Unbiased and comprehensive BBCOR and youth baseball bat reviews that cut through the clutter and hype. A must read for anyone who will purchase a baseball bat.

The Baseball Bat Reviews Blog is dedicated to providing you with quality information on baseball bats for the sole purpose of helping you make an informed decision. This site is run independently of any baseball bat manufacturer or retailer and prides itself in offering an independent non-biased opinion.

Purchasing a baseball bat can be an agonizing and expensive experience. I’ve learned the hard way over the last 13 years with good, bad and horrific experiences purchasing a bat. One day I came to the frightening realization of how much money I’d spent on baseball bats for my sons, and decided it was time to understand the industry and pass along the knowledge.

This site will help answer some of the confusing questions about baseball bats, including:

• The differences between composite and aluminum (alloy) material
• The differences between one and two-piece bats
• The differences between an end-loaded and balanced bat
• The differences between a flex and stiff handle bat
• The differences between the major manufacturer’s line-ups
• Diffusing the spin and hype the manufacturers throw at us, such as: “the same fibers as found in bullet proof vests” and “utilizes aerospace technology”

You can navigate through the site by clicking the links under the categories or recent posts tab on the right side of the page. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: baseball, Baseball Bat Reviews, bats, bbcor baseball bats, bbcor bat reviews, bbcor bats, best bbcor bats, combat, combat bbcor bats, composite, DeMarini, easton, Easton BBCOR Bats, louisville, louisville bbcor bats, nike, review

As mentioned, the 2013 baseball bats are trickling out and here’s what has been announced to date (3/10/12):

2013 Easton S4 BBCOR Baseball Bat
Easton added a 2013 model to the Power Brigade BBCOR lineup, the S4 Baseball Bat. The S4 is unique from the other Power Brigade models in two ways. First, it has a 2 1/2″ diameter barrel which is slightly smaller than the typical 2 5/8″ big barrel bat. Second, the smaller diameter means less weight giving the S4 the lightest swing weight of any Easton big barrel model. This is a one-piece, 100% aluminum bat using Easton’s THT100 alloy. The Adult -3 model retails for $199.95

Technorati Tags: 2013, 2013 baseball bat reviews, 2013 baseball bats, Baseball Bat Reviews, baseball bats, bbcor, bbcor baseball bats, bbcor bats, best

My Baseball Bat Recommendations for the 2012 model year are:

100% COMPOSITE BATS

High Cost Recommendation:

Easton 2012 BB11S1 S1 (-3) BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat

Easton 2012 BB11X1 XL1 (-3) BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat

• 2012 Power Brigade S1 or XL1 BBCOR:
  First here’s the difference, the SL1 has a low MOI (claims to be the lowest on the market) and balanced design. The XL1 has a higher MOI, is slightly end-loaded and has a longer barrel. Otherwise they are made with the same material and design. Choose the XL1 if you’re a power hitter and the SL1 if not. These are two-Piece bats with flex handles made from Easton’s new IMXTM composite material. Easton has always been the leader in composite bats and the 2012 model year is no exception. The Adult -3 model retails for $399.

Low Cost Recommendation:

• 2012 Easton Omen BBCOR
  A two-piece bat made of 100% composite material with a stiff handle (95). It’s made with Easton’s older IMX composite and is slightly end loaded (MOI rating of 80). It was the first approved BBCOR composite bat on the market but Easton quickly came out with, and focused on, the Power Brigade bats. This bat is very similar to the Easton Speeds, but made to BBCOR specifications. This design has been extremely popular bat for experienced players at every level. The Adult -3 retails for $249 or lower which is a great price for a 100% composite bat!

