Marucci CAT 7 Vs CAT 8 BBCOR – A Complete Comparison

Marucci CAT 8 was released in 2019 after 2 years of research and development. Though there are new versions of Mariucci bats available like marucci x.

People still search for Marucci CAT 7 Vs CAT 8 BBCOR. With the experience of playing with both the bats, I thought why not write an article on Marucci CAT 7 Vs CAT 8 BBCOR?

Marucci is my favorite brand. The brand was established by two major league players in 2004. The company launched its CAT series in 2009. The first CAT bat was CAT 5 which was my first CAT bat also. 

Since 2009 Mariucci has been continuously updating this CAT model as it was an instant hit. Honestly, I did not play with CAT 8 BBCOR as I quit my game a few years ago. But to write this review I got myself on Marucci CAT 8. So, let’s dive into the review of Marucci CAT 7 Vs CAT 8 BBCOR. 

Marucci CAT 8 Baseball Bat

Marucci introduced the CAT 8 model in 2019. In this CAT line, they introduced three varieties – The Basic CAT 8, CAT 8 Composite, and CAT 8 connect. AZ105 alloy was used to make the CAT 8 and CAT8 connect. Among all Marucci CAT lines, this AZ105 alloy is the strongest aluminum alloy. 

Now let us discuss the available versions of this CAT series. This model from Marucci came with two versions – BBCOR and USSSA youth big barrel bats. Both the bats are built with one-piece alloy. When I first gripped the bat, I got a stiffer feel compared to other baseball bats that I used all the years. 

I tried a few shots in the air, and I felt a high level of bat control. The swing and the exit speed were also excellent. The all-composite barrel has a mid-loaded swing weight which is not distributed towards the handle or hand cap.. 

The CAT 8 connect comes with a two-piece model and the aluminum alloy is connected to an all-composite handle. The basic CAT 8 and the Connect are not that different except the latter one has a composite design. 

When I tried some balls and figured out that I can hit more distances with CAT 8 connect than the regular one. It is because the Connect has been end-loaded. 

Marucci introduced their first 100% composite bat in the form of CAT 8 composite. What I enjoyed most about this model is the swing speed. The swing weight is not densely distributed towards the handle which helps players to swing the bat more freely. 

One more crucial point about the Marucci CAT 8 is the “sweet spot.” The barrel length offers an extensive sweet spot for the players. And if you are into baseball, you should know, sweet spots are the area that can hit the ball with maximum force. Want a home run? Connect the ball with the sweet spot with proper timing. 

Here is the comparison of all three types 

Marucci CAT 8 BBCOR came out 2 years later than CAT 7. So, you can imagine the second one will have better advantages than the first one. Before writing this article, I used both bats in my backyard and came out with some comparisons and differences. 

Marucci cat 7 vs cat 8 BBCOR

CAT 7 Vs CAT 8 BBCOR- What are the Differences?  

STRONGER ALLOY

Two of the three models of the CAT8 line are built with AZ105 alloy.  In CAT8 Marucci used AZ4X alloy and AZ105 is the newest version. This strength and response time allowed Marucci with a barrel design up to seven variables of wall thickness without any ring increasing the sweet spot.. 

This is the strongest alloy that Marucci has provided over the years. This new alloy is not only stronger but also more durable than its predecessor. In addition, it makes the bat stronger and lighter. 

Because of this advanced alloy CAT 8 alloy is made of thinner walls in the off-centered areas. This thinner wall and lightweight brings better trampoline effect, higher performance and the feel was more forgiving to me. 

With the advanced AZ105 aluminum alloy Marucci constructed a burlier CAT 8. This model has a multi-variable wall design and a larger barrel profile. That is the reason why CAT 8 BBCOR comes with an extended sweet spot. 

I tried both CAT 7 and CAT 8 to drive the ball and got a better result with CAT 8 BBCOR because of this wall design.  

Larger Barrels

There is a difference in barrel diameter also. The CAT 7-5 and -8 USSSA bats have a barrel profile of 2 5/8 inches. On the other hand CAT 8 – 5 and -8 USSSA bats have larger barrel sizes of 2 ¾ inches. 

The new alloy helped Marucci manufacturers to create CAT BBCOR and USSSA with a larger barrel diameter without sacrificing the durability and performance of the bat. 

Extended SDX Connection

First, let me tell you what an SDX connection is. It is a shock dissipation technology that gives the batter a smooth and solid feeling while hitting the ball. Both CAT 7 and CAT 7 connect come with an SDX connection. 

But Marucci used an enhanced form of SDX connection in CAT 8 connect. In CAT 8 Connect the aluminum alloy barrel connects with the composite handle resulting in reduced negative vibrational feedback. 

This advanced shock dissipation technology feels very good while striking the bat. This technology extends the stiffness between the handle and the barrel. 

I was so surprised when I felt almost no vibration after a nice hit. The reason is this extended SDX connection eliminates the unwanted vibration from the batter’s hand. 

