What Is BBCOR Certification?
BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution) is a certification process developed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to regulate the performance of non-wood baseball bats. All bats used in college and high school baseball must have a BBCOR certification, so all bats made after 2011 must be BBCOR-certified.
BBCOR certification tests the trampoline effect of the bat, also known as the bats’ “springiness”. It is designed to reduce the performance gap between different bats and eliminate the need for bat shaving, a process used to increase a bat’s trampoline effect and make it hit the ball farther.
BBCOR Bats vs Wooden Bats
BBCOR bats are made from metal alloys, composite materials, and other non-wood materials, whereas traditional wooden bats are made from hardwoods such as ash, maple, and birch. BBCOR bats are designed to have a larger sweet spot than wooden bats, making them more forgiving on mis-hits and providing more power while reducing the risk of injury.
BBCOR bats are also lighter than wooden bats, which helps players swing the bat faster and generate more power when hitting the ball. Additionally, BBCOR bats are more durable than wooden bats and can last much longer if taken care of properly.
Advantages of BBCOR Bats
BBCOR bats have many advantages over wooden bats, including:
- Larger sweet spot – BBCOR bats have a larger sweet spot than wooden bats, making them more forgiving on mis-hits.
- More power – BBCOR bats are lighter than wooden bats, which helps players swing the bat faster and generate more power when hitting the ball.
- More durable – BBCOR bats are more durable than wooden bats and can last much longer if taken care of properly.
- Lower risk of injury – BBCOR bats are designed to reduce the risk of injury by reducing the trampoline effect of the bat.
Types of BBCOR Bats
BBCOR bats come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, composite, and hybrid models. Aluminum bats are typically the most affordable and are ideal for players who need a bat that is light and durable. Composite bats are typically more expensive but offer more power and a larger sweet spot. Hybrid bats are a mix of aluminum and composite materials and offer a combination of both power and durability.
Choosing the Right BBCOR Bat
Choosing the right BBCOR bat is an important decision and depends on several factors, including the players’ height, weight, and hitting style. Players should also consider the type of material (aluminum, composite, or hybrid), the length of the bat, the barrel size, and the swing weight.
How to Take Care of BBCOR Bats
Taking care of BBCOR bats is essential to ensure they last as long as possible. It is important to store them in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them in a hot car or in direct sunlight. Additionally, it is important to clean the bats after each use and inspect them for any damage or defects.
BBCOR Bat Regulations
BBCOR bats must meet certain specifications in order to be approved for use in high school and college baseball. The bats must have a BBCOR certification mark, which is a sticker or stamp located on the barrel of the bat. Additionally, the bats must have a maximum length of 36 inches and a maximum drop weight of -3.
Benefits of BBCOR Bats
BBCOR bats offer many benefits for baseball players, including:
- Improved performance – BBCOR bats are designed to improve the performance of players by providing more power, a larger sweet spot, and a lower risk of injury.
- Better durability – BBCOR bats are more durable than wooden bats and can last much longer if taken care of properly.
- Legal in college and high school – BBCOR bats are legal for use in college and high school baseball due to the BBCOR certification process.
Conclusion
BBCOR bats offer many advantages over wooden bats, including improved performance, better durability, and the ability to be used in college and high school baseball. Choosing the right BBCOR bat is an important decision and players should consider their height, weight, and hitting style when selecting a bat. Additionally, it is important to take care of BBCOR bats and store them in a cool, dry place and clean them after each use.