HYBRID BATS

High Cost Recommendation:

• ­2012 Demarini Voodoo BBCOR
  A two-piece, single wall hybrid baseball bat with a flex handle and a balanced design. The handle is made with Demarini’s new TR3 Strut composite material and the barrel with their SC4 alloy. This is a quality bat with a proven reputation at every level. It is the bat of choice for most college players whose team uses Demarini bats. The Adult -3 retails for $299

Low Cost Recommendation:

• ­2012 Easton Surge BBCOR
  Another very good choice. What I like about this bat is that you can buy it with either a flex or stiff handle design. This two-piece bat, with Easton’s older IMX composite handle and newer THT 100 alloy barrel and a low MOI rating of 70. Essentially, it’s the old SV12 with a new alloy barrel. The lower MOI (swing weight) makes it popular with less experienced players and singles hitters. Since Easton is now focusing on the Power Brigade bats you can get the Adult -3 model for as low as $149!

100% ALLOY BATS

High Cost Recommendation:

• 2012 Demarini M2M BBCOR
  The BBCOR certified M2M is a two-piece 100% alloy bat with a balanced design and STIFF handle. That’s right folks, a Demarini bat with a stiff handle. It is made with Demarini’s top tier SC4 Alloy. It’s still relatively new and you won’t see too many players with it in their hands. The Adult -3 model retails for $249 making it pricey for an alloy bat.

Low Cost Recommendation:

• ­2012 Louisville Omaha
  This has been a solid and popular bat with a long and trusted reputation for over a decade. The new BBCOR, like its predecessors, is a one-piece bat with a stiff handle, balanced design and their classic ST+20 Alloy. You can’t go wrong with this bat if you desire a 100% alloy bat. It’s a favorite among college teams that use Louisville bats. Which either says something about this bat, or their lack of confidence in Louisville’s hybrid and composite bats. The Adult -3 model can be found for as low as $149. This is as low as it gets for a quality alloy bat.

Best of luck with your decision and keep swinging for the fences. You can check out all of my bat reviews by manufacturer by clicking the links on the right side of the page.

Technorati Tags: 2012, baseball, Baseball Bat Reviews, bat, bats, bbcor, bbcor baseball bats, bbcor bat recommendations, bbcor bats, best bbcor bats, brigade, DeMarini, easton, louisville, m2m, omaha, omen, power, recommendation, recommendations, Reviews, sl1, surge, voodoo, xl1

Easton is far ahead of the competition when it comes to BBCOR baseball bats, especially with 100% composite bats. Easton has always been the leader in composite bats and the 2012 model year is no exception. They continue to push their two-piece design in their top tier Power Brigade bats. They were the first to release a BBCOR approved composite bat, the Omen, and then quickly followed that up with new models (Power Brigade S1 and XL1). They are known for offering many options (sometimes so many its dizzying) to appeal to just about any player. Easton is the most popular bat brand in the market and it’s difficult to go wrong with one of their bats.

Here’s what Easton offers for the 2012 model year:

Easton Power Brigade S1 BBCOR
The S1 is a 100% composite two-piece bat with a flex handle and low swing weight (MOI). The “S” stands for Speed Series and it claims to have the lowest MOI on the market. It is made from Easton’s new IMX composite material which replaces the composite material used on their first composite BBCOR bat, the Omen. Choose the S1 over the XL1 if swing speed is most important to you. The S1 and XL1 are my choice in the high cost, 100% composite bat category. The Adult -3 model retails for $399.99

Easton Power Brigade XL1 BBCOR
Also a 100% composite two-piece bat with a flex handle made from their IMX composite material. The difference between the XL and S is a slightly end-loaded design (higher swing weight) and a longer barrel. It’s named “XL” because of the “extra long” barrel design. This is the case between all the XL and S models. Choose the XL1 over the S1 if you’re a power hitter. You can tell the difference between the S/XL 1, 2 and 3 models by the handle color. 1 is black, 2 is gray and 3 is yellow. As mentioned, the S1 and XL1 are my choice in the high cost, 100% composite bat category. The Adult -3 model retails for $399.99

