Best BBCOR Bats for the 2023 Season - Ranked (Expert Review)

 

This lightweight bat from DeMarini has some key features that make it an excellent bat that fulfills BBCOR standards. It’s a lightweight alloy bat that was designed to increase the batter’s swing speed and give you more control over your swing. Keeping the weight down, the lightweight Tracer End Cap also improves bat speed and barrel performance. Not only will the ball pop off your bat, but the bat also pops with its unique Skully design.

Features:

• Balanced swing feel
• Alloy barrel
• One piece design
• Available in 6 sizes: 29", 30", 31", 32", 33", 34"
• Made of lightweight composite materials
• Lightweight (ex: 31” bat weighs 28 oz.)

This is one of our favorite bats for good reason. The tapered design will reduce hand sting when you’re swinging for the fences, and the lightweight design is excellent for hitters who want to maximize swing speed.

Victus Vandal Gold BBCOR Bat

 

 

 

 

This sleek, simple black bat comes in six sizes. It is a high-end product that has a ringless barrel design made of multi-variable wall thickness, making it incredibly durable. The one-piece bat design is also lightweight and made to maximize bat speed. The flexible sweet spot and soft grip are also great plus points that make it one of the best bats out there.

Features:

• Balanced swing feel
• Aluminum hybrid bat
• Available in 6 sizes: 30", 31", 32", 33", 33.5” 34"
• Pro-tapered handle with micro-perforated touch grip

This is Victus’s best BBCOR bat and was designed with thought and care. It’s a great bat if you want to make a bigger investment and get the results that you expect out of a pricier bat.

Easton ADV Hype BBCOR Bat

 

 

 

Of Easton’s BBCOR bats, this is the lightest bat in their range. At the same time, it has a massive sweet spot and barrel, providing a nice balance that results in a powerful bat. Furthermore, it maximizes energy transfer while still meeting BBCOR standards by having a stiffer feel on contact. To reduce hand vibration, it’s injected with Nitrocell foam which will give you a more comfortable swing.

Features:

• Balanced swing feel
• Available in 5 sizes: 30", 31", 32", 33", 34"
• Power Boost Soft Knob Technology: reduces vibration, provides more leverage
• Stiff carbon handle
• Thermo composite technology

Easton designed this bat for a smooth swing and well-balanced swing. Thanks to its high quality you’ll get a great swing out of the box and be ready to swing for the fences.

 DeMarini The Goods BBCOR Baseball Bat

 

 

 

Power hitters will be happy to hear that this bat is designed just for them. It has a massive alloy barrel designed specifically for top-level power hitters who want to add an edge to their game. The two-piece hybrid construction features both the alloy barrel and a stiff composite handle for maximum leverage and energy transfer. The end cap is designed with strong materials that improve both the bat’s durability and energy transfer.

Features:

• End Loaded swing feel
• Available in 4 sizes: 31", 32", 33", 34"
• Two-piece hybrid construction
• Direct Connection - stiffer composite handle to the alloy barrel designed with power hitters in mind
• Lightweight performance alloy barrel

Power hitters will be pleased with the results they see with The Goods. It’s an elite BBCOR bat for elite power hitters.

Louisville Slugger Meta Baseball Bat

 

 

 

 

Louisville Slugger is a household name, and it lives up to its reputation with one of its latest BBCOR bats, the Meta. It provides a balanced swing, so it’s designed for all types of hitters, both contact and power. Somewhat uniquely to this list, it has a three-piece design. The centerpiece of the three-piece design is the 3FX Connection System, which gives a stiffer feel to it than other similar bats and dramatically reduces vibration.

Features:

• Balanced swing feel
• Available in 4 sizes: 31", 32", 33", 34"
• EKO Composite Barrel – designed for a balance of speed and power
• Premium end cap that extends the barrel length
• Three-piece design

This is an elite bat for elite players, but it’s well worth the asking price as you’ll be certain of the quality of this bat.

Easton Maxum Ultra BBCOR Bat

 

 

 

Easton has made an excellent one-piece bat with a huge barrel and a nice, balanced swing. It is great for both power and contact hitters who want a bat with a sleek design. It has one of the largest barrels of any one-piece bat on the market.

Features:

• End Loaded swing feel
• Available in 4 sizes: 31", 32", 33", 34"
• Carbon construction with a stiff feel
• XXL sweet spot
• Flow-Tack grip – great cushion

This is a great combination of a large barrel with a balanced swing that makes it stand out compared to its peers on the market.

