2021 Rawlings 5150 BBCOR Bat Review
Rawlings' long-running no-frills alloy workhorse. The 5150 is a simple, durable one-piece aluminum BBCOR bat that hits as hard as anything in its class when squared, and its real appeal is a low street price.
There's a newer version available. See the 2023 5150 — the current model → 7.9/10Been 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 5150 is a classic budget alloy: stiff, durable, and surprisingly hot on the barrel for the money, with pOp 2.0 widening the hitting surface. It swings a touch heavy for a balanced bat and the one-piece build transmits sting on mishits, and the barrel is average-sized rather than oversized. But it does the core job as well as pricier alloys and sells cheap, which is the whole point.
Our Review
The 5150 has been Rawlings' value alloy bat for years, and the formula stays the same: a single piece of responsive aerospace-grade aluminum with pOp 2.0 to stretch the sweet spot, and not much else. It's an under-the-radar performer that hits as hard as anything in its class once you square it, even if it swings a touch heavy and stings on mishits like most one-piece alloys. There's no dampening tech or oversized barrel here, but the low price makes it one of the smartest dollar-for-dollar swings in BBCOR.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Responsive aerospace-grade alloy barrel hits as hard as bats costing far more
- Simple, rugged one-piece build with a strong durability track record
- Among the best dollar-for-dollar BBCOR options at its street price
Cons
- Swings slightly heavy and the barrel is average-sized rather than oversized
- One-piece construction gives real hand feedback on off-barrel contact
Full Specifications
| Brand | Rawlings |
|---|---|
| Model | 5150 |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Certification | BBCOR |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | One-piece aerospace-grade alloy (pOp 2.0) |
| Model # | BB153 |
| Drop | -3 |
| Barrel | 2 5/8" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced (swings slightly heavy) |
| MSRP | $299 |
Where to Buy
2021 Rawlings 5150 BBCOR Bat — FAQ
Is the 2021 Rawlings 5150 a good BBCOR bat?
We rate it 7.2/10 (Grade B). Rawlings' long-running no-frills alloy workhorse. The 5150 is a simple, durable one-piece aluminum BBCOR bat that hits as hard as anything in its class when squared, and its real appeal is a low street price.
What drops does the 5150 come in?
The 2021 5150 BBCOR comes in -3.
Is the Rawlings 5150 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 2021 5150 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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Sources: JustBats — Rawlings 5150 BBCOR (specs) · Retailer listing — Rawlings 5150 BBCOR product page