Best BBCOR Bats 2023 (and 2022)

1

2023 Marucci CAT X Composite

CAT X Composite Ratings

Why We Love the 2023 CAT X Composite

Is it expensive? Very. Is it cliche? Probably. Are there other options? Yes.

But this bat smokes baseballs. Hard stop.

The average to good high school baseball player will love this bat. And it’s the only bat we can feel the most confident in recommending across the board. It feels great, has a massive barrel, swings light, and every bat feels like a bomb, many are.

We think it’s the best BBCOR bat for 2023.

2

2022 DeMarini The Goods

The Goods Ratings

Why We Love the 2022 The Goods

The 2022 The Goods is a fantastic BBCOR bat. It swings a little heavy, so this is not for the faint of heart, but those who like the idea of a hybrid and want to hang trophies with what many consider the best BBCOR bat on the market for 2022 should look real close at The Goods.

3

2023 DeMarini Voodoo One

Voodoo One Ratings

Why We Love the 2023 Voodoo One

We’ve resisted this long enough as we think this bat is crazy amounts overrated. Lots of other bats hang with it and, many times, beat it.

But, even still, we must admit it is a great bat. It measures about 1/2 inch short compared to its claims (the 33-inch, for example, is only 32.25 inches long), but that doesn’t keep it from hitting rockets.

It’s also consistently the most popular bat in the BBCOR space, and few can keep it in stock. In any case, if you want a great bat with a light swing the 2023 Voodoo One is a top end choice.

4

2023 Marucci CAT X

CAT X Ratings

Why We Love the 2023 CAT X

If you want a single-piece alloy for 2023, then we think you’ll be happy with the Marucci CAT X. It only edges out the Voodoo One in that it swings a bit lighter and measures the full length (while the Voodoo One is cut short by 2/3 of an inch). Both are great, no doubt. But if you want the pick we think anyone who wants a single-piece bat will be happy with it for 2023, then we pick the 2023 Marucci CAT X.

5

2023 Louisville Slugger Meta

Meta Ratings

Why We Love the 2023 Meta

We know the META has lost its luster over the last few years (it’s 2019/20 version was unbeatable). People have moved on mentally. But the exit speeds, feel, durability, and player rating on this thing are fantastic.

You can look elsewhere for more hype. But the bat is a fire maker and will hit the ball as hard as anything. It is also a fantastic swing weight for almost any hitter.

Aside from the CAT X Composite, we think it is the best two-piece composite bat in the BBCOR space. If you want to go that route and avoid the CAT X composite for whatever reason, then this is your bet. Older versions of the Meta work just fine too.

6

2022 Marucci F5

F5 Ratings

Why We Love the 2022 F5

As a pure value play, the 2022 Marucci F5 in BBCOR is an absolute win. We love the big barrel, the light swing, and the great feel on hits. The bat goes toe to toe with any single piece alloy on the market but gets 1/10 the publicity as some of the others. That’s great because you can find it in stock at most places and the sub $150 price point makes it highly attractive and great value. If you want a new bat for 2022, aren’t too worried about missing out on the ‘latest and greatest’ then the 2022 Marucci F5 is a fantastic purchase for 2022 BBCOR.

7

2020 Louisville Slugger Meta

Meta Ratings

Why We Love the 2020 Meta

Although almost impossible to find, and illegal in the 33-inch version, the 2020 Meta is a beautiful bat that is worthy of the hype. The barrel is massive, the feel is perfect and there isn’t a person on the planet who has hit the 2020 Meta and said anything disparaging. For most, it was worth the second mortgage they took out to get it. To be sure, we aren’t justifying some of the insane pricing we’ve seen in the market for this bat. But, this list is about the best, not the smartest buy. All other things being equal, we’d use the 2020 Slugger Meta as the best BBCOR bat in recent memory. Also, this is the same bat as the 2019 (red) Meta.

8

2020 DeMarini Voodoo

Voodoo Ratings

Why We Love the 2020 Voodoo

As we write this (March of 2021), the Voodoo is available at many outlets. This bat is fantastic, and we think it a real under-the-radar purchase. It’s as good as any Voodoo before or since. Although sacrosanct to say as much, our data shows that it performs as well as The Goods–a bat that more than a few were spending well over retail to get on the secondary market.

