Last update on 2020-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
So you’re in need of the best BBCOR bats? You’re not alone.
After all, it’s estimated that 455,300 baseball players play for their high school team and the National Federation of State High School Associations require proper BBCOR bats.
The same thing goes for the 25,700 college players with the required BBCOR bats certified by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
That’s not even mentioning the other players of various other leagues which just prefer to have their players use BBCOR baseball bats too.
But which are the top BBCOR bats to choose from? That can be a very difficult choice to make, with so many options available.
I’ve been comparing the best BBCOR bats for six years.
I’ve looked at bats from major manufacturers and selected the 10 I think would work best for most players.
So with our list of the top ten BBCOR bats, at least you can keep your options at a more manageable level.
1. 2020 Louisville Slugger Meta BBCOR
In the picture: 2020 Louisville Slugger Meta BBCOR
It’s a bit on the expensive side, but it’s one of the hottest BBCOR bats selling in online stores right now.
In fact, some sizes are selling out in some of these stores, so you may need to exert a bit more effort in finding the 2020 Meta BBCOR in the right size for your kid.
But for many, it really is worth the effort. As you can see from the chart above, it’s one of the best BBCOR bats with best pop.
The 2020 version has improved greatly compared to the 2019 Meta Prime.
The new 3 piece composite design they use is so unique that Louisville says the stiffness is customized on the inside and out to provide zero vibration even if you don’t hit the ball squarely.
With the control you have over your bat, you can react more swiftly to zippy fastballs.
And you can track the nasty curveballs and sliders to put the bat right where you want it.
You also may find that imperfect contact with the ball doesn’t end up as automatic outs.
The massive sweet spot is excellent, as it gives you a bigger spot where contact doesn’t cause stinging in your hands.
The structure of the bat is solid, with the perfect balance made possible by the design of the knob and the end cap.
The RTX end cap is designed to provide the largest barrel size in the entire BBCOR lineup for 2020.
The EKO composite barrel is massive but you’re still swinging with a perfectly balanced swing weight.
All these factors make for an one of the best BBCOR bats any player—especially power hitters—will be proud to wield for their team.
Buy on Amazon2020 Louisville Slugger Prime BBCOR Video Overview
2. 2020 DeMarini CF BBCOR
The baseball bat industry is littered with the brand names of icons with long, legendary histories.
These bat makers usually come from either the US or Japan, where they have the technology to match their passion for baseball.
The 2020 DeMarini CF BBCOR is designed by some of the smartest bat makers in the world, and it stands above most of the bats in the BBCOR category.
This bat is very comparable to last years’s 2019 CF Zen.
It’s a solid 2-piece composite bat, but the balance is astonishing fine. Getting the balance right is the reason why most makers use 2-piece construction.
You only need to fix one section to get the balance right.
It’s also very light overall.Add the balance with the low weight and you have a bat that you can control absolutely.
The hitting surface area is much bigger, since the 2 5/8-inch diameter starts right near the handle instead of just limited to the top end.
That means more chances of making contact with the ball, and more chances of getting a hit.
It’s also very durable. The problem with 1-piece bats is that they’re not all that durable at all, compared to their 2-piece counterparts.
This 2-piece bat comes with 12 month warranty typically seen with most 2-piece bats.
It uses the D-Tak Grip. I’ve personally tested this kind of bat and the grip is super comfy.
Choose this DeMarini baseball bat if you value control over everything. The absolute control you have over your bat will definitely improve your hitting stats big time.
If you’re wanting to take a look at some major power instead you should check out this 2021 DeMarini The Goods BBCOR review.
2020 DeMarini CF BBCOR Overview Video
3. 2020 AXE Avenge BBCOR
There have been several AXE baseball bats, but this latest 2020 is the ultimate best.
Last year’s version was well received and this year’s version won’t disappoint!
The massive Charged Carbon barrel design gives you more pop than previous versions of this bat.
The new Vibration Canceling System almost eliminates vibration upon contact with the ball. It’s very robust, so it offers strength while the weight is kept low.
The Axe handle is specifically designed to fit naturally in your hand. This isn’t just for comfort but to reduce injuries.
That means more time playing baseball this season.
Check out the HyperWhip end cap. Looks different but actually provides more energy right into the barrel.
The AXE ACR technology is designed to make sure you never need to rotate your barrel. What a relief!
I personally tested this bat and can verify the extreme pop right out of the wrapper.
The grip is very synthetic but it’s actually quite comfortable. I tested it with and without batting gloves.
It offers a lot of zing upon contact. Even when you don’t hit the ball solidly, the ball still pops out with a lot of life.
