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WELCOME TO THE BASEBALL BAT REVIEWS BLOG!

This site is dedicated to help you become more knowledgeable about baseball bats, their construction, the terms and tricks used in the industry.

Selecting a baseball bat for you or your son can be an agonizing and expensive experience. I’ve purchased many bats over the years for my sons and have had okay, good, bad and horrific experiences. I love the game of baseball and have attended over 900 games my son’s have played in. But it frightens me to think of how much money I’ve spent on bats and how I wish I would have been more knowledgeable from the beginning.

You can navigate through the site by clicking the links under the Blog Archive tab on the left side of the page. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Enjoy!

Easton Stealth IMX & Synergy IMX Baseball Bat Reviews

Easton has been the leader in composite bats for the last several years and will undoubtedly continue this trend with the IMX, their new 100% composite bats for 2009. Easton is extremely smart to their approach in manufacturing baseball bats by not putting all their eggs in one basket. They leave no stone uncovered by making top notch models in every category and design. Their top priority is pushing the 2 piece design and flex handle which they pioneered some 6 years ago with the Connection introduction. But they also make and market quality one piece bats with stiff handles that directly compete with manufactures that rely on this design, most notably Louisville and Rawlings.

They say the IMX or Integrated Matrix Technology optimizes composite design, materials and process for maximum performance. With the IMX Easton offers two bats made from the same IMX composite material in two distinct designs. They are the:

• Stealth IMX 2 piece bat with a flex handle they say increases the trampoline effect. The flex handle has a rating of 75. This has been Easton’s traditional bread and butter design for the last several years.
• Synergy IMX 1 piece bat with a stiff handle. Easton added stiff handles to their Stealth Comp bats last year to combat Louisville. They upped the ante in 2009 by making the stiff handle IMX a one piece bat. The handle has a rating of 90. They claim this design provides increased balance and bat control through the hitting zone. The Synergy IMX is aimed directly at the heart of the Louisville baseball bat consumer. As mentioned, an extremely smart move by Easton.

Both are quality high grade bats that are by far the most popular new composite bats on the market. You’ll see these bats at every age level from youth to college. The Stealth IMX is more popular at the moment which indicates a preference for the 2 piece design. Last year the Stealth Comp stiff handle was more popular than the Stealth Comp flex handle, both Stealth Comp models were 2 piece bats.

The IMX is my top choice for those looking to purchase a high end composite bat.

Louisville Slugger TPX Triton Baseball Bat Review

Louisville has finally responded to Easton and Demarini’s multi-piece bat designs with the Louisville Slugger TPX Triton, a unique 3 piece bat. What I find amazing about this bat is the size of the barrel. This is the largest barrel I’ve ever seen on a baseball bat. My initial thought is this thing looks like an oak tree! The unique 3 piece design allows the barrel and the handle to be designed and built as individual units. They are then fused together via what is called the Bubble Transition Zone. Louisville claims this makes the bat function as a more advanced one piece bat (I’ll get to this claim in a second). The bat is made of 100% composite material and includes the standard Louisville stiff handle. The Adult -3 model retails for $399 and the Youth -12 at $249. Louisville has long promoted the benefits of the 1 piece design and stiff handle for baseball bats. The success of 2 piece bats from Easton and Demarini has finally forced them to manufacture a multi piece bat. Unfortunately, being stubborn, they won’t admit to the general public that their new multi piece bat is actually a multi piece bat! They claim it’s “really” a one piece bat that is fused together from 3 pieces. This is insane!!! Louisville’s entire marketing department should be fired immediately. Louisville has to either admit multi-piece bats have merit or stick to a true one piece design, we’re not fools. I’m skeptical to purchase a bat for $399 when the manufacturer is telling me little white lies. What’s next, saying they’ve developed a flex handle fused to act like a stiff handle?

Having said all this about their marketing, or lack there of, I will say that I do think the Louisville TPX Triton is a quality bat. That huge barrel makes it very appealing and it seems to hit very well. But I can not recommend it now due to some doubts about the design and its durability. At the present time I recommend the Easton IMX (Stealth or Synergy IMX) or Demarini CF3 in this category. We’ll keep an eye on the Triton and report back in the near future.

Baseball Bat Recommendations By Category

Everyone has their own needs in a baseball bat, based on player experience and financial considerations, so I broke things down in a way that will make it easy for you to pinpoint the bat that’s right for you. I did this by providing recommendations in several categories and price ranges. The categories are:

1. 100% Composite,
2. 50% Composite/50% Alloy (Hybrid)
3. 100% Alloy.

Then I provided a high and low cost recommendation within each category. Again, this will help you break through the clutter and hype and help you pinpoint what makes sense for you.

Without further adieu here are My Baseball Bat Recommendations:

100% Composite Bat

· High Cost Option:

­ Top Choice: Easton Stealth IMX or Easton Synergy IMX.
The difference between the twp being the Stealth IMX has a flex handle
and two piece design. The Synergy IMX has a stiff handle and one piece
design. This is simply a matter of preference. As noted on this web
site, there is little scientific evidence regarding the handle and
one/two piece designs. Easton is the composite bat leader and there’s
no reason to go anywhere else at the present time.

