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2010 Easton Bat Reviews

The 2010 Easton bats are essentially the same models as in 2009. They have made a few wise modifications by adding stiff handle versions to their best selling bats. Last year their composite bats were called the Stealth/Synergy IMX this year they’re called the Stealth/Synergy Speed bats but they’re essentially the same bats. The minor modifications include a slightly lower swing weight and stiff handle option on their Stealth Speed two-piece bat compared to the 2009 Stealth IMX and a stiff handle version of the hybrid SV12. For 2010 they’re putting their marketing efforts behind the handle flex rating of their baseball bats. Each of their best selling bats are accompanied with a number, the higher the number on the bat the stiffer the handle. This continues Easton’s efforts to be the leader in communicating detailed information about their baseball bats. They tell us the handle flex rating, swingweight (MOI) and hitting area for all of their bats. This is extremely helpful in selecting a bat and makes me wonder why the other manufacturers ignore or gloss over it.Don’t forget to check out the My Bat Recommendations section for my recommendations on bats segmented by material and price.

Here’s Easton’s 2010 line-up:

Easton Composite Bats

Easton Stealth Speed 75 and 95: 100% composite, two-piece end-loaded bat. The Speed 75 is the flex handle version that is essentially identical to the 2009 Stealth IMX, except that it is slightly less end-loaded this year (swing weight rating of 80 versus 90 in 2009). The Speed 95 is the new stiff handle version of this Easton bat design. It is exactly the same as the Speed 75 except it has a stiff handle. The handle is stiffer than the Synergy Speed bat. Easton’s two-piece composite bats are by far the most popular composite bats on the market. Both the Stealth and Synergy Speed Adult -3 models retail for $399 a $20 increase from the 2009 models.

Easton Synergy Speed 90: 100% composite, one-piece end-loaded bat (75 rating) with a stiff handle (90 rating). This bat is almost identical to the 2009 Easton Synergy IMX, except the swing weight (MOI) was ever so slightly lowered (from 80 to 75). Eastonclaims this design provides increased balance and bat control through the hitting zone versus the Stealth model. The Synergy Speed 90 is aimed directly at the heart of Louisville’s one-piece, stiff handle philosophy. This design is far less popular than the Stealth Speed/IMX design. If you like this bat you should look for the 2009 model. It’s priced around $259 or $140 less than the identical 2010 model.

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2010 Demarini Baseball Bats

Demarini’s 2010 line-up of baseball bats includes some minor adjustments to their 2009 line. The new “buss word” for their 2010 models is Silver Trace technology which claims to be a unique blend of carbon combined with the “Silver Trace” technology. They say it is a bonding agent that adds strength to maximize power transfer to the barrel. I’d say it’s more hype than anything else but at least they’re trying to make it seem like there’s something new going on. The new CF4 is essentially the same as the CF3 with a slightly larger barrel and they’ve adding a new option in the low-priced composite category. They’ve also dropped the Vexxum which has been in their line-up for quite a long time. Don’t forget to check out the My Bat Recommendations section for my recommendations on bats segmented by material and price.

Here are the 2010 Demarini Baseball Bat Reviews:

Demarini 100% Composite Bats

Demarini CF4: 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. The handle is now “Pitch Black Plus” instead of just “Pitch Black” composite material and the aforementioned “Silver Trace” technology to the barrel. They say this adds 11% to the barrel length compared to the CF3 (so about an inch). It also has a redesigned end cap called “The Hub” that has a noticeably concave design. It’s a two-piece double wall composite bat with a flex handle and a very low swing weight, although Demarini does not supply any numbers. The odd thing about the CF4 or CF3 is that most college players do not use it. In the 2009 College World Series teams that use Demarini bats, like Arizona State, have nobody swinging a CF4 or CF3. My guess is that these advanced players do not like the extremely light feel of the CF4/CF3 and are looking for a little more mass.The Adult -3 model has a retail price of $399.99. I still think the CF3 is a very viable option on the discount racks.

Demarini Vendetta C6: 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 is a two-piece single wall bat with a flex handle, balanced design and Demarini’s second tier (C6) composite material. The Adult -3 model retails for $299 which puts it in the same price range as the other second tier composite bats. This is a solid option in this category. Continue reading →

Nike Baseball Bat Reviews

Nike is a relatively new member of the baseball bat community and is trying to make a name for themselves in the industry. Many still have a problem associating Nike with anything other than athletic shoes and may never accept them in the baseball bat industry. They do have a small following and several big name college teams have to swing Nike bats due to contracts their universities signed with Nike. It has been reported that many players on these teams are not fond of the agreement. In fact, the Georgia Bulldog players blame their 2008 CWS loss on their Nike bats. They even demanded an out in the contract so they could switch to Easton.