Easton Power Brigade S2 BBCOR
The Easton S2 is a two-piece hybrid bat with a flex handle made from Easton’s IMX Composite material and THT100 alloy barrel. As with all the S/XL models, the S2 has a lower swing weight (MOI) than the XL2. Not my top choice in the high cost hybrid bat category, but a good choice. The Adult -3 model retails for $299.99

Easton Power Brigade XL2 BBCOR
The Easton XL2 is also a two-piece hybrid bat with a flex IMX composite handle and THT100 alloy barrel. As with all the S/XL models, the difference between the XL2 and S2 is an end-loaded design and longer barrel. Not my top choice in the high cost hybrid category, but a good choice. The Adult -3 model retails for $299.99

Easton Power Brigade S3 BBCOR
A one-piece bat with a flex handle and low MOI made with Easton’s THT100 alloy material. Not my high cost 100% alloy bat choice, but still a very good choice. The Adult -3 model retails for $199.99

Easton Power Brigade XL3 BBCOR
A one-piece bat with a flex handle made with Easton’s THT100 alloy material, and slightly end-loaded design (higher swing weight than the S3). Not my high cost 100% alloy bat choice, but still a very good choice. The Adult -3 model retails for $199.99

Easton Omen BBCOR
A two-piece bat made of 100% composite material with a stiff handle. The first BBCOR approved 100% composite bat. It’s made with Easton’s IMX composite and is slightly end loaded (MOI rating of 80). This bat is very similar to the Easton Speeds, but made to BBCOR specifications. It is an extremely popular bat for experienced players at every level. It is my choice in the low cost 100% composite bat category. The Adult -3 retails for $199.99 which is extremely low. It’s low because Easton is now focusing on their Power Brigade bats.

Easton Surge BBCOR
This two-piece bat, with Easton’s IMX composite handle and their THT 100 alloy barrel, has a stiff handle and balanced design with a MOI rating of 70. Essentially, it’s the old SV12 with a new alloy barrel. This is has been an extremely popular Easton bat design. The lower MOI (swing weight) makes it popular at all experience levels. Since they’re focusing on the Power Brigade models this bat is a steal, the Adult -3 model retails for $149.99. Hence, it is the bat I recommend in the low cost hybrid bat category.

Easton Rival BBCOR
A one-piece bat made of 100% alloy and a stiff handle design. It has a very low swing weight, with a MOI of 60, and is made with Easton’s THT100 alloy (same as the S/XL 2 and 3). It is similar to the older V12 which was never popular. Most go to Easton for the two-bat design and their one-piece models do not get much attention. I recommend the Louisville Omaha in the low cost 100% aluminum category, but you will not find a solid bat any cheaper than this. The Adult -3 model retails for $119.99

Check out my bat recommendations by category and cost here: 2012 Baseball Bat Recommendations.

Here’s an Easton video talking about their Power Brigade bats:

Technorati Tags: 2012 baseball bat reviews, Baseball Bat Reviews, bbcor, bbcor bat reviews, bbcor bats, best, easton bat reviews, Easton BBCOR Bats, Easton Omen, easton power brigade, Easton Rival, Easton S1, easton s1 bat review, Easton S2, Easton S3, Easton XL1, Easton XL2, Easton XL3

Louisville has a long and respected history in the baseball bat industry and was considered the holy grail of baseball bats. That distinction has long since faded and they are trying to catch up. Unfortunately, it’s going to be a long recovery as they were slow to get out of the BBCOR bat gate.

For 2012 they’ve made significant changes to their line-up. They’ve discarded the poor selling multi-piece bat design of the last few years and have gone back to their core, a one piece bat design (say bye-bye to the Triton and H2). Not to say I told you so, but these were my comments regarding their 2011 models:  “They need to decide if they’re going to jump into the multi-piece bat market or not. If you’re coming out with a multi-piece design tell me it’s a multi-piece design and why that makes sense, or come out with a one-piece design and tell me why it’s better. Stop with the “bonded to be a one-piece bat”, nobody believes it and that is why sales are lagging.”