Louisville Slugger Select PWR

 

 

 

 

Another top-of-the-line Louisville Slugger bat that will get the job done. The other Louisville Slugger on this list is a 3-piece, but this one is a more standard 2-piece construction. It extends a half-inch further than most other BBCOR bats, so you’ll have a bigger sweet spot and barrel. The end cap also helps maximize the energy transfer every time you make contact with the ball

Features:

• End Loaded swing feel
• Available in 32” size
• Two-piece construction
• PWR End Cap
• Premium LS PRO Comfort Grip

This bat maximizes energy transfer and comfort, making it an excellent buy for a contact hitter or a power hitter who’s looking to minimize hand vibration.

Louisville Slugger Atlas BBCOR Baseball Bat

 

Louisville Slugger's latest Atlas is a league-leading bat, engineered with AI and kinetic response software to deliver top-tier performance. Its alloy EVOKE barrel, featuring variable wall thickness, creates a generous sweet spot and peak performance. The reimagined composite SPD-Gen2 End Cap boosts swing speeds, and the Tuned Mass Damper handle minimizes vibrations for an optimized hitting experience.

Bat Features:

• Balanced Swing Feel: Achieve powerful hits while maintaining control.
• Alloy EVOKE Barrel: Variable wall thickness ensures a massive sweet spot and peak performance.
• SPD-Gen2 End Cap: Enhances swing speeds without sacrificing power.
• Tuned Mass Damper Handle: Eliminates unwanted vibrations and stings.
• One-Piece, All-Alloy Design: Ensures durability and performance.
• BBCOR .50 Certified: Approved for high school and college play.
• Suitable for Little League: Legal for Intermediate (50-70) and Junior League divisions.
• 2 5/8 Inch Barrel Diameter: Provides ample hitting surface.
• Drop 3 Length-to-Weight Ratio: Balanced weight for optimal performance.

Marucci CATX BBCOR Baseball Bat

 

Introducing the Marucci CatX Baseball Bat - the latest innovation in the celebrated Cat Bat series. Marucci has pushed the envelope yet again, delivering a bat that's engineered for peak performance. With a generous 2 5/8-inch barrel diameter and a balanced swing feel, the CatX is designed to take your hitting to the next level. Its one-piece, all-alloy construction ensures durability and power, providing consistent results in every at-bat. Perfect for high school and collegiate play with its BBCOR .50 certification, it's also an excellent choice for Intermediate (50-70) and Junior League divisions in Little League.

CatX Baseball Bat Features:

• Balanced swing feel for precision hitting
• 2 5/8-inch barrel diameter
• One-piece, all-alloy construction for strength and reliability
• Drop 3 length-to-weight ratio
• BBCOR .50 certified, suitable for high school and collegiate play
• Approved for use in Intermediate (50-70) and Junior League divisions in Little League
• Marucci's commitment to quality and innovation

Warstic Bonesaber Hybrid BBCOR Baseball Bat

 

Meet the Bonesaber Hybrid, a force to be reckoned with against even the most formidable pitchers. Featuring the cutting-edge Katana2X Alloy Barrel, it's forged from the highest grade ultra-light alloy, boasting a state-of-the-art double taper design with a thinner handle. This design not only amplifies swing speed but also enhances whip through the zone, offering superior feel and maximizing the sweet spot. Crafted to cater to both contact and power hitters, the Bonesaber Hybrid is your ultimate choice.

Bonesaber Hybrid Baseball Bat Features:

• End Loaded
• 2 5/8-inch barrel diameter
• Speed-loaded swing weight, prioritizing speed without sacrificing power
• Two-piece construction - Alloy Barrel and Composite Handle
• Drop 3 length-to-weight ratio
• BBCOR .50 certified, ideal for high school and college play
• Approved for use in Intermediate (50-70) and Junior League divisions in Little League

 

Rawlings Icon BBCOR Baseball Bat

 

The Icon bat incorporates Rawlings' cutting-edge In/Tense Carbon Composite construction for peak barrel performance, maintaining stiffness while enhancing the trampoline effect. It's also equipped with Zero Loss Energy Technology, ensuring added durability and stiffness through the seamless Zero Loss Collar transition. Moreover, the Icon features Rawlings' Tuned Balanced Performance, providing a balanced swing weight that adapts to each batter's individual swing style for an optimized performance at the plate.

