11 Best BBCOR Bats For Contact Hitters In 2023
Paul Hall
BBCOR bats have undergone some massive technological advancements in the past few years!
They are now much more durable and appropriate for the hitting style of contact hitters.
Currently, the market is saturated with BBCOR bat manufacturers.
While all of their products do the job, some offer the best value for the price they demand.
So, whether you are a contact hitter for your college baseball team or are playing on a national level, you will need to equip yourself with the right gear to hit home runs.
And the best part is this: you won’t even have to spend hours searching for the right one.
Because in this post, I have gathered the ultimate list of the 11 best BBCOR bats for contact hitters.
Stay hooked for longer, and you will also find my expert tips for purchasing a BBCOR bat.
Last update on 2023-05-04 at 00:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
Marucci CAT8
- AZ105 alloy, the strongest aluminum on the Mariucci bat line, allows for thinner barrel walls, a higher response rate...
- Multi-variable wall design creates an expanded sweet spot and thinner barrel walls that are more forgiving after...
- 2nd Generation AV2 Anti-Vibration knob features an upgraded, finely tuned harmonic dampening system for better feel and...
- Ring-free barrel construction allows for more barrel flex and increases performance with no "dead" spots
- One-piece alloy construction provides a clean, consistent, traditional swing
Last update on 2023-05-04 at 00:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a BBCOR-certified bat suitable for high school and college leagues, then the Marucci CAT8 -3 is the one to buy!
The CAT8 -3 has some significant improvements from its predecessor, the CAT7.
The new and improved AZ105 alloy construction, for instance. The sturdy material increases the product’s durability to a great extent.
In addition, the barrel walls of the Marucci CAT8 -3 are much thinner and offer a great response rate.
Moreover, you will notice that the Marucci CAT8 reduces the unpleasant stinging vibrations.
Credit goes to the upgraded second-generation AV2 anti-vibration knob, which comes with a harmonic dampening system.
The ring-free design maximizes the balance of the CAT8 -3 and minimizes the dead spots in the bat.
Other than that, the one-piece alloy construction gives a lighter feel, resulting in a clean and consistent swing.
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Louisville Slugger 2021 Solo
- Premium SL Hyper super-light alloy barrel with thinner wall design for maximum pop
- One-piece design with VIBEX premium vibration-damping handle construction that reduces sting on mishits
- All-new SPD Composite End Cap removes weight for increased swing speed
- Ultra-Balanced swing weight – our lightest swinging BBCOR model
- Premium LS PRO Comfort Grip for the perfect mix of tack and cushion
Last update on 2023-05-02 at 15:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have even the slightest interest in baseball bats, you must be aware that Louisville Slugger has an unhampered heritage of manufacturing baseball supplies.
The company carried forward its legacy in 2021 and introduced the newest addition to their baseball products line – the Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo BBCOR bat.
The Louisville Slugger 2021 Solo is a one-piece aluminum alloy BBCOR bat that allows professional and novice contact hitters to perform best.
While this BBCOR bat looks similar to Louisville Slugger’s previous designs, it has undergone some substantial modifications.
Firstly, the barrel and handle are redesigned to generate an efficient swing mechanism.
Secondly, the light swing weight enhances the power potential of the Louisville Slugger 2021 SL Solo BBCOR bat, enabling contact hitters to generate more bat speed.
However, even with these modifications, the company did not compromise on the strength of the item.
This new addition to the Louisville Slugger BBCOR bats is more durable, rigid, and stiffer than the others.
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Easton Project 3 Fuze
- C-Core = Maximum Exit Speed: ATAC Alloy construction reinforced with CARBON-CORE technology creates the thinnest walls...
- Forged Composite Cap = Faster Swing Speed: Lighter and stiffer composite end cap increases barrel trampoline and...
- Power Boost Knob = More Leverage: Patent-pending “Soft Knob” provides hitters with more leverage and power potential
- VRSCOR handle insert reinforces the handle to create solid feel in the hands
- Reduces vibration and providesmore comfort for the bottom hand
Last update on 2023-05-02 at 15:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Out of the entire series of BBCOR baseball bats that Easton launched in 2019, the Project 3 Fuze BBCOR bat for contact hitters was without a doubt my top pick.
The Easton Project 3 Fuze BBCOR Baseball Bat is the perfect design for contact hitters who want complete control of their bats.
