Our sense he’s swinging too short a bat and we’d suggest a 29/19 or 30/20. He hasn’t had trouble catching up to faster pitchers so I wanted to get a bigger bat. That said, sizing down an inch gets you half that back. Three of our favorites in addition to the Easton Ghost X, are the Rawlings Quatro, CF Zen from DeMarini and 918 Prime from Slugger. Anyone who reads this blog knows we are in love with the drop 10 2015 Marucci Hex Composite. Those in the market for a top-shelf big barrel bat in only a drop 10 will not regret this decision. DeMarini 2019 Bustos (-13) 2 1/4" Fastpitch Bat, 29"/16 oz By DeMarini (Aug 6, 2018) $89.99 $119.95. See our Marucci CAT 7 review. They usually miss the top Diamond level because they fall short in popularity or availability. There are several other great options in the big barrel space. Coincidentally, my brand spanking new Pocket Radar Smart Coach arrived today as well. I finally had the chance to hit the 2019 Easton Ghost X Evolution Travel Ball Bat today. Let’s get […], I finally had the chance to hit the 2019 Easton Ghost X Evolution Travel Ball Bat today. My son has been using a USSSA Easton Beast Speed Hybrid for the last couple years in a 30 and 31 lengths. Am I on the right track? The technology in the knob to help dampen sting is still there. But the big barrel 2015 XL1 drop 8 is the perfect bat for a heavy hitter who isn’t quite ready for a drop 5 yet. Have a soon to be 13 y.o., 5’5” / 125 lbs. But the bomb-making ability of the CF Zen is unmatched. Our survey data (you can see below) shows the two bats make up almost 80% of the entire competitive USSSA market. But, our favorite drop 8 big barrel for 2018 is Marucci’s CAT 7. It’s got a big barrel, swings light, and probably has better durability than the CF. We think the 2021 Maxum Ultra is an underrated bat. Sometimes, too, they don’t quite get the same stellar ratings on player feedback, although they do perform in our exit speed tests, as well as anything else we measure for the given year. Meaning, the 2018 and the 2017 CAT 7 are exactly the same. Louisville slugger catalysts, combat pg4 and a Louisville slugger attach (2013 Model). They upgrade their traditional single piece Rawlings VELO into a two-piece composite with a huge barrel and a great feel. If under $200 is a hard stop, then the Solo is a very, very good choice (and an excellent deal, surprisingly). Names like Easton, DeMarini, Louisville Slugger, Victus, and Marucci all headline the biggest releases for 2021. It’s our favorite day of the year: https://www.batdigest.com/blog/black-friday-baseball-deals/. That’s considerable. But, if you happen to be in a 31 or 30-inch, then moving up an inch is about the equivalent of dropping to the 8 from the 10. The CF Zen … Expect a smooth swing and a beautiful ping. EASTON FRZ -12 Fastpitch Softball Bat, 32/20, FP20FRZ12 By Easton (Aug 29, 2019) $199.28. We would stay away from heavier swinging BBCOR bats like The Goods or CAT 9. Or should I be seeking out a different bat for him? However, the barrel performs well and is considered one of Slugger’s top end bats. In your example above, a heavier swinging BBCOR bat will naturally hit harder than a lighter swinging USA bat because of some simple laws of physics. This is very helpful during long batting practice sessions. It will likely just come down to the model. It is Easton's third iteration of the bat and comes with what many feel like is an unrivaled punch. But, we still like two piece composites like the CF or Easton Ghost in the drop 5 for that age group–they seem to really get a hold of them. Mako 29/18 and Cat 8 Comp 28/18, my son is not a big 8-year-old he’s a little over 4 feet tall and weighs in the 60-65 pound range. And, for sure, the Axe handle does help get the hand to the ball. I was thinking about getting him a 2021 Axe Avenge Pro to give him a little help with his hands (we bought a used 2019, and he does well with it) once he’s ready to move up to 29/19. If you want to pay an arm and a leg, then no one has ever gone wrong with the drop CF. Of course, when we are spending that kind of money on a bat we want to make sure … The post Easton Ghost X vs DeMarini CF Zen | 11 Year Old Case Study appeared first on Just Bat Reviews . Easton’s has a group of bats called the ADV 360. In terms of those particular bats, we think that the 9u age group generally prefers two-piece bats, and the Beast Speed Hybrid would be a decent choice in a 29/19. Am I wrong in assuming that moving up to a 29″ drop 10 would have less effect on “stopping the bat” at contact…and more negative effect of bat control that keeping the 28″ but moving to a drop 8? It’s also cheaper and more durable, which is enough reason, in our mind, to get the Connect instead. It’s a very legit choice for under $100. It is the most popular USSSA bat by a considerable margin. Based on your description, and assuming we had to buy new on DSG’s website (all of which is not true, but that helps us narrow some things down), then we’d buy a 30/20 Marucci CAT 8 in USSSA (https://dicks-sporting-goods.ryvx.net/AM07N). These bats rock in the big barrel market. You can see that by the size of the red DeMarini on the outer ring of the USSSA Marucci section when compared to the orange Marucci found on the outer ring of the DeMarini USSSA section. In any event, there is plenty to learn from the chart, and we won’t bore you by writing it all out here. We originally had DeMarini’s CF Zen in the drop 8 as the winner of this section. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Easton-SL18GX5-31-26-Ghost-X-5-Baseball-Bat-2-3-4-USSSA-stamp/174512686791?hash=item28a1c446c7:g:dJAAAOSwLwhfYEpX. My husband says yes. Retailers know people are opening up their wallets, and deals are very hard to come by. The Easton Ghost X and the Demarini CF... Easton XL3 Swing Weights for 2 1/4 vs 2 5/8. It’s also not inexpensive, but if any bat has a share on the top of a list of the best senior league or big barrel bats, we don’t know how this wouldn’t be anything but first. The at is dynamite for all the same reasons the drop 5 bat is incredible. But, at a 31-inch, you could even go with the Quatro, CF, or META. The only reasonable consideration to avoid the CF Zen is because of the price point. We also observed what players tended to use at major tournaments and spent considerable time looking for objective online reviews. via JBR YouTube Channel August 6, 2017 at 07:10PM . See our swing weight charts. Technically, a 2 5/8 bat that is NOT a drop 3 is considered a Senior Barrel bat. In particular, the CF Zen and the Marucci CAT 8 alone make up more than 50% of the total USSSA competitive league bat space. Bat for 2021 Update: Due to COVID, most 2021 USSSA bats are pushed back towards the end of 2020. (Check pricing here). If you want to stay under $200 new for a USSSA bat, then you don’t have too many 2021 options. We chose the Easton MAKO Beast as our best big barrel drop 10 for its barrel size, balance weight, and high performance. (not connect). Weird.). We love the balance and slightly tapered grip as well as the durability and brilliant feel. The bat swings well, and it benefits the player who has good bat speed. Our hitters couldn’t find the barrel on that thing, although it is bigger and feels better than previous versions. I’m not looking to fix it with a swing weight change but rather hoping the axe handle would encourage him to take his hands to the ball earlier, because he has more leverage to whip the barrel later in the swing. The green version is a boat oar at the plate with an ultra-light swing weight and a lizard skin grip. We are confident there is not a kid in the drop 10 ample barrel space that will dislike the 2017 Easton MAKO Beast. I think the drag is mostly just not getting his hands out in front. I’m a 5 hole hitter and I dont know what to buy between a cf zen black and Cat 8. 2018 DeMarini CF Insane BBCOR Review. The average 11-year-old is swinging a 30/20. See our full 2018 CF Zen review. Those exit speeds might be more a function of the bat’s swing weight and length (it was a 30/20). I am ok with older models as there are more reviews but will pay for the right bat. You came to the right place. If you want something cheaper, then check out the 2019 Rawlings 5150. You can find this bat everywhere for a pretty low price, and as a drop 11 it should be useful to the beginners. 2019 Easton Ghost X Evolution Review. Maybe some can? That objective data, combined with a dozen hitters using the bats and recording their direct feedback, plays roles in determining the best big barrel bats. It’s why, as far as we can guess, most young kids prefer two-piece bats even if they don’t know it. Most other brands offer a drop 10 or a drop 8. I am guessing it’s because the old attack is a 2 piece bat. Below is a highlight of our 2018 best big barrel bats. The reason his bat is stopping, as we’re sure you realize, is there isn’t enough force on the ball at contact. 2018 DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR Review. We try and update it often with the “latest and greatest.”. (Looking for the 2020 USA Marucci CAT review?). Those who prefer one-piece bats and Combat fans will be utterly pleased with this green monster. My son is 13 and will need a -8 or -5 in the spring. This bat is unlike any other in the VELO line, as instead of a single piece hybrid, it is a two-piece composite bat. Now he can line, them up pretty reliably, but when he transitions back to a regular bat, he still lets his hands follow the top hand elbow. That is, a single piece of aluminum shaved down to offer a light swing weight. Expect a focused barrel and a super smooth feel. In January, Marucci is releasing a bat called the CF Composite. He says that is the only one that doesn’t hurt his hands. Keep up the good work. He is swinging a 31/23 but uses a 31/28 for wood in the cage… Should I get him a 31/26 USA bat or a Solo Bbcor (light swinging) as his next bat… Would the lightest swinging BBCOR be better than a -5 USA bat? DeMarini removed some bulk in the D-Fusion handle to make it slimmer. He is 5’6 108 lbs. (These are still hard to find, but check the pricing here). We got that too. (They usually release in August of the previous year and we review and rate then). Personally, I love the handle. Comparable approved bat for the DeMarini CF Zen Shortly after the BPF audit decision, Demarini released the 2017 DeMarini CF Zen Re-Tooled (DXCBZR) . So, if all other things are equal, the bats will perform the same. If you want a really good bat that you can count on, CAT 8/9 all day. *Owner Happiness: Players were asked how happy they were about their bat purchase on a scale from 0 to 100. There is no change to the bat other […], Louisville Slugger recently introduced the most expensive baseball bat ever sold at retail. If you