­ Honorable Mention: Demarini CF3. A bat that is very similar to the IMX, same two piece design and flex handle, and is very popular at all age levels.

· Low Cost Option:

­ Top Choice: Louisville Omaha Comp.
A 100% composite bat with the renowned Omaha name at a retail price of
$299 (for an adult -3 model), $100 less than the “high priced”
composite bats. Hands down the best option for those who must have a
composite bat but don’t want to break the bank.

50% Composite, 50% Alloy Bat (Composite Handle, Alloy Barrel Hybrid)

· High Cost Option:

Demarini Voodoo Black.
This is a quality bat with a proven reputation at a reasonable price. Blows away the Louisville H2 Hybrid and Easton SV12 hybrid models which cost $70-$80 more (for the adult -3 model). As mentioned, a hybrid should cost less than a 100% composite bat, and this is a quality bat priced correctly.

· Low Cost Option:

­ Demarini Vexxum.
Demarini sweeps the hybrid category. The Vexxum has been a quality bat
for years. It is a quality hybrid option at the lower end of the price range. Excellent option for the younger player.

100% Alloy Bat

· High Cost Option:

­ Stealth CNT:
This has been an extremely popular bat over the last several years.
Easton dropped the price on this bat and is focusing on its composite
and hybrid lines. So if you love 100% alloy bats and want a tested and
popular bat this is your choice. The Louisville Exogrid is its equal
but it costs about $100 more, so it’s no contest.

· Low Cost Option:

­ Louisville Omaha:
The Omaha is back, this time with its 100% alloy bat that has been a
consistently good bat for the last ten years. If you want a reasonably
priced proven 100% alloy bat this is your choice.

I hope this helps you better understand baseball bat reviews and makes your decision easier.

Louisville Slugger TPX EXOGRID SL9X5 Review

The Louisville Exogrid has been a popular baseball bat for the last three years. When introduced, it had a unique design that separated it from the pack. In the 2009 model year, with the reemergence of composite bats and introduction of hybrid technology, the Exogrid is no longer a novelty. Louisville is a strong proponent of the stiff handle. Their material says “the last thing you want at the moment of contact is for your bat handle to flex thus the barrel can not. A stiff handle produces more barrel flex, resulting in maximum trampoline effect and greater performance.” The Exogrid is marketed as the premier stiff handle bat in their arsenal because of its design.
The Exogrid is a one piece bat with the trademark Louisville stiff handle. What makes
(or made) it unique is that metal is trimmed from the handle in a grid pattern to reduce the overall handle weight. The metal is replaced with carbon (a.k.a. composite) inserts that are supposed to be several times stronger and lighter than the metal replaced. This is supposed to increase the handle stiffness (even for a Louisville bat) and strength
without increasing the weight.
The first question about the Exogrid is what category is this bat in? Is it an alloy or hybrid bat? In my opinion it’s a 100% alloy bat, and that’s how I classify it in my reviews. The carbon sleeve in the handle does not make it a hybrid bat. The proof is that Louisville has introduced a true hybrid bat in 2009, the H2. As mentioned, this was a unique design when it was introduced but has been surpassed by composite and hybrid bats. Unfortunately, Louisville is still pricing the Exogrid as a premium bat that incorporates the latest technology (Adult -3 retails at $370 and the Youth -11.5 at $230). It’s priced the same as their new hybrid bat, only $30 less (for the Adult model) than their top composite batTriton) and $70 more than their second tier composite bat (Omaha Comp). ( This makes absolutely no sense! Why would I purchase the Exogrid when the new technology costs the same or about the same? I’ve been a big fan of the Exogrid over the last two years and think it’s a quality bat that should be considered. But unless Louisville wakes up and prices this bat correctly it’s time to move on.

Louisville Slugger TPX Omaha Comp Review

The Louisville Slugger TPX Omaha Comp baseball bat is Louisville’s second tier composite baseball bat (the Triton being their top composite bat). It is a one piece 100% composite bat with a stiff handle.

Louisville is wise to offer a two tier composite baseball bat strategy, as the Omaha Comp should compete well against 100% alloy and hybrid bats. It is priced correctly at $299 for the Adult -3 and $149 for the Youth -11. It is my recommendation for second tier composite bats.

I have a strong hunch the Omaha Comp is the same bat as the Louisville Catalyst X-1. The Catalyst was Louisville’s only composite baseball bat until 2008 when it was discontinued following that model year. Both the Omaha Comp and Catalyst
was/is marketed with the identical statement of “features multiple
layers of aerospace grade graphite and S-glass fibers which are
embedded in a specially designed toughened epoxy resin.” I’d be shocked
if these are not the same bats.

In my opinion, this makes the Omaha Comp even more appealing because it has a proven track record. Unlike the Louisville Triton we know what this bat can do. My son played his sophomore year of High School ball in 2007 swinging a Catalyst X-1 and loved it.