The 2010 Nike bats are very similar to their 2009 models. The big news is that they’ve dropped their alloy model, the Torque, and are focusing exclusively on composite and hybrid models. Nike bats are very similar in design to Demarini bats which begs the question why consider a Nike bat when Demarini bats cost the same, receive better reviews and are much more popular? Therefore, if you love the design of Nike bats I’d recommend you take a hard look at the Demarini line-up.

Nike Composite Bats

2010 Aero Fuse CX2: Nothing new here but the color, it’s the same model as last year. It’s a balanced multi-wall, two piece bat with a flex handle and Nike’s “multi-layer cross react carbon”, “speedlink system”, “powerbelt technology” and “aero cap”.The Adult -3 model retails for $399. This bat has an extremely similar design to the Demarini CF4. The CF4 has a slightly longer barrel and hands down would be my recommendation over the CX2 if you love this design. If you must have the CX2 I’d recommend you find last year’s model on the discount rack for a lot less money.

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2011 Louisville Baseball Bats

Louisville has a long and respected history in the baseball bat industry, but they’ve falling behind in the composite and hybrid categories. They’re entries into these categories, now 3 years old, have not received a positive response. They are seldom seen at the high school or college level (when composite bats were legal in the NCAA). For 2011 they’ve only made some minor changes. This is extremely disappointing from what most consider the holy grail of baseball bat manufacturers. Louisville must go back to the drawing board in 2012 and come out with a brand new high end composite and hybrid design. The “bonded together to a one piece bat” claim has fallen on deaf ears. They must come out with a true two-piece design for their hybrid and either a true two-piece for their composite or a true one piece bat and stop the bull. Don’t forget to visit My Baseball Bat Recommendations for my choices in each category.

Here’s the breakdown of the Louisville line-up:

Louisville Composite Bats

TPX Triton – A 3-piece bat made with 100% composite material with Louisville’s stiff handle and a balanced design. The 2011 Triton is the exact same bat as the 2010 model, with the exception of a better paint job. I’ve only seen the 2011 Triton in a Senior or Youth model, nothing in the Adult -3. This bat has by far the largest barrel I’ve seen on a baseball bat. As I’ve stated in the past, it would be in Louisville’s best interest to either call this a multi-piece bat or stick to a true 1-piece design. Instead they continue to market it as a three-piece bat bonded together as a one-piece bat. I’ve hit with the Triton and seen it used in some youth games and it seems to hit well and has a great sound. You will rarely see it in a high school game. Even when composites were legal in the NCAACollege teams using Louisville bats choose the Exogrid, Omaha or H2 (in that order) and not the Triton. I recommend the Easton Speed for experienced players who want a 100% composite bat.

TPX Dynasty Composite – This 100% 7C composite, one-piece bat has the Louisville stiff handle and a balanced design. This bat is the same bat as the 2010 Dynasty, 2009 Omaha Comp and 2008 Catalyst. Louisville has been playing musical chairs with the name of this bat and decided the old Dynasty name would make sense. I believe this bat is an excellent second tier composite bat choice for several reasons. First, it has a great price at $259 for the Adult -3 model. Second, it has a proven track record being a Catalyst/Omaha Comp. Third it’s a true one-piece bat! No claims of being bonded together to act like a one-piece bat. An excellent choice for those looking for a lower priced composite bat.

Louisville Hybrid Bats

H2: There is a slight change to the 2011 H2 model. It’s a two piece bat that bonds the pieces together to make the claim that it’s a one piece bat (we’ve already covered this). The 100% composite handle is Louisville’s stiffest which is saying something, and barrel has been changed to Louisville’s new AC21 alloy, replacing their long running ST+20 alloy. It has a balanced swing weight design. The new alloy was added because it bonds together better with the composite handle, not because it provides better pop. I’m guessing they had one too many returns of a bat that broke in half at the “bonding” point. The Adult -3 model retails for $299 as it did last year. It’s not one of my top choices in the hybrid category, but still a decent bat.

Exogrid: Louisville’s best selling bat is back for a 5^th year. There is a slight change for 2011 as it too has changed to Louisville’s new AC21 alloy. The EXO has been Louisville’s best selling bat for the last few years and, quite honestly, has saved them from total disaster with the Triton and H2 debacles. Clearly their going to milk this golden goose for as long as possible because the Adult -3 continues to retail for an amazing $369. The really big news is Rawlings release of their own Exogrid in 2011 (see Rawlings reviews). It will be interesting to see if Louisville loses some sales because of this. In my opinion this bat is closer to a 100% alloy bat then a hybrid but with the carbon sleeve cut into the handle it’s in the hybrid category. I believe the price of this bat is way too high and I can’t recommend it when for an additional $30 I can get a 100% composite bat. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good bat but I just can’t recommend pulling the trigger at $369. If you love this bat find the 2010 model. It’s the same bat and will cost you a lot less money. It’s still a one piece, hybrid bat with some metal cut out of the handle and replaced with composite material. It comes with Louisville’s stiff handle and a balanced design. As mentioned earlier, most players on College teams who use Louisville bats swing the Exogrid.