Rawlings Icon BBCOR Bat Features 

Balanced swing feel

In/Tense Carbon Composite construction for top-notch barrel performance

Zero Loss Energy Technology enhances durability and stiffness

Seamless Zero Loss Collar transition

Rawlings' Tuned Balanced Performance for a versatile swing weight to suit various batting styles

 

 

StringKing Metal 2 BBCOR Baseball Bat

 

The Metal 2 BBCOR delivers impressive innovation with varying wall thicknesses along the barrel, enhancing its performance across different regions. StringKing's design ensures exceptional results not only in the sweet spot but also closer to the hands and near the end cap. This variable wall thickness, combined with the extended barrel length (larger than the original Metal), creates an overall larger sweet spot, greatly improving your hitting game. With a 2 5/8-inch barrel diameter, drop 3 length-to-weight ratio, slightly end-loaded swing feel, and one-piece all-alloy construction, this BBCOR .50 certified baseball bat is perfect for high school and college play. 

BBCOR Bat Features

• Balanced Swing Feel: Slightly end-loaded for powerful hits while maintaining control.
• Advanced Barrel Construction: Varying thicknesses along the barrel optimize performance throughout the hitting zone.
• Enhanced Sweet Spot: Thinner and thicker wall sections deliver a larger and more forgiving sweet spot.
• Extended Barrel Length: Larger than the original Metal bat, providing additional hitting area.
• One-Piece, All-Alloy Design: Ensures solid construction for long-lasting performance.
• BBCOR .50 Certified: Approved for high school and college play.
• Suitable for Little League: Legal for Intermediate (50-70) and Junior League divisions.

Buyer’s Guide for BBCOR Bats

Choosing the right weight and size for your BBCOR bat

We’ve run you through our top BBCOR bats, but once you’ve chosen the bat for you, you still have different size and weight options to choose from.

One thing that the BBCOR standard has done is restricted bat manufacturers, so as you see the bats fall in the same size and weight range. All the bats on our list range from 30” to 34”, but there are still options within those ranges.

Most BBCOR bats do full sizes and the most common are 31”, 32”, 33”, and 34”. These bats are suitable for high school and college age players, which makes sense because the BBCOR standard is approved by the biggest high school and college athletic organizations.

Take a look at the bat size chart below to find the right size BBCOR bat for your height and weight.

If you’re looking for a bat with the most size/weight options, the True Temper HZRDUS has the most sizes on our list. Unlike other bats, it is sold in half sizes, so you can get exactly the size and weight you are looking for.

The drop of a BBCOR bat is required to be -3, so a 32” bat will always be 29 oz. Therefore, it’s most important to consider the length when you are buying first. If you choose the right length for you, then you will have maximum momentum and power when you swing your bat.

What Are BBCOR Bats Made For?

The BBCOR standard was created to protect players and balance bat power. BBCOR measures the relative speed before and after its hits the bat. Every BBCOR bat must have a speed ratio of .50 or lower, meaning the maximum speed of the ball after being hit with the bat is 50% the speed of the pitch.

Additionally, BBCOR bats have a maximum barrel diameter of 2 ⅝”, a maximum drop weight of -3 and a maximum length of 36”. The - 3 drop weight means every 32” bat will weigh 29 oz, every 31” bat will weigh 28 oz, and so on. Drop weight refers to the ratio between bat length and weight.

Who Created the BBCOR Standard and Why?

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) created the BBCOR standard in 2011 that every bat must be BBCOR compliant.

The main reason these baseball governing bodies implemented these new restrictions was for player safety purposes. These restrictions reduce the ball speed off the bat by about 5%. The previous bat standards also resulted in more home runs, so pitching became more difficult. 

As you move up the ladder in the baseball world, you’ll need a bat that fulfills the requirements of your league. Even junior baseball leagues are beginning to adopt the standard that composite bats need to meet BBCOR standards.

What Does BBCOR Stand for?

BBCOR stands for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution. In layman’s terms, the BBCOR is a number that reflects the trampoline effect of the bat or how much energy is lost when the bat makes contact with the ball.

If a bat meets the 0.50 BBCOR standard then that means the bat did not have a ball speed ratio higher than .5 after the bat makes contact with the ball. The bat is tested at multiple pre-determined spots to ensure that no sweet spot exceeds this standard. Also, every BBCOR bat has a -3 drop weight, meaning a 31” BBCOR bat will always weigh 28 oz.

BBCOR Bat Material / Construction

Much like the size and weight, there are lots of similarities between BBCOR bats, but there are still several choices you can make in this area.

While BBCOR bats can be made of wood, almost all of them are made of composite or aluminum. The majority of BBCOR bats on our list are composite bats as these are the most popular.

However, our favorite aluminum bat is the Victus Vandal Gold as it has an excellent balance between barrel size and still has a lightweight feel that meets BBCOR standards. In general, aluminum bats are slightly cheaper than composite, and they almost always come in a one-piece construction.