You will find some vibration with the CAT 7 but almost no vibration with the CAT 8 BBCOR. I was surprised to learn that the extended SDX connection is three times stronger than the CAT 7!

The CAT8 Connect, a two-piece hybrid BBCOR and USSSA -5 senior league bat model, features the patented SDX EXT connection.

Comparison Feature of Marucci CAT 7 and CAT 8 

CAT 7 Vs CAT 8 BBCOR- What are the Similarities?  

Ring-Free Barrels

Marucci bats including hybrid, composite, and aluminum bats are engineered with a ring-free barrel. Therefore, CAT8 and CAT7 both have ring-free barrel designs. That means the bats have no internal rings or governors. Besides, there are no dead spots anywhere in the barrel. 

The reason I always liked the Marucci CAT series is because of this ring-free barrel feature. It enhances the barrel flex and provides a higher response rate which affects the gameplay by a great deal. 

Balance Points are Almost the Same 

If you used CAT7 and loved the balance, good news for you. CAT8, CAT8 connect both have the same balance as CAT7. 

Both CAT7 and CAT8 have one-piece bat alloy and feature a precisely balanced barrel and you will get a perfectly balanced feel holding in your hand. 

On the other hand, CAT8 Connect comes with a carbon composite handle and a power-loaded alloy barrel. The MOI (Moment of Inertia) of CAT8 connect is higher than CAT8 one-piece which gives excellent balance for generating great power.   

AV2 KNOB

CAT 7 was a big hit from Marucci and loved by both young and senior players. Though there were many reasons such as design, balance, one thing attracted people most – the patented 2nd Generation Anti-Vibration Knob or AV2 Knob.

 So, what is AV2 Knob? Well, if you are not a physics student you might not be interested in technical elaboration. In short, this is a shock absorption technology and reduces negative vibrational feedback. 

The weight of this AV2 Knob is two weights and placed beneath the hands. As a result, this knob drops the swing weight by two ounces as well as the bat swing lighter. 

When I first used the CAT 7 in my life, I was so surprised to see the bat speed. I was able to generate a faster bat speed and I bet that will increase a batter’s performance. The lower swing weight helps to increase the bat speed.

The AV2 knob is available in both BBCOR and youth level versions. 

Read my detailed review on Marucci CAT 7. 

Marucci CAT 7 Vs CAT 8 video

Marucci CAT 7 vs CAT 8 – What about the Price? 

If you are just starting your career one thing I should warn you, is Marucci bats are expensive. The standard price of Marucci bats ranges from USD 200 to USD 500. So, you can guess CAT 8 BBCOR is more expensive than CAT 7. 

Marucci CAT 8 BBCOR has some more advanced features than CAT 7 and that costs some extra bucks. For example, CAT 8 BBCOR is USD 80 more than CAT 7. T

The price difference may vary according to the market condition and Mariucci’s decision. 

If you think these are a little bit overpriced for you or just starting out your career I have a better option for you. Read this review of Marucci F5. In my opinion the best budget baseball bat ever. 

You might also want to Know 

Is Marucci CAT 7 a good bat?

In 2022 the Marucci CAT 7 is quite outdated if I consider the Marucci CAT lines. But they are still an excellent bat for both BBCOR and USSSA leagues. Compared to its competitor the Marucci 7 has a greater sweet spot. 

The CAT 7 introduced some advanced technology such as balance, AV2 Knob still a rare advantage to have. 

What is CAT 8 BBCOR Bat?

The BBCOR bat is considered the adult baseball bat. Players of Collegiate league and high school mainly use BBCOR bats. Marucci CAT 8 BBCOR is the most favorite BBCOR bat.  

What is CAT 8 USSSA Bat?

USSSA bat is ideal for the youth league. These bats have a bigger barrel (usually larger than 2 ¼ inches in diameter are allowed.). Usually, players between 10-14 years old use the USSSA bat. Marucci CAT USSSA bat is also very popular in little leagues. 

What is the best Marucci CAT bat?

My point of discussion for this article was Marucci CAT 7 Vs Marucci CAT 8 BBCOR. But when I am writing this article there is another version of the Marucci CAT line that has arrived – Marucci CAT 9. 

In 2021 Marucci released CAT 9 and CAT 9 Connect. The AZR alloy of CAT 9 feels more comfortable in the hand and provides better performance. The CAT 9 BBCOR has a new Longitudinal Groove System. So, if you are looking for the best without considering the price, I will suggest Marucci CAT 9 BBCOR. 

But you can use CAT 7,8 or 9 according to your budget as all three have nearly the same features with some differences. 

Conclusion 

I have always been a fan of Marucci baseball bats. I have used the CAT series throughout my career and that’s why I was excited after the release of Marucci CAT 8 BBCOR.

That’s why I was eager to write a review on Marucci CAT 7 Vs Marucci CAT 8 BBCOR. If you are not sure about which one to buy, here is a simple tip. Just follow your budget. Both bats are more or less possessing the same features. See you in the field.

Jason Butler

Hello everyone. My name is  Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego. 

I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.