2018 Rawlings Velo BBCOR Bat Review
Rawlings' famously light-swinging, loud one-piece alloy. The 2018 Velo pairs Acoustic Alloy and a Comp-Lite end cap for one of the lowest swing weights and biggest pings in BBCOR.
Been on the market a while — keep an eye out for in-season price drops.
Check today's price →The Score
How we score ↗How big and forgiving the barrel is — based on barrel length, construction (one- vs two-piece, alloy vs composite), and how it plays on balls hit off the center. A primary driver of the overall score.
Raw exit velocity and distance. We use measured numbers from freely available independent testing when they exist; otherwise construction and consensus, judged against the certification’s performance ceiling. A primary driver of the overall score.
Comfort and feedback on contact — vibration dampening from the knob/connection, the sting of a stiff one-piece vs a smooth two-piece, and the sound off the barrel. A primary driver of the overall score.
How well it holds up and how the company stands behind it — documented cracking/denting reports, cold-weather behavior, and the brand’s real warranty record. Good to know, but weighted lightly in the score.
Our take on price-for-performance — the overall package weighed against its cost and what comparable bats run. Shown for context; it is NOT factored into the overall score (price changes too often and is personal).
Why this score: The Velo scores highest on swing weight, which is its whole identity: one of the lowest MOIs in BBCOR. Feel and sweet spot are mid-pack because the stiff one-piece build and shorter barrel trade forgiveness for bat speed.
Our Review
The 2018 Velo brought back Rawlings' signature ultra-light, ultra-loud profile, and it is one of the lowest-MOI bats of its year. A one-piece Acoustic Alloy frame with pOp 2.0 lasering through the sweet spot adds barrel flex, while the Comp-Lite composite end cap strips weight off the end for that fast, balanced swing. The stiff feel and very low swing weight make it ideal for players transitioning up from -5 or -8 and for contact hitters who win on bat speed. The flip side of a one-piece is more feedback on mishits, and the barrel is on the shorter side, but as a quick, loud, value-priced alloy it earned its strong reviews.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One of the lowest swing weights in BBCOR
- Stiff, hot one-piece alloy with no break-in
- Great fit for hitters moving up to the -3
Cons
- One-piece feel stings more on off-center hits
- Shorter barrel profile than some rivals
Full Specifications
| Brand | Rawlings |
|---|---|
| Model | Velo |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Certification | BBCOR |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | One-piece aluminum (Acoustic Alloy, pOp 2.0 barrel, Comp-Lite end cap) |
| Model # | BB8V3 |
| Drop | -3 |
| Barrel | 2 5/8" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $299 |
Where to Buy
2018 Rawlings Velo BBCOR Bat — FAQ
Is the 2018 Rawlings Velo a good BBCOR bat?
We rate it 7.1/10 (Grade B). Rawlings' famously light-swinging, loud one-piece alloy. The 2018 Velo pairs Acoustic Alloy and a Comp-Lite end cap for one of the lowest swing weights and biggest pings in BBCOR.
What drops does the Velo come in?
The 2018 Velo BBCOR comes in -3.
Is the Rawlings Velo BBCOR-legal?
Yes — it's BBCOR certified by the WSU Sports Science Lab. Certified to the BBCOR .50 standard — the barrel is regulated to perform like wood, so it’s legal for high school and college.
How much does the 2018 Velo cost?
MSRP is $299. We list the lowest price across CheapBats and Amazon on this page.
New to buying bats? Read our bat sizing guide, certifications explained, or browse all guides.
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