2010 Baseball Bats

The 2010 models have arrived but, for the most part, it’s a disappointing model year for baseball bats.

The only significant changes have come from Rawlings with the introduction of their 5150 series. Louisville and Nike did not make ANY changes to their 2009 line-up other than color. Combat only added Adult versions of their old bats, Easton and Demarini only made minor adjustments to their 2009 line-up of bats. I’d say the 2010 model year provides the perfect opportunity to purchase a 2009 model at a great price.

Here’s my opinion on what they’re saying about the 2010 bats. You can also get in-depth reviews by clicking on the corresponding tabs on the right side of the site.

2010 DEMARINI BASEBALL BATS

Other than a new option in the composite category that makes a lot of sense, not much new with the 2010 Demarini bats. Their new “buss word” for the 2010 model year is Silver Trace technology which claims to be a unique blend of carbon combined with the Silver Trace technology. It claims to be a bonding agent that adds strength to maximize power transfer to the barrel. In my opinion this is just an attempt to make it appear something is new.

Demarini CF4 Gold Double Wall Composite

According to Demarini the new CF4 Gold is their most technologically advanced baseball bat. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be much change from the CF3.They claim to have changed the “Pitch Black” composite material in their CF3 to “Pitch Black Plus” by adding “Silver Trace” technology to the material. They say this adds 11% to the barrel length compared to the CF3. It also has a redesigned end cap called “The Hub” that noticeably concave and looks unique. The CF4 is a balanced bat like its predecessor the CF3. The Adult -3 model has a retail price of $399.99. I still think the CF3 is a viable option on the discount racks.

Demarini Vendetta C6 Composite

This is where Demarini is using their brain. The Vendetta C6 is Demarini’s first attempt at a second tier composite baseball bat. With the high cost of composite bats it’s critical for manufacturers to offer a second tier model. The all new Vendetta C6 accomplishes this task with a retail price of $299.99 for the Adult -3 model.

Demarini Vendetta SC4

The Vendetta SC4 is the same as the 2009 Vendetta model. It wasn’t my choice in the hybrid category last year, and I’m guessing it won’t be this year. It keeps the Rails Hybrid Handle and the SC4 Alloy barrel. It has a retail price of $249.95 for the Adult -3 model.

Demarini Voodoo Black

Featuring a “Pitch Black Plus” composite handle that features their Silver Trace Technology. The barrel is the same SC4 alloy as the Vendetta SC4 and Vexxum but retails for an additional $50 at $299 for the Adult -3 model.

Demarini Vexxum

The Vexxum had a late arrival for the 2010 model season making its arrival in June. It has the same SC4 alloy barrel as their other hybrid models and a C6 composite handle. The only difference between the Vexxum and the others is the C6 handle which is Demarini’s older composite material. With a retail price of $199 for the Adult -3 model this is hands down the best option for anyone looking for a lower priced hybrid bat.

2010 COMBAT BASEBALL BATS Do you believe in miracles… YES! Combat finally is offering their most popular bats, the B1 and B2, in Adult and Senior League models. What the heck took them so long???  They’re identical to their youth counterparts for the last few years so nothing new here other than the size. The news is in Combat’s introduction of a 100% alloy bat in 2010. Combat needs to make a name for themselves in high school and college baseball to become a true player in the industry, and offering all their bats in Adult and Senior League models is a giant leap forward.  They’ll finally get to push the B2 following its delayed introduction last year due to slow approval from Little League. We’ll see if the emphasis on Adult bats can get them some traction in 2010.

Combat B1 Big Barrel The B1 big barrel is identical to the B1 youth model that has been on the market for a few years. The smartest thing they did was offer this bat at a great retail price of $299.99 for the Adult -3 model. This was a very wise move by Combat as it might get some High School kids to use it, and get them some much needed visibility in this age group. It’s made from the same composite material, singlewall design and low swingweight as its youth brother. Even though it’s an older model this bat just might be the most intriguing entry of the 2010 season.

2010 Combat B2

The B2 is new for the 2010 model year. I’m assuming this model year includes the changes they had to make in the youth model last year to get it approved. They just couldn’t communicate the technology since it came out after the official communication for the bat. It still a single wall construction, low balanced swingweight bat but includes their “new” Map technology. This is supposed to “maximize” the trampoline effect. It also includes the same Nanocomp technology as the 2009 B2. It’s prices in the top tier of composite bats but that’s okay considering the B1 is priced at $100 less for the Adult -3 model.

