Rawlings Velo 2021 Review

The Rawlings Velo 2021 is one of the most long-running model lines in the bat industry. Aside from the Omaha, we can think of no other bat line that has proven the test of time. The 2021 Rawlings VELO builds on a long line of light swinging, extended composite end cap bats with a reasonable large barrel, great sound, and cult-like following. For 2021 it only comes in a BBCOR version---COVID pushed back the other models until next year.

The 2021 Velo has a redesigned barrel and handles that make a thinner handle and a bigger barrel. It sounds a bit different than in years past too. No longer should you expect the loud ping. Still, though, both 2021 and 2020 VELO use a single-piece design with an extended composite end cap, variable wall thickness on the barrel to make it longer without sacrificing swing weight and vibration dampening urethane infused handle. Much of that information is marketing speak, but fundamentally the bat hasn't changed much over the years---and that's a good thing. After all, there is a reason Rawlings continues to produce a Velo.

Rawlings refers to the VELO as a Hybrid. In the traditional sense, it is not. Hybrid bats are made from a composite handle and an alloy barrel. Rawlings refers to their VELO as a hybrid because it has an extended composite end cap. However, all bat's use some plastic end cap. Rawlings, we assume, thinks there is a bit different because their end cap is extended into the barrel's length by 2-inches. However, other bats use this mechanism and do not call the bat a hybrid. The Slugger SOLO, as one example, also uses an extended composite end cap but does not refer to it as a hybrid bat. They leave the title for a bat like the Select series, which is a traditional hybrid.