Louisville Alloy Bats

TPX Omaha: No it’s not the energizer bunny, its Louisville Omaha and it’s still going. It’s the same bat they’ve been making for the last ten years, with some new paint. It’s a one-piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle, a balanced design and the same ST-20 alloy. They did not make this bat with their new AC21 alloy, which makes it clear the new alloy is only intended to help the bonding on their hybrid bats. Amazingly, they have increased the price to $229 for the Adult -3 model. It was priced at $199 last year. It’s very odd that the price would go up on a very old design, not the smartest of moves. It’s a great choice for those who don’t want to break the bank. Many players on College teams with Louisville contracts prefer to use the Omaha instead of the Triton or H2.

Louisville makes quality bats but, as mentioned, they need to rethink their multi-piece design and marketing hype. They need to decide if they’re going to jump into the multi-piece bat market or not. If you’re coming out with a multi-piece design tell me it’s a multi-piece design and why that makes sense, or come out with a one-piece design and tell me why it’s better. Stop with the “bonded to be a one-piece bat” nobody believes it and that is why sales are lagging.

2010 Miken Baseball Bat Review

Before I start with the baseball bat review, let’s begin with the name. Miken is a combination of the names of its two founders, Mike and Ken. I had always thought it was the name of a well known softball player. Miken was founded in 1997 as a manufacturer of composite golf club shafts and soon began manufacturing softball bats with its composite material. They expanded into baseball bats and continue to manufacture composite only bats.In 2004 Miken was purchased by K2 (the ski company) which also owns the Rawlings and Worth brands. So there’s no doubt Miken composite material is well integrated into Rawlings and Worth bats. I’m sure there are identical bats under each brand except for the name and color. Case in point, the Rawlings 5150 Comp and 5150 Hybrid have eerily similar designs to the Miken bats.

In 2010 Miken has decided to FREAK out as their entire 2010 line-up carries the Freak brand name.

Here’s what they offer:

Miken Composite Bats

Freak Flex & Stiff: 100% composite, one-piece, multi-wall bat with a stiff or flex handle and intermediate swing weight. Miken, like Easton, is wise to offer their top bat in both a stiff and flex handle design. Unfortunately, this bat is priced too high in my opinion. The Adult -3 model retails for $379 putting it in the Stealth/Synergy Speed category which is a proven commodity. This bat should be priced as s second tier composite bat and so I’d take a pass on the Freak.

Miken Hybrid Bats Continue reading →

A Review of Worth Baseball Bats

Last year I said that Rawlings is the Rodney Dangerfield of baseball bats and their brother brand, Worth, is the Joe Piscopo of baseball bats. You know he’s still doing comedy shows somewhere on earth but you just don’t care. For the 2010 model year nothing has changed. Nobody seems to care about Worth bats and it’s difficult to even find much information on their bats. Amazingly this is the case on their own web site where they don’t tell you which baseball bats are for the 2010 model year! They only talk about their new softball bats.

Worth is owned by K2 (the ski company) which also owns the Rawlings and Miken brands. To the best of my knowledge it appears Worth has abandoned composite bats and is exclusively focusing on alloy bats in 2010. On the surface this makes sense as Miken and Rawlings are focused on composite bats. What’s amazing is that Worth’s 2010 alloy model is priced in the high end of the alloy bat category! Even Joe Piscopo is scratching his head about this strategy. Shouldn’t Worth be K2’s discount brand?

I’m including Worth’s composite bats in my reviews even though they’re the same bats they offered in the 2009 model year. They make no mention of any 2010 composite models on their web site. In addition, all there 2009 composite models have drastically reduced prices indicating they are discontinued.

Here is what Worth is offering:

Worth Composite Bats

Titan – Adult only 100% composite, one-piece bat with a balanced design. Worth does not specify whether this, or any of their bats, has a stiff or flex handle. This is the 2009 model and they do not have a 2010 model. The Adult -3 can be found for anywhere between $159 and $329. Clearly this bat is on the discount racks to clear it from their warehouse. Needless to say you should stay away from this bat.

Mayhem Comp – Youth only 100% composite, one piece bat with does not specify the handle flex. This bat is the youth version of the 2009 Titan. Like the Titan it’s on the discount racks and appears to be discontinued. Stay away from this bat as well.

