The 2024 DeMarini Zoa is one of the most anticipated baseball bats of the year. It’s a follow-up to the popular 2023 model, and it features a few key updates.
What’s New in the 2024 Zoa Bat?
The biggest change to the 2024 Zoa is the barrel. It’s now 2 3/4″ in diameter, which is the largest diameter allowed in USSSA and BBCOR play. This gives the Zoa a larger sweet spot and makes it easier to hit the ball hard.
DeMarini has also made some changes to the Zoa’s handle. It’s now stiffer than before, which helps to maximize bat speed and energy transfer on contact. The handle is also wrapped in a new, comfortable grip that provides a solid feel in the hands.
The 2024 DeMarini The Goods epitomizes a BBCOR baseball bat catered specifically to power hitters. Notably, its key features encompass a large X14 Alloy Barrel designed to foster a broader sweet spot and enhance power upon contact. The barrel construction, resulting in a more robust sensation and elevated performance rigidity. Moreover, a new addition is the introduction of a novel metal compound knob. In the following sections, we will explore these differentiating factors in comparison to the 2023 DeMarini The Goods model in this review.
One of the key features of the 2024 model of The Goods is the Fortified Metal Compound Knob. Significantly, this knob is made with a combination of alloy and composite materials, which provides it with enhanced leverage. Consequently, it becomes stronger and more durable compared to traditional knobs.
The 2024 DeMarini Voodoo One and the 2023 DeMarini Voodoo One baseball bats are very similar, but there are a few key differences between these DeMarini Baseball Bats. Here a review of the 2024 DeMarini Voodoo One and the differences.
Warranty: The 2024 DeMarini Voodoo One has a BBCOR Expanded Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty. This means that DeMarini will provide as many qualifying repairs or replacements of your bat as needed within 1 year from the date of purchase. The 2023 Voodoo One only has a one-year warranty.
Knob: The 2024 DeMarini Voodoo One has a Fortified Compound Metal Knob. This knob is made with an aluminum core that is surrounded by a composite material. The aluminum core adds durability to the knob, while the composite material provides a comfortable feel. The 2023 Voodoo One has a standard composite knob.
Price: The 2024 Voodoo One is slightly more expensive than the 2023 Voodoo One. The 2024 Voodoo One retails for $400, while the 2023 Voodoo One retails for $350.
As the crack of the bat resounds across baseball fields, players and enthusiasts eagerly await the latest innovations in baseball bat technology. In 2023, DeMarini has once again stepped up to the plate with an exciting lineup of baseball bats designed to cater to the diverse needs of both power hitters and contact hitters. This blog post takes an in-depth look at the 2023 DeMarini bat collection, highlighting the differences between each bat and its suitability for various player styles.
Here’s the breakdown of the 2023 DeMarini Bats:
The Goods Pro Series
Starting with the heavyweight of the lineup, the Goods Pro Series is tailored for power hitters who thrive on driving the ball deep into the outfield. This bat features an end-loaded swing weight, which means that it has more weight concentrated towards the barrel end. This design maximizes the bat’s potential for generating power, making it an ideal choice for players who can handle the additional heft. With a stiffer feel, the Goods Pro Series allows players to harness their strength and deliver explosive hits that can make a significant impact on the game.
DeMarini has been a staple player in the in the baseball bat industry for years and is known for their doublewall two-piece bats.
They’ve done a good job in expanding their line-up in recent years and have a stick for every type of hitter. But, I believe if you swing a DeMarini you should be a contact hitter and use their two-piece bat balanced bats.
Here’s the
2019 lineup:
DeMarini CF Zen: $349.95 Adult -3
Their most technologically advanced and most expensive bat. It has a balanced swing weight with a Paraflex+ Composite construction with the standard DeMarini feel and pop. The barrel design and a 3Fusion System are “supposed” to pair to give players transitioning into BBCOR and faster swing with a more balanced feel. 3Fusiion is “supposed” to reduce vibration when the bat makes contact with a pitch and minimize weight at the end of the bat.
Paraflex Composite construction for more precise weight
distribution
3Fusion Handle for greater weight control and feel
3Fusion End Cap optimizes sweet spot, sound and feel through
the barrel
X-Lite
Knob is ergonomically designed to perfectly fit players’ hands
If you are a contact hitter who has the money to spend
this bat should be considered. If you’re a power hitter, you should look
elsewhere.
