The Verdict: 3.5/5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
11 Reviews
| Options Available: |
|---|
| 32" 29 oz. - Check Price |
| 33" 30 oz. - Check Price |
| 34" 31 oz. - Check Price |
What you need to understand with the 2017 Rawlings Quatro BBCOR is that it’s not the same old bat with some minor improvements here and there.
It represents the tremendous effort on the part of Rawlings to really come up with something new. So the company spent more than 25,000 hours (that’s about 8 1/2 man-years) on R & D for this new Rawlings Quatro BBCOR.
They came out with their drawings, and then they made prototypes. Then they made their tests, and then drew some more.
At the end of all that, these scientists came out with the new 2017 Rawlings Quatro BBCOR baseball bat, and it bore the curious code name “Glowstick”. That’s either because “Lightsaber” was taken, or using it feels like going to a real fun party.
This new 2017 Rawlings Quatro BBCOR is really new, as it’s the first time Rawlings has come out with a BBCOR composite barrel. While the brand did release a composite bat before this, it hasn’t done so for BBCOR bats.
Just want to see the 2017 Rawlings Quatro BBCOR now?
==>> Learn all about this bat here
Features of the 2017 Rawlings Quatro BB7Q4
When Rawlings came out with the Trio back in 2015, the name was because it was a 3-piece bat.
Hearing that this is a Rawlings Quatro drop 3 bat may have scared you into thinking that the brand has lost its collective mind and came out with a 4-piece bat.
But that’s not the case, as it’s also a 3-piece bat. You still have the handle, the transition piece, and the barrel.
So why name it “Quatro”? That’s because it offers premium attributes for 4 different factors: performance, flex, balance, and distance. Let’s take a quick glance at what it offers:
in the picture: 2017 Rawlings Quatro Drop 3
-
Right from the start, it looks different. The color itself is truly eye-catching as it is neon yellow-green (which is probably the real reason why it’s called the Glowstick).
You can find this bat easily enough from a distance, and people in the stands will know who’s batting when you come up, no matter how much the commentator mangles your name.
-
As it’s BBCOR-certified for high school and college play, its barrel measures 2 5/8 inches while it has a drop 3 length to weight ratio.
This is available in 3 sizes, from 32 inches (29 ounces) to 34 inches (31 ounces). Everything about it is within the rules of the game, so if your performance suddenly improves then no one can allege that you’re cheating with this bat.
-
The bat comes with the carbon fiber composite barrel. It promises a lot of pop, while the ball should fly longer, higher, and farther.
This effect is the result of the 2-wall design, in which the outer wall collides with the inner wall to create a sort of trampoline effect.
Since this bat is quite light, players can confidently go full swing every time to achieve a greater swing speed.
-
It also comes with the Vibration Dampening Technology, highlighted by the addition of the Quatro Collar into the design (which, some may say, turns this bat into a 4-piece bat actually).
The silicone collar mutes the sting you feel when vibrations are produced after a mishit outside the sweet spot.
This kind of technology can now be seen in other premium bats, which us a confirmation that it works.
-
The handle is also quite skinny, so it enables you to really swing quickly through the strike zone.
It feels easy to grasp, and you’re able to make your flicks and swings more confidently.
-
The cutouts on the handle can also help you get a more secure grip like the 2017 Velo, especially if you tend to sweat through your palms and you don’t use hitter’s gloves.
The grip acts like the cover on a tennis racket handle, or on a bike’s handlebar. It really does offer a more secure grip as you get greater traction on the handle.
What Is The Barrel Made Of?
Features and Benefits Video For This 2017 Rawlings Quatro Drop 3 Bat
Pros of the Quatro
Many players will certainly accept this bat if their parents are nice enough to buy it for them.
in the picture: 2017 Rawlings Quatro BB7Q4
-
It certainly looks different, and for many players who like to shine that’s always a good thing.
It does seem like a glowstick, and for some teenage kids that lightsaber effect is uber-cool.
Parents can easily overlook the importance of this factor, but for young players it’s actually crucial.
If appearance wasn’t important, then no one will mind wielding a pink bat, right?
The fact that most guys would rather use a bat in a different color is proof that looks matter.
And say what you want about the look of the Quatro, it sure is definitely different.
Sure, some may not like the gaudy neon yellow-green, but at least it’s very distinctive. It’s more likely than not that you’ll be noticed.
-
The effective dampening of the sting is also a welcome relief. This has always been a sore spot (pardon the pun) for many players, and sometimes it can cause teenagers to be just a bit too careful in their swings.
That shouldn’t be a problem now, since there’s no price to pay if they hit outside the sweet spot.
They will still get some feedback if they hit too close to the end cap or the handle.
They will know they didn’t get it quite right, without the accompanying pain that usually comes with this knowledge.
-
The increased distance brought by the trampoline effect is also a great advantage. Who doesn’t want more pop with their bat?
With more distance for the ball’s flight, a fly ball out near the fence becomes a home run, and a ball in the infield can get to the outfield. An easy grounder can turn into a ball hit in the gaps.
At the same time, the trampoline effect still complies with the BBCOR standards, so at least it’s not that bouncy.
It still means that technically, the bounciness is only a little bit better than with a wooden bat. It just doesn’t really feel like that though.
-
The light weight also makes it very easy to control. It’s not too heavy, which is often what you feel with top-heavy bats reserved for overly strong power hitters.
Since it’s light enough, you can direct it where you want to go in the strike zone, and that increases your chances of at least making contact.
Will You Hit The Ball Further With This Bat?
Cons of the 2017 Rawlings Quatro BBCOR
While Rawlings wanted a “perfect” bat with their first BBCOR composite, it’s not quite ideal for everyone.
-
Some people may simply not be able to afford it. Seriously, this thing is expensive. Perhaps NCAA college players may see this as a good investment.
But high school players trying to save their allowance for this bat may not be able to swing it.
The cost is just too high unless supportive parents chip in.
-
The balance and the weight may not be the most ideal for power hitters. After all, many power hitters prefer an end-loaded bat.
Some hitters may also be doubtful of how much power you can get from bats with too many pieces and too much flex. It is why many hitters like 1-piece construction bats.
-
Also, some players who want instant out of the box performance need to get something else other than a composite bat.
A bat like this needs a break-in period. Of course, this isn’t a big deal really, when a player practices constantly. A week of day-long practices at a hitting range can see this through.
2017 Rawlings Quatro “Glowstick” Video
Verdict on the 2017 Rawlings Quatro BBCOR
Rawlings came out swinging with the Quatro, and it’s a real hit.
It’s undeniably excellent in its performance, which shouldn’t be surprising given the amount of research they dedicated for this bat. It’s full of effective technology that offers greater hitting effectiveness and at-bat comfort.
It looks eye-catching too, and its appearance justifies the “Glowstick” moniker.
Swing a neon yellow-green bat, and in some ways it’s like you’re swinging a Jedi lightsaber. It’s fun to watch.
I highly recommend the 2017 Rawlings Quatro BB7Q4 baseball bat. It’s in my top five list this year and for good reason.
2017 Rawlings Quatro BBCOR Baseball Bat
Leave a Reply