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By Bat Digest
Updated November 17, 2022
The 5150 title, named after the type of alloy used in the bats, has been used for several generations of alloy bats made by Rawlings. Originally, as far as we can tell, in 2009 Rawlings was using 5150 to help describe their original exogrid. Since that time, the original 5150 arrived in early 2012 (Serial #BBCA) and then a color up from that version in 2013 (BBCA2). Followed by what was probably 5150's most successful iteration yet in 2014 (BB513 Black).
This allows the 5150 to have a lighter swing weight---as its end cap weight is composite material. As a result, the 2015 version of the 5150 has a marked swing weight decrease compared to its predecessors (2013, 2014).
Depending on who you ask, the 2015 model did come with an upgrade (beside the obvious paint job color up). The end cap on the 5150 has become just like the Rawlings VELO end cap. This means, in part, the end cap--which is made of composite--is now fused onto the barrel of the bat.
No doubt about the 5150 from 2014 was stellar bat with fantastic ratings. It may take some time for the new comp-lite end cap of the 5150 to catch on to 5150 aficionados--but with the full might and power of Rawlings behind this market saturating one piece we expect folks will eventually come around.