Baseball is a game of energy and performance which thrives on the baseball bat features and the ball that a pitcher throws towards the batter. Though there are a lot of factors that affect the game, having a bat that qualifies the required standard of the league baseball games matters the most.
In other words, we can say that the league matches need standardized bats to give a safer yet energetic performance that would keep the danger of having high-speed balls under control. To make sure the standards maintain good baseball game setup standards like BBCOR plays an important role in providing high quality and safe baseball bats for a legally secure game for everyone. Following are some of the important things you need to know about the best BBCOR baseball bat you need to get.
What is a BBCOR Bat?
Previously the speed with which a bat hit the baseball was determined with the standardization rule called BESR. Which regulates the efficiency of the bat by comparing the speed of the ball that has been thrown towards the batter with the speed with which it has been hit by the baseball bat barrel. Though, this standard still needed to be revised that was the reason BBCOR standard was made, established and implemented to make sure the safety of the player is enhanced by limiting the speed factor.
Therefore a BBCOR bat is the one that passes the BBCOR standards. Whereas the BBCOR refers to the bat-ball coefficient of restitution. That means the amount of energy loss or transferred when the ball hits the bat. If the value goes higher it means the bat will have more trampoline effect and lower means vice versa.
According to the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), the value should be .50 which should be considered maximum BBCOR score that a bat could have. Though it’s a bit greater than the wooden bat still provides maximum control over the speed handling.
BBCOR certified and approved bats have the maximum barrel diameter of about 2 5/8 inches and the required length to weight ratio should be a maximum of -3. The length needs to stay within the limit of 36 inches.
So we can say that a bat having the sign on it BBCOR certified .50 with a length of 36 inches, a maximum barrel diameter of 2 5/8 inches and length to weight ratio about -3 would be the one you need for the matches under NCAA and NFHS. This standard applies for composite bats only and not the one piece wooden bats.
Which Things to Look For When Choosing The Best BBCOR Baseball Bats?
Definitely, when you need a perfect performing bat that complies with the BBCOR standards and also gives you the required level of convenience, you need to enlist a few things to check when you are comparing and selecting different products.
Make sure to keep this checklist with you when you are shopping around for the best BBCOR bat for you.
The Material of The Bats
Most of the BBCOR certified bats are made up of a wide range of different materials. As a fact when we are looking for the BBCOR compliance we are surely looking for composite materials and not one piece wooden bats. So if we consider wood it will also have a combination different types of wooden components that will provide a composite structure.
Alloy Bats
Alloy bats are made using the aluminum with infused metals in it. These bats have lower trampoline effects and that is why they comply with the BBCOR standard much easily.
Composite Bats
The composite bats are made up of using the carbon, the graphite materials, and the resin as well. Due to its high-performance capabilities, they are much in need of compliance with BBCOR standards so if you are researching for such bats make sure to check the BBCOR compliance for sure. They need a break in time before they can provide their full potential.
Aluminum Bats
Aluminum bats are light in weight, are durable and have a higher trampoline effect.
Hybrid Bats
Hybrid bats are much expensive and consist of composite materials and aluminum as well. Such bats offer large sweet spots and are durable as well.
Dimensions
You need to look for the correct dimensions you need and that could be checked by comparing the dimension to the desired BBCOR dimension standards. The standards include 36 inches maximum length and 2 5/8 inches barrel diameter.
Whereas the length to weight ratio is required to be -3 as stated earlier.
Look for The Suitable Taper
The taper off the bat means a lot as if it's thicker it will give you vibration resistance and in case if you need more swing while hitting the ball you might look for a thinner tapering in your baseball bat.
The Grip
The grip areas need to be easy and comfortable that makes sure your hands will stay easy and fatigue free and may also keep the hands free of burning feel and slipping issues. You may check for the lizard skin grip or hyper skin grip that are most common grip materials found in popular baseball bats.
The Construction Details
BBCOR baseball bats can have a varied construction style including the following styles:
- One piece construction
- Two piece construction
- Three piece construction
As the name indicates the one piece bats are those that are made up of single materials that can be wood as well. The single piece bats are stiffer and have a lesser swing. Whereas the two piece bats consist of a barrel joined with the handle which should be of different materials. Such bats offer more swing. Make sure to look for the one that suits your needs as a batter.
