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By Bat Digest | Last Updated December 4, 2020
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.
$349.95
Original Price
Certification: BBCOR
Sizes: 31/28, 32/29, 33/30
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 3
Swing Weight: Hand Loaded (10% or Lighter than Industry Average)
Serial Number: BB1V3
Original Price: $349.95
Release Month: November 2020
Related: Best BBCOR Bats
2021 Rawlings Velo BBCOR
$349.95
Original Price
VELO BBCOR Drop 3
The Rawlings VELO 2021 is a single-piece bat with an undersized barrel and extended composite end cap to help bring down the swing weight. And bring down the swing weight it does. The BBCOR Velo swings almost as light as any single piece BBCOR bat on the market for 2021. We think this bat serves the elite top of the order hitter very well as well as that middle power guy looking for a deep ball or two when they can hit it on the screws. For 2021, there is no USA or USSSA versions of the VELO. Thanks, Covid.
Certification: BBCOR
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 31/28, 32/29, 33/30
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 3
Swing Weight: Hand Loaded (10% or Lighter than Industry Average)
Serial Number: BB1V3
Release Month: November 2020
Related: Best BBCOR Bats
Hitters who like the 2021 Rawlings VELO appreciate the light swing, long barrel, and loud ping of traditional alloy. For 2021, BBCOR players that want one of the lightest swinging bats per inch on the market will appreciate this. However, it’s single-piece design does give more feedback during mishits than some appreciate. Still, though, the player looking for a stiff, single-piece alloy with a light swing will be happy with the Rawlings VELO 2021.
Hitters who like the 2021 Rawlings VELO appreciate the light swing, long barrel, and loud ping of traditional alloy. For 2021, BBCOR players that want one of the lightest swinging bats per inch on the market will appreciate this. However, it’s single-piece design does give more feedback during mishits than some appreciate. Still, though, the player looking for a stiff, single-piece alloy with a light swing will be happy with the Rawlings VELO 2021.
The 2021 Voodoo One is very popular due to some online YouTube publicity. However, the bat is the same version as it has been for the last few years. Our general rating is higher this year than in years past because part of our rating is based on consumer demand. And the demand for the 2021 Voodoo is way beyond its predecessors despite being the same bat. Such is life in the world of bat hype.
2020 Louisville Slugger Solo Review: Light, Value, Good Performance. After hitting each 2020 Solo with several different hitters, it rates out as well as the 2019 version did. That is, a very durable bat that perfectly serves the need of a budget conscience buyer who needs a light swing. The BBCOR Solo has many fans and the 29-inch is a hit for those who needs it ultra-light. The USA is our favorite Solo. The drop 11 creates as good as exit speeds as any. USSSA Solo’s aren’t as popular as composite barrels do better there. Our Score 9/10 (BBCOR); 9.8/10 (USA); 8.5/10 (USSSA).
See the Fuze 360 Review
2020 Easton Fuze Review: We like the Easton Fuze as an entry level single piece aluminum USA bat and a new Hybrid BBCOR version (there is also a DSG exclusive hybrid USA version we review here). In the USA space the Fuze still trails the Solo drop 11, we think. But it isn’t far off—and the unique Power Boost knob might be just enough to convince several to try it out. The Fuze (like the Solo, Velo and Vandal) uses an extended composite end cap to help drive down the swing weight and increase the barrel size. Our smaller hitters who need bat speed liked it the most.
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.
2020 Rawlings VELO ACP Review: as iconic as any bat in the non-wood bat space, the 2020 Velo is a light swing, loud sound and newly designed end cap. Our favorite version, after hitting every one, is the uniuqe drop 5 USSSA Velo which swings lighter than many drop 8 bats. It's a great choice for the little guy forced to use big bats. The BBCOR version will do well with a newly designed end cap (which made no difference in our exit speeds). The USA version in a drop 11 still struggled to impress.
After recording several hitter's experiences with the 2019 Rawlings Velo, we write this review. In short, hitters liked the light swing, loud sound, and trusted name of the 2019 Velo. The bat is a light swinging, sounds loud, and can hit it well if you can dial it in. Many players don't like what they think is the smaller sweet spot and the hand wrings on mishits.
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.
The Rawlings Velo for 2021 in BBCOR is built for the early lineup hitter who wants as much bat speed as possible. Elite level hitters who can barrel up balls with the VELO will do as well with it as they can any bat. BBCOR bats have narrowed the performance gap considerably, so don’t expect the VELO or any other BBCOR bat to outperform their peers to any considerable degree.
Compared to the 2020, expect a thinner handle and a redesigned barrel for a different sound and a bit longer barrel profile.
Top of the order hitters and some of the middle power guys could like the stiff feel and light swing of the Rawlings VELO. It swings almost as light as any 2021 BBCOR bat. It gives more feedback on the hands than some of our hitters appreciated, but the better hitters cared less about that. We think the Velo is built for the elite top of the order hitter and the occasional middle power guy too.
Price CheckRawlings 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.
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