141
The 141 is a bat that comes with a thin to medium sized handle that has a gradual taper into a medium barrel with a very long sweet spot. This bat is an excellent introductory bat for a young player when first swinging wood bats. It is extremely easy swinging.
Some players seen using the 141 include Joe Panik, Sam Fuld, and Victor Martinez. Nolan Arenado uses a 141 barrel on his Old Hickory.
Shop the 141 and its many variations from our partners:
Note: These are generalizations of the models. Many bat manufacturers use different dimension for handles and barrels for the same turn model. Even with the dimension changes from company to company, the bats overall profile remains the same.
*= Due to the MLB density rules, if you were signed after 2011 you cannot use certain bats that have large barrel sizes and require lighter billets to be used. Depending on wood type used, the larger barreled models are made with lighter billets to achieve the -3 length to weight ratio most players are looking for. By doing this the strength of the wood is not as great resulting in broken bats. Many manufacturers including DTB, Zinger, and Viper Bats to name a few have created models that mimic these models while allowing them to use billets that meet the 2011 rule requirements.
Excellent article, best writeup of bat turn types I have found so far!
Appreciate that Charles. Let us know if there’s any similar article you’d like to see. Really appreciate the feedback.
I used to swing the Axe Handle by Victus. Now I swing the new demarini in hopes that when the season is back next year, the pitcher on Tsunami doesn’t break it lol. ?
I currently have a 271 and am looking for something with a bigger barrel. I’m looking at a 243 and a i13 something with a big barrel and sweet spot but i’m still getting lost in all the number. any recomendations.
I currently have a 271 and am looking for something with a bigger barrel. I’m looking at a 243 and a i13 something with a big barrel and sweet spot but i’m still getting lost in all the number. any recommendations?