The Reebok VECTOR O enters into the baseball bat arena with a unique bat design they hope will break through the clutter. These bats are just hitting the market (as of 10/15/08) so I have not held or used one. I therefore can only provide the published information at my thoughts at the present time. I hope to have my full review for the Christmas buying season.
The Reebok Vector O series of baseball bats has a unique feature is that the handle has three holes in it (called ports) that claim to do two things. First they say it can reduce drag and therefore increase bat speed. We all know bat speed is a critical aspect of hitting the ball farther. Second the holes offer the opportunity to redistribute the weight to the barrel making it longer.The longer barrel would therefore increase the sweet spot.
Although the premise seemed odd when I first saw it and I’m skeptical as to how much drag it could eliminate, I was equally skeptical when I first heard of the Easton Connection or Demarini Half & Half technology (both being mainstream today).
The Vector O incorporates hybrid technology with the “holey” handle being made of composite and the barrel alloy material. I do not know who actually manufacturers the bat, but I’m sure it’s not Reebok (which is actually a plus).
These bats are pricey with the Adult -3 carrying a $379 retail price. This puts it at the high end of the hybrid bat market, competing with the Louisville H2 and Easton SV12. This is not a smart strategy for an unproven bat manufacturer like Reebok. In my opinion, if this bat has any chance of gaining traction it will be at the youth level. I can’t see this bat being used in Middle School, High School or College.
As mentioned, I hope to test the Vector O soon and provide you with my complete review.
We received a youth model and are now testing the bat…Seems to have good pop but not enough balls to give it good comparison…In youth, agree not sure how much less drag for youth player…
Appears Prince (Tennis racket fame) is the maunfacturer…
I have the bat and I love it has a lot of pop. I have it homeruns with it and since I started using it I haven’t used any other bats. I have also used it for high school use before they banned it in Ohio for high school use.