The DeMarini CF8 is almost identical to when the CF3 model was launched, therefore my review is going to be similar to my reviews in the past.
It is a 100% composite, double wall, flex handle bat utilizing their half and half technology and a low swing weight (MOI). The only difference they’re claiming is it’s made from their “premium Paradox +Plus Composite so it breaks in faster and is hot right out of the wrapper”.
As mentioned in the past, the majority of college players on teams swinging DeMarini stay away from the CF because of the low swing weight among other reasons. The low swing weight is great for speed but power is sacrificed, and most college players (or experienced players below this level) are looking for power. College players are experienced and prefer balanced or end-loaded bats. Next many players at most levels prefer single wall bats. The general feeling is double wall technology deadens the exit speed of the ball. Plus they prefer a stiff handle bat to the CF8 flex handle. Put them all together and that is why many college players stay away from the CF8 or its predecessors.
In the 2015 CWS DeMarini gave the entire LSU and Vanderbilt team’s custom DeMarini Vodoo FT bats, not their top tier CF bat. Now if DeMarini is not even giving experienced baseball players on CWS teams a free CF bat why would you pay up to $400 for it? There are much better 100% composite options available. If you love the half and half technology go with the Voodoo unless you are an inexperienced player who needs bat speed.
The Adult BBCOR model retails for $449.95, the Senior League for $349.959 and the Youth for $279.95
This review is for the 2013 Demarini CF5 baseball bat that is available in youth, senior and BBCOR models. It is a 100% composite, double wall, flex handle bat utilizing their half and half technology and a low swing weight (MOI). The design is the same since it was launched as the CF3.
The 2012 model claims it has their lowest swing weight ever. It always was low, and it’s interesting that their making this claim for a few reasons. First Louisville now claims the 2013 Exogrid has the lowest swing weight of any BBCOR 2 5/8″ bat, so someone is not telling the truth. Second, many college players stay away from the CF5 because of the low swing weight among other reasons. The new model is made with their new TR3 F.L.O. (fused layer optimized) composite that claims to make it stronger and lighter. This after the introduction of “Tri Strut TR3″ material last year which claimed to “imitate the structure of crystals which are one of the strongest and most stable compounds on Earth”. So I’m skeptical to say the least.
So why has the CF5 never caught on in college baseball? As stated, the low swing weight is a problem. College players are experienced and prefer balanced or end-loaded bats. Next many players at most levels prefer single wall bats. They feel that double wall designs deaden the exit speed of the ball. Plus they’re not crazy about flex handles. Put them all together and you’ll see why college players stay away from the CF5. Take a look at any team swinging Louisville (Tennessee, LSU, Arizona State) and the vast majority are using the Voodoo. Now if experienced baseball players are staying away from a free CF5 why would you pay up to $400 for it? There are much better 100% composite options available. If you love the half and half technology go with the Voodoo!
The BBCOR model retails for $399.99, the Senior League for $299.99 and the Youth for $249.00
The 2012 Demarini BBCOR baseball bats have a similar look to 2011, with the addition of a lower tier alloy model (Versus) and exclusion of a lower tier composite model (Vendetta). While they are sticking to their bread and butter, a two-piece baseball bats with a flex handle and their “half and half” technology, they have started expanding their reach into the alloy market and exploring different technology.
Demarini has been a major player in the baseball bat industry for years and makes quality bats. The only thing I don’t like about their bats is the overlapping seam connecting the handle and barrel. I much prefer a seamless connection on a baseball bat. I believe 2012 is going to be a make or break year for Demarini as there are some new, highly competitive, manufacturers looking to gain share. Demarini on the other hand doesn’t have much that is new or exciting.
Take a look at my recommendations by category and cost, and here’s a look at the 2012 Demarini bats:
2012 CF5 The change to make the CF5 BBCOR compliant is Demarini’s new “Tri Strut TR3 composite material”; otherwise it’s the same design as the CF4 & CF3. They’re pushing the limits of believability with the Tri Strut claiming it “imitates the structure of crystals which are one of the strongest and most stable compounds on Earth”. It’s a double wall, 100% composite two-piece bat with a flex handle and light swing weight (MOI). Most college players (who’s team swings Demarini) stayed away from the CF5 due to its light (or too light) swing weight. Also, many prefer a single wall bat. It is not my choice in the top tier 100% composite category. The Adult -3 model retails for $399.99
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 →
