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By Bat Digest | Last Updated February 12, 2021
$499.95
Original Price
Certification: BBCOR
Sizes: 31/28, 32/29, 33/30, 34/31
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 3
Swing Weight: Balance - (Between 5 and 10% lower than Industry Average).
Serial Number: WBL2463010
Original Price: $499.95
Release Month: August 2020
Related: Best BBCOR Bats
$399.95
Original Price
Certification: BBCOR
Sizes: 31/28, 32/29, 33/30, 33.5/30.5, 34/31, 34.5/31.5
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 3
Swing Weight: Balance + (5 to 10% Heavier Than Industry Average)
Serial Number: WTDXGIC21
Original Price: $399.95
Release Month: September 2020
Related: Best BBCOR Bats
$499
Original Price
Certification: BBCOR
Sizes: 31/28, 32/29, 33/30, 34/31
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 3
Swing Weight: Balanced (Within +/- 5% of Industry Average)
Serial Number: WBL2463010
Original Price: $499
Release Month: October 2019
Related: Best BBCOR Bats
2021 Louisville Slugger META BBCOR
$499.95
Original Price
Certification: BBCOR
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 31/28, 32/29, 33/30, 34/31
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 3
Swing Weight: Balance - (Between 5 and 10% lower than Industry Average).
Serial Number: WBL2463010
Release Month: August 2020
Meta BBCOR Drop 3
The 2021 Louisville Slugger META in BBCOR is a near-perfect bat. The only thing it lacks, we think, is a smaller 30-inch size. Otherwise, the balance, barrel size, feel and performance are all on poin…
2021 DeMarini The Goods BBCOR
$399.95
Original Price
Certification: BBCOR
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 31/28, 32/29, 33/30, 33.5/30.5, 34/31, 34.5/31.5
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 3
Swing Weight: Balance + (5 to 10% Heavier Than Industry Average)
Serial Number: WTDXGIC21
Release Month: September 2020
The Goods BBCOR Drop 3
The 2021 The Goods in BBCOR is a two-piece hybrid bat with an end load and a super-stiff connection. It is the next generation of Voodoo Insane and is, to say the least, very popular. The bat is hard …
2020 Louisville Slugger Meta
$499
Original Price
Certification: BBCOR
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 31/28, 32/29, 33/30, 34/31
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 3
Swing Weight: Balanced (Within +/- 5% of Industry Average)
Serial Number: WBL2463010
Release Month: October 2019
Meta BBCOR Drop 3
The stand-alone champ of 2020 BBCOR is Slugger's META. The bat gets the best player ratings, has a perfect balance, and feels fantastic. The downsides are that it's expensive, hard to find and illegal…
The best-kept secret in the industry is that the best BBCOR bat is actually the right size bat. BBCOR standards have leveled the playing field such that barrel performance is eerily similar across every brand, model, and make. The best way to improve your exit velocity is to dial in the right swing weight.
We help dial in the right swing weight here: BBCOR bat swing weights.
See our Bat Size Chart.
If you are still not sure as the right bat size, check out our advice column.
The biggest rumor floating around for 2021 BBCOR bats is the soon to be released 2021 Marucci CAT Composite. This will be a new line of 2021 bats meant to compete directly with the Meta, CF and Rawlings Quatro Pro. We aren’t sure on a release date, but we hope it is available for at least most of the 2021 season.
| Name | 2021 Louisville Slugger Meta | 2021 DeMarini The Goods | 2020 Louisville Slugger Meta |
| Image |  |  |  |
| Overall Rating | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 10/10 | Price |
| Swing Weight | Balance - (Between 5 and 10% lower than Industry Average). | Balance + (5 to 10% Heavier Than Industry Average) | Balanced (Within +/- 5% of Industry Average) |
| Performance Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Player Feedback | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Why We Love the 2021 Meta
Whenever a company releases a PWR version of a balanced bat you can be sure the balanced version is a rock star. It means older and bigger kids are wishing they could have the bat too. In other words, the Meta for 2021 is a rock star. They added some ring work inside the barrel when compared to 2020—to help it pass the certification test. But, make no mistake, the exit speeds and feel on the 2021 are just as good as we found them on the 2020. The only difference is the sound—which isn’t nearly as satisfying as the 2020 and 2019 Meta, but it is good enough.
Every hitter who has taken hacks on the 2021 Meta has liked it. The bat’s balanced feel and good sizing options make it an ideal candidate for the vast majority of BBCOR players looking for the biggest barrel, best feel, and a light swing.
Why We Love the 2021 The Goods
Although a bit on the heavy side, we think the 2021 BBCOR The Goods from DeMarini is one of the best bats on the market. In fact, in the heavier class, we think it the best. 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.
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.
Best BBCOR Bat 2020 Not Named Meta: There are several excellent options for 2020. If you want to steer clear of the Meta, then a different great bet is the Easton ADV 360.
After lots of hitting with every 2020 BBCOR bat out there, our hitters think Slugger’s Meta Prime is the best BBCOR bat. Granted, the BBCOR space offers plenty of great options—many a lot cheaper. But, if the price is no object, we think the Meta Prime is best.
Amazon Price Check
Slugger Price Check
After a year’s worth of feedback and more testing than we can count, we still think the 2019 Rawlings Quatro Pro is the best BBCOR bat. (That is, the best BBCOR bat not named the Meta—but those are out of stock). Do note, and we think the 2020 Quatro Pro falls short of the 2019 version, so don’t recommend it as a suitable replacement. But, if you can find it in the right size, the 2019 Quatro is a great, great choice.
Amazon Price Check
Although the same as the white version of the bat, the Marucci CAT 8 might be the best all-around BBCOR bat on the market. It’s price, performance reviews and player feedback should put it on the shortlist of every serious ballplayer. Those that like stiff bats and a loud ping (and saving a few bucks) should love it.
Amazon Price Check
How Do We Decide?
The 2019 Meta was hands down, the best BBCOR bat for 2019. Nothing changed with the bat, and we didn’t find a 2020 BBCOR that got that much better.
There are other impressive 2020 BBCOR bats aside from the Meta. (And we think the best BBCOR bat for 2019 is just as good or better than anything in 2020).
Here are the categories we use to help determine the best BBCOR bat. We hit with all of them to get these insights.
