 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 DeMarini CF8 BBCOR | 2016 Combat Maxum | 2016 Mizuno Nighthawk | 2016 Easton MAKO | 2016 Rawlings Velo | |
 |  |  |  |  |
|
 | | | | |
|
| Rating | 14 out of 15 stars | 14 out of 15 stars | 14 out of 15 stars | 13 out of 15 stars | 14 out of 15 stars |
| BBCOR Certified | -3 Length to Weight Ratio | -3 Length to Weight Ratio | -3 Length to Weight Ratio | -3 Length to Weight Ratio | -3 Length to Weight Ratio |
| Barrel Diameter | 2 5/8 Inch | 2 5/8 Inch | 2 5/8 Inch | 2 5/8 Inch | 2 5/8 Inch |
| Materials Used | Two-Piece Fully Composite | One-Piece Fully Composite | Two-Piece Hybrid | Two-Piece Fully Composite | One-Piece Alloy |
| Grip | Synthetic | Lizard Skins Grip | Synthetic Leather Grip | HYPERSKIN Performance Grip | Premium Synthetic Leather |
| Pop | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Vibration | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ |
| Durability | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Shipping | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Warranty | 12 Months | 500 Days | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months |
It’s not always easy to determine the best BBCOR bats 2016 has to offer. Most players just want to know how much pop it has.
Reading the advertisements doesn’t really help, since it’s very common for a bat manufacturer to claim that their bats are the best in baseball.
Even reading BBCOR bat reviews isn’t much use, as bats are highly dependent on individual preferences.
If it doesn’t have that label, it may not be legal to use in your league. Baseball has seen its share of scandals throughout its long history, and it’s best that you comply with bat regulations fully.
With the BBCOR label from a reputable maker, at least you know you’re complying by the rules when your league requires BBCOR bats.
At the same time, you also need to get the best length and weight of the bat for your own height and weight.
There are many different opinions about the best bat size for a particular player height or weight.
You can consult some online charts to help guide your choice, but for best results you need to take a lot of swings and use the bat in action to see if it’s the right one for you.
And in the end, you still pick according to what works for you.
So like baseball, you play the percentages. Choosing among the 2016 BBCOR baseball bats is hard.
But then again, when you have hordes of baseball players saying that a particular bat is terrific, chances are it will work well for you too.
So I’ve compiled a list of BBCOR bats 2016 is introducing, and I’ve noted which bats have found sizable fan bases.
I’ve also examined the materials and technology used, as well as the reputations of the manufacturers.
Do some of these finally have the “pop” we’ve been looking for? Which of these five is the BBCOR bat with most pop?
#1
Choosing a bat often means choosing between bat speed and hitting power. Increase the hitting power by increasing the weight of the bat, and you reduce your batting speed so you can’t always catch up to fastballs.
The 2016 DeMarini CF8 BBCOR somehow is able to get both, and that has made it a top choice for the year. This is the best BBCOR bat available today.
This two-piece bat uses the 100% Paradox +Plus Composite Design and Barrel, which offers a lighter barrel that’s faster to swing, and at the same time the material is stronger for a greater pop from the bat.
The energy is fully contained in the barrel where it ought to be so that you drive the ball for longer distances, and the specially designed D-Fusion 2.0 Handle reduces the vibration that transfers to your hand.
With the Low Pro End Cap, the weight is on the hitting side of the barrel, and the RCK Knob offers a comfy grip without the blisters and pain that’s a common side effect with long hours of batting practice.
If you want a DeMarini but much less cost then try the 2016 Vexxum BBCOR.
#2
This bat has received a lot of rave reviews ever since it came out. It’s one of the hottest BBCOR bats in a while.
It has been used extensively by so many players, and lots of them say that it offers the greatest “pop” from a bat they have ever experienced.
What that means is that you have a greater chance of turning a lazy fly ball into a homerun, and more of your singles can become extra-base hits.