Louisville needs a strong entry in the 100% composite category to become a top player again. Getting back to the one-piece design, with the Z-1000,  in this category is a step in the right direction. We’ll see how sales respond.

You can check out my recommendations for each bat category and price point at 2012 BBCOR Baseball Bat Recommendations.

Here’s what Louisville has to offer for the 2012 model year:

Louisville Slugger TPX Z-1000 BBCOR
Louisville’s first BBCOR certified 100% composite bat. The new composite material is called LS-2X. It’s has a one-piece design with a stiff handle and a balanced swing weight (yes they’ve finally abandoned the poor selling 3-piece Triton model in this category). Their pitch is that “two inner discs” create just enough barrel flex to produce good pop, but limit it enough to pass the new BBCOR legal limit. I’m glad they took my advice and it appears they finally have a top tier 100% composite bat with a chance to compete with Easton and Demarini in this category. The Adult -3 retails for $369 which is on the low end for a top tier composite bat. The Easton Power Brigade S1/XL1 is my choice in this category

Louisville Slugger TPX Exogrid 2 BBCOR
The Exogrid 2 is “technically” a hybrid bat with a composite sleeve in the handle that makes it very stiff. It is made with Louisville’s newer SC21 alloy. In my opinion this bat is closer to a 100% alloy/aluminum bat, but the carbon sleeve in the handle “technically” puts it in the hybrid category. Its very similar to the Exogrid models in previous years which have been Louisville’s best selling bat for the last 6 years. The change for 2012 is the addition of the “Power Disc Technology”, meaning “Two independent discs are positioned inside the barrel to supposedly allow for peak performance around the sweet spot, and provide an oversized hitting surface and balanced swing weight”. Like most manufacturer claims, this is more hype than any real benefit. A good choice in the high end hybrid category, but my recommendation is the Demarini Voodoo. The Audlt -3 model retails for $299.99

Louisville Slugger TPX Omaha BBCOR
It’s the long running Omaha that we’ve seen for the last ten plus years now BBCOR certified. It’s a one-piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle, a balanced design and made with Louisville’s older ST-20 alloy. This bat is my choice in the low cost 100% alloy/aluminum category. The Adult -3 model retails for $149.99

Here’s Louisville’s promotional video on their 2012 bats:

Technorati Tags: 2012, 2012 baseball bat reviews, 2012 BBCOR bats, 2012 louisville bats, Baseball Bat Reviews, baseball bats, bbcor, bbcor baseball bats, bbcor bat reviews, best bbcor bats, louisville, louisville baseball bats, louisville exogrid, louisville omaha, louisville slugger, louisville slugger baseball bats, louisville z1000

The 2012 Demarini BBCOR baseball bats have a similar look to 2011, with the addition of a lower tier alloy model (Versus) and exclusion of a lower tier composite model (Vendetta). While they are sticking to their bread and butter, a two-piece baseball bats with a flex handle and their “half and half” technology, they have started expanding their reach into the alloy market and exploring different technology.

Demarini has been a major player in the baseball bat industry for years and makes quality bats. The only thing I don’t like about their bats is the overlapping seam connecting the handle and barrel. I much prefer a seamless connection on a baseball bat. I believe 2012 is going to be a make or break year for Demarini as there are some new, highly competitive, manufactures looking to gain share. Demarini on the other hand doesn’t have much that is new or exciting.

You can see my recommendations by category at 2012 BBCOR Baseball Bat Recommendations, and here’s a look at Demarini 2012 BBCOR baseball bats:

2012 Demarini BBCOR CF5
The change to make the CF5 BBCOR compliant is Demarini’s new “Tri Strut TR3 composite material”; otherwise it’s the same design as the CF4 & CF3. They’re pushing the limits of believability with the Tri Strut claiming it “imitates the structure of crystals which are one of the strongest and most stable compounds on Earth”.  It’s a double wall, 100% composite two-piece bat with a flex handle and light swing weight (MOI). Most college players (who’s team swings Demarini) stayed away from the CF5 due to its light (or too light) swing weight. Also, many prefer a single wall bat. It is not my choice in the top tier 100% composite category. The Adult -3 model retails for $399.99

