2019 Rawlings Velo Youth Bat Review

Our Summary Of The 2019 Rawlings Velo:

When the USA Bat Standard took effect in 2018, the Rawlings Velo gave youth baseball families a cost-effective option that delivered consistently positive results. The all-new 2019 Rawlings Velo USA youth bat features a few added innovations that greatly improve an already high performing youth baseball bat. The new Velo adopts a one-piece Acoustic Alloy construction that offers hitters a traditional stiff feel and one of the loudest most deafening ping sounds in baseball that is sure to boost the confidence of any youth ball player who swings with it. The big 2 5/8 straight single wall barrel possesses Rawlings patented p0p 2.0 Technology with a lightweight composite end cap. This unique blend of elements provide youth hitters with a larger sweet spot, added pop, faster swing speeds, and extra balance to an already exceptionally balanced swing weight. The aluminum handle comes pre-wrapped with a new and improved grip tape that distributes ultimate comfort and an incredible feel. The 2019 Rawlings Velo USA bat comes in a -10 drop and will best serve contact hitters or any youth ball player looking to put the baseball in play on a consistent basis.

Our Review of the 2019 Rawlings Velo:

Last season, it turned out to become a cost effective all aluminum value bat that delivered adequate performance for a reasonable cost. This year, the Velo was given an entirely new design and is expected to deliver the same if not higher levels of output this season. For our evaluation process, we reviewed the -5, -10 and the -11 drop with a pool of youth volunteer hitters ranging from ages 8-12 with small-medium size frames. Much like last season, the Velo achieved good scores in categories based upon comfort and decent scores pertaining to power categories. After approximately 250+ swings of solid contact the following is our review and evaluation of the 2019 Rawlings Velo -5, -10 and -11 drops.

Evaluating the Pop of the 2019 Rawlings Velo:

As expected, the Velo didn’t attain the same pop results as the fully composite Rawlings Quatro Pro, however the lightweight balanced design helped to administer decent power to those skilled enough to attain consistent level swings when ripping through the zone. The Velo is composed of an aluminum geared to enhance the overall batting experience with a less dense yet durable material with a larger sweet spot than last season’s version. At the pop station, our volunteer youth hitters were better able to achieve solid line drives more than elevated bombs into the outfield. One particular hitter noted the following on their Scorecards, “The Velo gave me big shots. The speed of the bat was real fast but seemed to die down once my baseball reached the edge of the diamond.”

OFFICIAL SCORE: 8 / 10

Calculating the Vibration Control of the 2019 Rawlings Velo:

Generally speaking, alloy baseball bats tend to allow for more negative stings when compared to composite bats. Throughout the evaluation process, the Velo allowed for unwanted vibrations at an 12% rate. Many factors need to be considered when determining how and why these vibrations occur including metal composition, weather conditions, “swingability” etc. We felt it did a satisfactory controlling vibrations and protecting the hitter’s hands.

OFFICIAL SCORE: 8 / 10

Assessing the Grip & Comfort of the 2019 Rawlings Velo:

It comes as a single piece aluminum construction, the end cap features a composite material that adds a light feeling when swinging at pitches. Last season, the Velo had a reputation for coming in more than 2 ounces heavier than the weight stamped on the respective barrel. The Velos in our possession fluctuated between .05 oz.- 1.5 oz. heavier which is a great improvement. Despite our sample size being so small, this “true to weight” reading along with the fluidity behind our volunteer hitter’s swing makes it a comfortable bat to use.

OFFICIAL SCORE: 9 / 10

Measuring the Durability of the 2019 Rawlings Velo:

The Velo bats in our possession took on much more punishment than most other bats in our possession. The drop -11 Velo was occupied by volunteer hitters with less experience and a lower skill set considering its design centers around training rather than power. While most bats in our possession take on 250+ solid swings and probably an additional 100-150 fouls, the Velo -11 drop undertook almost double the amount. The drop -10 held up well with a few dings and many scratches.

OFFICIAL SCORE: 7.5 / 10

TLDR; Determining the Overall Experience of the 2019 Rawlings Velo:

If your player seeks to develop their fundamentals, it supplements the reliability and balance required to improve a young slugger’s skills over the bat’s lifetime. Before any player can hit a homerun, they need to develop consistency in their swing. The Velo fully alloy offers the stiff and traditional feel while also being lightweight and easy to swing.

OVERALL SCORE: 8.125 / 10