It has a one-piece ATAC alloy construction with Carbon-Core technology.
The Easton Project 3 Fuze BBCOR bat has an optimal barrel design that offers the maximum launch angle and better bat control.
Moreover, the Project 3 Fuze offers a lower MOI, thanks to its thin wall structure.
Furthermore, the soft knob design and stiffer end cap ensure a light swing weight and a balanced weight distribution.
This makes me admit that the four years of thoughtfulness Easton put in its Project 3 are justified.
Now, once in the market, you may find six different Project 3 options.
That’s because Easton decided to keep all the items in Project 3 connected by giving them similar names.
However, all the designs are slightly different from the others and offer their benefits.
So, make sure you specifically ask the shopkeeper for the Easton Project 3 Fuze BBCOR Bat.
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Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro
- THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF SPEED AND POWER, the Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball Bat (-3) provides an optimally balanced swing...
- CREATED FOR HITTERS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE, this 2-piece carbon fiber composite bat works great for the power hitter...
- PROVIDES OPTIMAL SWING BALANCE due to the re-engineered longitudinal flex of the baseball bat's layered composite and...
- VIBRATION REDUCTION protects the hands of the player thanks to the stiffer, focused flex technology along the entire bat
- ULTRA PREMIUM DESIGN, this bat is masterfully crafted with a red and gold colorway and a world-renowned Lizard Skin grip...
Last update on 2023-05-02 at 15:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Next up on this list of the 11 best BBCOR bats for contact hitters is the Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro Baseball Bat.
This particular BBCOR bat is perfect for those high school and college contact hitters who want to generate maximum power on the baseball pitch.
The Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball Bat is a two-piece composite design that gives an unmatched performance.
Moreover, it has a Q4 suspended inner bat technology that offers a stunning sweet spot and a balanced swing.
Additionally, the Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball bat’s re-engineered Longitudinal Flex Technology increases the intensity and speed of the baseball when it collides with the bat.
Here’s a disclaimer. You might find the Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball Bat different than conventional end-loaded BBCOR bats, but don’t consider the first impression the last.
Once broken in, the Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball Bat will supply exceptional performance in controlling the vibrations.
Not to mention the ultra-lightweight end cap, which ensures comfort and distributes the balance across the gear upon hits.
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Easton 2021 B5 Pro Big Barrel
- ATAC ALLOY- The most premium alloy in Easton’s product line, allowing for the thinnest alloy walls in order to...
- RINGLESS BARREL DESIGN- utilizes different layers of alloy across the barrel in order to create an even bigger sweet...
- EXTRA-STIFF ATAC ALLOY HANDLE- Built for maximum energy transfer with a more professional feel and performance
- VRS HANDLE INSERT- Reinforces the handle to reduce vibration and create an even more solid feel
- SPEED CAP- Provides a more flexible and responsive barrel
Last update on 2023-05-02 at 15:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Easton recently launched an upgraded version of the 1978 B5 Pro Big Barrel Baseball bat, and it has captured the market since.
The Easton 2021 B5 Pro Big BBCOR Baseball Bat for contact hitters features a premium ATAC alloy construction.
This modern remix of the Green Easton’s classic look comes with a ring-free barrel and an extra-stiff alloy handle.
Reinforced with a Carbon-Core technology, this BBCOR bat generates a big sweet spot for accurate hits.
Flexibility, comfort, quick response mechanism, and smooth feel are some of Easton's 2021 B5 Pro Big Barrel BBCOR bat characteristics.
Other than these, I found the Natural Pro Balanced Swing Weight a commendable feature.
Regardless of the speed and power I exerted, the bat did not compromise on balance and comfort.
Another excellent characteristic of the Easton 2021 B5 Pro Big BBCOR Baseball Bat was reduced vibration.
I have tried many BBCOR bats, but the reduced sting that its VRS Handle Insert technology gives remains unmatched.
However, Easton can work on reducing its vibration to a greater extent for kids.
Oh, and did I mention the premium grip with just the right balance of cushion and tact?
Yeah, it improved the feel and control to a significant extent.
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Louisville Slugger 2019 Prime 919
- Meets BBCOR standard; 2 5/8 inches barrel diameter; 31/32 inches tapered handle
- 3pc composite design with our proprietary microform barrel design for a lighter swing weight and maximum pop
- Features vcx vibration control connection a patented design that allows for independent movement between the barrel and...