2012 Demarini BBCOR Voodoo
The Voodoo is a hybrid two-piece, single wall hybrid bat with a flex handle and slightly end-loaded design. The handle is made with Demarini’s new TR3 Strut composite material and the barrel with their SC4 alloy. It is by far Demarini’s most popular bat and their top tier hybrid bat. It is my choice for those looking for a top tier hybrid bat. Most College teams swinging Demarini, such as Arizona State, use the Voodoo much more than any other Demarini bat. The Adult -3 retails for $299.99 putting it in line with the other top tier hybrid bats.

2012 Demarini BBCOR Vexxum
The old standby Vexxum is still going in 2012. It’s a two-piece hybrid bat with a balanced design and flex handle. It’s made with Demarini’s older C6 composite in the handle and their SC4 alloy in the barrel. The main difference between this and the Voodoo is the composite material in the handle. It is a good choice for those looking for a low cost hybrid bat with a solid reputation. The Adult -3 retails for $199.99

2012 Demarini BBCOR M2M
The M2M is a relatively new entry to the Demarini line-up. It is a single wall 100% alloy, two-piece bat with a flex handle and balanced design. It is Demarini’s only half and half bat with an alloy handle and alloy barrel. Both of which are made with their SC4 alloy.  This bat has very good pop and is my choice in the top tier 100% alloy category. The Adult -3 model retails for $249.99

2012 Demarini BBCOR Versus
The Versus offers a different approach to baseball bats for Demarini. First, it is a 100% alloy bat which, other than the M2M, is unique. Second, it is their only bat that does not use their half & half technology. Third, it is slightly end-loaded. Fourth, it has a stiff handle which means pigs might be flying soon! It is a single wall bat made with their SC4 alloy. The same alloy found in the barrel of the Voodoo, Vexxum and M2M. A decent bat but I’d recommend the Louisville Omaha in this category. The Adult -3 model retails for $199.99

Here’s a Demarini video:

Technorati Tags: 2012, 2012 demarini baseball bats, 2012 demarini bbcor baseball bats, Baseball Bat Reviews, bbcor, bbcor baseball bats, bbcor bats, demarini baseball bats, demarini bbcor baseball bats

The 33-inch model of the 2011 Marucci Cat 5 Adult Baseball Bat has been decertified by both the NCAA and NFHS, and it will be illegal this season in college or high school baseball.

The NCAA announced the decertification on Friday. The NFHS, the national governing body of high school sports, followed suit on Tuesday in an e-mail memo to state association athletic directors.

As a result, the 33-inch Marucci Cat 5 is considered a non-compliant bat in both leagues and leagues that follow NCAA or NFHS rules. Hence, there is a ban, it is banned, it is illegal!

The decertification affects only the 33-inch model; all other Marucci bats, including the Marucci Black and other Cat 5 sizes are still legal.

Marucci has set up a process for customers to return their decertified baseball bats. You can find detailed instructions at Marucci’s website.

Bats must be returned to Marucci by March 31, 2012 to receive a replacement.

Marucci has released a FAQ, which we’ve re-posted below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Will Marucci replace my 33×30 Cat52 BBCOR?
A: Yes. We stand behind our products and will replace your 33×30 Cat52 BBCOR with another Marucci bat.

Q: What are my options in replacing my bat?
A: You can find out more details on Marucci’s return program for the 33-inch CAT52 BBCOR bat at www.maruccisports.com/returns.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR BATS TO OUR STORES – THEY MUST BE RETURNED TO MARUCCI ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS FOUND AT www.maruccisports.com/returns.

Q: When can I expect to receive my replacement bat?
A: Marucci will process returns in the order that they are received and anticipates sending out the first replacement bats in March. For those opting to upgrade to the Marucci Black or choosing the Professional-Cut Wood bats, Marucci will begin fulfilling returns immediately.

