Best BBCOR Bats: The Definitive Guide

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The baseball season is right around the corner and if you are looking for the best BBCOR bats for 2017 you came to the right place.

If you plan on being the best hitter possible you need to know what to look for when picking this piece of equipment. I’ll show you how to do that and my top picks.

Ready?

How To Pick The Perfect Bat

There are a few important things to consider when making you selection and they are:

  • Make sure the bat is BBCOR certified
  • Pick the proper length and weight
  • Decide between wood, composite, hybrid and alloy

If you are a high school player you must use a BBCOR bat when hitting; it’s basically a safety standard. If you want a full description of what it stands for, click here. The most important thing to realize is the bat must have a barrel diameter no greater than 2 5/8 inches and a length/weight ratio no greater than -3. The length of the bat can’t exceed 36 inches either.

All non-wood BBCOR bats come with this stamp of approval:

 

After you make sure the product is certified BBCOR, you need to pick the proper length and weight for your ability and strength. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is choosing a bat that is too short or too heavy. Most high schoolers and collegiate players will be looking for a length somewhere in the 32 inch to 34 inch range.

The last thing you need to consider is the materials your new bat is made from. Most people only use wood bats in professional leagues, specialty leagues and tournaments. If you are playing high school or college baseball, you’ll probably want a composite, alloy or hybrid bat. Here are the main differences:

  • Composite: These bats tend to be the most expensive and have the largest sweet spots; they reduce vibrations and painful stings to your hands too. If decide on a composite bat you must break it in before using in game. It takes about 150-200 hits before it’s ready to go.
  • Alloy: These bats tend to be less expensive, last longer and don’t have a break in time. The downside is they have smaller sweet spots and can have painful vibrations on your hands from miss hit balls.
  • Hybrid: A hybrid bat has a composite handle with an alloy barrel. These are a middle ground between composite and alloy; hybrids have a smaller sweet spot than composite but larger sweet spot when compared to alloy. Their price falls between those two as well.

If you want an in depth look at the buying process, click here.

So now that you know exactly what to look for when making your selection, let’s take a look at my top picks.

DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR Bat **Top Pick**

Company: DeMarini

Price: $449

Rating: 5/5

The DeMarini CF Zen is among the top bats for 2017 and probably in the top two or three (it’s one of the top youth bats too). It’s 100% composite and comes with one of the largest sweet spots available. It has the latest technology built into it and includes:

  • D-Fusion handle that redirects energy back to the barrel for extra pop
  • The weight is perfectly balanced throughout the bat so you get the perfect, smooth swing every time
  • RCK knob that fights off painful stings and vibrations
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This isn’t a cheap bat and will cost around $450. If you are an elite hitter and want to have the best possible season at the plate, it’s worth it. The CF Zen is universally loved and I know you’ll love it too.

Take A Closer Look At The DeMarini CF Zen

Baum AAA Pro Composite BBCOR Wood Bat 

Company: Baum

Price: $219

Rating: 4.8/5

Most of the bats on this list are not wood. However, I know a few people that like wood bats and I know there’s a few leagues that require hitters to use them. If you are one of these people, you should really consider the Baum AAA Pro Composite Wood Bat. It’s really well made and features:

  • An ash wood construction
  • A reinforced core to give you a little extra pop
  • 4 month warranty

This bat will costs around $220 which isn’t bad because of the warranty. If you crack it or it breaks, you’ll be able to replace it for free.

Take A Closer Look At the Baum AAA Pro Composite Wood Bat

Easton Mako Torq XL BBCOR Bat

Company: Easton

Price: $299

Rating: 4.8/5

Easton is an excellent company and they make really nice gear – I own a few of their products. The Mako Torq XL is a very affordable option for any high level player. It will only cost around $150. Pretty good when you consider it comes with:

  • End loaded barrel design that gives you extra power
  • TCT composite technology that gives you a large sweet spot
  • Torq handle that keeps your hands in the right place throughout the swing

This may not be the best bat on this list but it will get the job done at a reasonable price.