- Rtx end cap design maximizes the barrel shape
- Balanced swing weight for the ultimate combination of speed and power and new LS Pro comfort grip for the perfect Mix of...
Last update on 2023-05-02 at 15:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the most expensive bats in this list of eleven best BBCOR Bats for contact hitters is the Louisville Slugger 2019 Prime 919.
The Louisville Slugger 2019 Prime 919 is the perfect BBCOR baseball bat for those who want an uninterrupted match without any vibrations.
This particular model comes in two versions: a two-piece one and a three-piece composite one.
While the purpose of both remains the same, the three-piece composite has some extra privileges than the two-piece composite.
Additionally, the Louisville Slugger 2019 Prime 919 is built of Hybrid Aluminum alloy.
The material makes this BBCOR bat perfect for contact hitters and even hard hitters.
VCZ vibration controlling mechanism, light swing weight, evenly distributed product weight, and a tapered handle are a few of the many features the Louisville Slugger 2019 Prime 919 BBCOR bat has to offer.
Other than these, the comfortable handle manufactured of snug foam is what I liked the most.
In addition, the newly engineered LS Pro Comfort grip made the entire experience a whole lot better.
However, I was concerned that the handle was not moisture absorbent, which gave me a tough time.
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Louisville Slugger 2019 Omaha 519
- Meets BBCOR standard; 2 5/8" barrel diameter; 31/32" tapered handle
- 1-piece ST 7U1+ alloy construction that delivers a huge sweet spot and stiffer feel on contact
- 6-Star premium end cap design
- Balanced swing weight for the ultimate combination of speed and power
- NEW VIBEXTM premium vibration damping handle construction reduces sting on mishits and NEW LS PRO Comfort Grip for the...
Last update on 2023-05-02 at 15:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a six-star premium top-end BBCOR bat for your position as a contact hitter, this is the one to invest in!
The Louisville Slugger Omaha 519 BBCOR Baseball Bat is the ultimate one-piece alloy.
Its simple construction and attractive gray base with red, white, and blue accents urged me to purchase this piece, and I am glad that I did.
While the Louisville Slugger Omaha 519 BBCOR Baseball Bat barrel is full-size and sturdy, the swing is average.
Additionally, this particular Louisville Slugger BBCOR bat is medium weight.
However, if you want a BBCOR that is more lightweight, you can check other items on their list, like the Louisville Slugger’s Solo.
The one thing that I love the most about the Louisville Slugger Omaha 519 BBCOR Baseball Bat is its vibration-resistant technology.
I have personally noticed that all the one-piece bats have at least some vibration.
This particular piece, however, transmitted the slightest vibrations than any other BBCOR bat I tested.
Furthermore, the solid barrel of the Louisville Slugger Omaha 519 BBCOR Baseball Bat provided plenty of sweet spots.
The stylish Lizard Skin grip is a must to mention feature.
The Louisville Slugger Omaha 519 BBCOR Baseball Bat is the ideal BBCOR bat for contact hitters in high school, college, university, and even professional levels.
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Easton Project 3 ADV 2019
- LAUNCH COMP = Max Barrel Performance: New barrel layup designed to provide hotter out of the wrapper performance and an...
- New, stiffer handle layup designed to provide best in class feel
- ISO CXN = Solid Feel: Revolutionary ISO CXNTM 2-piece construction made with proprietary NITROCELL foam
- Isolates the handle from the barrel for a more solid and natural feel while increasing power
- Power Boost = More Leverage: Patent-pending “Soft Knob” provides hitters with more leverage and power potential
Last update on 2023-05-02 at 15:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you read closely, you might remember that I mentioned Easton launching five more designs under its Project 3, other than the Easton Project 3 Fuze.
Here is another article from the Project 3 series, and may I add, the most costly one.
The Easton Project 3 ADV BBCOR Baseball bat is a two-piece composite design; its handle and barrel were constructed separately.
It is made of a durable ISO CXN material. The proprietary Nitrocell foam gives the contact hitters a solid feel.
Moreover, the Easton Project 3 ADV BBCOR bat’s handle is comparatively stiffer than other BBCOR bats launched alongside it.
