What Is a BBCOR Bat? + Best BBCOR Baseball Bats for 2026
Looking for the best BBCOR bats for high school baseball? We break down the top budget, overall, premium, and hybrid BBCOR bats available at Dick’s Sporting Goods for 2026.
2/20/20266 min read
Updated for the 2026 high school baseball season.
What Is a BBCOR Bat?
If your athlete is entering high school baseball or preparing for competitive travel ball, you’ve likely heard the term “BBCOR.” But what exactly does it mean — and why does it matter?
BBCOR stands for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution. It is the standard used for high school and college baseball bats to regulate performance and ensure a more wood-like response off the barrel. Unlike youth USA or USSSA bats, BBCOR bats are designed to limit trampoline effect and control exit velocity, creating a more balanced and competitive playing field.
Most high school leagues and NCAA programs require bats with a BBCOR .50 certification stamp, meaning players must use approved models to remain eligible.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a BBCOR bat different — and highlight the best BBCOR baseball bats available at Dick’s Sporting Goods for the 2026 season.
Who Needs a BBCOR Bat?
BBCOR bats are required for most high school and collegiate baseball leagues in the United States. If your athlete is entering ninth grade or playing in a sanctioned high school program, a BBCOR-certified bat is almost always mandatory.
Some competitive travel organizations for older age groups (typically 14U and above) may also require BBCOR bats depending on league rules. Always check your specific league’s equipment regulations before purchasing.
If your player is still in Little League or youth baseball under age 13, they will typically need a USA or USSSA bat instead — not BBCOR.
How BBCOR Is Different From Youth Bats
Unlike USA and USSSA bats used in youth leagues, BBCOR bats are designed to perform closer to wood bats. They limit trampoline effect and control exit velocity, which is why high school and college leagues require them.
If your athlete is transitioning from youth baseball into high school competition, they will need a BBCOR-certified bat marked with the “.50” stamp.
If your athlete is still playing youth baseball, you may need a USA-certified bat instead. See our full USA bat guide here.
Travel ball players under high school age often use USSSA bats, which are built for different league standards.
What to Look for in a BBCOR Baseball Bat
When choosing a BBCOR bat, performance is only part of the equation. Because these bats are required for high school and collegiate play, players should focus on the following factors:
Length & Drop Weight
BBCOR bats are always drop -3, meaning the bat’s weight is three ounces less than its length. For example, a 33-inch bat weighs 30 ounces. Proper sizing is critical for balance and swing control.
Balanced vs End-Loaded
Balanced bats offer easier swing speed and control, making them ideal for contact hitters. End-loaded bats shift more mass toward the barrel, generating more power for stronger hitters.
One-Piece vs Two-Piece Construction
One-piece bats tend to be stiffer and offer a traditional feel, while two-piece bats provide more flex and vibration reduction.
Material (Alloy vs Composite)
Alloy bats are durable and game-ready out of the wrapper. Composite bats may offer a larger sweet spot but often require a break-in period.
Choosing the right BBCOR bat depends on a player’s size, strength, and hitting style.
Bat Category Price* Swing Feel Best For
Easton Speed Best Budget $99 Balanced (Alloy) High school
Rawlings Clout AI Best Overall. $249 Balanced (Alloy) varsity players
Rawlings Icon -3 Premium Value. $299 (Advanced Barrel) competitive hitters
DeMarini Best Hybrid / Power $399 End-Loaded (Hybrid) Power hitters
Prices are subject to change. Check current pricing at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Best BBCOR Bats at Dick’s (2026)
Easton Speed BBCOR Bat (-3)
Best Budget BBCOR Bat at Dick’s Sporting Goods
The Easton Speed BBCOR (-3) is one of the most affordable and reliable high school bats currently available at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Designed as a one-piece alloy bat with a balanced swing weight, it delivers consistent performance without the premium price tag of composite or hybrid models.
Built for players who prioritize bat speed and solid contact, the Easton Speed offers a clean, traditional alloy feel with dependable durability. Its balanced profile makes it a strong option for contact hitters, developing varsity players, and budget-conscious families looking for a certified BBCOR bat under $100.
With nearly 70 customer reviews and a strong reputation as an entry-level high school bat, this model stands out as one of the best value picks on the market.
Construction: One-piece alloy
Swing Feel: Balanced
Drop: -3 (BBCOR certified)
Best For: High school players looking for value and reliable performance
👉 Check current price and available sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Rawlings Clout AI BBCOR Bat 2025 (-3)
Best Overall BBCOR Bat at Dick’s Sporting Goods
The Rawlings Clout AI BBCOR (-3) is one of the most balanced and well-rounded high school bats currently available at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Designed as a one-piece alloy bat, it delivers consistent barrel performance while maintaining a smooth, controlled swing feel.