Worth Alloy Bats

Lithium Prodigy/Amp: This actually is a 2010 model. A 100% alloy, one-piece bat with what appears to be a flex handle and balanced design. The name is different for the Adult/Senior and Youth model but it’s the same bat. The Adult -3 model retails for $199 which amazingly prices it with the Louisville Omaha and Easton V12. This bat should be priced around the $149. Unless you’re playing T-Ball or want to be ridiculed while at the plate I’d go elsewhere for a bat.
Copperhead, Prodigy and Mutant: All low quality, bargain basement priced alloy bats. They are made with older material and have retail prices between $49 – $89.

Don’t forget to take a look at My Baseball Bat Recommendations by Category for my picks in each category.

Here are Reviews of the Mattingly Baseball Bats

Mattingly has not produced ANY 2010 baseball bat models!!! They have absolutely no information on any 2010 model on their web site, no retailer (online or brick and mortar) is selling a 2010 Mattingly bat and their 2009 models are deeply discounted. I’m not sure what’s going on with the Mattingly brand but it can’t be a good sign. It would not surprise me if Mattingly bats become a thing of the past. Since I can’t review models that don’t exist, I’ve resurrected my reviews of their 2009 models to fill some space.

Okay, I’ll start by saying I hate the Yankees and therefore hate Don Mattingly. With that out of the way my review of these bats will be objective.

Mattingly bats main selling point is the V-Grip handle. The handle, somewhat shaped like a V, is designed to help you grip the handle correctly. Meaning your “door knocking knuckles” are aligned when grasping the handle. In my opinion, it’s the equivalent of the youth baseball gloves that have a notch to help kids close the glove better.

The problem is no kid in High School or College is going to be seen holding this bat, as they wouldn’t be seen wearing a glove with a notch in it. Quite frankly, any kid who’s reached puberty doesn’t want to be seen holding a V-Grip bat. It screams that the player is inexperienced and needs a crutch (sorry Donny, I’d say this even if you had played for a team I didn’t hate).

I’ve never seen these bats in the hands of a player at any age, anywhere. The bat reviews are below but my recommendation is to pass on Mattingly bats:

Mattingly Composite Bats

Beast: one-piece bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. Besides the V-Grip they tout the Xtreme Weave Carbon construction for “maximum power and durability”. Needless to say I do not recommend this bat.

Mattingly Alloy Bats

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Ripped: 100% alloy, one piece bat with a stiff handle. Medium grade alloy (MB55Sc alloy) touting the same benefits as the Beast. It’s odd that two bats made out of completely different material have the exact same benefits. I do not recommend this bat.
V Force: One piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle. This bat is only available in youth models and consists of alloy that’s been around for over 15 years (MB75 alloy). Unless you’re playing T-Ball there are better options.

Visit My Bat Recommendations for recommendations in each category and price range.

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.

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The Secrets Behind Moment of Inertia (MOI) and Swing Weight

Moment of Inertia (MOI) governs how a bat feels and is a more meaningful measure of how well it will swing for you than the actual weight of the bat. Bat speed, not bat size nor weight, is the main factor in driving a ball. Bat speed is affected by a number of variables including bat length, bat weight and bat Moment of Inertia (MOI) which is often referred to as swing weight or balance point.

The distinction between light or heavy swing weight really boils down to the location of the balance point (or center-of-mass) and the moment-of-inertia. The closer the bat’s balance point is to the handle, the easier it is to swing. The basic concept is that it is not the total overall weight of the bat which determines how fast you can swing a bat, but the way that weight is distributed along the length of the bat. For example, a bat with a balanced point closer to the handle will feel lighter and swing faster than an end loaded bat. This is true even through both bats are the exact same weight on a scale.The higher the rating the higher the MOI and the heavier the swing weight.

As a general rule, most players can hit a ball further with lighter (really low MOI) bats. It is only the biggest home run hitters, who can hit the ball further with a heavier (really higher MOI) bats. Also, lighter bats provide more bat control during the swing phase

Good players who are strong tend to prefer bats with a heavy swing weight because they can swing the bat fast enough and the extra inertia of the bat makes for a more effective collision with the ball. Players who are not as strong, or who cannot swing a heavy bat quickly, tend to opt for bats with a lighter swing weight so that they can increase their bat-swing speed and obtain faster batted balls that way.

Here’s a brief Easton video on MOI…

Obviously MOI is only one factor to consider with material, handle flex, mass and design (1 or 2 piece) being the others. But, it is often ignored or misunderstood. You should take the time and effort to decide what MOI is best for you and what the ratings are for the bats you’re considering.

Louisville Slugger TPX Omaha Comp Review

The Louisville Slugger TPX Omaha Comp is their 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. Continue reading →