When it comes to baseball bats, there are certain standards that have been set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). These standards are known as the Bat-Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) and are designed to ensure that bats are not too powerful and that they meet certain performance criteria. This means that all bats used in college and high school play must meet the BBCOR standard, but what about drop three bats? Are all drop three bats BBCOR?
What is a Drop 3 Bat?
A drop three bat is a baseball bat that has a drop weight of minus three. This means that the length of the bat is three inches shorter than its weight. For example, a 33-inch drop three bat would weigh 30 ounces. These bats are often preferred by players who need a lighter bat to help with their swing speed.
Benefits of a Drop 3 Bat
Drop three bats are popular because they are lighter than traditional bats and help players generate more bat speed. This can help them get more power on their hits and generate more distance on their drives. Additionally, the lighter weight of drop three bats makes them easier to handle which can help players control their swing and make more accurate contact.
Are All Drop 3 Bats BBCOR?
The short answer is no. Not all drop three bats meet the BBCOR standard. In fact, some drop three bats are not even legal for high school or college play. That being said, there are a few drop three bats on the market that do meet the BBCOR standard. These bats are typically labeled as BBCOR-certified and must have the BBCOR stamp of approval on them.
How to Tell if a Bat is BBCOR Certified
If you are looking to buy a drop three bat, it is important to make sure it is BBCOR certified. The easiest way to do this is to look for the BBCOR stamp on the bat. It should be located near the end cap of the bat. Also, most manufacturers will list this information on the product page of their website.
Conclusion
When it comes to drop three bats, not all of them are BBCOR certified. It is important to do your research and make sure that the bat you are buying is approved for high school and college play. Fortunately, most manufacturers will list this information on their product pages and the bats themselves will usually have the BBCOR stamp of approval on them.