Players also exclaim that it’s a very forgiving bat as well. This means you don’t always have to hit the ball perfectly. Even if you’re just a bit off, you can get a hit.
There are many reasons for these assessments. One is that the swing weight is one of the lowest, so you’re able to get to the plate faster when you swing.
Even its durability is excellent. Most of the best bats offer a one year-warranty. With this bat, you get a 500-day warranty.
#3
Top players use their Mizuno bat like samurai warriors and ninjas use their katana swords, and the 32016 Mizuno Nighthawk BBCOR perfectly illustrates the sublime qualities you need for a bat.
One special feature is that Mizuno has adjusted the wall thickness of the bat in various spots.
A runner up to this bat would be the 2016 Mizuno Maxcor BBCOR.
The two-piece construction uses a special material between the alloy barrel and the composite handle. This special elastomer material acts like a barrier for unwanted vibrations from reaching and hurting your hands.
And now the handle is just a little bit stiffer too. It’s not too stiff that it’s uncomfortable, but stiff enough to let you flow through faster even on off-center hits.
This is a prime characteristic of the new Nighthawk—it gives you greater power even if you don’t hit the ball perfectly, and your hands are still protected from vibrations if the contact is outside the “sweet spot” of the bat.
#4
Many also rejoiced in the 2016 Eastern Mako, as it improved in the already superior 2015 version.
With the TCT Thermo Composite Technology, it offers a large sweet spot for better results at the plate.
In the picture: 2016 Easton Mako BBCOR
And now it even comes with the much-hyped Hyperskin Grip that’s usually offered as an accessory to baseball bats.
It offers a textured feel for a better grip, and yet it’s soft to protect your hands.
This bat is a no-brainer to be on my top 5 list of drop 3 bats.
#5
This bat is one example of how price does not always indicate quality.
It’s normally costs $150 less than other top brands, because of its 1-piece construction.
This means that you don’t need a break-in period for the bat at all.
Right away, you’ll be able to receive and make use of its superb features.
The bigger sweet spot and the faster moment-of-inertia all offer better results when hitting.
Verdict on the Best BBCOR Bats 2016
So which one is the best for you?
As I’ve said, that’s up to you.
It’s 2022, and these best BBCOR bats 2022 have introduced have the latest tech in baseball bats for you to enjoy.
Hi Jeff how about the Louisville prime 916 bbcor compared to your #1 DeMarini cf8 bbcor ?
Thanks
Sean
Sean – That’s a great bat with a lot of balance. There were so many great bats to review for 2016. You can read my review on that bat on this site. It just didn’t make my top 5 and I still believe the CF8 is superior.
What about the Demarini voodoo raw it is lighter or feels to me lighter than the cf8 and hits further and harder
I’m glad you found that the Raw is a better bat for you! When it comes down to it…it depends upon the hitter and their experience.
Jeff
Louisville Slugger Select should have been on your list. My sons HS team and travel team have a wide variety of high end bbcor bats. We can see most players use his bat. It has good pop but the main factor No Sting.
John – Are you referring to the 2016 Select 716 BBCOR? I really need to review that bat!
What about the adiddas eqt x3 bat compared to the cf8.
Hi Byron – I think it’s a really cool looking bat and is around the same price point as the CF8. I’ll try and review it soon but from what I’m seeing so far the CF8 is still my top pick.
I see that you have not swung the new Adidas composite yet but I am curious to see what your thoughts are once you try it.
Also, are there any other bats from the major manufacturers that you haven’t tested yet.
Hi Herb – I will definitely try the Adidas one and yes, there are several I haven’t tested and reviewed yet that have come out long after I wrote this particular review.
Since Marucci didn’t feel the need to make any improvement to their Phenomenal 2015 product, the Cat 6 (BBCOR), how does their original Cat 6 model compare to these newly released products by other companies? As far as performance goes, Would The Cat 6 Still rank amongst Top bats, or has one year of testing and updates driven the performance of 2016 products above and beyond that of the 2015 class?
