BBCOR Swing Weights | Lightest & Heaviest BBCOR

March 21, 2019 | @BatDigest

We measured the swing weights of the 2019 and 2018 33-inch BBCOR bats. As a group their swing weight varies no more than 12% total. But, of note, swing weights and scale weights are not well correlated.

Definitions of Scale Weight and Swing Weight

Scale Weight: What a bat weighs on a scale. (Not to be confused with its stated weight. Most bat’s scale weight is an once or two more than their stated weight.)

Swing Weight: A physical measurement of the bat that determines how difficult it is to swing. Based on a few factors including the balance point, pendulum period and scale weight.

Why Does this Matter?

Misunderstanding the difference between scale weight and swing weight will get you a bat that is not for you. Swing weight is how hard it is to swing a bat and scale weight is how much it weights. As we point out below, those two things don’t correlate too well.

Implying a certain feel by weighing a bat is far from understanding the nature of how bats swing.

2019 and 2018 BBCOR Bat Swing Weight Data

We use the data below, as well as our ball exit speed and barrel size, to write our baseball bat reviews (BBCOR section). This also informs our decision as to the the best 2019 BBCOR baseball bats.

The lightest swinging 2019 BBCOR bat is the Axe Avenge. This is surprising to us, and maybe to most. But, Axe set out to make the fastest swing on the market and they did it.

The heaviest swinging 2019 BBCOR bat is Marucci’s CAT 8 Connect. This is built for the big hitter looking for all the beef they allow. some surprise is the 2019 Dirty South KAMO real close in the heavy swing weight department.

The Heaviest Swinging BBCOR Bat

When comparing the 33 inch BBCOR bats we found the Easton Beast X Loaded to swing 12% heavier than the 2018 618 Solo. In practice this is a considerable difference and something that can be felt immediatly.

We would guess the 32 inch Easton Beast X Loaded runs 2 to 3% heavier (in terms of swing weigth) than the 33-inch 618 Solo.

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The Lighest Swinging BBCOR Bat

For two years in a row the Slugger 618 Solo has been the lightest swinging bat we have found. It runs as a single piece aluminum with an extended composite end cap. And, get this, it also comes in a 29 inch bat. That 29-inch BBCOR is the lightest swinging highschool bbcor bat on the planet. It really isn’t close.

Other real close options, and within our margin of error are the 2018 DeMarini Voodoo One, the DeMarini Zen Balanced and Easton Ghost X.

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Do These numbers hold true for non 33-inch BBCOR Bats?

Although we cannot be certain, we do believe the numbers translate accordingly when you shift from a 33-inch BBCOR to a 29, 30, 31, 32 or 34-inch BBCOR bat. Meaning, for example, we still think the 618 the lightest swinging 32-inch BBCOR too. The changes between different models and brands are so minute that we think it likely the bats change order rankings—although by some imperceptable amount—as we change BBCOR lengths.

But, when compared to non BBCOR bats, we think there little to no correlation between these models and their USABat or USSSA bat comparisons. You can see our analysis on the USABat swing weights here.

How to Interpret the Swing Weight Index

After measuring the 2018 BBCOR bat swing weights we assigned the lightest swinging bat (Slugger 618 Solo) a score of 1. Then, we took the percentage difference between the 618 and every bat on the list and that number became the index.

For example, expect the Easton Ghost X to swing 1.9% heavier than the 618 Solo and the Mizuno F5 to swing 7.3% heavier.

Standard Errors and Accuracy

Although we are confident in the repeat-ability of our swing measurements, we do not submit they are perfect. Our best estimate is we run no less than 200 points off. Meaning, a percentage swing of 2 to 3% either way would be a reasonable margin of error.

As well, a percentage point or two one directly or another is virtually imperceptible to any given player. A bat with a 4% change any given direction on the above chart is likely not noticeable by anyone.

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• Category: Bat Lab