After a year’s worth of feedback and more testing than we can count, we still think the 2019 Rawlings Quatro Pro is the best 2019 BBCOR bat. So you know, we believe the 2020 falls short of the 2019 version, so don’t recommend it as a suitable replacement. But, if you can find it in the right size, the 2019 Quatro is a great, great choice.
Although the same as the white version of the bat, the Marucci CAT 8 might be the best all-around BBCOR bat on the market. It’s price, performance reviews and player feedback should put it on the shortlist of every serious ballplayer. Those that like stiff bats and a loud ping (and saving a few bucks) should love it.
Amazon Price Check
Of course, everyone’s list will be different. But, here are the best BBCOR bats for 2020. We reserve the right to change this up throughout the year–especially as we gather more durability information.
Best BBCOR Bat 2020
For 2019 the Louisville Slugger Meta Prime was a game-changer. Something about the feel and sound had people drooling. Rarely have we seen a market that accepts a $50 price increase without much complaint, but the Meta did it. At $499 and the most expensive stock BBCOR bat on the market, the bat was rarely in stock.
Instead of producing more 2019 versions of the bat, Slugger readied their 2020 release. They changed nothing on the bat, save the graphic change to blue.
As well, we are sure, Slugger made plenty this year. Anyone willing to spend $500 on the most expensive bat is sure to find it in stock.
Although a known commodity, we didn’t test anything this year that was better than the Meta. We do think bats like the Easton Maxum and ADV 360 closed the gap. But, if the price isn’t an issue and you want a balanced swing for 2020 in BBCOR, then the Slugger Meta is a great bet.
Read our Full 2020 Slugger Meta Review.
Best Light Swinging 2020 BBCOR Bat
You might think we’re crazy. But, honestly, the 2020 Easton Maxum in BBCOR blew us away. Easton changed the design a bit from the old, now defunct, Combat Maxum. And our exit speeds were off the charts. Every hitter, especially our smaller hitters, loved the feel and bat speed.
If you want a light swing in the 2020 BBCOR space, then we like the Maxum. It doesn’t have that two-piece feel so that you might expect some hand ring occasionally. But, if you want maximum ball flight, top-end exit speeds, and a ridiculously sized barrel, then the Easton Maxum is our hitter’s recommendations. The 14U player we had testing chose this as his favorite bat of the bunch.
And, to boot, it’s going to save a few bucks (at least compared to the Meta).
Read our full Easton Maxum 360 BBCOR Review.
Best Heavier Swinging 2020 BBCOR Bat
Marucci’s CAT is a hugely unsurprising choice in the best 2020 BBCOR space. In terms of our survey results, the CAT 8 is the second most adored bat–and more hitters who have the CAT 8 think they have the best bat except for those who own the Meta.
The CAT 8 is a beautifully designed bat with a high sized barrel and a loud sound. They have technology in the knob that helps dampen sting as a single piece of aluminum.
Although not talked about much, the Marucci CAT 8 is what we consider an end-loaded bat. That is, the weight balance is towards the endcap when compared to the rest of the 2020 class of BBCOR bats. Compared to a bat like the Maxum, it swings almost 15% heavier.
In other words, if you are good with a bit of weight in your bat, then the CAT 8 might be the perfect fit. If you want a light swing but want to go with the CAT 8, then consider sizing down.
Also, the 2020 version of the CAT 8 is no different than the 2019 version save the color change from white to black.
Read our full 2020 Marucci CAT 8 Review.
Best 2020 Two-Piece Composite Not Named Meta
Our second favorite two-piece composite bat for BBCOR 2020 is Easton’s ADV 360. (Although Slugger’s Prime is pretty great too).
What we found most surprising about the 2020 BBCOR class (aside from the Maxum’s ratings) was how poorly we felt like the Rawlings Quatro Pro and DeMarini CF did. Last year, 2019, our favorite bat aside from the Meta was the Quatro, and the CF rated out as a top 5 bat. But, for 2020, the bats we tested, how do we say this, weren’t excellent. We struggled to get them to hot off the bat, and the feel, especially in the Quatro Pro, just wasn’t there.
Did we get a dud? It does happen.
Still, though, we became big fans of the Easton 360 ADV. We love the Power Boost knob, and it feels, frankly, like the CF Insane of 2019, which we loved (although it does swing lighter).
In any event, if you want a two-piece composite bat but don’t want the Meta for whatever reason, then our hitters say take a real close look at Easton’s ADV 360. We suspect you will be pleasantly surprised.
Read our full Easton 360 ADV BBCOR Review.
We also measured all the swing weights of the 2020 BBCOR bat class. We measure these bats individually and, we’ve learned, many of the same models have a manufacturing tolerance of their weight distribution. Not all bats of the same make and model and weight are the same. In other words, your results may vary, but these are the swing weights (+/- 3%) of the bats we worked with to get our ratings.
You can read more about swing weights here.
We also measured the length of the max barrel size on each BBCOR bat. The vast majority are very close to each other. The winner is the Easton Maxum followed real closely by Easton’s ADV 360, Axe’s Avenge, DeMarini’s CF, Slugger’s Meta, Marucci’s Cat and the Victus Vandal.
Here’s an image showing the best BBCOR bat barrel sizes.
Below ranks each of the bats by the different categories we asked in the survey. For BBCOR bats, this comes from over 610 unique BBCOR players and parents from throughout the country at all different skill levels. It is, as far as we know, the single largest collection of 2019 BBCOR user ratings and rankings anywhere.
| Rank | Brand | Model | Yes, My Bat is Best | Popularity | Player Rank | Owner Happiness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisville Slugger | 919 Prime | 41% | #2 | 83 | Price | |
| 2 | Louisville Slugger | Meta Prime | 76% | #1 | 88 | Price | |
| 3 | DeMarini | CF Zen | 45% | #4 | 81 | Price | |
| 4 | Marucci | CAT 8 | 72% | #3 | 85 | Price | |
| 5 | Easton | ADV 3 | 59% | #6 | 72 | Price | |
| 6 | Rawlings | Quatro Pro | 66% | #7 | 82 | Price | |
| 7 | Marucci | CAT 7 (2018) | 0% | # | 76 | Price | |
| 8 | Rawlings | Velo | 40% | #10 | 80 | Price | |
| 9 | Louisville Slugger | 619 Solo | 13% | #11 | 78 | Price | |
| 10 | Easton | Mako Beast (2018) | 0% | # | 70 | Price |
*Rank: The bats are ordered based on their popularity.