What separates the Clout AI from many traditional alloy bats is its AI-optimized barrel design. Rawlings engineered the barrel profile to maximize sweet spot consistency while maintaining BBCOR compliance, helping hitters generate reliable exit velocity without sacrificing control.
With a 4.7-star rating across 47 reviews and a GC Gold Bat Lab badge, the Clout AI stands out as one of the most trusted mid-tier BBCOR options for serious high school players.
Its balanced swing weight makes it ideal for contact hitters, gap-to-gap players, and athletes who prioritize bat speed and control over extreme end-loaded power.
Construction: One-piece alloy
Swing Feel: Balanced
Drop: -3 (BBCOR certified)
Best For: High school players wanting a proven all-around performer
👉 Check current price and available sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Rawlings Icon BBCOR Bat (-3)
Best Premium Value BBCOR Bat at Dick’s Sporting Goods
The Rawlings Icon BBCOR (-3) is one of the most trusted high-performance bats in high school baseball. Originally priced near $500, this model is currently available at a significant discount, making it one of the strongest premium-value options at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Designed for serious varsity and travel players, the Icon delivers explosive barrel performance while maintaining a balanced swing feel. Its advanced barrel construction is built to maximize sweet spot consistency and produce reliable exit velocity within BBCOR standards.
With over 130 customer reviews and strong overall ratings, the Rawlings Icon stands out as one of the safest premium investments for competitive hitters.
Construction: High-performance alloy/composite design
Swing Feel: Balanced with strong barrel response
Drop: -3 (BBCOR certified)
Best For: Serious high school players wanting elite performance without paying full premium price
👉 Check current price and available sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods
DeMarini The Goods Hybrid BBCOR Bat 2026 (-3)
Best Hybrid / Power Hitter BBCOR Bat
The DeMarini The Goods Hybrid BBCOR (-3) is built for hitters who want maximum power and a stiffer, explosive barrel feel. Featuring a hybrid construction with an alloy barrel and composite handle, this bat is designed to reduce vibration while delivering strong barrel pop.
Unlike fully balanced alloy bats, The Goods Hybrid offers a more end-loaded swing feel, making it a strong choice for power hitters who can handle added barrel weight and want extra drive through contact.
With over 30 customer reviews and consistent high school popularity, The Goods Hybrid remains one of the most trusted hybrid BBCOR options at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Construction: Alloy barrel + composite handle (Hybrid)
Swing Feel: End-loaded
Drop: -3 (BBCOR certified)
Best For: Power hitters and advanced high school players
👉 Check current price and available sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods
How to Choose the Right BBCOR Bat
Choosing the right BBCOR bat depends on your hitting style, strength level, and experience. Here are the key factors to consider before buying:
1️⃣ Swing Weight (Balanced vs. End-Loaded)
Balanced bats are easier to control and ideal for contact hitters or players who prioritize bat speed.
End-loaded bats add more mass toward the barrel, helping power hitters generate greater exit velocity — but require more strength to swing efficiently.
2️⃣ Construction (Alloy, Composite, or Hybrid)
Alloy (one-piece) bats offer a traditional feel and consistent performance.
Composite bats reduce vibration and may offer a smoother feel.
Hybrid bats combine an alloy barrel with a composite handle — popular for power hitters who want reduced sting.
3️⃣ Length & Weight (-3 Drop)
All BBCOR bats are required to have a -3 drop weight (length minus weight).
For example:
33” bat = 30 oz
34” bat = 31 oz
Make sure the length matches your height and strength level.
4️⃣ League Certification
BBCOR bats are required for:
High school baseball
College baseball
Most competitive travel leagues
Always confirm your league’s rules before purchasing.
5️⃣ Budget vs. Performance
Higher price doesn’t always mean better performance.
Many high-quality alloy bats perform extremely well at lower price points. Choose a bat that fits your swing first — then your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBCOR Bats
What does BBCOR mean?
BBCOR stands for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution. It is the performance standard required for high school and college baseball bats to ensure a more wood-like response and regulated exit velocity.
Are BBCOR bats required for high school baseball?
Yes. Most high school and collegiate leagues require bats stamped with the BBCOR .50 certification.
What is the drop weight of a BBCOR bat?
All BBCOR bats are drop -3, meaning the bat’s weight is three ounces less than its length (for example, 33” = 30 oz).
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