Your hands are protected too. With the bonus of that no vibration thing upon contact, it’s fantastic.
If last year’s version was the test run…this is the ultimate run.
2020 AXE Avenge BBCOR Video Overview
4. 2020 DeMarini Voodoo One BBCOR
Everyone is so happy DeMarini came out with a new lower cost bat even though the CF and Insane are super popular.
I totally welcome the Voodoo One.
After they released the bat I was in direct contact with the team over at DeMarini and they are dedicated to making sure their bats are designed for anyone in the lineup even though it’s balanced.
People who have tested this bat have nothing but good things to say about it but here are some benefits and features.
Pros
- Very big sweet spot
- Balls will fly off bat into gaps
- Very little vibration
Cons
- May not be best bat for bunting
- Not as good as 2020 CF
While it is balanced, it doesn’t mean you won’t hit bombs.
You will still have some measure of power with your bat. You don’t just blindly swing and trust to luck where it will go. It can go where you actually direct it. That means more chances of making contact too.
The one-piece AZ105 alloy construction is quite a game changer. It has a precision-balanced barrel for an awesome feel all season long.
Marucci says this bat has a pro balanced swing weight which is supposed to be the perfect combo of power and speed.
Marucci wants to make sure you know that although the bat is balanced all spots in the lineup can benefit.
You should absolutely read this BEFORE buying the Voodoo One.
2020 DeMarini BBCOR Bat Lineup
5. 2020 Marucci Cat 8 BBCOR
You’d think that perhaps there would be one Marucci baseball bat in the top 10, right? Of course!
Now it may sound insane to some diehard Marucci fans that the brand has again come out with a competing alternative to the CF and Meta. Marucci has mostly featured the Cat series for years.
But what’s really insane here is the crazy improvement in your hitting you’ll get, when you’re a contact hitter armed with this bat.
This 2020 Marcci Cat 8 BBCOR offers game-changing performance right out of the box, and its strength will ensure that it will last you for quite a long while.
With this bat, balls go farther and faster, and your hands won’t have to suffer from mishits.
Opening and First Look at Marucci Cat 8 BBCOR Bat
Top 2020 BBCOR Bats 6-10
Last update on 2020-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Video: 3 Factors To Help You Choose Best BBCOR Bat
Why Trust Me?
I’ve been evaluating BBCOR baseball bats since 2014 on this site and several years before that on a previous baseball site.
Over all those years, I’ve invested a few hundred hours looking into the pros and cons of dozens and dozens of bats.
I’ve researched all the manufacturers. I’ve called, emailed and private messaged all the manufacturers.
There have been personal conversations and meetings over the phone with bat company’s designers and engineers.
TheBaseballDiamond.com has invested a ton of time and energy looking into the best BBCOR bats year in and year out.
At the end of the day, it comes down to customer preference and my goal is to make all available information accessible for players, coaches and parents.
Other Ways I Researched
Not only have I personally tested the best BBCOR bats each year, but I also research online intensely.
I read player and parent reviews to get an on-the-ground feel for what bats are doing each season.
Sometimes this means I won’t come out with a particular review until enough data has been presented for a truthful evaluation.
I do research and evaluate through the season to make sure I absolutely have the best list of 10 BBCOR bats.
What Size BBCOR Bat Is Best?
Most experts say it comes down to size of player. That means height and weight.
Some experts also add a third element and that is strength. How do you measure that? That’s between parent, player and a bit of batting practice.
I’m not going to say there’s any ideal bat size or type that connect to a perfect chart of age, height, weight and any other combination of things.
In the end, it’s up to you. That’s right. Personal preference.
With my size could I have used a 34 inch, 31 ounce bat when I played in high school and college?
Yes, I could have, but I chose to use a 32 inch bat instead.
Final Thoughts on the Best BBCOR Bats For 2020
Of course, the baseball season may have just started for your team.
Maybe you’re about to enjoy a Spring Training game in Arizona or Florida.
But now is the time to get a new bat, so you can practice with it and get used to its size and weight.
Still haven’t decided? Go back up and scroll through the top 10 best BBCOR bats 2020 has to offer.
When the 2020 baseball season arrives, you’ll be ready with the meanest bat you can get.
Each and every bat here is terrific – you just need to practice and you will undoubtedly improve your hitting. Batter Up!
This is awesome! My little changed their junior rules to BBCOR for 8th graders. And I have been racking through reviews and different bats. I love your honesty and reviews. Thank you!
Thank you very much for stopping by and checking out my BBCOR bat reviews Gabriel. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.