*Player Rank: Player rank adds up how many self described BBCOR players or parents think a certain bat is the best.
*Owner Happiness: Players were asked how happy they were about their bat purchase on a scale from 0 to 100.
*Popularity: How many players claimed to use this bat.
*Yes, My Bat is Best: How many BBCOR players claimed the 'best bat' was also the bat they used.
We surveyed over 2,000 bat owners, 600 of which were BBCOR 2019 bat owners and users. We measured what bat they use, how they like it, and what bat they consider to be the best. What follows is the insights we gained from this study.
We measured what bat brand is the most popular. In BBCOR for 2019, it is Slugger. We then asked each of those users to decide what brand is best. You can see those answers from the outer ring below. In BBCOR, for example, Slugger users thought the Slugger brand was the best (not surprising) and then Easton as the next best (somewhat surprising). You can see the information for each brand and league below.
The order by popular brand goes like this:
This list’s order isn’t that surprising. We knew Slugger was dominant in the BBCOR space because of the Meta’s wild success this year. But, what is interesting is that Wilson (who owns both Slugger and DeMarini) is 1st and 3rd. They are, in no small measure, a massive juggernaut in the BBCOR bat space.
If anything was surprising, it was Rawlings’s 5th place finish. We also thought Marucci and the CAT 8 would have been a bit more popular. But, considering they have one flagship bat (where folks like DeMarini, Slugger, etc. have more), it does make sense that Marucci comes in 4th, although the Cat 8 alone is one of the most popular BBCOR bats around.
Bat satisfaction among BBCOR players might surprise people. Of all the baseball bat leagues, BBCOR users tend to be the most satisfied. This shows how a lot of companies have figured out the BBCOR standard. Many bats reach the rule, and durability isn’t a severe issue. The distribution and market share is also even across a lot of brands—there isn’t a stand out company or brand as all the top 5 have decent market share and reach.
We are confident no one has hit a greater variety of BBCOR bats in the last year. We, at Just Bat Reviews, make it a point to deliver real reviews from real players. A significant piece of the baseball bat market is the BBCOR space, and as such, we have used every performance ($150+) BBCOR bat for 2018 in some fashion or another. Most of that work comes between three to four different hitters, but often we gather feedback from far outside that circle, too.
Much of the data we capture is qualitative. That is, it responds to the quality of the product in terms of feel, aesthetics, and personal feedback. They serve as a basis for our impressions of the bat. Qualitative data is less objective and, therefore, harder to transfer its value from one player to another.
We also use several quantitative measurements to get a feel for the best BBCOR bats. Our exit speed testing and barrel testing, as well as our liberal use of swing weight calculator, influence our rankings considerably. As well, we use aggregated feedback from some rating sites like Amazon and justbats.com to get a feel for what people may or may not be saying about the bat.
Granted, much of those reviews are challenging to verify, and it is possible, maybe even likely, they are scrubbed by the sellers to only portray a positive outlook.
Our funny way to answer the question of whether we are right by simply saying no, we are probably not correct. We are not right for everyone.
Our defense is the best effort in finding the 2018 BBCOR bat players would be the happiest with on average. Does that mean everyone will appreciate the feel, pop, and balance? Of course not. But our best guess—which we believe is more educated than anyone in the market—is without industry or vendor bias.
Every review we write also captures the ratings of our readers. This best list shows the highest rated BBCOR bats for 2018 as determined by the thousands of folks who come to our site.
Part of the reason we loved the 2018 Rawlings BBCOR Quatro is the fact it rated out the highest in our BBCOR exit speed test. That is, under controlled circumstances, we found it had the most pop.
Of course, there are several problems with measuring exit speeds in a controlled environment, many of which we discuss in that article. But, in terms of the bat we found could hit the ball the fastest, it was the 2018 Rawlings Quatro.
As well, the BBCOR 2018 Quatro has a balanced swing weight. It’s official swing weight, as we recorded it, sat in the bottom 30%. That is, 705 of BBCOR bats in 2018 swung heavier.
Lightness in the swing isn’t a good or bad thing when isolated by itself. It just is what it is. Most players, especially high school BBCOR players, prefer a lighter than average swing, and the Rawlings Quatro fits squarely in that mix.
Players loved:
The balance and buttery smash on both hits and mishits.
We Loved:
It also rated out as the BBCOR bat with one of the most massive barrels and highest exit speeds. The Rawlings Quatro averaged over 2.1% hotter in our exit speed tests than the average of the 35 bats we tested. Also, it turns out; we love the many length options and the balanced swing.
There are a lot of great options in the BBCOR space. Every major company, and even some of the small ones, can deliver a bat that produces exit speeds right at the limit—and some companies do it with several bats.
But all bats are not created equal, just like all hitters are not created equal. Below we categorize more of our favorite BBCOR bats for the 2018 season.
We have hit with, watched others hit with, and measured the success of every 2018 BBCOR bat on the market. We often prefer hybrid bats for their durable and hot out of the wrapper nature. (A hybrid bat, you may recall, is a two-piece bat where the barrel is aluminum, and the handle is composite).
After all, that is hitting and measuring; we are in love with the 2018 DeMarini Voodoo Insane. The bat packs serious power can hit the long ball like nobody’s business and feels ultra-smooth on both hits and mishits. If there is any bat in the 2018 class we might take to the plate before the Rawlings Quatro, it is the 2018 Voodoo Insane.
See our 2018 Voodoo Insane Review
We have a running tally of our favorite metal bats on a different page. But here, for our most beloved 2018 BBCOR aluminum bat, we like the 618 Solo from Louisville Slugger.
Not only did the 618 create the closest grouping of high speed hits in our testing (meaning the bat was the most consistent), but it also comes in sizes ranging from a 29 to a 34. And in a world where small players require tiny BBCOR bats, it is an absolute plus to have a 29-inch bat.
See our 2018 618 Solo Review
With many options to choose from, the best BBCOR bat for 2017 is Louisville’s 617 Solo. We love the bat’s ultra-light swing due to its extended composite end cap. The fact it comes in a 29-inch is a massive plus for a market that demands the lightest swinging sticks on the market. As we mention in our exclusive best bat article, the 617 SOLO has a massive benefit at a reasonable price point too. Slugger’s 617 Solo tops our Best BBCOR Bats 2017 list.
