Bat Digest is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More.
Bat Digest is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More.
Bat Digest is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More.
September 16, 2020 | by | @BatDigest
We measured the swing weight of 2020 BBCOR bats in the 33/30 inch realm. Roughly speaking, as we change to different lengths, then the order of swing weights stay the same. The apparent exception for 2020 is the Omaha, which uses a more massive swing for the 33 and 34-inch bats than it does for the 29 through 32.
We measured the swing weights of the 2019 and 2018 33-inch BBCOR bats. As a group, their swing weight varies no more than 12% in total. But, of note, swing weights, and scale values are not well correlated.
Scale Weight: What a bat weighs on a scale. (Not to be confused with its stated weight. Most bat’s scale weight is a once or two more than their stated weight.)
Swing Weight: A physical measurement of the bat that determines how difficult it is to swing. Based on a few factors, including the balance point, pendulum period, and scale weight.
Why Does This Matter?
Misunderstanding the difference between scale weight and swing weight will get you a bat that is not for you. Swing weight is how hard it is to swing a bat, and scale weight is how much it weights. As we point out below, those two things don’t correlate too well.
Determining a swing weight by only holding a bat is far from understanding the nature of how bats swing.
We use the data below and our ball exit speed and barrel size to write our baseball bat reviews (BBCOR section). Our data also informs our decision as to the best 2019 BBCOR baseball bats.
2019 BBCOR Swing Weights | |||
| Model | Length | Swing Weight | Scale Weight |
| Cat 8 Connect | 33 | 9846 | 30.85 |
| Dirty South KAMO | 33 | 9780 | 31.05 |
| Voodoo Insane | 33 | 9650 | 31.1 |
| Easton Alpha | 33 | 9610 | 31.2 |
| 5150 | 33 | 9559 | 31.2 |
| Voodoo Balanced | 33 | 9400 | 31.1 |
| CF Insane | 33 | 9400 | 31.2 |
| Easton FUZE | 33 | 9386 | 30.9 |
| Select 719 | 33 | 9350 | 31.1 |
| Easton 13.6 | 33 | 9303 | 31.55 |
| Easton ADV | 33 | 9195 | 30.85 |
| Voodoo One | 33 | 9150 | 30.75 |
| Prime 919 | 33 | 9150 | 31.2 |
| 519 Omaha | 33 | 9150 | 30.85 |
| Mizuno Carbon | 33 | 9116 | 31.05 |
| Hot Metal | 33 | 9104 | 30.95 |
| Meta Prime | 33 | 9100 | 30.85 |
| VELO | 33 | 8965 | 30.7 |
| CF Zen | 33 | 8900 | 31.15 |
| Solo 619 | 33 | 8900 | 30.85 |
| MAXCOR | 33 | 8895 | 30.95 |
| Axe Avenge | 33 | 8869 | 31.2 |
The lightest swinging 2019 BBCOR bat is the Axe Avenge. It is the lightest is surprising to us, and maybe to most. But, Axe set out to make the fastest swing on the market, and they did it.
The most massive swinging 2019 BBCOR bat is Marucci’s CAT 8 Connect. This is built for the big hitter looking for all the beef they allow. Some surprise is the 2019 Dirty South KAMO real close in the massive swing weight department.
2018 BBCOR Bat Swing Weights | Index |
| Easton Beast X Loaded | 1.122 |
| Marucci CAT 7 | 1.099 |
| DeMarini Voodoo Insane Endload | 1.099 |
| Mizuno MaxCor | 1.097 |
| Mizuno Generations | 1.085 |
| Rawlings 5150 | 1.078 |
| Easton Beast X Speed | 1.077 |
| Marucci F5 | 1.073 |
| Mizuno Covert | 1.073 |
| Easton Z-Core Lock & Load | 1.071 |
| DeMarini CF Zen Insane | 1.067 |
| Rude American MOAB Power | 1.062 |
| Slugger 918 Prime | 1.056 |
| Slugger 516 Omaha | 1.053 |
| Rawlings VELO | 1.045 |
| Rawlings Quatro | 1.044 |
| DeMarini Voodoo Balanced | 1.043 |
| Combat Maxum | 1.023 |
| Easton Ghost X | 1.019 |
| DeMarini CF Zen Balanced | 1.015 |
| DeMarini Voodoo One | 1.012 |
| Slugger 618 Solo | 1.000 |
When comparing the 33-inch BBCOR bats, we found the Easton Beast X Loaded to swing 12% heavier than the 2018 618 Solo. In practice, this is a considerable difference and something that can be felt immediately.
We would guess the 32 inch Easton Beast X Loaded runs 2 to 3% heavier (in terms of swing weight) than the 33-inch 618 Solo.