Composite bats offer a little more pop to the bat; hence they are the favorite of hitters who need a BBCOR bat. They typically have a larger sweet spot, a boon to power hitters. Our number one recommended bat is a composite, the DeMarini Voodoo One. Its headline features keep its weight within the BBCOR standards without sacrificing on power or speed.

One thing to keep in mind with composite bats is they often require a little break-in period before they really pop. The online reviews of some bats like the Axe Avenge Pro Hybrid are very favorable because they overcome this downside of composite bats by coming out of the package with plenty of pop and ready to go for a game.

Key BBCOR Bat Features to Consider

When it comes to selecting the best BBCOR baseball bat, there are several key features to consider. One of the most critical aspects is the bat's barrel size and length. Bats with larger barrels tend to offer more surface area for contact, potentially improving your hitting performance. However, the length of the bat also plays a significant role in your swing. It's essential to find the right balance between barrel size and length that suits your playing style.

Weight distribution and balance are equally vital. BBCOR bats come in a range of balances, from end-loaded to balanced. An end-loaded bat has more weight in the barrel, making it suitable for power hitters who can take advantage of the extra mass to drive the ball. Balanced bats distribute weight evenly throughout the length of the bat, providing better control and swing speed. The material of the bat, be it alloy, composite, or a hybrid of both, also affects its performance. Alloy bats are known for their durability, while composite bats tend to offer a larger sweet spot and reduced vibration upon impact. Hybrid bats combine the best of both worlds.

Grip and handle design are the final factors to consider. A comfortable grip can enhance your control and feel for the bat. Some bats come with specialized grips designed to minimize vibrations and improve the overall feel of the bat. Ultimately, the best BBCOR bat for you will depend on your unique preferences and playing style.

One-Piece vs. Two-Piece BBCOR Bats

While this may seem like a small difference when you’re scrolling online looking for a new BBCOR bat, the different types of construction are favored by different types of players.

Simply explained, a one-piece BBCOR bat is as it sounds constructed without any fusing together of separate pieces. This makes a one-piece bat cheaper to make, but also stiffer and with more ability to transfer energy upon contact.

Typically, power hitters prefer this type of bat construction because it maximizes power on contact. Since power hitters are stronger, they also have more control over the bat and get the most out of the stiffer construction. Power hitters are also more likely to be willing to withstand the increased vibration in two-piece bats compared to one-piece bats as they are swinging for the fences.

The Victus Vandal Gold, Marucci CAT9, and True Temper HZRDUS are all one-piece BBCOR bats that power hitters have gravitated towards.

On the other hand, two-piece bats are made by two pieces being fused together, a more expensive process. Contact hitters typically prefer this bat construction as the hand vibration is often significantly reduced. The bats also have more flex in them and tend to be maximized for bat speed over power.

Demarini makes excellent two-piece bats including both The Goods and their CF bat.

Of course, every hitter had their own preferences, and it’s not so simple as every contact hitter needs to buy a two-piece bat and every power-hitter a one-piece bat. So, try out several types of bats to get the feel for what you like in a bat, then you’ll be armed with both experience and knowledge to make a fully-informed decision on your next BBCOR bat.

Balance vs. End-Loaded BBCOR Bats

The debate between balanced and end-loaded BBCOR bats has been ongoing, with no one-size-fits-all answer. Balanced bats, with their even weight distribution, offer more control over your swing and are generally favored by contact hitters. These bats allow for a quicker swing, making it easier to make solid contact with the ball and place it where you want. They are particularly well-suited for players who prioritize bat speed and precision.

On the other hand, end-loaded bats, with extra weight concentrated in the barrel, are ideal for power hitters. The additional mass provides more momentum and can translate into longer and harder hits. Power hitters can take advantage of the bat's extra pop to drive the ball deep into the outfield.

Your choice between a balanced and end-loaded BBCOR bat should align with your playing style and personal preferences. Experimenting with both types can help you determine which one feels most comfortable and effective for your swing. It's essential to remember that what works for one player may not work for another, so selecting the right balance is a matter of trial and error.

Conclusion

For most players at the high school and college level, a BBCOR bat is a must-buy because you need to meet the requirement set out by the athletic governing body in your league.

That does not mean that you have to sacrifice on quality, power, or bat speed. Since the BBCOR was introduced, bat manufacturers have been making immense innovations to ensure that hitters are given the best bat they can within the requirements.

This has resulted in lighter end caps, stiffer handles, and bigger barrels that compensate for the required -3 drop weight.

Whether you’re after a one-piece or a two-piece bat, there’s a bat for you in our top bat list. And if you’re not sure what exactly is the right bat for you, test run some similar -3 drop weight bats in this size range and you’ll soon find the exact feel you’re looking for.