This article serves as a subset of our best. It works alongside our best Little League bats article. Both may be worth your time, too.
There are several reasons the 617 the top of our Best BBCOR Bat 2017 List. For starters, we like how the 617 SOLO is different. Unlike most top-shelf choices that run with an expensive two-piece composite bat with an over-sized barrel, the SOLO is a moderately priced bat in the single-piece hybrid space. This design keeps the lighter swing found on more expensive bats but now delivers hot out of the wrapper performance.
The barrel size, usually sacrificed in aluminum barrels, is still substantial.
Throw in the fact the bat’s MSRP is under $300, and the choice of a non-composite barreled bat gaining the top prize is pretty simple. What is that you say? The bat also comes in a 29/26 inch length, making it the LIGHTEST swinging bat in the BBCOR space? Done.
As predictable as the sun rising in the East, we like the 2017 MAKO BBCOR a lot. This type of bat, a two-piece composite with a balanced swing weight, has come to define the performance space. The MAKO Beast, much like the CF Zen below, sits at the top of the shelf in players’ minds and parents’ wallets for a reason. It is a smooth swinging, buttery smash ball driller and few there be that walk away unimpressed.
Why not the top spot? For many, we would argue, it is. But 2017 finds us looking for something different than the same old two-piece composite with a huge barrel and balanced swing weight.
In 2016 our favorite bat of the BBCOR bunch. Even today, well into the 2017 bat market season, the CF8 is in high demand—-it is a tough find. The Zen is the next generation of that CF8 without much, if any, real changes.
Like the bat’s predecessor, we have yet to find a player that does not love the BBCOR CF Zen.
So, why not the top spot?
If we were to pin it on one aspect, it is the lack of a 29-inch version. BBCOR forces younger and younger players, insomuch that finding a bat they can even make contact with is getting complicated. We might also add that there are so many two-piece composite bats with a big barrel and light swing weight that it makes it hard for one to rise to the top.
If you are looking for a bat that is like the 2017 Louisville Slugger 617 SOLO, then Marucci’s unrelated and robust cousin. The idea is the same: balanced swinging single piece aluminum. The bat is hot out of both the wrapper and photo-shoots. It uses a proprietary sting dampening mechanism in the knob to help remove some vibration on the thumb during mishits. However, the CAT 7 does not have the extended composite end cap like the 617 SOLO, so expect a slightly more massive swing per given inch. It does not come in a 29 inch, but it is $50 cheaper.
If you are looking for a near mimic of the 617 SOLO, then the 2017s the ticket. The 2017 is also a single-piece aluminum with an extended composite end cap. The bat is built with a very light swing and fits in the same niche as the 617 SOLO across the board. However, the 2017 Rawlings VELO’s shortest length is 31 inches.
Axe’s asymmetric knob on the Hyperwhip combines with an asymmetric endcap. This endcap shape removes weight and lightens swing weight dramatically. Like the 617 SOLO and Rawlings VELO, it uses an extended composite end cap even further to reduce swing weight.
If you are looking for something a little bit different, but still want that light swinging single piece aluminum to feel and sound, then the 2017 Hyperwhip Fusion Element could be the beginning of your magic moment.
To put together this list, we have hit, seen hit, reviewed, tested, and read numerous reviews on every single 2016 BBCOR bat on the market. As well, we compiled data from NCAA Division 1 World Series stats according to the bat they used.
Although the answer can never be the same for everyone, all of this information led us to name the Best BBCOR Bat for 2016. More details and reasoning follow in our discussion of the best BBCOR bats 2016 list. We consider this our definitive and final work in the 2016 season.
DeMarini’s 2016 BBCOR CF8 has everything most people want in a BBCOR bat. For starters, the bat is balanced. Meaning, it swings easily and gives a lot of barrel for such a silent swing. Additionally, the bat is a two-piece design, so it allows for a smooth smash on sweet spots and a manageable ring on mishits.
As well, the barrel is composite. The composite barrel leads to a larger barrel and higher performance along its length. Also, DeMarini’s CF8 has a long pedigree of top-shelf performance.
Add to that sweet and comfortable design a few other factors. Namely, users voted that bat like the best for 2016; the 2016 BBCOR CF8 is a tough find because lots of people like it; Amazon reviews are generally glowing.
Our Best BBCOR Bat 2016 edition wouldn’t be complete without a runner-up. That award goes to the 2016MAKOes. You read that correctly. The TORQ won a 2nd place award on this site. Why the TORQ and not the traditional MAKO? Fair question. We will ask one of our own: why the MAKO and not the TORQ? They are, after all, the same bat. Put some Lizard Skin to pin down the spinning handle and BOOM! You just got yourself a MAKO.
The MAKO TORQ has consistently run several dollars cheaper than the MAKO—enough to afford a Lizard Skin and still come out ahead. The 2016 BBCOR MAKO Torq is a natural choice.
There are only a few bats on the market made for dead-dangerous big hitters. We discuss many of those at length in our best hitters. In the 2016 line, our top BBCOR bat is the 2016 Rawlings two-piece hybrid bat with an end-load and a super-stiff transition.
Our experience with this bat left us enamored with the reasonable end load, hot out of the wrapper performance, and trust in a model line that has supported big hitters for several years now. Of course, like the CF8 and MAKO above, the best power hitter’s bat is a function of preference. Many big hitters like the ultra-stiff feel of a single piece bat, and as such, the Voodoo Raw won’t cut it for them.
2016 may be the unique bat ever invented. The bat’s asymmetric knob, long a fixture on Axe bats, leads to a phenomenon we have discussed at length referred to as “predictive impact.” The shaped knob forces contact on one side of the barrel.
Axe plans for this by supporting the contact side of the barrel differently than the non-impact side. In the 2016 Hyperwhip, Axe took it a step further by shaping the end cap to elongate the barrel on the hitting side. The asymmetric knob now has an asymmetric friend at the opposite end of the bat. This design creates a lower swing weight than could be found on a bat without predictive hitting.
DeMarini’s CF7 is a pleasure to hit. Its sting dampening is top shelf. The barrel size is perfect. Its mid-balance, hand-loaded feel gives excellent bat speed and feel through the zone. No one can measure in-game batted ball speed with other bats. We do know BBCOR standards level the playing field, but from a simple eyeball test, it’s hard to say anything hits the ball with as much velocity as the CF7.