For two years in a row, the Slugger 618 Solo has been the lightest swinging bat we have found. It runs as a single piece aluminum with an extended composite end cap. And, get this, it also comes in a 29-inch bat. That 29-inch BBCOR is the lightest swinging highschool BBCOR bat on the planet. It isn’t close.
Other real close options, and within our margin of error, are the 2018 DeMarini Voodoo One, the DeMarini Zen Balanced, and Easton Ghost X.
Although we cannot be sure, we believe the numbers translate respectively when you shift from a 33-inch BBCOR to a 29, 30, 31, 32, or 34-inch BBCOR bat. Meaning, for example, we still think the 618 the lightest swinging 32-inch BBCOR too. The changes between different models and brands are so minute that we believe it likely the bats change order rankings—although by some imperceptible amount—as we change BBCOR lengths.
But, when compared to non BBCOR bats, we think there little to no correlation between these models and their USABat or USSSA bat comparisons. You can see our analysis on the USABat swing weights here.
After measuring the 2018 BBCOR bat swing weights, we assigned the lightest swinging bat (Slugger 618 Solo) a score of 1. We then took the percentage difference between the 618 and every bat on the list, and that number became the index.
For example, expect the Easton Ghost X to swing 1.9% heavier than the 618 Solo and the Mizuno F5 to swing 7.3% heavier.
Although we are confident in the repeat-ability of our swing measurements, we do not submit they are perfect. Our best estimate is we run no less than 200 points off. Meaning, a percentage swing of 2 to 3%, either way, would be a reasonable margin of error.
As well, a percentage point or two one direction or another is virtually indistinguishable to any given player. A bat with a 4% change any given direction on the above chart is likely not noticeable by anyone.
10 Things You Need to Know About Shaved Bats [2019 Survey] »
Why does the price go up whn ther bat is pretty much the same ?
Email their marketing folks. 🙂
So does swing weight translate to wood bat turn models? With wood bats I am used to seeing balanced defined as a 110 turn, a little end loaded defined as a 271, and a lot end loaded defined as a 243. Do these wood turn models correlate to swing weight in this evaluation?
When buying a wood bat, the 271 and 243 turn models get marketed to power hitters or hitters looking for more power. Where as with composite bats it seems like the marketing hype is all about being “balanced” which sounds like a 110 turn to me.
Great Question Dave. And you are right. Turn models have an inherit swing weight to them. Mostly because the bat’s shape, ie turn, derives where the weight of the bat sits. And a bat with a higher swing weight will have a balance point more towards the end cup. These models, sold more towards power hitters, will have a balance point closer to the end.
If you want to tell the difference, without all the calculation, one useful way to determine the swing weight of the bat is by measuring the balance point. You do that by just balancing it on your finger. Mark the spot. Then compare that number to another bat’s balance point. Most often, the one with the balance point further away from the knob will be a heavier swing weight.
Hope that helps!
How does the Marucci Posey BBCOR rank in among these bats?
The Marucci Posey BBCOR is the same bat as the CAT 7. So it ranks exactly similar to that, but with a different paint job.
Hello,
Thank you for putting up this info. It is super helpful and, as you know, pretty much impossible to find anywhere else.
Would you be willing to include a link to the 2018 swing weight data you had previously posted? It would be interesting to compare between years.
Thank you!
Thanks Mike. And so true.
The data is below the data. You do have to do the “like” thing, but it should show up. Let me know if it doesn’t.
Little confused. You said the axe avenge is the lightest swinging bat. But then it’s not listed under The Lighedt Swinging BBCOR Bat. Please clarify thanks!
Hey Tom,
This page has yet to be updated since we did our swing weights just a few months ago. Those are 2018 bats in the list. 2019 in the header image.
Why are the values for the 2018 bats different from the 2019 bats? Would be nice to be able to compare the two lists.
You can on our exit sheet data page.
where can i find the calculator and or spreadsheet for the swing weight of a bat?
https://batdigest.com/buying-guide/bat-swing-weight-calculator/
Where is the CAT 8 on this list? It is a popular bat and was redesigned to have a lighter swing weight than the CAT 7. Would like to be able to compare.
Thanks
618 Solo is the perfect bat for a smaller player transitioning to BBCOR. We have a 31/28, my son loves it. Super light, great pop. We also picked up a 917 Prime 32/29 in case he shoots up. (fingers crossed)
Can you publish these same tables for USSSA bats in both the -8 and -5 categories? Would really be helpful since the BBCOR and USSSA bat of the same model name could be very different and fall into the table very differently. Would greatly appreciate it!