How We Rate Baseball Bats
Our Comprehensive 10-Factor Scoring System Explained
Scoring TL;DR
- Inputs: 10 rating factors on a 1–5 scale (swing weight uses decimals). We roll those into 4 category scores.
- Overall score (0–5): Weighted average of the 4 categories (see formula below).
- Displayed score (0–100):
score_100 = round(score_0_5 * 20).
Overall score formula (0–5)
Performance * 50% + Control * 25% + Durability * 15% + Value * 10%
Note: Category scores are 0–5; the 0–100 score is just a scaled view for easier comparisons.
Letter grades (0–100)
| Grade | Score (0–100) |
|---|---|
| A+ | 97–100 |
| A | 93–96 |
| A- | 90–92 |
| B+ | 87–89 |
| B | 83–86 |
| B- | 80–82 |
| C+ | 77–79 |
| C | 73–76 |
| C- | 70–72 |
| D+ | 67–69 |
| D | 63–66 |
| D- | 60–62 |
| F | 0–59 |
How rankings work
We rank bats inside their league + drop bucket and show it as #X/Y. Example: a USSSA -10 bat is ranked against other USSSA -10 bats. Only bats with ratings are included.
The 4-Category System at a Glance
Performance
Exit velocity-driven performance with real-world validation
Control
Swing weight, vibration control, and overall comfort
Durability
Longevity and build quality over time
Value
Price/performance ratio, resale value, and availability
The 10 Metrics We Measure
Every bat is evaluated across these 10 core rating factors on a 1–5 scale. We also compute a derived price score from typical MSRP to support the Value category.
Swing Weight (MOI)
Measured moment of inertia determines how heavy the bat feels during swing
Performance
Exit velocity and batted ball speed from our HitTrax testing
Player Rating
Aggregate feedback from 5+ testers per bat
Tech Specs
Advanced materials, construction methods, and innovation
Durability
Long-term performance retention and resistance to damage
Resell Value
Market value retention based on secondary market data
Size Variety
Number of length/weight combinations available
Market Demand
Popularity and availability in retail/secondary markets
Stiffness
Barrel flex and vibration dampening characteristics
Barrel Profile
Sweet spot size and barrel diameter measurements
Understanding Each Category
Performance (50% of total score)
Performance is our most heavily weighted category because it directly impacts hitting results.
Performance Score Formula:
Performance * 40% + Demand * 20% + Player Rating * 15% + Barrel Profile * 15% + Tech Specs * 10%
Why these weights?
- Performance (40%): The most direct measure of a bat's exit-velocity potential
- Demand (20%): Market validation that a model is performing in the real world
- Player rating (15%): Feedback on how the bat plays (feel, forgiveness, and consistency)
- Barrel profile (15%): Larger sweet spots generally mean more usable performance
- Tech specs (10%): Construction and materials that support performance
Control (25% of total score)
Control determines how comfortable and controllable a bat is during the swing.
Control Score Formula:
(Swing Weight Points + Stiffness Points + Player Points) ÷ 2
Special calculations:
- Swing weight points (max 3): Best near balanced (≈3); slightly lower near 2 or 4; lowest at extremes
- Stiffness points (max 3): Best near medium stiffness; lower at extremes
- Player points (max 4): Scaled from the 1–5 player rating
Durability (15% of total score)
Durability ensures your investment maintains performance over time.
Durability Score Formula:
Durability Rating * 80% + Tech Specs * 20%
What we measure:
- Long-term testing: Performance retention after extended use
- Warranty claims: Data from manufacturers and retailers
- Construction quality: Materials and build techniques that affect longevity
Value (10% of total score)
Value considers the complete ownership experience beyond initial purchase.
Value Score Formula:
Resell * 30% + Demand * 25% + Size Variety * 25% + Price Score * 20%
Price score (derived):
- MSRP missing: Neutral default (we avoid guessing)
- $250 or less: Full price points
- $500 or more: Reduced price points
- Between: Linear scale between those anchors
Illustrative scoring examples
Examples are illustrative only; for real scores, use our review pages and league databases.
Example: Elite two-piece composite
Budget Alloy Example
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is durability only 15% of the score?
While durability is important, most modern bats from reputable manufacturers last at least a season. Performance and feel have more immediate impact on your hitting success. However, bats with known durability issues are heavily penalized in this category.
How do you handle missing data?
When we lack specific data (e.g., no size information), we apply conservative default scores rather than assumptions. This ensures bats aren't unfairly rewarded for missing information.
Do you update scores over time?
Yes. As we gather more data through extended testing, warranty claims, and player feedback, we update scores to reflect real-world performance. Major updates are noted in our reviews.
Why might an older bat score higher than a newer one?
Our scoring is objective, not biased toward recency. Some older bats genuinely outperform newer models in certain categories. However, technology scores typically favor newer bats with advanced materials.
How do you test swing weight?
We use a custom-built MOI measurement rig that calculates rotational inertia to 0.1% accuracy. This gives us precise, repeatable measurements that correlate directly to how heavy a bat feels during the swing.
Can manufacturers influence scores?
No. Our scoring is based entirely on objective testing data and aggregate player feedback. We purchase bats retail when possible and clearly disclose any manufacturer-provided samples.
See Our Ratings in Action
Explore our comprehensive bat reviews and rankings using this scoring system