In terms of a hybrid bat at the current price point the market is making, we think the Voodoo Balanced from 2020 is a can’t go the wrong kind of choice.

9

2019 Rawlings Quatro Pro

Quatro Pro Ratings

Why We Love the 2019 Quatro Pro

If the Rawlings Quatro Pro for 2019 was durable, it might be our favorite bat ever. But, don’t expect to get more than one good season out of the bat. However, if you are good with a bat that has a propensity to break but want a rocket maker then the Quatro Pro is fantastic. The 2019 version has a soft connection piece, a really good feel, a very large barrel, and great performance.

10

2018 Rawlings Quatro

Quatro Ratings

Why We Love the 2018 Quatro

You can still find a few of these bats on the secondary market as well as a few outlets. The bat is legendary for its huge barrel performance when you tee one up, and it’s a penchant for breaking after too many hits. If you’re a big hitter, then we do not suggest it. But, if you’re a smaller BBCOR player looking for the maximum pop on lower swing speeds, then this we would recommend. Assuming, of course, you are okay with the idea that your bat may very not last you the full season.

11

2020 Louisville Slugger Solo

Solo Ratings

Why We Love the 2020 Solo

We are aware that the Solo gets a lot of hate in some circles (FaceBook). We aren’t sure why. The bat’s user reviews are fantastic. In terms of overall value, the ratings on Amazon and JustBats are way above average. People love the light swing, good-sized barrel, manageable price point, and its performance.

One of its most attractive features is the fact it comes in a 29-inch version. Throw in the light swinging nature of the Solo due to its extended composite end cap and you have a perfect bat for that 13 or 14-year-old who is still just trying to figure out how to grow. Our oldest son, who very well at 132lbs his senior year, used the 29-inch solo his freshman year in high school. He did great with it, had good bat speed and was able to be on time while a lot of his teammates were still late.

At the time of this writing, we found plenty of the 2020 in stock for a considerable discount over the 2021 version. The bat hasn’t changed from those previous years so we’d be all in on the 2020 from a certified vendor.

12

2015 RIP-IT Air Elite

Air Elite Ratings

Why We Love the 2015 Air Elite

If you’re patient, you can usually get the Air Elite or the Air circa 2015 for under $30. Truth be told, our exit speed data with the RIP-IT from that era are as good if not better than any bat you can find today. The Elite has a stiff two-piece connection and a good-sized barrel. Not to sound crazy, but the Air Elite was The Goods long before The Goods was The Goods.

We hit a lot and measure exit speed all the time. Whenever a high school player hits with the RIP-IT armament around 2015, they are shocked at how well they perform compared to bats 10x the price.

We love the idea of spending under $40 on your BBCOR bat. If you can find one in that range, we say, why not? Give it a spin. It’s not going to feel amazing on your hands, and you’ll be unimpressed with the sound and barrel profile. But, you’ll enjoy it plenty when you’re standing on second base, again.

Also, you can find this bat in a 2014 and 2016 version too. Go for it. They’re all the same and just as good.

13

2021 DeMarini The Goods

The Goods Ratings

Why We Love the 2021 The Goods

All but impossible to find these days, the 2021 BBCOR The Goods from DeMarini is a fantastic bat. We called its superiority before the 2021 season started and we likely understated its dominance. We think it the best bat for 2021. However, it is impossible to find because they all sold out. Still, though, player feedback on this bat is through the roof. Everyone who hits it loves it–even the small kids. Its great feel has convinced more than a few in the balanced market to see if they can wield this monster and more than a few of those have been happy with the switch. If you got a little bit of power and want to swing what many consider the best feeling bat in the business, the 2021 The Goods is it.

14

2022 Louisville Slugger Omaha

Omaha Ratings

Why We Love the 2022 Omaha

If you want a good deal on a brand new BBCOR bat for 2021, then take a close look at the Omaha from Louisville Slugger. Few bats have been around longer, and few get more love from NCAA players. The bat has a big barrel, and top-end performance even compared to bats 2x+ its price.

Note, the 33 and 34-inch versions of the 2022 Omaha have a heavy swing weight for their class. The 32 and below have a more balanced swing weight.

You may balk at the entry-level price of a performance bat for around $200. That’s fair; if you want to go even lower than that, we suggest the Rawlings 5150. That bat also gets a lot of publicity from NCAA players. We have always had more affinity for the Omaha as we think it feels better and like the bigger barrel profile and lighter swing weight. But, the 5150 would be a great, even less expensive new BBCOR bat for 2022.