Hi Jason – In my opinion the Cat 6 is still going to be a great bat for the 2016 Spring season. The only thing to keep in mind is that as the years roll on the technology really does elevate to the next level.
I would actually choose any of the five bats above over the Cat 6. I understand price is a consideration too though.
If you already got the Cat 6 then stick with that for the Spring but consider a new one for Summer and Fall leagues in 2016.
Jeff had you tried the Rip-it element ONE? If so what’s your thoughts vs Rawlings BBRV3
I’m just now gathering information on the Rip-IT Element bats. Both the BBCOR and Senior League versions. I hope to get that review out in the next month or so.
Hi, I used a 31/28 Rip It air last season with huge success- Im moving up to a 32/29 this year and was considering the new Rip It Element two. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Im a singles and double hitter but i have some power and did hit two HRs for the school team.
Michael – I’ve never used or reviewed the Rip It Air but I plan on doing so in the near future. I think it’s one of the better looking bats out there for 2016 but I haven’t seen enough player reviews for me to get excited about.
For that price point I’d choose the Mizuno Nighthawk before the Rip It.
Have you ever tried a RUDE MOAB I hear they are a great bat from a American bat company
Brian – I honestly had never hear of that brand of bat until you just told me. I’ll research them asap. Thanks!
Have you swung the new Easton hybrid bbcor if so what do you think
I’ve reviewed this bat and while I think it’s a good option it didn’t make my top 5 list.
Thebaseballdiamond.com/get-great-value-with-the-2016-easton-z-core-hmx-bbcor
I am a HUGE DeMarini Voodoo (bbcor) fan… Over the years the performance, pop and durability has been 2ND to none… I would think this should easily be in the top 3 let alone top 5… What have your studies shown?
Joe – I like the 2016 Voodoo Raw BBCOR but it just didn’t make it into my top 5 this year. The reason is that I liked the others above more. All high quality and different price points. This year I didn’t think having two bats from the same brand in the top 5 was right. The CF8 is far superior to the Voodoo Raw in my opinion.
I have reviewed that bat though which you can see here.
Thebaseballdiamond.com/2016-demarini-voodoo-raw-bbcor-review-stay-hungry-for-the-kill
Factoring out price points and the CF8 (never a fan of the CF’s) where would the Voodoo be placed in your list? Can you speak specifically why you favor the CF8 over the Voodoo? The link you provided was great. I have recommended the Voodoo to hundreds of HS and elite travel players with literally few (maybe 3) who did not like it, but still admired the performance. It will be difficult to convince me to buy a different bat… but I sure would appreciate it if you tried.
Which bat do think has the most pop cf8 or combat maxum? I want more power…….but room for error
They are both rated the same for pop. With these two bats it really comes down to whether you want a two-piece bat (CF8) or a one-piece bat (Maxum)
Can you give me some information about the rip it element one and two. How do the compare to the Easton mako?
Mike – I like the Rip It Element one and I like that it has a lower price point than the others. I also like that it’s a one-piece design.
I don’t know much about the Two. I like it’s design and looks but I haven’t seen a lot of research yet online for it in the form of positive comments. I’ll have to look into that more.
As far as the Easton Mako I’d take that any day over the Rip It bats. It’s just higher quality all the way around and has a long track record.
how does the velo compare to the omaha 516?
what does the velo have that makes it better than the 516?
What the Velo has that the 516 doesn’t is that it’s got 10 times the amount of five star reviews.
Not just on Amazon but all over I’ve found the Velo is 5/5 stars rated by real players who’ve used it.
Very comparable in the beginning with both being a one-piece bat in the lower price tier but the last few months all the player reviews have been coming in and most prefer the Velo over the 516.
any reviews on the rude american bat MOAB (mother of all bats)
Hi Cole – I didn’t review the 2016 models. Once the 2017’s come out I will definitely review them.