Here’s a breakdown of the 2019 Louisville Slugger BBCOR baseball bats. Louisville has long been the name associated with baseball bats (just ask Carrie Underwood, who took a Louisville Slugger to both headlights!). While traditionally associated with one-piece bats they, like many, have expanded their selection for all needs.
There are five options from Louisville Slugger this year, and here they are:
2019 Meta Prime – $499.95 Adult -3
In short, and the first thing most will notice, is the bat is expensive. It is the priciest bat in the BBCOR market for 2019. Constructed with a new composite built from the ground up and a fresh connection system they claim handles the stiffness-vibration balance. The main reward is a half-inch longer barrel for a bigger sweet spot.
The connection system comes new. Debuting the new 3FX system, connecting the barrel and handle so there’s always a balance of stiffness and vibration as players move higher in the BBCOR game. As players desire maximum stiffness and move toward one-piece bats, they start to struggle with vibration in the move. The 3FX system aims to “tune stiffness on the inside and outside using a two-part system” designed to provide the stiff feel on contact while reducing vibration.
The Meta Prime has a stiffer feel than the Prime 919 BBCOR (see review below) and is more balanced.
- 3-piece composite: New EKO composite barrel
- 3FX connection system: Provides a tuned “stiffer” feel on contact and is supposed to reduce vibration
- RTX end cap design: Creates a longer barrel shape and “improves” sound on contact
- Balanced swing weight
- New LS pro comfort grip
- Handle: 31/32″ tapered handle
Honestly, I’d recommend looking at other options. The cost doesn’t justify the supposed benefits. If you like Louisville go with the Prime 919 or the Omaha.
2019 Louisville Slugger Prime 919 – $449.95 Adult -3
Not too balanced, not too end loaded. The two-piece build along with the composite handle and barrel make the Louisville Slugger Prime a good option for contact hitters who prefer a two-piece bat. The only downside is the price. At $450 the Prime is at the highest end of the BBCOR price range, but of course, less than the Meta Prime!
The Meta Prime will feel stiffer (traditional) on contact than the Prime 919, as well as have a slightly larger sweet spot. Louisville has traditionally focused on stiff handles so this is clearly their way of broadening their base.
- 3-Piece Bat Construction
- 100% Proprietary MicroForm Composite Design
- Fused Carbon Structure
- VCX Connection Technology
- RTX End Cap
- LS Pro Comfort Bat Grip
- Balanced Swing Weight
- 31/32″ Tapered Handle
- 2 5/8″ Barrel Diameter
The two-piece composite with a smooth connection makes for a good feel on hits. I’d recommend it for contact hitters who want a bat with a balanced to light swing weight.
The two piece composite boot space is no stranger to competition. Every serious bat company seems to make a really good one in this space. In terms of a similar swing weight and feel on contact look for the 2019 CF Zen and the 2019 Rawlings Quatro Pro. Each of those bats, like the 919, come in a number of sizes and leagues.
2019 Louisville Slugger Select 719 – $349.95 Adult -3
The most end-loaded bat in the 2019 Louisville Slugger lineup, this two-piece hybrid construction features a ST7U1+ alloy barrel and composite handle. If you are a power hitter, or on the stronger side, this or the Omaha 519 are your Louisville options. Both bats swing heavier and more end loaded for added power than the Meta, Prime and Solo.
The Select 719 has pop on par with the Prime and the best BBCOR bats, but you will need to have the strength to swing this bat. The Select 719 does a little more of the work for you than a Prime because of the added end load. But again, it’s more difficult to handle.
- 2 5/8” barrel diameter
- 2-piece composite – New ADV MicroForm barrel
- VCX Vibration Control Connection – a patented design that allows for independent movement between the barrel and the handle
- RTX end cap design maximizes the barrel shape
- Balanced swing weight for the ultimate combination of speed and power
- New LS PRO comfort grip
- 7/8” tapered handle
2019 Solo 619 – $229.95 Adult -3
The Louisville Slugger Solo 619 is a pleasant surprise. The Solo model didn’t exist until a few years ago, but is now a player in the industry. Just like 2018, the Solo 619 BBCOR it has good pop compared to the Meta, Prime and Select, but with the lightest swing weight in the entire Louisville Slugger BBCOR lineup. It has a similar sting and vibration to the Meta, Prime and Select. If you’re a contact hitter and hesitant to pull the trigger on the Meta or Prime because of the price, the Solo is an excellent option.
You’re giving up only a tiny amount of barrel, but rewarded with similar design and feel that’s $150 = $200 less money!
- 2 5/8” barrel diameter
- 1-piece SL Hyper alloy construction for a stiffer feel and maximum energy transfer on contact
- (SBC) Speed Ballistic Composite End Cap – for increased swing speed and maximum bat control through the zone
- NEW LS PRO Comfort Grip for the perfect mix of tack and cushion
- 7/8” tapered handle
2019 Omaha 519 BBCOR – $199.95 Adult -3
The Omaha 519 is the lowest price bat in the Slugger BBCOR lineup, but it’s no slouch. The 519 Omaha BBCOR is a one-piece bat made with a slightly thicker alloy, making it a heavier than the Solo 619. The Omaha is a great all around BBCOR option, and it’s recommended as a solid all around $199 BBCOR bat.
The Omaha’s only flaw is there is a little bit of feedback and vibration in the hands. Honestly, though, it’s not bad at all. We just have to make that note to be thorough, because the other bats above have less vibration.
- 2 5/8” barrel diameter
- 1-piece ST 7U1+ alloy construction that delivers a huge sweet spot and stiffer feel on contact
- 6-Star premium end cap design
- Balanced swing weight for the ultimate combination of speed and power
- NEW VIBEXTM premium vibration damping handle construction reduces sting on mis-hits
- NEW LS PRO Comfort Grip for the perfect mix of tack and cushion
- 31/32” tapered handle
The Omaha has been Louisville’s go to bat for many, many years and power hitters interested in the Louisville Slugger BBCOR bats should swing it or the Select. Line Drive Hitters interested in Louisville should swing the Prime or Solo.