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.

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.