We love this bat.
Maruccipre-season and we are still in love with it for all the same reasons. We love the one-piece feel of power and drive. And with the added sting resistance in the knob, it should be a preference for the rope-makers among us. The bat is downright beautiful.
We are also in love with its price point, and at $249, it is the least expensive bat on this list.
Ever since we saw Louisville’s Jr. Home Run Derby and make waves as the 2014 NCAA world series, we knew Slugger was on to something. Since then, this bat has received nothing but absolute rave reviews. Few, if any, have ever hit with the 915 and then ever let it out of their site. This bat is highly recommendable. (Pricing check
Any honest list of the best 2015 BBCOR bats must include Easton’s 2015 MAKO. This bat should sell upwards of twice as many as any other BBCOR bat in production for 2015. Its barrel size is dreamy; swing weight calculated precisely for the broadest audience and two-piece construction arguably flawless.
Easton isn’t the most significant baseball bat company only because they have massive distribution and marketing. No, they are the most substantial composite and metal bat company in the world because they make bats like the MAKO. Most who swing this bad boy never look elsewhere and scoff at anyone who suggests they should.
Just Bat Reviews, LLC DBA Bat Digest participate in affiliate marketing programs including but not limited to Amazon and eBay. We most likely earn a comission from companies we link to on this site.
© 2021. Just Bat Reviews, LLC DBA Bat Digest Company.
My son is a small 14U player that needs a drop 3 and we got him a marucci drop 5 last year and he hits it well. Now I need to get get him a drop 3 and read the reviews on the cat8 black and says it is for power hitters what would you recommend I get him. I am disabled veteran and like most others I am on a budget. Just asking if you ever give a good bat to kids to use and let them write a review?
Hey Carl, Good question. If you want a lighter swinging bat that hits the ball well, we suggest you look for a 31-inch Marucci CAT 5. We know that’s old school, and you’ll need to buy it used on eBay or Sidelineswap. But, we think its a fire maker. If you want to buy something new, then we suggest a bat like the 31″ Rawlings Quatro.
The best and easiest way to save money on a bat is to buy a used one. Our data shows that older BBCOR bats do just as well as new ones (and sometimes even better). So, you can get a great CAT 6 or CAT 7 at a steal of a price. To help keep the swing weight down, just buy a 31 or 30″ instead of the 32 or 33-inch. I hope that helps and thanks for reaching out.
Hi Brian something I forgot to mention he wants to be able to hit the ball hard and has used a demarini and Louisville slugger and likes both bats and got we got a great deal from just bats but those bats just doesn’t give him the pop he needs. When I mentioned I am on a budget I was saying 400 dollars and up were out of price range now with all that being said say for No more than 300 Dollars what would give him the pop he wanting and by the way he does take hitting lessons
Well, unfortunately, BBCOR bats don’t perform like USSSA bats. So, it’s impossible to find a bat with as much pop. But, we really like old school bats. Like Golf Clubs, performance really hasn’t changed much in the last 5+ years. The bats are all about the same in BBCOR. If he wants the coolest looking bat, then people really like The Goods. If he wants one that hits it the farthest, the top 60 to 70% of BBCOR bats perform within 1 mph of each other. Our style, then, is to go and buy older bats, like the CAT 5 or maybe even an older Voodoo (We really like the 2013 and 2016 RAW). Thanks again and good luck!
Hello I am a 15u player, taller build and a medium weight. I’ve been swinging the meta 2021 33inch bbcor, I was wondering if I wanted a bat with more pop like the goods or perhaps the cat 9 connect,or the NOX. would it be a smart idea to move down a size to be able to control the barrel a little better, or get something like the bonesaber in a 33inch. Price does not matter. If you could give me the best option for me to swing between a Warstic Bonesaber 33inch, A Cat 9 Connect 32inch, The goods 32inch, Or the NOX 33inch, to replace the 2021 meta. If you don´t think any of these are a good option, let me know of a bat that has more pop, and equal or slightly heavier swing weight.
Hey Dom,
We don’t think The Goods, CAT 9 Connect or NOX have more pop than the META for 2021. Exit speed tests are similar between all three bats. Top-end BBCOR bats all perform within inches of each other despite what groupthink and marketing try and emphasize. But, to your point, the real trick is getting the right size bat. It is hard to tell if you’d do better with a bit more end load in a 32 or a balanced 33 like the META. We’d guess since the swing weight in the 33 Meta is higher than a slightly endloaded 32 you’d do better with the 33 Meta. But, that’s just a guess. You want to be able to maximize your timing with the bat that has heights swing weight. Of the bats you listed, the META in a 33-inch BBCOR swings heavier than those other three bats in a 32. So, if you can swing it with the same degree of timing that you can a 32 The Goods, then we’d suggest you stick with the META 2021 in a 33-inch. Hope that helps and thanks for reading. If, at 15, you’re out looking for this information you are in a really good spot. Good luck!
If you had to choose between the 2020 DeMarini Voodoo One or the Louisville Slugger Solo which would you pick. I am a strong 15 years old and am moving up an inch from 32 to a 33. I have no budget.
Jack,
Love the question.
We’d choose the Solo. We knot he Voodoo One has got some pub recently, but we’ve always been fans of the ultra-light swing and bigger barrel profile on the Solo. Both are very similar in terms of swing weight and off the bat performance.
In fact, now that we think about it, we’d probably just buy the one we could find for a better deal. Save the extra few bucks and put it towards some smooth batting gloves or another fielding glove.
Hope that helps! Thanks for reaching out.
What size and type of bat would you recommend for my 13 yr old son? He is 5’2″ and 88 lbs, and only a second year travel player, average hitter at best and still working on proper swing mechanics. I worry that he is not strong enough to swing a BBCOR properly, but according to IESA rules (hopefully he plays middle school ball in the fall) any bat 31″ and up must be BBCOR. Any bat 30″ and below would have to be BBCOR or USABat. Should I try a 31″ BBCOR? Or stick with a lighter 30″ USABat? If a 30″ USABat, what drop and type would you recommend?
IESA Bat rules are an interesting and unique take. One day, maybe they’ll respond to my email about why they do it like that. In any event, it’s definitely a tough situation for the right bat sizes.