Q: Why was the 33-inch CAT52 banned?
A: A very small sample of three bats was tested and those results were assumed to apply to the thousands of bats in the field.

Technorati Tags: 33 inch, banned, bbcor baseball bats, bbcor bat banned, illegal, marucci banned, marucci baseball bats, marucci cat 5

Combat (the company) started in 1998 when they began manufacturing softball bats for other brand name companies. Combat bats were born in the mid 00’s years when they decided to put out the same bats they make for other companies in their own name, including baseball bats.

Combat has a following in youth leagues but has never caught on in middle school, high school or college baseball. It is extremely rare to see their bats in the hands of those over 12 years old. Their claim to fame was a walk off home run with a Combat B1 in the 2007 Little League World Series. It created a big buzz and a lot of kids wanted a Combat bat. The buzz has long faded and, while still enjoying a small loyal following, their 15 minutes of fame has past.

Combat introduces new models in youth only, with the adult model coming the following year. The new 2012 model is the youth only B4. As with all the bats they have ever produced, the 2012 model year bats have a stiff handle and low swing weight.

As stated before, Combat needs to make inroads in high school baseball to become a true player in the industry.

Check out My 2012 BBCOR Baseball Bat Recommendations for my recommendations in each bat category.

Combat 2012 B4YB (-12) Composite Youth Baseball Bat

Their new 100% composite bat is only available in a youth model. It’s a single wall one-piece bat with a “longer barrel”, low MOI and stiff handle. They claim it’s made from the same Aramid fibers “found in bulletproof vests”! Umm, are you selling baseball bats or suits of armor?  While the Youth -12 & -10 models retail for relatively low $199.99, I’d go with the Easton Omen in the 100% composite low priced category.

Combat 2012 B3 AB BBCOR (-3) Adult Baseball Bat

A 100% composite, single wall, one-piece bat with a stiff handle. Essentially this is Combat’s B1 made to BBCOR specifications. To me this demonstrates how little Combat has progressed in the last 5 years. As stated before, you won’t be seeing this bat in anyone’s hand during a high school game. The Adult -3 model retails $349.99, and I’d go with the Easton Omen in the 100% composite low priced category.

Combat 2012 Grifter Hybrid (-3) BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat

Combats foray into the hybrid bat category. The Grifter is a two-piece bat with a stiff handle and low swing weight. Very odd choice for a name as it means “a person who swindles you by means of deception or fraud.” Not a good idea when you’re trying to sell an item. The composite handle is made from Combats new “mongrel composite” that is supposed to “remove the whip feeling in traditional two-piece bats”. The alloy barrel is supposedly made from “titanium enhanced alloy”. The Adult -3 model retails for $249.99. I’d go with the Easton Surge in the low cost hybrid bat category.

Combat 2012 52 CAL BBCOR (-3) Adult Baseball Bat

A 100% composite, single wall bat with a stiff handle and low MOI. What’s the difference between this and the B3? It appears the only stated difference is that the B3 is supposed to maintain its pop longer due to a “higher grade carbon composite resin”. But, the 52 Caliber Adult -3 retails for $269.99 making it a wash with the B3!  I’ll say once again, go with the Eason Omen for a low cost composite bat.

In a nutshell, there are better options than Combat in every category.

Technorati Tags: 2012, 2012 combat baseball bat reviews, 2012 combat bbcor bats, baseball, bat, bat reviews, bbcor baseball bats, bbcor bats, combat, combat bat reviews, Combat Bats

Baseball leagues around the country have seen plenty of changes over the past year or so. Most have focused on BBCOR bats, but there are changes across the board.

Citing safety concerns caused by the exit speeds of some composite bats, some leagues have banned composite-barreled baseball bats. Others have not. Add in the new BBCOR performance standard, and things can quickly get confusing.

This post is a guide for parents, guardians and players looking for new bats or making sure their current bats will be legal.