BBCOR Certification Stamp
To make sure you will be getting a bat that complies with all the standards and is tested for its features, you should look at the BBCOR certification stamp that reflects the . 50 BBCOR value and also shows its certification indication. This would let you assure that you have the right bat with the right standards.
Best BBCOR Baseball Bats Reviews
#1. Easton S400 3 BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat
When you are looking for a baseball bat that is suitable according to your height and overall gaming needs and also complies with the BBCOR standards, the first thing that is important is to look at the certification stamp. This Easton S400 adult baseball bat is BBCOR certified which means it will be having the .50 BBCOR value giving you a reasonable swing and energy loss for a balanced play without compromising the player’s safety.
It is made up of a durable and long-lasting aluminum alloy materials with a thin tapering off about 31 to 32 inches and the handle is supplemented by the pro tack grip materials that help in avoiding slipping and burning issues on hands.as per BBCOR standards the barrel has the diameter of 2 5/8 inches and the length to weight ratio is -3. Due to the aluminum alloy material, the bat feels light and provides a good swing and large sweet spot to play smoothly. You can select the sizes ranging from 30 to 33 inches.
#2. Easton MAKO COMP 3 BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat
A relatively expensive composite bat made with an aluminum alloy barrel and a composite handle joined together using the Easton patented ConneXion joint that minimizes vibration and maximizes energy transfer. This Mako composite bat comes in sizes including 31 to 34 inches whereas the length to weight ratio stays on a standard that is -3. This bat is surely BBCOR certified as it complies with all the standards and has the barrel diameter of 2 5/8 inches having a reasonable sweet spot and great swing offering great performance with least chances of issues. The thermo composite technology offers better performance.
It is a balanced bat with an average swing weight index and provides a balanced weight and energy to the ball. The hyperskin grip on the handle assures the hands would stay easy and safe while giving a firm grip on the bat.
#3. Louisville Slugger BBCOR Omaha Baseball Bat
Louisville Slugger pioneers in making high-quality baseball bats and tats why there is no doubt they have BBCOR certified bats for your standardized bat needs. This one comes in a synthetic finish with stainless steel combined with 20 alloy materials to give an extraordinary durable structure providing a reasonable sweet spot and swing for better performance.
Since it comes to BBCOR certified, the barrel is 2 5/8 inches as it’s a basic standard in BBCOR standardization process. The length to weight ratio is 30/33 i.e -3 which is also an important factor in providing a balanced swing and hitting energy. It comes with a synthetic grip and tapered handle. The bat meets all the BBCOR, NFHS and NCAA standards.
#4. Easton Z-CORE HMX TORQ 3 BBCOR Baseball Bat for Adults
Easton has many BBCOR certified bat versions and this one is another best BBCOR baseball bat that you might have to look at for its features and construction to know it better. This one comes with a little twist of having a torq handle that means the handle is capable of twisting 360 degrees that helps those who cannot twist their hands much better.
Further, the bat comes with a barrel having the diameter of 2 5/8 inches which is supplemented by the Z- Core technology with Hyperlite Matrix alloy giving the bat the most effective energy handling and transference capability.
The length to weight ratio in all sizes is -3 that is one of the basic standards for BBCOR bats. It comes with 31/32 inches tapering handle to allow maximum force without exceeding the safety limits and help in playing well with balanced weight throughout the bat. The bat is BBCOR certified and is legal for college level and high school play.
#5. Louisville Slugger Prime 917 BBCOR Baseball Bat
This is one of the most sophisticated composite baseball bats that are made with the highest standard Fused carbon structure microform composite material. This bats come in three piece construction and uses patent TRU3 tech that joins the handle and the barrel in a way that provides maximum vibration resistance on the handle and provides large sweet spot and energy transfer through the barrel in a balanced way.
The grip is supplemented with the lizard skin grip materials to provide easy, soft yet strong grip when playing at full swing. The end cap also is weighted in a balanced way to enhance the swing energy when the bat is in the action. The bat comes with a length to weight ratio of -3 and complies with other BBCOR standards as well. It is BBCOR certified and is supported by 1-year warranty from the manufacturers as well.
#6. Marucci Cat 6 BBCOR Baseball Bat
Marucci Baseball bat also in line with other BBCOR certified bats as it also complies with all the BBCOR standards and comes with the BBCOR certification assurance. This bat features a one piece alloy construction allowing the bat to provide a traditional energy transfer capability and a ring free construction of the barrel that has a larger sweet spot and a better swing.
