Different Standardization of Bats
Back in the mid-nineteenth century, when the sport was still in its infancy, players used a wide range of bats. The batter’s hitting style was taken into account when choosing the material, design, size, and weight of their bats. Regulations and standards were put in place over time, not only to help with hitting, but also to ensure fair competition. BBCOR is one such standard that is currently in use.
The NCAA published a protocol in 2009 that defined a new standard for testing baseball bat performance. All aluminium and composite bats used in NCAA competitions had to meet the BBCOR standard by January 1, 2011. Before the BBCOR certification was implemented, there was another standard in place. It was known as the Bat Exit Speed Ratio (BESR). In this article we will compare different standardization of bats as:
What was the impetus behind the development of the BBCOR standard?
The BBCOR standard was developed to protect the amateur game’s integrity while also increasing safety. Due to inflated offensive performance at the NCAA Division 1 level, as well as concerns about pitcher safety, the NCAA and NFHS re-evaluated the effectiveness of the BESR (Ball Exit Speed Ratio) standard that existed prior to the implementation of the BBCOR standard. They decided on a new standard and then set about developing the parameters for implementing the BBCOR rule. In addition, when compared to the BESR standard, the BBCOR standard has reduced batted ball speeds by 5% since its inception.
USABat vs. BBCOR
When it comes to performance, USA bats and BBCOR bats are very similar. They are designed to have hit speeds that are very similar to BBCOR baseball bats, making them a favourite among younger players preparing to move up to High School, where BBCOR bats are required. The barrel size of the two bats must also be the same – they must both be 2 5/8-inches long. However, unlike the best bbcor bats 2022, USA bats do not have drop 3 weight to length ratio restrictions. Because they are used by younger players, USA bats can be much lighter than BBCOR bats, making them much easier to swing.
BESR vs. BBCOR
BESR, or Ball Exit Speed Ratio, was the standard that governed High School and Collegiate play. BESR measured the speed with which the ball left the bat on contact, as opposed to BBCOR, which measures the trampoline effect of bats. The BESR standard required all non-wood bats to have a maximum exit speed of 97 mph. BESR bats, like BBCOR bats, had to have a drop 3 (-3) length to weight ratio, a 2 5/8-inch barrel, and could not be longer than 36 inches.
BBCOR Vs Big Barrel Baseball Bats
Best bbcor bats can be difficult to lift and swing for some younger players. As a result, in Coach Pitch leagues (for children aged five to seven years old) and Senior League games, a slightly different standard for aluminium or composite baseball bats is used (age range of eight to 13 years old.) Junior Big Barrel Bats are used for the former. Senior League or Youth Big Barrel Bats are options for the latter.