So if you’re looking for a quality composite baseball bat that does not come with a premium price tag the Louisville Omaha Comp is the bat for you.

COMbat Baseball Bat Reviews

Combat (the company) started in 1998 when they began manufacturing softball bats for other brand name companies. Combat bats were born in the last few years when they decided to put out the same bats they make for other companies in their own name, including baseball bats.

This is the dirty little secret in many industries. The well known manufactures hire an outside company to produce products with their name on it (just like some American cars are really Japanese cars with different name plates. The Chevy Nova comes to mind). I’ve not been successful finding out the bats they’ve made for others, but I’m inclined to believe it was for softball bats.

Combat is focused exclusively on composite and hybrid baseball bats. They’re priced less than the well known manufacturers; as they should be since they don’t have name recognition.

Combat has a limited line-up of baseball bats. They are:

· Combat Virus – One piece, multi-wall (the senior league is a single wall) bat with a stiff handle. The Virus has different codes for it’s adult (AB), youth (YB) and senior league (SL) bats. While it’s less than the IMX, Triton and CF3 the Virus is not in their league. The Virus competes with the Omaha Comp, and I’d take the Omaha Comp.

· Combat B2 Da Bomb Only available in youth models – One piece, single wall bat with a stiff handle. This bat has a cult following (coming from the Combat B1) that has produced rabid fans. To the best of my knowledge this began during the 2007 LL World Series when the winning team hit a walk off home run with a Combat B1. While it’s inexpensive for a composite bat I’m not sold on this bat being better than the Easton IMX. As with the Virus, it competes with the Louisville Omaha Comp. I prefer the Omaha Comp but the B2 is the clear second choice for the youth player is this category.

As mentioned, I know there are some rabid Combat fans out there. But I believe it’s more hype than fact. Sorry Combat fans, your comments are welcome.

Don’t forget to view this site for great information and recommendations in each bat category and price range.

Nike Baseball Bat Reviews

Nike is a relatively new member of the baseball bat ranks and is doing their best to make a name for themselves. Many still have a problem associating Nike with anything other than athletic shoes and may never accept them in the baseball bat industry. But there is a small following that is enthusiastic about Nike bats.

Nike has limited entries in the baseball bat category and in 2009 their main (almost exclusive) focus is on the Aero Fuse CX2. Here’s what they’re offering:

· Aero Fuse CX2 – Two piece, 100% composite bat with a flex handle and “power belt”, “speedlink” technology (don’t worry about what this means, just their hype). This is a decent bat but in my opinion the jury is still out. This bat is rarely seen in little league and high school ball, and only in college due to sponsorship deals. I’d go with the proven commodities in this category, the Stealth IMX (or Synergy) and then the Demarini CF3.

· Aero Fuse – composite handle, alloy barrel two piece bat featuring a flex handle. There are better options in this category.

· Aero Torque – One piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle. This bat has been around for awhile. Again, better options elsewhere.

Nike is still struggling to become a player in the baseball bat category, and I don’t see a reason to take a risk when there are better options on the market.

See the My Bat Recommendations tab for top recommendations in each bat category.

Demarini Baseball Bat Reviews

Demarani has come out of nowhere to become a major player in the baseball bat industry and a top brand in baseball bat reviews. Founded in 1989 Demarini bats are now in the hands of over 100 college programs. Demarini focuses on the two piece bat design and flex handles. The have a very similar philosophy to Easton. Although Demarini doesn’t mention the flex handle often and finding the rating number is no easy task. I’d assume the majority of their handles would be around a 75 rating. One complaint about their bats is the small diameter of the knob, some players complain that they feel the bat is going to slide through their grip.

In 2009 Demarini is touting their “pitch black” composite technology claiming it is stronger than competing composite technologies. Here’s what they’re offering:

· CF3 Black (or special edition White) – 100% composite, two piece bat with double walls and “pitch black” technology. Solid competition to the Easton Stealth IMX (and why not since it’s a similar design). When push comes to shove I take the Stealth IMX. Stealth is the leader in composite bats and I’d stick with a proven commodity at the top of the price range.

· Voodoo Black – composite handle, alloy barrel two piece bat with a flex handle. Now we’re talking. This is a quality bat with a proven reputation at a reasonable price. Blows away the Louisville H2 Hybrid, which is also a composite/alloy bat but cost $70 more (for the adult -3 version).

· Vendetta – “rails” composite handle (we’ll talk about this), alloy barrel two piece bat. So what the heck is “rails technology”? They say this: “rails re-enforced frame for perimeter strength and stiffness combined with rlexible handle interior provides reduced vibration zones. Essentially here’s my thought “this is one weird bat!). It looks and feels odd, and I’m not a guinea pig so I’ll stay away from this for the time being.

· Vexxum – composite handle and alloy barrel with a flex handle. This is a quality hybrid option at the lower end of the price range. Excellent option for the younger player.

Demarini is a player in the industry and a leader at both the top and bottom price range. Except for the new Vendetta you can’t go wrong with a Demarini bat.

See this relevant site for more information.