BBCOR vs USSSA vs USA Bats: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for metal baseball bats, you will quickly see three main categories of metal bats: BBCOR, USSSA, and USA. These three categories are different certifications that allow the bats to be used in different leagues. There are some important differences to be aware of as you shop for your next bat, so let’s break it down and see which certification is right for you!

In this article, we’ll cover:

• BBCOR vs USSSA vs USA Breakdown
• What is a BBCOR Bat?
• What is a USSSA Bat?
• What is a USA Bat?
• Bat Certification FAQs

BBCOR vs USSSA vs USA Breakdown

Youth baseball is a complicated landscape, but there is an easy way to sort out the confusion. If you are a high school player, you must use a BBCOR bat. No matter if it is school, tournaments, or league play, all official high school baseball will require you to use a BBCOR bat. If you are younger than high school, you will use either a USSSA or USA-certified bat, but don’t fear, there is still an easy way to know which to pick. Follow the rules of the league or tournaments you are playing in! All leagues will have their own rules about what bats they allow. If they allow USSSA, get a USSSA bat. If they allow the USA, get a USA bat. This removes the guesswork and ensures your bat will be legal for play! 

What is a BBCOR Bat?

BBCOR, or "Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution," is the standard for high school and college-level baseball bats, as set by the National Federation of State High School Associations and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Bats meeting this standard are marked with the "BBCOR.50" logo. The testing process involves firing baseballs from a cannon at specified points on the bat barrel. The change in the ball's speed before and after impact determines the ratio, which must not exceed .50 across all areas of the barrel for the bat to be BBCOR-approved. The bat must have a barrel diameter no greater than 2 ⅝”, a length-to-weight ratio no greater than -3, and a length that does not exceed 36. There are multiple types of BBCOR bats from a variety of different brands. They come in both aluminum and composite materials and can be had in a one-piece or two-piece design. To see our list of BBCOR bats click here.

What is a USSSA Bat?

USSSA, United States Speciality Sports Association, is commonly thought of as the governing body of tournaments or “travel ball.” Consequently, they have created the 1.15BPF stamp which must be displayed on all bats used in their events. This is a measurement of how fast the ball comes off the bat after contact. Effectively, a 1.15 BPF means an increase of 15% compared to a solid object. Additionally, the barrel diameter cannot exceed 2 3/4“. USSSA bats are allowed to perform at a higher level than other bats such as USA bats. This performance benefit makes them the preferred choice for players playing in USSSA events. They come in a variety of lengths and drops, so be sure to select the one that is best for you by clicking our sizing guide here.

What is a USA Bat?

USA Baseball is the national governing body for the sport of baseball in the U.S. Some of the leagues under their jurisdiction are the American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC), Babe Ruth Baseball/Cal Ripken Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball & Dixie Boys Baseball, Little League Baseball, and PONY Baseball. For all USA baseball events, they developed a specific USA bat certification. Bats that are eligible for use in USA Baseball-sanctioned leagues and tournaments must bear the USA Baseball logo and be certified by USA Baseball. This certification ensures that the bat meets the organization's performance and safety standards. These standards are different from others such as BBCOR and USSSA 1.15BPF. Consequently, these bats are not permitted in USA Baseball events. However, the performance of USA bats and BBCOR bats are nearly identical. The primary difference between these bats is USA Baseball bats do not have the -3 drop weight restriction. As a result, USA bats are normally for players in developmental stages of play, from t-ball to 14U. You can view our full selection of USA bats by clicking here.

BBCOR vs. USSSA vs. USA Bats: Comparison Table

Bat Certification FAQs

Can you use a USSSA bat in USA Baseball?

No, USSSA bats are not allowed in USA Baseball. USSSA bats are allowed to perform at a higher level giving hitters an advantage when compared to USA baseball bats. Consequently, they are not allowed and players are restricted to only USA-approved bats in USA Baseball events. 

What does 1.15 BPF mean?

This is a measurement of how fast the ball comes off the bat after contact. Effectively, a 1.15 BPF means an increase of 15% compared to a solid object.

What does it mean if a bat is BBCOR-certified?

It means that the bat is legal for use in high school and college competitions, or any tournament or league that requires a BBCOR bat. 

What does BBCOR certified 50 mean?

A bat is stamped with the BBCOR.50 logo means that it has passed the testing process set by the NFHS. The testing process involves firing baseballs from a cannon at specified points on the bat barrel. The change in the ball's speed before and after impact determines the ratio, which must not exceed .50 across all areas of the barrel for the bat to be BBCOR-approved.

Is BBCOR better than USSSA?

BBCOR and USSSA are two different types of bats designed for two different players. They are not comparable to each other. BBCOR is for high school players and USSSA is for youth. 

Can you use BBCOR in the USA?

In USA baseball, the bat rules change as you advance in age. When playing in 12u and younger you can only use bats that are USA-certified. In 13U and 14U, you can use BBCOR and USA-certified bats. However, once you get to 15U, you are restricted to using only BBCOR bats in USA baseball.1-2 sentence quick answer.