2010 Combat Exit Combat has entered the alloy bat market with the Exit a 100% alloy bat. This bat’s claim to fame is the “PowerMetal” alloy which is supposed to have been “Developed For Nuclear, Defense and Military Applications’. This is certainly not a new claim in the baseball bat industry. Other than that, the bat claims to have a “unique look” and increased durability.  It’s priced correctly at $199 for the Adult – 3 model. We’ll be interested to test this bat out.

2010 EASTON BASEBALL BATS

Easton is offering the same products as last year with a new name twist and some minor modifications.  They’re putting their marketing efforts on the handle flex rating to market their baseball bats.  The composite bats are made of the same IMX technology as in 2009, the only difference being a stiff handle option for the Stealth two piece bat and a lower MOI for the two-piece Stealth. Last year it was called the Stealth IMX this year both the Stealth IMX and Synergy IMX are known as the Stealth Speed bats.  As with last year, Easton is the leader in communicating the handle flex and swingweight of their bats which I find very helpful for bat consumers.

Easton Stealth Speed 75

• IMX Composite
• 75 Handle Flex Rating
• VRS Rating 95
• Hitting Area Rating 100
• Swing Weight 80

Easton Stealth Speed 95

• IMX Composite
• 95 Handle Flex Rating
• VRS Rating 95
• Hitting Area Rating 100
• Swing Weight 80

Easton Synergy Speed 90

• IMX Composite
• 95 Handle Flex Rating
• VRS Rating 95
• Hitting Area Rating 100
• Swing Weight 80

Easton Ozone SV12 65

• IMX Composite Handle/Scandium Alloy Barrel
• 65 Handle Flex
• VRS Rating 90 Rating
• Hitting Area Rating 90
• Swing Weight 70

Easton V12

• IMX Composite Handle/Scandium Alloy Barrel
• 100 Handle Flex Rating
• VRS Rating 85
• Hitting Area Rating 90
• Swing Weight 60

2010 Louisville Baseball Bats

Louisville is focusing on a paint job in 2010. Basically, they are offering the same line-up as 2009 with color being the only difference. The only thing that can even be perceived as new was changing the name of the Omaha Comp to the Dynasty Comp but it’s the same bat. This is extremely disappointing from what most consider the holy grail of baseball bat manufacturers. On a positive note, they seem to have smelled the coffee on their pricing policy which I believe will provide a positive impact on their sales.

2010 TPX Triton

The 2010 Triton is the exact same bat as the 2009 model except the barrel is slightly smaller and a putrid blue/yellow color change that makes it look cheap. It’s still a 3-piece bat made from Louisville’s 3X composite material that is “bonded into a 1-piece bat” via their bubble transition zone. From my review last year you should all know how assinine I think this claim is.The retail price remains at $399.99 for the Adult -3 model. If you like this bat you’ll save about $100 by picking up the 2009 model on the discount rack. Not bad for basically the exact same bat in a decent color.

2010 TPX Dynasty Composite

Louisville has once again changed the name of their second tier composite bat without changing anything about the bat! Originally it was called the Catalyst, last year it was called the Omaha Comp and now the Dynasty Comp which itself resurrects an older Louisville bat name. It’s still a one piece bat made from their 7C composite. The good news is the price is even better this year. I saw the Adult -3 model listed at $207.99 which is a fantastic price. The Omaha Comp was my choice for second tier composite bats last year, and at this price, I’m sure it will be my choice in 2010.

2010 TPX H2

The TPX H2 is the exact same bat as in 2009 but with one major difference, they’ve adjusted the price to what a hybrid bat should be! Do you believe in miracles? It looks like the H2 has not been selling and Louisville was forced to lower the price to move this bat. For 2010 the Adult -3 model retails for $299.99 which is only $30 more than the 2009 model on the discount rack. This bat was listed for $369 in 2009 which was way too high.