are in the market for something unique and can find the right size, then Gold level bats are almost always good choices. In theory at least, it’s hard to say that an increase in bat swing weight won’t slow down his swing and take away any effect the increase in weight might have had. Or is it just a paint job? The bat rakes. If you want to spend less, find a 2018/19 Easton Ghost in USSSA on eBay/sidelineswap. This bat […], The DeMarini Voodoo has been one of the best selling aluminum barreled bats throughout its time. The third ring shows which bat the brand owners of the 2nd ring think is the best bat. Most drop 12 bats are for the Junior Big Barrel divisions, which come in shorter sizes between 26 and possibly 29 inches. My guess is he’ll be fine with a 31 and he’s used to that in terms of relativity to the plate. I wish it were as easy as some algorithm on the right size, but it’s rarely that easy. If you’re talking USSSA, nothing really beats the Zen—although the CAT is a close second. Senior barrel realm, there are only a few that compete with bats longer than 28 inches. One favorite of ours is the 2017 Rawlings Composite VELO. So, if you’re down for overpaying for a fantastic bat that might break then go Zen. 379.95. 244.95–$344.95. Spoiler: It’s the same […], There is a new version of the amazing, best selling 2019 DeMarini CF Zen USSSA bat called the 2019 DeMarini CF Zen Black. This bat is straight ridiculous. But the 2017 model claims to have fixed that, and our players have had great success with the drop 12 VELO. It comes in a 2 3/4 only but has a super light swing weight. Our data shows the bat swings quite heavy---like 20% heavier than the DeMarini CF. Not Rawlings. And thanks for the support! But, in terms of eBay type purchases, they may serve you well if you can find a reputable seller and a good deal.). The XL1 is a monster bat whose genealogy contains the famed Easton Omen and little league series lore. It depends on how much dexterity he has with the BBCOR bat. Reviews of last year’s model were not stellar due to some durability issues on some early releases. We’ve always loved the Axe Handle but always struggled to find the barrel. Instead of where the load is found in a bat is only one of many factors that determine swing weight—the most important of which is arguably the total length of a bat. A 31 is the longest bat he’s swung so far – at 31-21 (Prime) in Little League and 31-23 (Velo) in USSSA — so I’m a little nervous about going up to a 32, but based on the size charts I think that’s probably what he should be swinging in the spring? They have been hard to find in stock so far but are worth a look if you can. That makes sense. That data, captured with other reviews we have read, make up our answers to the Best 2019 USSSA Bat. They rank out close to BBCOR players and just like Fastpitch (which are 79/100. Of course, if you’re already swinging the 32, then that won’t work. The new 2018 Ghost bat is set to become the next big thing in a long line of iconic Fastpitch bats from Easton. If you don’t want that, then a solid second place could be the 2021 Meta from Slugger. Hi, I have a soon-to-be 9 year old that’s on the larger side (56″, probably about 90 lbs now). Likes the Bonesaber (hasn’t hit yet), Rawlings Velo ACP, and Cat9 (loves hitting a -8 Cat7 this Summer). See our Rawlings VELO review. He’s 5-4 and about 115 right now, but I expect him to be at least 5-5 if not taller by the time spring rolls around. Do you like the CAT 9 Connect over the CF Zen? DeMarini has dialed in the feel and barrel performance better than anyone in the USSSA space. See our Slugger 518 review. Easton also has made the knob out of a slightly squishy, rubbery material just soft enough to provide an extra layer of comfort on the sensitive bottom part of your hand. The Easton Beast won our best overall 2017 baseball bat award. 2019 Easton Ghost X Evolution Review. If you are looking for the best 2018 drop 12 bats, and money is not an option, then the two-piece Rawlings VELO is a fantastic option. The Easton Ghost X and the Demarini CF Zen are the top of the line bats and their price tags reflect it. Under the radar bat that we’d put against the Zen all day. Probably should have made this list: Slugger 915 Prime drop 5, DeMarini Overlord FT drop 9. In every league and association, the 2019 DeMarini CF Zen is for the high level player that likes a great feel on contact and light swing. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. marucci cat 9 vs demarini cf zen. So, I am considering moving my son up to a drop 8 USSSA bat. Please be kind and assume the best in people while commenting. Combat’s 2 5/8 drop 12 Portent G3 puts a stamp on the phrase “big barrel bat.” This stick should make any list of top-shelf big barrel youth bats for 2015. USA Bats now, and you can read all about that stuff here, The average 11-year-old is swinging a 30/20, https://dicks-sporting-goods.ryvx.net/AM07N, https://www.justbats.com/product/2020-louisville-slugger-solo–10-usssa-baseball-bat–wtlsls6x1020/31775/, https://www.justballgloves.com/product/wilson-a2000-superskin-11-75–baseball-glove–wta20rb191787ss/30483/. Who prefer one-piece bats and Combat fans will be more a function of the bat they used spring. A younger boy who really benefited from it deemed illegal by USSSA and several size offerings ( drop 10 a! 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