The extended and enhanced barrel profile has the diameter of 2 5/8 inches as per BBCOR standards and the length to weight ratio is -3 which also keeps it in the line of best BBCOR certified bats. The balanced weight and the patent knob that is designed to reduce the vibration effects assures the user will have an easy feel while playing with it. The grip area is covered by Micro perforated grip material to help players play without any burning feel or slipping the bat out of hand.
#7. Rawlings 5150 Alloy BBCOR Baseball Bat
Rawlings has never left behind the standards that are necessary for collegiate baseball players. This Rawlings alloy BBCOR certified bat is also an example of the perfectly balanced standardized bat. It is made with alloy materials to give a durable structure that lasts longer and give a consistent performance. The length to weight ratio is -3 giving the batter the best and balanced bat for maximum performance. The overall length ranges up to 34 inches.
#8. Easton 2015 BB15S2Z S2Z ZCORE BBCOR Baseball Bat
This is another two pieces composite structure bat, having the barrel made up of aluminum and the handle is made of the composite material. The barrel qualifies the BBCOR standard i.e 2 5/8 inches and so is its maximum length which is 34 inches max. The weight is balanced throughout the bat with a length to weight ratio of -3. The bat is specifically designed to give low MOI yet fast and better swing speed. The Hyperlite material and hybrid Z-core construction barrel give larger sweet spot and balanced energy. The handle also ensures lowered vibration while still having enough swing energy at the barrel.
#9. Marucci Cat7 BBCOR Baseball Bat
This is a one piece AZ4X made alloy bat constructed to provide high strength and high performance. It provides a traditional feel yet it is durable and much powerful than the older bats. The barrel has the diameter of 2 5/8 inches and the responsive design creates a larger sweet spot for better power transfer in an easy way. There is an anti-vibration well-designed knob that has the perfect dampening effect to resist the vibration and allow an easy ball hit. The barrel is designed to give a balanced hitting power and fast swing speed. The bat is BBCOR certified therefore has enough balanced features to make it perfect for collegiate baseball matches.
#10. Easton 2015 BB15S3Z S3Z ZCORE BBCOR Baseball Bat
This Easton BBCOR certified bat is a one piece alloy baseball bat that features z-core barrel for better and faster hit with a balanced energy and more swing and larger sweet spot. The barrel diameter is 2 5/8 inches as per BBCOR standards. The handle assures easy handling with diamond grip. The speed balancing structure gives the construction for lower MOI and fast and balanced swing.
Frequently Asked Question (F.A.Q)
What does a BBCOR look like?
BBCOR bats are mostly one piece, two pieces, and three piece construction. BBCOR bats are same as standard baseball bats but have the maximum barrel diameter limit of 2 5/8 inches, max length of 34 inches and maximum length to weight ratio of -3 and has the BBCOR value .50 with a certification sticker on the bat.
Which material is better to buy in a BBCOR bat?
Most BBCOR bats are composite bats or alloy bats. Though wooden or bamboo bats with single piece construction don’t need BBCOR certification as they already have the dampened energy transfer and balanced construction.
Usually bats with aluminum or alloy barrel and composite handle are great though they are a little higher in cost. You may also try one piece alloy bats if you need to look at other options.
What does it mean to have A -3 ration in a BBCOR bat?
-3 ratio is the length to weight ratio in baseball bats. In BBCOR standards the required limit is -3 to provide a balanced weight and length for better and balanced hit with least risk. If the difference is higher the bat is lighter in weight and lower means it will be heavier.
What does the value .50 BBCOR means?
50 BBCOR value is the value that has been agreed upon by the NCAA and NFHS for the bat that reflects the batted ball coefficient of restitution or the amount of energy transfer and loss when the bat hits the ball.
Conclusion
BBCOR has definitely provided a balanced formula for the baseball bats that confirms to the BBCOR, NCAA and NFHS standards for providing a balanced weight throughout the bat providing enough swing and balanced energy to the ball without exceeding the limits.
These bats are designed to give maximum durability, balance, and performance for an easy and safe play and are legally allowed in matches held by NHFS and NCAA at collegiate and high school levels. Above are top 10 best BBCOR Baseball bats that have been BBCOR certified assuring they comply with all standards and can be used legally at high school baseball tournaments. You may pick which is best for you though.
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