2010 TPX Exogrid

The EXO continues to chug along. It’s been one of Louisville’s best selling bats and the 2010 model is identical to the 2008 and 2009 models.My opinion won’t change on this bat due to its high retail price, $369.99 for the Adult -3 model. I guess if the bat is selling at a high price keep the price high. As mentioned in my review last year, this is basically a 100% alloy bat and for an additional $30 I can get the 100% composite Triton. This is a no brainer to go with the Triton. Amazingly, the Exogrid is no priced $70 higher than the newer H2 which is a true hybrid. .

2010 TPX Omaha

The Omaha also chugs along. Same bat as last year priced at a reasonable $199.99 for the Adult -3 model. It was my choice last year for lower priced alloy bats. I’d assume it will stay there again this year.

2010 Anderson Baseball Bats

Anderson NanoTek XS

Anderson is going out on a limb by saying they’ve developed an alloy bat that is superior to a composite bat. They must believe it, or have lost their mind, because they’ve made the NanoTek the most expensive alloy bat in History! WOW, they’ve got some giant onions! I’d bet the ranch their President was a former politician.

They say the:

• “unprecedented strength of the revolutionary NanoTek Alloy allows us to build a bat with the thinnest wall in the game.
• “the strength of the NanoTek Alloy has helped create a Launch Pad sweet spot”
• “unlike composites that gradually rise to a short-lived maximum potential, the NanoTek XS has no break-in period, maintaining superior performance and delivering a solid feel throughout its long life”.

As I’ve stated, I have not had the chance to test the 2010 bats but I’m going out on my own limb here to say pigs would sooner fly than the NanoTek alloy being superior to composite. In my opinion they are mad to price an alloy bat at $399.99? I can’t wait to test this one out.

2010 Rawlings Baseball Bats

Rawlings has come out with a new line of baseball bats for 2010. Their Rush Comp/Gold Lite line has gone the way of the dinosaur in only one year. I’d like to take credit for this as I opined last year that Rawlings is the “Rodney Dangerfield of baseball bats”.

Rawlings has put all their eggs in the 5150 basket (wasn’t that a Van Halen album?) claiming 5150 composite and 5150 alloy material for their bats. It’s still early but they don’t seem to explain if the 5150 is a similar material in both their composite and alloy bats. If not, why use the same number/name?

They also have an interesting, additional cost, speed cap to screw on to Rawlings bats that measures your bat speed. Sounds interesting on the surface, but if I can’t attach it to another bat how can I compare it to another bat?

I’ll be very interested to test these bats.

Rawlings 5150 Composite

This bat is a multi-wall intermediate balance compared to last year’s Comp Lite which had a lower MOI (swing weight) and single wall design. The claim a superior feel that is achieved through a custom blend of carbon, fiberglass, and aramid fibers. Unfortunately it’s priced at $379.99 for the Adult -3 model which makes it unlikely to compete with the big boys.

Rawlings 5150 Hybrid

To me, this bat seems almost identical to the Louisville H2 which has been drastically reduced for 2010 due to low sales. As with the H2, the stiff composite handle is bonded to the alloy barrel. It replaces the Rush Gold Lite which had a two piece design more similar to Demarini’s. It contains Rawlings new 5150 Alloy which is supposed to be formulated for higher strength and increased flex. At 299.99 for the Adult -3 model they priced this bat correctly.

Rawlings 5150 Alloy

One piece stiff handle, 100% allow bat with their new 5150 alloy. Has a balanced design for a lower MOI (swing weight) and increased bat control. It seems to be priced against the Omaha with a retail price of $199.99 for the Adult -3 model which is wise.

2010 NIKE BASEBALL BATS There’s not a lot of news for the 2010 Nike bats. They have the same construction on their main bats with only a minor modification to their hybrid model.

Nike 2010 Aero CX2 Composite Nothing new here but the color, it’s the same model as last year. Same composite multi-wall, two piece bat with Nike’s “multi-layer cross react carbon”, “speedlink system”, “powerbelt technology” and “aero cap”. You can find last year’s model on the discount rack for a lot less money if you like this bat.

Nike 2010 Aero Fuse

The 2010 bat has a new alloy barrel (Zr91) from the 2009 model. Otherwise the bat construction is the same. 2-piece hybrid bat with the “speedlink system” and “aero cap”. Lower swingweight than the CX2 although they don’t specify the numbers.