In short, we think a 30″ drop 5 would fit him well. Luckily, there are a few brands that make a 30-inch drop 5 including the very favorite Easton Beast PRO and Axe Elite. Both come in a drop 5 and have a 30″ option. So, that’s the way we would lean. We think if he’s not very big, that drop 5 will work wonders.
As well, if you were to go to BBCOR, you’d probably want a 30-inch BBCOR anyways. Since the BBCOR and USA standards are very similar, we think that lighter swing weight will really help with his confidence, bat speed, and plate success.
Hope that helps! Good luck this year.
My 13 y/o 8th grader is playing High School and we are looking to get him a bat for use in HS and Babe Ruth. I am stuck between the Cat 8 and Meta. Looking for best bang for buck, would be willing to spend the money on Meta but not sure if thats the right bat for him. He is a contact hitter, not big power, about 5’9 and 130 lbs. Thank you!
Jeremy,
Good choices, for sure. The real question you need to have your son answer is the kind of feel he prefers. The CAT 9 and META are outstanding bats that perform at the top of the BBCOR standard, but they do feel considerably different. Feel doesn’t affect performance as it does affect the perception of performance. Our experience with most younger BBCOR players is they prefer the feel of the META. That confidence might bleed over into better swings, more practice, and faster swing speeds. But, there really won’t be any scientifically noticeable difference in terms of the actual barrel performance.
As well, the CAT 8/9 swings heavier than the META. Most younger players need as much swing speed as they can buy before their bodies and strength catch up to the drop 3 BBCOR requirement. So, it appears, if our options are between the CAT 9 and the META, we’d choose the META. Hope that helps.
Hey, I watch all your videos, and I had a question on bats. I’m looking for a bat not to heavy but just enough to get power. I love the 515 Omaha and am looking to get the 2019 Omaha but herd the 2020 is a little heavy. Can you tell me which has more pop the Omaha 519 or the solo 619?
All other things equal, including your swing speed, the Omaha should create more exit velocity. Not because the barrel is better than the Solo but because it swings heavier. The question is, can you swing the Omaha as fast as you can swing the Solo? If so, then the Omaha should do you good.
Also, The 2020 Omaha (and 2021) has dynamic swing weights. Meaning, the 33 and 34 are considered endloaded bats while anything 32-inches and shorter swings “balanced.” Granted, that balance isn’t as light as the SOLOs. But, the shorter sized Omaha’s are nothing endloaded like the longer versions.
I am a baseball guy, and my son, who is a 6’2, 240 lb high school senior catcher/corner infielder, has been playing all his life. He grew up with the blue Combat DaBomb and yellow Easton XL…fun times and moon shots. BBCOR has certainly curbed that but hearing a lot of buzz around the L/S Meta, Meta PWR, and Demarini’s The Goods. I’m familiar with the specs, see the MOIs on each, but keep flipping the coin and would like an unbiased opinion. I see all of these as a good option, just what might be better…seems the Meta has more pop? It would be great for his last year of HS ball to include a few HRs. Thanks in advance for any help. I do enjoy your reviews and youtube demos.
Derek,
Thanks. It is probably not what you want to hear, but the top end of the BBCOR bats really don’t have any more pop than other BBCOR bats. Perception goes a long way, and there’s plenty of hype surrounding bats like the META and The Goods. To be sure, they are great bats. But, we’d put up the exit speeds on a CAT 9, Omaha, Prime, etc. against those bats and do just as well.
That’s a pretty long way of saying there really isn’t a difference in ‘pop’ but a difference in perception. If the idea here is to hit as many home runs as possible, the trick would be to use the biggest bat with the heaviest swing weight. Many coaches might freak out at him for using a heavier bat because his timing might slow down. So, to be sure, we’re not saying get a bat where his timing and mechanics are off. Instead, try and find the heaviest elite BBCOR bat he can get and still swing at top speeds with the shortest amount of timing.
So, I’d look for a bat like a 33-inch The Goods or Axe Elite. Those are heavy swinging bats in their respective classes. If those are too much, then a CAT 9 or Victus Nox.
I hope that helps, and thanks for the question. Good luck this year.
I am a high school senior, and I am currently swinging a Marucci Cat 7 and can’t swing that bat next year in college due to the barrel being white. I am 5’9″ 150 lbs contact hitter with occasional power. I don’t really want to continue to swing one piece bats, but I can’t decide if a composite or a hybrid bat would be better. After doing some research, I have narrowed down my selection to the Louisville Slugger Prime, the CF, the Slugger Select PWR, and the Voodoo balanced. I will be going to school in Minnesota next year, and I am wondering if the cold weather will play a part in performance in these bats? Any recommendations?
Aaron,
Thanks for the question. Of the bats you listed, our favorite is the Voodoo Balanced. It is the Goods but with a different paint job and a lot less expensive. The X14 Alloy will be great for college ball and, if you watch the NCAA CWS, you’ll see a lot of those guys are using the Voodoo in some version or another.
In terms of overall performance, the BBCOR standard has leveled the playing field dramatically. There really aren’t ‘better’ performing bats than others—although there are some bad ones. Of all those, you listed each meets the BBCOR standard at some point. The answer will be finding the right swing weight that can help you get on time to the type of pitch speed you will soon see.
Good luck!
My son is 14 YO, 5’07” 140lbs with average power. He really likes the Axe bats, but I see the Elite One is very endloaded. He is just making the switch to BBCOR, BTW. He has swing a 31″ Elite One very well but was previously practicing with a 32″ Hammer (old bat borrowed from the neighbor, BESER old lol) and not doing bad with BP but I know it’s a bit much for him. I really feel he would do well with a 32″ Axe hyperwhip as I know it has a very light swing weight by size. Is the sweet spot smaller on the hyperwhip? And I would guess the swing weight (and therefore pop) should be at least equal to the 31″ Elite One. Thank you!
Charlie,
Glad to hear your boy likes the Axe Bats and handle. We like them too and wish more people had a chance to give them a chance. As a side note, we also have a Hammer bat. The thing is a fun hit.
To answer your specific question, the Axe Hyperwhip is a lower swing weight than the hammer. In fact, based on our best guesses looking at the 32 and 33 Elite/Hyperwhip (since we don’t have the 32 & 31 to measure), they should have very similar swing weights. That is, the 32-inch Hyperwhip and the 31-Inch Elite.