This feature not only lessens the impact on the player but also generates a higher power.
While most of the two-piece BBCOR bats are designed of different materials, the Easton Project 3 ADV BBCOR Baseball bat is designed from start to end in the same material.
This lightweight design, while on the one hand, makes swinging easier, on the other is subjected to crack when subjected to extreme cold weather.
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DeMarini 2019 CF Zen BBCOR Baseball Bat
- Balanced design for maximum swing speed through the zone
- Para flex+ composite gives you a premium feel on contact and maximum pop off the barrel
- 3Fusion end cap reduces weight at the end of the bat for a more balanced feel
Last update on 2023-05-02 at 15:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product is the one to buy for those looking for a BBCOR baseball bat that provides expanded sweet spots to hit defensively!
The 2019 DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR Bat is a full-composite design manufactured from Paraflex+ composite materials.
Why Paraflex, you ask?
Because the material is tamed to offer the maximum power and the excellent pop sound.
Moreover, the DeMarini 2019 CF Zen BBCOR bat features DeMarini’s 3Fusion technology.
Once you purchase the item, you will notice that the connecting point between the barrel and the handle looks a bit off.
You might consider it a manufacturing defect. Well, to be honest, I thought the same.
However, it turns out it is not a manufacturing defect, and the product was designed this way!
The DeMarini team claims that this particular design redirects the energy back to the barrel, thus reducing vibration on the handle.
Pretty thoughtful, right?
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Easton Project 3 Alpha 2019
- C-Core = Maximum Exit Speed: ATAC Alloy construction reinforced with CARBON-CORE technology creates the thinnest walls...
- 1-Piece Construction = Power-Balanced Feel: Traditional construction for optimal bat control with Power-Balanced feel
- VRSCOR handle insert reinforces the handle to create solid feel in the hands
- Optimal barrel design for better bat control and maximum launch angle
- SPEED CAP provides a more flexible and responsive barrel with a natural sound on impact
Last update on 2023-05-04 at 00:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You didn’t assume we were over with the Easton Project 3 series, did you?
Well, it turns out we didn’t!
You know how Easton uses the cutting edge of modern technology to design their products every year, don’t you?
The Easton Project 3 Alpha baseball bat is no exception!
Project 3 Alpha has a one-piece construction. I think that one-piece BBCOR bats have more benefits for contact hitting than the two-piece ones.
Why?
Because they are stiff and transmit all the power you put into hitting the ball from the handle to the other end.
The Easton Project 3 Alpha BBCOR bat is constructed from ATAC alloy.
This particular material ensures that your Easton Project 3 Alpha BBCOR bat will make hits season after season.
Next, I wouldn’t miss the chance of mentioning the most important factor considered when purchasing a BBCOR bat – the balance.
Easton Project 3 Alpha is the best BBCOR bat for contact hitters because it spreads the weight in all product dimensions.
It allows the players to swing the bat at a faster speed without losing any control.
The Easton Project 3 Alpha BBCOR bat is also available in an XL size.
While the regular Project 3 Alpha BBCOR bat is ideal for contact hitters, the XL size accommodates power hitters, thanks to its end-loaded construction.
However, do bear in mind that the extra-large size BBCOR bat comes with an extra-large price tag!
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Rawlings 2021 Quatro Pro
- CRAFTED WITH THE OPTIMAL COMBINATION OF POWER AND SPEED, the Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball Bat (-3) provides an perfectly...
- DESIGNED FOR ALL TYPES OF BATTERS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE, this 2-piece carbon fiber composite bat works great for...
- ENHANCED POP/TRAMPOLINE OFF THE BAT thanks to Rawlings' re-engineered longitudinal flex of the bat's layered composite...
- VIBRATION REDUCTION protects the hands of the player thanks to the stiffer, focused flex technology along the entire bat
- ELITE DESIGN WITH METALLIC/GLOSS COLORWAY, this bat is masterfully crafted with a black, red and gold colorway and is...
Last update on 2023-05-02 at 15:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Even though I tried so hard to skip this product out and keep the best BBCOR bats for contact hitters list count to 10, I just couldn’t resist!
So, here I am reviewing the 2021 Rawlings Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball Bat.
The Rawlings Quatro Pro 2021 BBCOR baseball bat is one of the premier models in the entire Rawlings range.
