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March 3, 2021 | by Bat Digest Review Team | @BatDigest
Aside from the color design, there are no considerable differences between the 2018 VELO and the 2017 version, including our opinion that it is a great buy.
We used the 2018 BBCOR version of the bat in a few tournaments across several different players with nearly unanimous approval. Our hitters like the loud sound, light swing, and real stiff feel. Some hitters didn’t think it had the power of some other bats, bu… Jump to the full review.
We used the 2018 BBCOR version of the bat in a few tournaments across several different players with nearly unanimous approval. Our hitters like the loud sound, light swing, and real stiff feel. Some hitters didn’t think it had the power of some other bats, but our exit speeds showed differently. They preferred the grip on the Velo over most bats.
The 2018 Rawlings VELO is made for hitters that want a single piece feel and a light swing. Most light swing hitters like the feel of two-piece bats and most heavy hitters prefer a heavier swing. But, if you’re one of the many who like a stiff feel but still prefer a light swing than the 2018 Rawlings VELO is a legitimate choice. You can expect great durability, too.
Although terribly difficult to measure, the Rawlings BBCOR line of bats may be the most popular BBCOR bats in the country. And among them, the VELO is the most popular bat Rawlings makes. As such, it could be argued, the VELO is the most popular BBCOR bat on the market.
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We liked the drop 5 and 10 VELO. We felt the drop 11 lacked enough gumption to make a difference in the box—and its light weight lends to more hand sting. Otherwise, the Drop 5 especially, hits the ball well and is a stiff bat made for serious players that want a wood like feel and performance in a youth bat.
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The USSSA bats work well for those who want a low swing weight, distinctly loud sound at contact, a price point in line with what many parents are more willing to pay. As well, the bat is hot out of the wrapper—so no questioning whether the bat is broken in and an an impressively long a pedigree as any bat in the BBCOR space.
Price Check
There are no differences, aside from the color, between the 2017 and 2018 Rawlings VELO.
We should note, however, the size offerings are different. The VELO can be found in a USAbat this year, and last year those did not exist.
In the last two weeks, we've spent at least 2 hours reading player reviews, company literature and vendor takes on the new 2017 Rawlings VELO.
We spent a good amount of time in the cage and on the field with the 2016 VELO. Our 9 year old player, who weighs right at 65 pounds, fell in love with the 2016 VELO drop 12 2 3/4 two piece composite.
The Rawlings Velo was the first bat to use variable wall thickness to create a lighter swinging bat with a bigger barrel in the aluminum space.
Since, however, many have flat copied the idea. And although none of those copy-cats have added the POP 2.0 groove to their bat’s inside (like the VELO did for the 2017 and beyond models), we consider those others at least somewhat comparable bats.
Do note that the CAT 7 does NOT use a composite end cap. Also note that the Slugger 618 uses a composite end cap on an aluminum bat, but forgoes the variable wall thickness.
See the CAT 7 Review The 2018 Marucci CAT 7 is the same as the 2017 Marucci CAT 7. Marucci doesn’t hide this idea. They release their performance bats on a two year cycle.
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See the 518 Omaha Review We had an exclusive sneak peak at the Louisville Slugger 518 Omaha. The bat comes with a few upgrades when compared to the 517 Omaha.
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See the 5150 Review The 2018 Rawlings 5150 is a classically designed single piece aluminum bat with enough innovation to consider it a performance bat.
Price CheckIf you are looking for more insight on the 2018 Rawlings VELO, we suggest our 2017 Rawlings VELO review. That is the most read article on the subject. And, since the 2018 and 2017 are identical in everything but color, you can expect reviews for that bat to be similar to this one.
Also, on this site, the 2018 Quatro and 2018 5150 will be worth your time. They are sister bats of the VELO and carry some of the same ideas. Those bat reviews might give you more background on the 2018 VELO.
Off this site we think past user reviews on Amazon are mildly helpful. As well, Rawlings’ site directly will be useful too.
The Rawlings VELO is a single piece bat that uses variable wall thickness and a groove on the inside of the barrel to create a light swinging bat with a big barrel.
Using clever means to decrease swing weight while maintaining durability and barrel size is the principal task of bat engineers. The Rawlings VELO pioneered the technique of using variable wall thickness to accomplish a bigger barrel without affecting swing weight. In the 2017 version, Rawlings rolled out POP 2.0 technology (their term, not ours) which removes even more volume from the inner barrel by creating a groove lengthwise inside the barrel. This managed to drop the swing weight even lower while leaving room for a larger barrel.
Without argument, the VELO is the most advanced aluminum bat on the market.
In addition to the inner barrel make-up, they also use an extended composite end cap to further reduce swing weight. This extended composite end cap is their justification for using the word “hybrid” on the side of the barrel. It is not a “hybrid” in the traditional sense of the term, or as we generally use it on this site. That is, it does not have a composite handle and an aluminum barrel.
Expect to see the Rawlings VELO in the following models and sizes.
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