Take A Closer Look At The Easton Mako Torq XL

DeMarini Voodoo BBCOR Bat

Company: DeMarini

Price: $224

Rating: 4.9/5

This is the the second DeMarini bat on the list and is more affordable than the previous CF Zen. The Voodoo is not cheap, though, and will cost around $230. That’s a pretty fair price for a bat this well made and some of its best features include:

  • X12 bat that is perfect for power hitters
  • Both alloy and composite materials for added durability
  • A very comfortable grip that feels great in your hands

This is one of the sturdiest bats available. If you are trying to go long this is a bat you should think about. It’ll give you what you need for consistent bombs.

Take A Closer Look At The Demarini Voodoo Bat

Rawlings Velo BBCOR Bat

Company: Rawlings

Price: $224

Rating: 4.8/5

Rawlings is another well known baseball company – you can’t go wrong with their products. The Velo is one of the most balanced bats available and will help with swing speed too. You’ll be happy to know it comes with:

  • A very large sweet spot that will allow you to hit the ball all over the field
  • Will easily last throughout the season
  • Synthetic leather grip that is nice to hold on to

This is another bat in the $230 price range. Any high schooler or collegiate athlete will get a lot of use out of the Velo.

Take A Closer Look at The Rawlings Velo Bat

Mizuno Generation BBCOR Bat

Company: Mizuno

Price: $149

Rating: 4.8/5

Mizuno is a top brand and I own a few pieces of their equipment; they make some awesome cleats and mitts too!Their Generation BBCOR Bat is a favorite among high level players and features:

  • A thick barrel and large sweet spot that will give excellent pop
  • Balance through out the bat that gives you good control and speed
  • Digi grip that gives you a responsive feel

Prices vary on this product and depending on the length and weight you get can cost between $100 and $200. Not too shabby when you consider everything you get.

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Take A Closer Look At The Mizuno Generation Bat

Rawlings 5150 Alloy BBCOR Bat

Company: Rawlings

Price: $149

Rating: 4.7/5

If you are looking for a durable alloy bat, look no further than the Rawlings 5150. It comes with all the benefits of alloy and a 1 year warranty. Also, it features:

  • Extended barrel to increase the odds of contact with its POP technology
  • Balance construction that increases bat speed and velocity
  • Good to go straight from the wrapper

If you rely on the long ball you may want a different bat. If you like to put the ball in play and bat for average, the 5150 may be the bat for you.

Take A Closer Look At The Rawlings 5150

Easton Mako Beast BBCOR Bat

Company: Easton

Price: $449

Rating: 5/5

You saw the Easton Mako XL already, now it’s time to look at the Mako Beast. This bat is a step up from the previous one you saw and is made specifically for elite level players. This is Easton’s premier BBCOR bat and features:

  • Extended speed barrel that will give you the fastest swing possible
  • TCT Thermo Composite Barrell that extends 1.5 inches longer than previous Mako models
  • Maximizes for energy transfer and feel to give you awe inspiring hits

Like all composite bats, the Mako Beast is expensive at around $450. It’s worth it if you can afford the price and are a high performer – bats like this are rare.

Take A Closer Easton Mako Beast

Rawlings Trio BBCOR Bat

Company: Rawlings

Price: $319

Rating: 4.8/5

The Rawlings Trio is an excellent product and I personally know a few people who use it in college. That’s because it has an awesome hybrid design. It can withstand a full season of ripping hits and:

  • Comes with a synthetic leather grip that feels good in your hands
  • Balance point that makes the barrel feel lighter than other bats
  • Has a 1 year warranty

This isn’t the most spectacular bat on the market but not everyone needs that. This bat is good at any level and will do exactly what you need it to do – hit the ball hard.

Take A Closer Look At The Rawlings Trio

Mizuno Nighthawk BBCOR Bat

Company: Mizuno

Price: $224

Rating: 4.7/5

The Nighthawk from Mizuno may not have all the bells and whistles of the top bats on this list but it’s still serviceable. It costs around $225 and features:

  • Aerospace grade aluminum alloy that gives you a nice sweet spot and durability
  • Synthetic leather grip that is ultra comfortable
  • Balanced design

This is the type of bat that gives you that nice ping sound when you make solid contact. It really is music to the ears and if you purchase the Nighthawk you can expect to hear that sound all season.

