We took the 2021 BBCOR and USA Rawlings Quatro Pro for a spin. After four hitting sessions and three different hitters over 500 hits, we put this 2021 Rawlings Quatro Pro review together.
Models Overview
Our hitters like the flexible handle--although not as flexible as last year---huge barrel, and light swing of the 2021 Rawlings Quatro Pro. That holds true for both the USA and BBCOR versions of the bat. The Lizard Skin grip is a nice touch and the non flared handle was preferred by 2 of the 4 hitters.
Construction & Technology
The Rawlings Quatro Pro is a two-piece composite bat with a light swing, big barrel, and mildly stiff connection. In terms of bullet points, here's what we got:
- F2 Collar (This is the new connection that helps stiffen it up from 2020).
- Very Light End Cap
- "Suspended Inner Barrel." Basically, they've inserted the barrel with some foam type material that keeps the inner barrel off the outside barrel. I'm sure the Rawlings engineers cringe at our description there. So, for what its worth.
- Lizard Skin Grip
Performance Comparison
The major change in the 2021 Quatro Pro is an updated connection piece. Rawlings calls this the F2 and it is a bit stiffer than previous year's versions of the bats. Although to be sure, it still feels flexible. But it isn't META or The Goods stiff.
Other wise, still the same "suspended" inner barrel, lizard skin grip, big barrel and sizing options as the 2020 Quatro Pro.
Comparable Bats
Two-piece composite bats with a light swing and big barrel are the sweet spot of most major bat companies. Bats like Easton's ADV, DeMarini's CF, Louisville Slugger's Prime and META, Axe's Avenge, and so on focus on this niche. There is no shortage of light swinging two-piece composite bats with a big barrel on the market today (or yesterday). It is, to be frank, hard to make a real distinction between them.
For the 2021 Quatro Pro, the major advantage is the big barrel profile. It also has feel somewhere in between the stiffness of the CF and Meta.
Otherwise, lots of those bats are very similar and hard to distinguish.
Expert Recommendations
The Rawlings Quatro Pro in BBCOR or USA is made for the player that wants a huge barrel profile, light swing and a flexible feeling on contact. In terms of performance, the bat does as well as any in its class. The bat's sound is hollow. For some, the more flexible handle won't be preferred---they'll like the stiffer feel of a single piece or tighter two-piece like the META. But, for those base hit type players that want the best Rawlings has to offer, the Rawlings Quatro Pro is it.