If you can find older versions of the Omaha, they’re just as good as the 2022 (or 2023 for that matter).

15

2021 DeMarini CF

CF Ratings

Why We Love the 2021 CF

DeMarini’s CF for 2021 has a very flexible connection. There is a lot of give in the handle on mishits and, therefore, even the worst of hits feel great.

The bat also has top-end performance as the bounce off a bat happens AFTER the ball makes contact. So, any give on the connection piece does not take away from its exit velocity. That point is not well understood in the industry and many think that a stiffer bat transfers more power to the ball. That is not the case, however. Bats eject from the barrel so quickly the connection piece’s stiffness does not affect ball exit velocity.

All that said, smaller hitters or those who want a really nice feel on every hit (and avoid any handsting) will prefer DeMarini’s 2021 CF.

16

2017 Easton Mako Beast

Mako Beast Ratings

Why We Love the 2017 Mako Beast

If you want a great two-piece composite bat for a great deal then look for the 2017 Easton MAKO Beast on eBay. The bat can hit missiles and has held up well over the years—much better than a bat like the Quatro. As well, as far as we have observed, the bat comes at a serious discount and you can get a great feel, big barrel, light swing in a two-piece composite bat price that would also include a glove or another bat.

In terms of a straight value buy, if you’re looking for a two-piece composite bat in BBCOR then the 2017 Easton MAKO Beast should be high on your list.

17

2021 DeMarini Voodoo One

Voodoo One Ratings

Why We Love the 2021 Voodoo One

Our favorite single-piece BBCOR bat is the Maxum 360 or Ultra. We like the bigger barrel profile than the Voodoo and its exit speeds. We think that is proven out in the college ranks too where the Maxum is a big win.

That said, the 2021/2020/2019/2018 Voodoo One is a favorite of ours too, and gets good player feedback. (The bat has not changed for several years). It has a great sound, and good performance despite a pretty small barrel profile. It’s also a durable bat and although not the lightest swinging BBCOR bat around, is definitely lighter than some of the heavier ones like its two-piece counterpart The Goods.

We also really like The Goods One Piece. It is a very similar bat with the same alloy a slightly heavier swing and a bigger barrel profile when compared to the Voodoo One.

18

2016 DeMarini Voodoo Raw

Voodoo Raw Ratings

Why We Love the 2016 Voodoo Raw

These bats are becoming more and more scarce. But, if you can find one of these in the secondary market on eBay or Sidelineswap under $100 it might be the best bat move you’ve ever made.

The bat has a more flexible connection piece—which DeMarini changed in the following years. Now, the Voodoo line (aka The Goods) is a stiff feeling two-piece hybrid bat. But the Raw was quite flexible, a lot like the CF was then and is today.

As such, it feels a bit different than most power bats. We did a very long test this last year on the best Voodoo and this guy came out on top even compared to what a lot of folks think is the latest and greatest.

In terms of an old-school power hitters bat in the hybrid space? This is it.

19

2021 Axe Elite One SE Pro

Elite One SE Pro Ratings

Why We Love the 2021 Elite One SE Pro

This might not be the right choice for everyone, but if you want some power in your swing and a trick you’ve yet to try, we guess you might be happy with the new Axe Elite One. It is a single-piece alloy with a good barrel and an updated handle on the Axe bat. This newer handle (called the PRO Version handle) has more roundness to the back end of the knob and was created directly because of the feedback from the MLB folks who are swinging Axe wood bats in the Pros.

The bat swings on the heavy side, but if you can squre it up you’ll hit the ball real well. If you want to try something different and a bit off the beaten path, we’d go here.

20

2013 Marucci CAT 5^2

CAT 5^2 Ratings

Why We Love the 2013 CAT 5^2

It doesn’t come in a 33 or 34-inch, and the supply is slim, but we have found several 32 and 31-inch Marucci CAT 5’s on eBay over the years for well under $50. Those bats have outperformed basically every BBCOR bat we have ever compared them against. The feel is also not amazing—the bats sting a bit on mishits and even good hits sometimes. It’s not fun to have your hands hurt, but it’s also not fun to fly out to the left fielder. We’d rather have wringing hands and home runs than no callouses and fly out—all day.