We spent considerable time with the 2018 Rawlings Quatro in both real game work as well as cage time.
Models Overview
Our bat has been used with several different types of hitters and their feedback was gathered. That information, combined with our experience of the 2017 Rawlings Quatro, goes into the following 2018 Rawlings Quatro Review.
Construction & Technology
The 2018 Rawlings Quatro is made of four distinct pieces. It is, technically, a four piece bat and Rawlings likes to point this out. The name of the bat, Quatro, signifies the four pieces.
- The Handle is made of a composite structure.
- The barrel is also composite.
- There is a collar that sits around the connection between the handle and the barrel. This helps dampens sting to the hands during mishits on the barrel.
- Inside the end portion of the barrel sits an extended end cap. That endcap is the most unique feature of the Quatro.
Performance Comparison
Aside from the slight changes in color, the only difference in the 2018 Quatro when compared to the 2017 version is the swing weight. And although the swing weight change is not dramatic (they did not, for example, go all the way from an end load to a balanced) it is enough of a lighter swing weight in 2018 to make a noticeable difference. In other words, if you didn't like the feel of the 2017 version then the 2018 option might still be your ticket.
The swing weight change was created by a redevelopment of the end cap and the extended inner sleeve. As more bulk and weight was removed from those elements swing weight dropped sufficiently. This principle is simple enough: more weight taken from the end of a bat lowers the amount of strength to spin it around by the knob. This insight relies on the the basic principles of Mass Moment of Inertia or MOI.
Comparable Bats
In terms of a two piece composite bat with an inner sleeve on the end of the barrel the Quatro stands alone. There is simply no other bat like it. In terms of a light swinging two piece composite bat the market is crowded.
Expert Recommendations
Very few bats have wowed us with their performance in the BBCOR space. The 2018 Quatro does specifically because of its ability at low impact speeds. Any player, especially smaller ones, could reach top levels of performance and trampoline with the bat. The major downside, of course, is the bat's durability. Higher swing speeds and bigger players, hoping to get the same advantage smaller ones were, destroy this bat over and over again. (A fair number of smaller hitters did too).
The Bottom Line
- Balanced Swing Weight
- BBCOR Certified For High School & Collegiate Approval
- Carbon Fiber Composite Barrel Provides Premium Pop & Further Ball Flight
- Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty
- Tru-View Technology Reveals 100% Carbon Fiber Composition
- Newly Designed Lightweight End Cap Reduces Swing Weight For More Control
- Ultimate, Focused Flex Helps Accelerate Speed Through Contact
- Vibration Dampening Technology (VDT) Creates Incredibly Smooth Feel At Impact
- Made In The USA - Patent Pending
- Quatro Collar Absorbs & Eliminates Any Negative Vibration
- Four-Piece, Composite Baseball Bat