Little League
Heading into the 2012 baseball season, Little League’s bat rules look like this:

• Minor League Baseball — Composite-barreled bats will be banned; some have been re-allowed
• 9-10 Year Old Baseball Division — Composite-barreled bats will be banned; some have been re-allowed
• Little League Baseball (Majors) — Composite-barreled bats will be banned; some have been re-allowed
• Junior League Baseball — Composite-barreled bats will be banned; some have been re-allowed; and all BBCOR certified bats will be allowed
• Senior League Baseball — All bats must be BBCOR certified
• Big League Baseball — All bats must be BBCOR certified

For the Minors, 9-10s and Majors, nothing has changed since last season. Some composite-barreled baseball bats will be prohibited in sanctioned competitions. Wood bats, metal bats and metal bats with composite handles — known as hybrid bats — will not be affected.

Little League has granted waivers for specific composite-barreled baseball bats that have been proven to stay within Little League’s bat performance specs.

You can view the list of legal, re-approved 2 1/4″ composite bats here.

It’s a similar set-up in Juniors baseball. Many composite-barreled bats are banned, but certain bats will be allowed if they made Little League’s list of re-approved 2 5/8″ composite bats (view it here) or if they are BBCOR certified.

The Seniors and Big League classifications follow NFHS rules, so only bats with the BBCOR stamp will be legal in those leagues this season.

For more help: View Little League’s “Is my bat OK?” guide. This is where Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken stand, going into the 2012 season:

Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken
This is where Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken stand, going into the 2012 season:

• Cal Ripken: All 2 1/4″ bats with BPF 1/15 stamps will be allowed in the Cal Ripken Major, Minor, Rookie and T-Ball Divisions

• Babe Ruth 13-15: All aluminum-barreled baseball bats will be allowed; all composite-barreled bats must be BBCOR certified
• Babe Ruth 16-18: Only BBCOR certified baseball bats will be allowed

PONY Baseball
PONY has not restricted the use of composite-barreled bats in any of its divisions.

Dixie Baseball
Dixie has not released a decision on what to do with its Boys league in 2012, but this is how things stand as of now:

• Youth: All 2 1/4″ inch aluminum-barreled bats will be allowed; All 2 1/4″ composite-barreled that are marked “Approved for Play in Dixie Youth Baseball” and stamped “BPF 1.15” will be legal for league and tournament play if it has a manufacture date stamp of 2011 or later. Older aluminum/metal alloy 2 ¼” bats which do not have the BPF 1.15 stamp on the bat are allowed if stamped approved for play in Dixie Youth Baseball.
• Boys: The division did not restrict the use of composite-barreled bats in 2011. The league has not released a decision on 2012.
• Majors and Pre-Majors: Both leagues follow the NFHS rulebook, so only BBCOR certified baseball bats will be allowed.

Here is a cheat sheet of Dixie Youth’s bat regulations.

USSSA
In 2012, USSSA will begin phasing in a new bat certification mark. Here’s how things look:

• Small barrel bat leagues (2 1/4″): Bats with the USSSA mark, new or old, will be allowed in 2012 and 2013. Starting in 2014, bats must have the new USSSA mark.
• 14U Big barrel (2 5/8″ or 2 3/4″): Bats must have the new USSSA mark or they must be BBCOR certified
• 15U Big barrel (2 5/8″ or 2 3/4″): All bats must be BBCOR certified

You can view the USSSA bat cheat sheet here.

American Legion
Starting in 2012, American Legion will require all bats to be BBCOR certified.

AAU
As we understand it, here’s how AAU’s bat rules will look in 2012:

• 9-14U: There will be no restrictions (no change from 2011)

• 15U and up: All bats must be BBCOR certified

Technorati Tags: 2012, aau, baseball bat restrictions, baseball bat rules, baseball bats, bbcor, bbcor bats, bbcor standards, little leauge, pony, restrictions, usssa, youth baseball bat rules, youth baseball bat standards

This will provide you with the difference between BBCOR, BESR and ABI. It also provides you with the current BBCOR standards, rules and regulations along with It will also let you know legal and what isn’t.