It has a two-piece composite design that improves the intensity of the baseball when colliding against the bat.
Moreover, the recently improved F2 Collar delivers the smooth and comfortable feel that all contact hitters long for.
This feature offers more flex and results in an increased speed and power and a faster swing weight.
Now, if you are wondering whether this super light BBCOR bat maintains its balance or not, it does, and quite perfectly too.
The 2021 Rawlings Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball Bat has an inner suspender barrel that provides the extra weight in the external barrel.
Not only does this deliver a balanced swing feel, but double the durability and that satisfying pop sound.
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End Loaded vs. Balanced BBCOR Bat – Which one is better for a Contact Hitter?
Which BBCOR bat is better for a contact hitter – end-loaded or balanced bat?
Now, this question might be a massive concern for many of you. However, some might even be wondering that it doesn’t even matter.
Well, it does matter on the pitch!
Being a successful contact hitter requires you to choose the right bat for your swing and style.
The countless BBCOR bats available in the market are divided into two broad categories – end-loaded and balanced bats.
Balanced Bats vs. End Loaded Bats
Balanced bats have an even weight distribution.
They guarantee players a swifter swing speed and complete control of their swing.
Thus, balanced bats are ideal for novice contact hitters as they help generate more power without sacrificing control.
End-loaded bats, on the other hand, have a greater weight on the barrel.
This weight concentration makes the handle heavier, which might be difficult for some contact hitters to control.
The upside is that the ball hit by an end-loaded bat travels a greater distance.
Using end-loaded bats requires greater power to be exerted by the player, and thus, they are recommended for players with a more athletic body structure.
Which one is better for you?
You now know the difference between both these BBCOR baseball bats.
So, which of these is better for you as a contact hitter?
You decide!
Other Things to Consider Before Buying a BBCOR Bat
Did you think choosing whether to buy an end-loaded bat or a balanced baseball bat was the only selection you had to make as a contact hitter?
Come on!
Becoming a contact hitter is tougher than that!
You should also bear some other things in mind before investing in a BBCOR baseball bat.
What are those, you ask?
Read on to find out:
1- Handle and Grip
Swinging a bat requires having control over it, and you can’t have control over your BBCOR bat if you don’t have the perfect grip.
No matter how expensive your bat is, it isn’t worth it if it doesn’t have the proper grip!
I have conducted thorough and extensive research and have concluded that Lizard Skin handles provide the best grip to BBCOR baseball bats.
2- Weight and Length
When choosing the size of your BBCOR bat, two factors count; your age and the league you are playing for.
For example, High School BBCOR bats should have a -3 length. This means that their weight should be three ounces less than their length.
So, a 34 inch -3 BBCOR bat will weigh 31 ounces.
Now, the average length of BBCOR bats for 13 to 14-year-olds range from 30 to 31 inches. If you’re older, you might want to invest in one that is around 32 to 33 inches long.
However, you may also find smaller-sized ones ranging from 29 to 30 inches in length. The weight of these bats varies accordingly.
3- Composition
Whether your bat should be one-piece or two-piece is another factor to consider while purchasing a BBCOR bat for contact hitters.
One-piece bats are stiffer and transmit vibrations when you hit a ball. Two-piece bats, on the other hand, are lighter and make it easy to swing.
While two-piece bats are better for contact hitters, it again depends upon your preference.
4- Material
The material from which your bat is constructed plays a significant role in the weight of the gear.
Three primary materials are used to make BBCOR bats: alloy, composite, and wood.
Alloy bats are made from metal like aluminum and are much heavier.
Composite bats are made of materials like carbon fiber; these bats are comparatively lightweight Wooden bats are the lightest of them all but are also the least durable.
Last update on 2023-05-04 at 00:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Old baseball gear has resulted in the team losing the match, said no one ever!
But what’s true is that upgraded equipment makes the process effortless, which is why they upgrade gear in the first place!
So, which of these eleven best BBCOR bats did you find the best?
If your answer is ‘none,’ then I suggest you go for the Marucci CAT8 .
Why?
Because it comes with a plethora of benefits and a handful of downsides!
Its expanded sweet spot gives ample space to hit and has a vibration-resistant design with no dead spots.
However, the choice is yours!
Just take your time and invest in the best BBCOR bat to justify your position as a contact hitter.
