2017 Mizuno Covert BBCOR Review – Better Than Nighthawk?

2017 Mizuno Covert BBCOR The Verdict: N/A ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
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I’m going to answer your question right at the beginning. Yes, the 2017 Mizuno Covert BBCOR baseball bat is better than last year’s drop 3 Nighthawk.

You’ll find out why as you read through this definitive review. In fact, it’s the most in-depth review you’ll find on this bat in the world.

Now, the Nighthawk is now…Covert. Just a name change for the most part. If you read my Nighthawk review from last year you’ll see that it’s a top of the line bat which competes with all the top BBCOR bats.

Last year it was on my top five list. It was hard for me not to include it on the list this year but the 2017 Mizuno Maxcor BBCOR edged it out.

I talked with the lead Mizuno engineer and he gave me full details on the 2017 Covert BBCOR bat. You’ll read all about the benefits, specs and features below.

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==>> See this 2017 mizuno covert (-3) on Amazon here

Features of the 2017 Mizuno Covert BBCOR

It’s a wonder what Mizuno has achieved in producing the Mizuno Covert BBCOR baseball bat, considering they’ve only entered the niche of metal and composite bats 3 years ago.

It seems apparent that with this Convert bat, Mizuno is determined to make a name for itself when it comes to the making of BBCOR bats.

So let’s take a look at the “covert” features, and bring it out into the light:

BBCOR-certified. The adult leagues such as the NCAA and the NFHS have specific requirements as to what kinds of bats are allowed to use for games.

The 2017 Mizuno Covert (-3) complies with every rule specified by these leagues. The available lengths range from 31 to 34 inches, so it weight ranges from 28 to 31 ounces.

And it measures 2 5/8 inches in diameter at the widest point.

Hybrid bat. The 2017 Mizuno Covert BBCOR is a 2-piece hybrid bat, and that’s because it uses 2 different materials for the handle and the barrel.

The barrel is made from aluminum alloy, while the handle is made from composite. The hybrid design allows for easier balancing of the weight and the material for the handle can be made from more quality materials.

2017 Mizuno Covert Barrel

What About Mizuno’s Unique Materials?

“Hot Metal” Alloy. Mizuno is a firm believer in innovative materials, and this new alloy is a beauty. This updated alloy is stronger.

So why is this important when BBCOR bats have definite “trampoline effect” restrictions? Well, it means that the walls of the Convert can be thinner.

The tapered barrel design can also be exaggerated without reducing the durability of the bat. Because of all these factors, the “sweet spot” is much bigger.

Just in case you don’t know what the “sweet spot” is all about, it’s the area of the bat that offers the best performance when it comes in contact with the ball when you take a swing.

It’s also the area that doesn’t produce those stinging vibrations when you make contact.

And another thing about the strength advantage—since the walls are thinner, then the design allows for a reduced swing weight.

While technically it’s still considered a “mid” swing weight bat, it’s a bit on the low side. Its swing weight is definitely lower than what you may find in other bats in this swing weight category.

2017 Mizuno Covert Drop 3

The Final Three Covert Features

Cortech Design. You’ll also find this particular design in the more expensive Mizuno MaxCor. What it does is help enlarge the sweet spot on the bat.

In fact, the use of the Cortech design with the “Hot Metal” alloy results in a sweet spot that’s 35% larger than previous models.
Balanced. Its weight distribution is also quite balanced, as opposed to the end-loaded feel preferred by some hitters who like to swing for the fences.

But the design does offer greater control to hitters, especially for those who like to make contact more frequently.
Super-Helix grip. It offers a nice “feel” for you when you’re at the plate. At the same time, you get the tack you need so you can get a secure grasp of the bat.

You want the bat the stay in your hands as you make contact and continue the arc of your swing, so that you can maximize the force you can put to the baseball.

2017 Mizuno Covert Handle

Benefits of the 2017 Mizuno Covert BBCOR Baseball Bat

So what do you really get with the 2017 Mizuno Covert BBCOR baseball bat when you’re at the plate?

Here’s a list of all the advantages you get.

Hot out of the wrapper. When you have a composite bat, you’re generally required to break it in first. You don’t do this during a game.

You hit off a tee or hit a soft toss against a fence so you can the ball back. You’ll also have to rotate the barrel every time, so that the effect on the barrel is evenly distributed.

But you don’t have to worry about these things when you have the Covert. Remember, though the handle is made from composite materials, the barrel is made from aluminum.

And aluminum bats are just like wooden bats—they’re ready to go once you get them.

So this saves you a lot of time and effort, as you get peak performance out of your bat right away.

If you’re getting a replacement bat while the season is in swing (or even in the middle of the game), you can trot this out without having to get it ready. It already is ready.
Larger sweet spot. Every batter would very much like it of the entire length of the bat comprises the sweet spot. Of course, that’ll never happen, but at least we can have as large as we can.

And that’s what you get here.

The sweet spot has many different definitions, but one standard definition is that this is the area where the “trampoline effect” of the bat is greatest.

In other words, the ball comes off the bat faster when you swing and make contact with the baseball with this area of the bat.

Also, this is the area that doesn’t cause any stinging vibrations when the ball makes contact.

Since the vibrations travel down the length of the bat and end up punishing your hands, it’s to your benefit that this sweet spot area is bigger.

At least, you won’t get a mishit as frequently as with a smaller sweet spot.

2017 Covert BBCOR Bat

What About The Swing Speed of This Bat?

Increased swing speed. When you’re at the plate, the swing speed is of prime importance. Firstly, it allows you more time to gauge the possible trajectory of the pitch.

You’re more able to “catch up” with the ball since the swing weight and the swing speed is much faster.

Also, the greater swing speed allows you to put in more power to the ball when you make full contact. That means the ball with travel farther as a result.

The effects of swing speed on a pitched ball are obvious. When you bunt, you don’t have much of a swing speed at all, right?

You don’t really expect the ball to travel so far you get a home run when you bunt. That home run is only possible when you really get some swing speed to wallop the ball hard.
Greater control. That’s because of the lower swing weight and the balanced weight distribution. You’re able to control where the bat goes, and with enough practice you can even control where the ball goes when you make contact.

You can then put the ball in play and drive the ball away from the fielders. If you’re a contact hitter who like some bit of oomph, the 2017 Mizuno Covert BBCOR is a great bat.
Legal to use. That’s what “BBCOR-certified” means. You don’t have to take note of all the specifications set out by the NCAA and the NFHS when it comes to their baseball bat rules.

With the Convert, you’re absolutely certain you’ve complied with those rules.

2017 Mizuno Covert Warranty

Should You Buy This Year’s Mizuno Covert BBCOR Bat?

The Convert is a great buy for many people. Certainly it’s a great bargain for those who want a good balanced bat with an aluminum barrel, without paying a lot of money for more expensive models.

But it is a good bat at any price range. You can use it right away, and you don’t have to waste time concreting on breaking the bat in when you can use the time in practicing your hitting.

For contact hitters who like a bit of heft in their bats, this is great. For many adults, ultra-lightweight bats aren’t really all that satisfying.

A bit of weight can do a lot of good, at the same time, the lightness of this bat really offers you a level of control that any contact hitter will appreciate.

After all, the point is not to strike out but to put the ball in play, and you’re sure to do that with this Convert bat.

Now, to be certain it’s not the best bat for strong power hitters, as the balance is even instead of end-loaded.

And if you have the budget there are more expensive bats out there. You’ll even find Mizuno bats with better vibration reduction measures.