Below is the breakdown of the current changes in bat performance standards. First, we have some definitions of terms. Second, there is a league-by-league timeline. Third, some of the common questions about the changes are answered.

Definitions

BESR (Ball Exit Speed Ratio)
This was the longstanding test used to ensure that non-wood bats play similar to wood bats. It tests a bat’s “exit speed,” i.e. how fast the ball bounces off a composite or aluminum bat barrel. It has been phased out, because it failed to account for how bats would perform after they have been broken in (Composite bats typically improve with use).

BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution)
This is the new, more-accurate test that is replacing BESR. Like BESR, it is used to ensure that aluminum and composite bats play similar to wood bats, but it also accounts for how bats perform after they’ve been broken in. That’s because it includes the ABI, described below.

ABI (Accelerated Break-In Test)
This is a test performed on bats to simulate heavy use. Composite bats perform better the more you use them, so as part of the BBCOR, the ABI ensures that even with heavy usage, composite bats perform similar to wood bats.

College baseball timeline
In effect as of January 1, 2011  — All bats used in the NCAA and any organizations that follow NCAA rules (such as the NAIA), must be BBCOR certified. The BESR certification is no longer used. Composite-barreled bats, which were previously banned in the NCAA, are allowed if they can pass the BBCOR test.

High School baseball timeline
In effect as of January 1, 2012 (though some states, counties made the switch in 2011) — All bats used in NFHS high school baseball and leagues that follow NFHS rules must be BBCOR certified. The BESR certification will no longer be used. Composite-barreled bats, which were previously banned, will be allowed if they can pass the BBCOR test.

BBCOR Standards,Rules and Regulations – FAQ

Q: How do I know if my bat is BBCOR certified?
A:If your bat has been BBCOR certified, it will carry a stamp somewhere on the barrel that looks like this:

Q: I have an older BESR bat. Is there a chance it will be re-tested for a BBCOR certification?
A: We can’t say for sure, but it looks unlikely that older bats will be re-tested.

Q: I’ve heard these bats don’t perform as well as BESR bats. Is that true?
A: The NCAA used BBCOR bats during the Spring 2011 baseball season, and there were several notable statistical differences. Not surprisingly, the bats performed more like wooden bats.

From the NCAA:
Division I batting average, scoring and home runs per game in 2011 resemble the wood-bat 1970s more than they do recent years. Division I teams in 2011 averaged 5.58 runs per game, well off the record 7.12 in 1998 and below 6 for the first time since 1977 (5.83), which was just the fourth season of the aluminum bat in college baseball.

Home runs left parks at an average of .52 per team per game in 2011 compared with .94 last year and 1.06 in 1998 (also the peak year for that category). That resembles wood-bat days, too (.42 in the last year of wood in 1973, and .49, .50 and .55 in the first three years of metal).

Batting average in 2011 was .282, the lowest since 1976. Earned-run average, on the other hand, was its best (4.70) since 1980 (4.59).

According to a recent episode of ESPN’s Sport Science, the sweet spot on an average BBCOR bat is two inches smaller than a comparable BESR bat. They also report a 5 percent drop in exit speed.

Q: When will there be -5 BBCOR bats?
A: Not soon, if ever. BBCOR has been adopted primarily by high school and college baseball leagues. Because these leagues also require all bats to be -3, all BBCOR bats are -3. Bats with a -5 drop are certified with different standards (for ex: BPF 1.15), which are still used by leagues that allow -5 bats. So, because those leagues that allow -5 bats aren’t asking specifically for BBCOR -5 bats, they aren’t being made.

SiteListings.net

Technorati Tags: abi, baseball bat, baseball bats, bbcor, bbcor certified, bbcor regulations, bbcor rules, bbcor standards, besr