Take A Closer Look At The Mizuno Nighthawk

DeMarini CF Insane BBCOR Bat

Company: DeMarini

Price: $449

Rating: 5/5

Here’s another DeMarini product that is top of the line and made specifically for the best players. The CF Insane is elite and comes with an elite price tag – around $450. If you value your hitting, though, you must consider this product. It comes with:

  • End loaded design that is designed to drive the ball deep and give you unbelievable power
  • Paraflex composite technology that gives you the biggest sweet spot possible
  • D-Fusion handle that gives you an awesome feel and swing

You can expect to get on base when you head to the batter’s box with the CF Insane

Take A Closer Look At The Demarini CF Insane

Easton S500 BBCOR Bat

Company: Easton

Price: $99

Rating: 4.7/5

The Easton S500 is one of the cheapest bats on this list. If you are playing Division 1 college ball, or the highest level of high school, you may want a different product; everyone else will love this bat. That’s because it features:

  • Lightweight aircraft alloy that gives you a quick and speedy swing
  • Tapered handle for a secure grip
  • 1 year warranty
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This is a pretty good bat for under $100. It’s one that will withstand an entire season and will deliver better than expected results.

Take A Closer Look At The Easton S500

Easton Z-Core Speed BBCOR Bat

Company: Easton

Price: $199

Rating: 4.8/5

The Easton Z-Core is another bat that’s right on the cusp of being an elite level piece of equipment; it’s price reflects that too (around $200). You’ll really like how light it feels to swing and it features:

  • Z-Core barrel that gives you a nice sweet spot and a little extra pop
  • Hperskin grip that give you superb traction
  • 1 year warranty

Not the best product on the list but certainly not the worst. If you purchase this bat you will be very happy with it and get some good swings.

Take A Closer Look At The Easton Z-Core

Rip-It Helium BBCOR Bat

Company: Rip-it

Price: $79

Rating: 4.7/5

The Rip-It Helium is one of the cheapest bats on the list and perfect for anyone on a budget. You may want a different bat if you are an elite level talent. All other players will enjoy that it:

  • Performs well in both cold and hot weather
  • Has a contact grip to limit painful vibrations
  • Is made in the USA

It even gets nice reviews on Amazon and has loads of happy customers. You can read them by clicking below:

Take A Closer Look At The Rip-It Helium Bat

Demarini D110 Maple Composite BBCOR Bat

Company: Demarini

Price: $139

Rating: 4.7/5

The DeMarini D110 is another wood bat. It’s well made and not too expensive either, at around $160. It has a composite handle and frame for durability and features:

  • Urethane foam grip for optimal control
  • Made from hard Canadian maple
  • Patented design for the sweetest swing possible

Most people don’t need a wood bat but some leagues require them. If you play in one those leagues, you should consider the D110.

Take A Closer Look At The Demarini D110 Maple Composite

Marucci CAT7 BBCOR Bat

Company: Marucci

Price: $249

Rating: 4.8/5

The Marucci Cat7 is another bat with an above average sweet spot. This makes it a million times easier to make solid contact and to hit the ball hard. It also comes with:

  • The strongest alloy available
  • Anti-Vibration knob that will reduce pain to your hands
  • One of the sweetest feeling bats available

This is a very popular product and gets a lot of love on Amazon. Most people can’t believe the kind of pop they get from it. Definitely a bat high performers will want.

Take A Closer Look At The Marucci Cat7

DeMarini CF8 BBCOR Bat

Company: DeMarini

Price: $499

Rating: 4.9/5

The last product on this list is another Demarini bat. The CF8 is high quality and loved by many players. Whether you are the lead off batter or in the four spot, you will get use out this bat. Some of its top features include:

  • 100% composite materiels for the most power possible
  • Very low swing weight
  • Low Pro cap that promotes a balanced swing

There are a few bats on this list that top players should consider. This is definitely one of them.

Take A Closer Look At The DeMarini CF8

Hope This Helped!

In order to be the best hitter possible you need a good bat; it can make the difference between a home run and hitting a ball to the warning track. No matter your skill or budget, there’s a product on this list for you.

If you have any questions about what you’ve read here, comment below and I’ll respond as fast as possible. If you want friends and family to see share on social media.

Are you ready to rip the cover off the ball this year?

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