In terms of sweet spots, that’s a bit more difficult to answer empirically. However, both use the same alloy material (Axe calls it the MX8) with that variable wall thickness that many bats use these days (CAT, Velo, Victus, etc.). That gives us some confidence in believing the sweet spots and relative barrel performance are pretty darn close to each other. More than likely, it’s the same barrel but with a different weighting towards the cap and a slightly different shape.
I hope that helps and good luck!
Thank you!
I’m looking at getting a new BBCOR bat for my son. He is a 6’3″ 180lbs 16 year old power hitting. He is currently swinging the Louisville Slugger 918 Prime 34/31. I am looking at the Louisville Prime 919 or DeMarini The Goods in the 34/31. I totally understand that it is a personal preference so I’m looking for advice/opinion. Thank you and have a great day!
Chad,
Thanks. If he’s already swinging a 34/31 well, then the only real option is go up in swing weight. As a Jr./So. we have no doubt he’ll be swinging a bat like The Goods or Axe Elite (heavy swinging bats) by the time he is a senior. I think the big question is when to make the jump to the heaviest swinging bats the industry can offer. If you think that’s now, then The Goods will be as good an option as any. I suspect your big hitting son might like the aluminum barrel more than he imagined. The 919 Prime is also perfectly reasonable and if he likes the 918 a lot, why fix what ain’t broke.
All that said, if he’s a big hitter and if you’ve ever watched the CWS or seen our bat coverage of the event, you’ll know those big strong hitters love heavy single piece aluminum bats. We’re always amazed at how some of the best hitters at that level bring out these old school single piece Omaha’s from 2016 and just destroy balls with it. So, for what it’s worth, The Goods or Prime in a 34-inch might be the right choice. But, for fun, you might want to pick up a old school single piece Omaha or CAT 7 in a 34-inch. I’d love to see what he could do with one of those real big boy bats.
Hope that helps and thanks for reaching out.
Hey Brian, thank you for the information. I do have another question, what is your opinion of the Louisville Select PWR BBCOR?
Hey Chad,
It’s a good bat, but it’s also quite a bit end-loaded. The price, in recent days, has generated a lot of internet and questions. I guess we’d say there is a reason there is plenty of inventory—it just isn’t the right fit for a lot of players. That said, bigger hitters who like an end load (it swings in the top 10% of MOI for its given length) can do some damage. Its barrel is great, the feel is wonderful and it’s about as durable as any two-piece bat out there.
Hope that helps.
Freshman- 5’8″ 150 (BBCOR) Always played high level (majors) USSSA. Although on the smaller size has a ton of pop and good overall bat, lots of swing and misses though. Last 2 falls swung 32″ Baum bat and for this fall along with the Baum bat also swung 2018 Meta Prime (red one). Handles it ok (he loves the pop) but I think there’s a better bat out there that can help with barrel control to cut down the swing and misses. Been researching the Voodoo One but haven’t been able to try one yet. Thanks for your help
Hey Dion,
Based on all those bat’s you’ve used, our guess is someone has spent time on a certain YouTube channel. We think the Voodoo One and Baum bat are just fine for the record, but they are far from the right bat for the average high school player that isn’t a former division one baseball player.
That said, the Red Meta is about as good as any bat out there. It is the same as the blue one for 2020. They changed nothing between the two. If the Red Meta isn’t working out in a 32″, and the player is missing the ball a lot, our suggestion would be to get a lighter bat. And, since the Meta swings plenty light, the issue might be an oversized bat. But, the problem might be more than that, so here are is our suggestion:
1. See if they have any more success with a 31-inch light swinging bat. You can find those in something like the Quatro Pro, CF, or Axe Hyperwhip. We’d go to the used market to see if that helps solve the problem before committing big money. So, look for an older, cheaper model on eBay. Old BBCOR bats are fantastic. This time of year, we can usually find a 31/28 BBCOR in a two-piece composite like the CF from 2018 for <$100 if your patient. 2. Missing the ball a lot is a function of timing and mechanics. Timing can be fixed by both getting a better-sized bat and improving swing mechanics. Mechanics can only be improved by improving mechanics. With that said, our suggestion would be to put the Baum and Voodoo One away. Those bats are not for struggling Freshman baseball players. Instead, look for a 31-inch BBCOR bat with a light swing and good feel (two-piece composite) and get to work on mechanics. When the player starts putting the ball in play consistently, then dialing the exact right bat to maximize pop can be the focus. We hope that helps and doesn't come off as too candid. We're just trying to be helpful with the limited amount of information we get. Based on our experience, that's what we think is going on here. But, we submit rather humbly, we could be very wrong.
I have always used composite bats with much success but never got the pop I wanted. Yes I am smaller being on 5’4 entering senior year, but I recently switched to a one piece (Bonesaber) and feel like I get more pop but just can’t tell. My main question would be, should I swing a 1 piece, 2 piece, or 2 peice composite if I am smaller looking for pop?
Brian,
Love the question. Thanks. The answer is: it doesn’t matter.
How’s that for being helpful? 🙂
Bat performance is based on the barrel, not on the connection piece. The connection piece is all about feel and perception. The ball bounces off the barrel before the connection piece engages. Generally, two-piece bats give the impression you may have hit the ball better when you did not. Stiffer single piece bats give direct feedback and usually only feel fantastic when you know you’ve drilled it.
However, when you switch between a two-piece and a one-piece bat the stiffness in the bat will give you a different sensation. To us, if you think you’re hitting it farther with a single piece bat, it might be because you are actually just squaring up the ball and your sense is not yet familiar with what the feels like on a stiff bat. You’re equating that feeling to putting on your power directly into the ball with a further hit. When, in fact, it’s what the two-piece bat was taking away from you. You’ve discovered why, in many cases, better, stronger, and older hitters prefer stiff single-piece bats—because they can tell when they’ve hit it well.
All that said, swing weight matters too and the Bonesaber has a balanced+ type swing weight. If you’ve been swinging the same length two-piece composite with a light swing weight (like the CF) then it is very possible you are hitting the ball farther because a heavier swing weight will do that if you can keep all other things (like swing speed) equal.
The Stinger Nuke has to be included in this discussion. Definitely not a bat for everyone but if you’re looking for one that is more end loaded then balanced, smooth swinging without losing barrel control through the zone, great feedback on your swings, and great pop on jam shots and balls hit off the end of the barrel, then this is your bat. The price is insanely low especially when compared to the ridiculous prices of most of the other bats on the market and the performance is better. My son has a 33 30…still has his cat7 and loves it as well…100 mph EV from front soft toss. We are completely sold on the Stinger.
