BBCOR Bats vs. USA Baseball Bats Explained

Our Bat Experts receive texts, calls, and chats from parents trying to shop for their next baseball bat. One of the most common questions we field is what is the difference between USA Baseball Bats and BBCOR Baseball Bats? To help everyone better understand the difference, we’ve taken the time to create a comprehensive breakdown (and hopefully) make shopping a much easier experience.

As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Bat Experts. They are more than happy to help answer any questions you may have. Now, let's begin.

What is the difference between BBCOR Bats and USA Bats? 

The main difference between USA Baseball and BBCOR baseball bats is the length-to-weight ratio (drop weight). BBCOR bats are required to be swung by high school and college baseball players. Each must come standard with a -3 drop weight, meaning they are only three ounces lighter than inches long. For example, a 32-inch BBCOR bat will weigh 29 ounces.

What is the drop in baseball bats? 

Meanwhile, USA baseball bats have higher drop weights meaning they will be lighter than any BBCOR bat. To help boil it down, BBCOR bats are required to be swung in high and college baseball. BBCOR bats are allowed to be used in all USA baseball competitions, but the heavier designs make them less advantageous for younger, smaller players. USA baseball bats are not allowed in any high school or college baseball competitions. USA baseball bats may only be used in youth baseball.

Requirements for a BBCOR Baseball Bat

• Cannot exceed a drop -3 length-to-weight ratio
• Barrel diameter cannot exceed 2 ⅝”
• No BBCOR bat may be longer than 36 inches
• Must feature the BBCOR Certified .50 stamp on the taper of the bat

Requirements for a USA Baseball Bat

• No drop weight limitation
• Barrel diameter cannot exceed 2 ⅝”
• Must feature the USA Bat stamp on the taper of the bat

When should I transition my youth baseball player to a BBCOR bat?

We recommend hitters in middle school begin swinging drop-8 and drop-5 USA or USSSA baseball bats to ease the transition into high school baseball. Baseball players looking to play high school baseball should be cognizant of the fact that they will be required to use a drop-3, BBCOR bat for high school baseball. Failure to do so may cause issues making the team when high school tryouts roll around.

Are BBCOR baseball bats hotter than USA bats?

There is no tangible performance difference between USA and BBCOR baseball bats. Both are regulated to perform similarly to wood baseball bats. 

USA baseball bats benefit younger players because the lighter constructions increase swing speed and control. BBCOR bats benefit older players because the heavier designs allow hitters to generate more power on contact.

[Note: USSSA baseball bats are the hottest bats on the market, but they can only be used in certain leagues and tournaments.]

What are the best BBCOR baseball bats to swing?

If you are looking for the best bats in BBCOR, you need to swing by JustBats. With a full selection of the top brands like Marucci, DeMarini, Louisville Slugger, Easton, and many more, JustBats has all of the most popular bats in BBCOR. Looking for an easy-to-read list of the most popular BBCOR bats? Check out our blog post here.

What are the best USA baseball bats?

Shopping for a young baseball player can be daunting, however, JustBats has compiled a list of the most popular USA baseball bats on the planet. We’re talking about the best youth baseball bats for Little League baseball. If you are interested in shopping for the best USA baseball bats, JustBats is the place for you.

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We hope this helped you better understand the difference between USA Baseball and BBCOR baseball bats. If you have any questions or just want to shop for a new baseball bat, be sure to contact our team of Bat Experts at JustBats. You can give us a call at 1-866-321-2287, email experts@justbats.com, or you can click here to live chat on our website. We’re JustBats and we’re with you from Click to Hit!