Easton is far ahead of the competition when it comes to BBCOR baseball bats, especially with 100% composite bats. Easton has always been the leader in composite bats and the 2012 model year is no exception. They continue to push their two-piece design in their top tier Power Brigade bats. They were the first to release a BBCOR approved composite bat, the Omen, and then quickly followed that up with new models (Power Brigade S1 and XL1). They are known for offering many options (sometimes so many its dizzying) to appeal to just about any player. Easton is the most popular bat brand in the market and it’s difficult to go wrong with one of their bats.
Here’s their youth and BBCOR offerings for the 2012 model year:
S1
The S1 is a 100% composite two-piece bat with a flex handle and low swing weight (MOI). The “S” stands for Speed Series and it claims to have the lowest MOI on the market. It is made from Easton’s new IMX composite material which replaces the composite material used on their first composite BBCOR bat, the Omen. Choose the S1 over the XL1 if swing speed is most important to you. In the end their best youth or BBCOR bat is based on your swing. The S1 and XL1 are my choice in the high cost, 100% composite bat category. The Adult -3 model retails for $399.99
XL1
Also a 100% composite two-piece bat with a flex handle made from their IMX composite material. The difference between the XL and S is a slightly end-loaded design (higher swing weight) and a longer barrel. It’s named “XL” because of the “extra long” barrel design. This is the case between all the XL and S models. Choose the XL1 over the S1 if you’re a power hitter. You can tell the difference between the S/XL 1, 2 and 3 models by the handle color. 1 is black, 2 is gray and 3 is yellow. As mentioned, the S1 and XL1 are my choice in the high cost, 100% composite bat category. The Adult -3 model retails for $399.99
S2
The Easton S2 is a two-piece hybrid bat with a flex handle made from Easton’s IMX Composite material and THT100 alloy barrel. As with all the S/XL models, the S2 has a lower swing weight (MOI) than the XL2. Not my top choice in the high cost hybrid bat category, but a good choice. The Adult -3 model retails for $299.99
XL2
The XL2 is also a two-piece hybrid bat with a flex IMX composite handle and THT100 alloy barrel. As with all the S/XL models, the difference between the XL2 and S2 is an end-loaded design and longer barrel. Not my top choice in the high cost hybrid category, but a good choice. The Adult -3 model retails for $299.99
S3
A one-piece bat with a flex handle and low MOI made with their THT100 alloy material. Not my high cost 100% alloy bat choice, but still a very good choice. The Adult -3 model retails for $199.99
XL3
A one-piece bat with a flex handle made with their THT100 alloy material, and slightly end-loaded design (higher swing weight than the S3). Not my high cost 100% alloy bat choice, but still a very good choice. The Adult -3 model retails for $199.99
Omen
A two-piece bat made of 100% composite material with a stiff handle. The first BBCOR approved 100% composite bat. It’s made with their IMX composite and is slightly end loaded (MOI rating of 80). This bat is very similar to the Easton Speeds, but made to the new specifications. It is an extremely popular bat for experienced players at every level. It is my choice in the low cost 100% composite bat category. The Adult -3 retails for $199.99 which is extremely low. It’s low because Easton is now focusing on their new models.
Surge
This two-piece bat, with their IMX composite handle and their THT 100 alloy barrel, has a stiff handle and balanced design with a MOI rating of 70. Essentially, it’s the old SV12 with a new alloy barrel. This is has been an extremely popular Easton bat design. The lower MOI (swing weight) makes it popular at all experience levels. Since they’re focusing on the Power Brigade models this bat is a steal, the Adult -3 model retails for $149.99. Hence, it is the bat I recommend in the low cost hybrid bat category.
Rival
A one-piece bat made of 100% alloy and a stiff handle design. It has a very low swing weight, with a MOI of 60, and is made with their THT100 alloy (same as the S/XL 2 and 3). It is similar to the older V12 which was never popular. Most go to Easton for the two-bat design and their one-piece models do not get much attention. I recommend the Louisville Omaha in the low cost 100% aluminum category, but you will not find a solid bat any cheaper than this. The Adult -3 model retails for $119.99
Check out my bat recommendations by category and cost here. And view the difference between one and two-piece bats.
Here’s a video talking about their new models:
My son purchased a Easton Power Brigade BBCOR bat costing $400.00 and it broke during his thrid game —- what a waste.
Easton will not accept a return without a reciept —- as far as I’m concerned they don’t stand behind their (flawed) product.
I’m normally not a conspiracy theorist; however, I do question why officials didn’t change the construction of the baseball ($3 per unit) vice opting to change the construction of bats costing hundreds of dollars.
Anyone remember when baseball was a game every kid could play and not a business that employs lobbyist?
Bottom Line if you a Easton Bat (and I recommend you don’t) keep the receipt.
My son has had several Easton Bats over the years. composite and alluminum. Purchasers should be aware, that composite bats will hit farther, but the down side is that they can break. Discourage lending them to friends as the cost is high. My son is now in high school. He uses an Easton S1 at $400. He is a contact hitter and is very pleased with the speed of his line drives. As previous reviews have mentioned, keep your reciept, as they are guaranteed for a certain time period, and will all companies for high priced items, they will not refund old bats past their expiration, nor will they refund or exchange bats without a reciept. Wonderful bat. Would recommend.
My son uses the Easton S1 and his hits go longer with the S1 than other bats. His bat recently went dead and Easton replaced it no problems. All we needed was a receipt. Most people know that the composite don’t last as long, but they hit farther so that’s the cost a playing baseball. Highly recommend Easton