Thanks, Tim. Glad to hear you’re having success with it. The Nuke is part of our data collection for our final 2021 results. We do like it. As you state, the bat is unbelievably endloaded. It is, in fact, the most endloaded bat we’ve ever measured. The 32-inch has a swing weight that is heavier than 50% of the 33-inch BBCOR bats. The Nuke makes The Goods feel like child’s play. We think it will do really well in soft-toss, tee work, and cage work. We don’t think it is the right fit for the struggling to good/great player. But, Elite level kids who can get 100 EV on a tee might be a home run. It reminds us a lot of the Anderson Widowmaker.
Everyone else, for a cheap BBCOR bat that most kids can swing, we like a bat like the BBCOR StringKing. It hasn’t got the NUKE’s social media publicity, but it hits the ball just as hard per swing weight. Two other BBCOR bats called the Akadema Catapult, and the newer Pheonix Smoke Metal should be in that conversation, but we’re still getting those in house.
In any event, the Nuke is an interesting bat for sure. We like its price point. Its social media publicity has been Baum Bat like. We think it’s doubtful the average High School player will like the Nuke more than a bat like the Goods or Meta. We’ve yet to find one, at least. We’ll see how the year shapes up. Thanks for the comment.
Hello, my Name is Cater, I’m 16 years old and will be playing High School baseball very soon, it’s almost Christmas and I hoping to get a bat, the issue is I don’t know which one. I have narrowed it down to 2 2020 LS Select Power and the 2020 ADV 360. The Select Power looks okay but the thing that sort of helps is the price of the bat. The ADV 360 looks awesome but costs a lot, plus I have had a Easton bat before so I trust durability of the bat. So I just need some professional help to find a bat that is good for my upcoming High School season. Thank You.
Carter, we love it when we see players come here asking questions like this. You’re off to great places, man. Keep it up.
To your specific question, you’ve found two bats that swing considerably differently. They both “feel” about the same in terms of how they vibrate on hits and mishits, but the Select PWR swings about 10% heavier than what you probably want (and than the ADV). The Select PWR is a good one, but it is priced like it is right now because few want that end-loaded of a bat.
So, here’s our suggestion, you need to find a light swinging two-piece composite bat that doesn’t break the bank. The current price we see for the 2020 PWR is just over $200. The only way to get that kind of price on a two-piece composite is the secondary market. Otherwise, you’ll need to spend at least 300+. We did a quick eBay search for the ADV 360 predecessor called the Easton Ghost X BBCOR. We found it going (https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=easton+ghost+2019+bbcor&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=bbcor+cf+2019+bbcor) anywhere from 50 to $200.|
(Disclaimer: We don’t know any of those sellers on eBay, so proceed with caution. But there appear to be plenty that are legit sellers).
Buying a used bat might not feel as cool. But, to be sure, that thing can hit the ball as far as any BBCOR bat on the market. And, you’ll save yourself a couple of hundred bucks in the meantime.
We wouldn’t buy the Select PWR just because it is a good price. We’d pass on the right price for the wrong kind of bat. And, we’d be entirely comfortable buying used all day long—especially BBCOR bats.
Hi Brian, my name is Dylan. I am 16 years old, 5’8” and roughly 170lbs. I currently swing the Red Meta in 33”. I have above average strength and hand speed, my only problem is that I sometimes fall into the habit of “dragging” my bat through the zone.(Boring descriptions complete, lol)
Anyways, I am thinking about buying a new BBCOR for Christmas; and after watching ALOT of your channel, I have my eyes set on either the Easton Maxum Ultra, or the Victus Nox Hybrid. Would you see these as good options? And if not, what other bats would you prefer? I don’t have a max price point. If you could respond ASAP that would be awesome! Thank you and stay safe.
*Helpful Side Note* I prefer 2 or 3 piece composite or hybrid bats, 1 piece aluminums like the vandal hurt my hands (my hands are weak asf when it comes to mishits XD)
Hey Dylan,
Good question. If you don’t like single-piece bats, then the Maxum Ultra, as much as we like that bat, will not be the ticket. It does feel good for a single piece, but it definitely still feels like a single piece. The Nox is a legit option. But I’ve yet to see a kid who is hitting the Red Meta from 2019 go to the Nox (or about any other bat, for that matter) and think it was an upgrade. That 33-Inch Blue Meta, which is the same as the 33-inch Red Meta, is the one BBCOR made illegal—but they only did so in the blue version.
If you feel like you are getting some bat drag in the 33-Inch Meta. The real trick here will be sizing down an inch. Our knee jerk reaction here is to go for the 32-inch The Goods. It will swing heavy, but it the closest thing to the feel of the Meta that isn’t the Meta. Of course, the other answer is to go with the 2021 32-inch Meta. But, again, I think you’ll feel like you downgraded from that 33-inch one.
In any event, we hope that helps. Thanks for reading.
Brian
That definitely helped me out. Thanks man!
I’m a 15 190 pound fresh man who has a good amount of muscle and I swing a very heavy day and I want something a little more versatile and I’ve been thinking the NOX or the cat 8 or 9 so I just need your help to end my search
Tanner,
The Nox is a decent choice, and so is the CAT 8 or 9. Both will do the job. We really like The Goods this year, but that’s pretty cliche as everyone seems to be gravitating to that bat. None of the bats mentioned have more pop than one another—BBCOR really levels the playing field. The question is, do you want a two-piece or single piece bat? Most stronger kids like stiffer feeling single piece bats. If that’s, you then go for a CAT 9/8 type. If you like a smoother smash and a bit bigger barrel profile, something like the NOX will do you real good.
I hope that helps.
Hey Brian, I am a 14U player, 5’4, 130lbs. I have a lot of strength but I still am looking for a more balanced bat with a bigger barrel. I am in BBCOR league and I am looking preferably for a 32 inch bat. my budget is $350. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Hey Chris,
As we read that, we think you’d like the Easton Maxum. Huge barrel, light swing, and a good feel for a single piece bat. Not sure what size you swing but if you can get that in a 32/29 it might be solid gold for you. The new version this year is $399, but last year’s model which swings a bit lighter but is basically the same bat, can be found for $299. So, we’d save the $100 and get to work. Hope that helps!