2018 DeMarini CF Insane BBCOR Review

The 2018 DeMarini CF Insane BBCOR is a high quality baseball bat built for players looking for speed and superior handling at the field. The bat is made from 2-piece composites constructed with a top grade composite barrel and handle.

These two parts are joined together with an attachment piece known as the 3 Fusion, which is probably the most impressive feature of this year’s series of bats. 3 Fusion has removed excessive weight from the connective unit, thus allowing you to have better control of the equipment.

Furthermore, the bat’s point of balance is found lower down the barrel and this provides more power at contact compared to other brands, assuming that the swing weight remains constant while playing.

Price Check

Benefits

The BBCOR’s streamlined body allows you to make transitions smoothly without putting too much effort.

The bat’s end loaded balance provides greater mass at impact.

It’s a BBCOR certified bat meaning it can be used in Highschool and Collegiate Play.

Equipped with Paraflex barrel material which makes it feel lighter than it actually is.

Features

3Fusion Handle

This brand new feature aims to remove vibrations and ball sting when you make awkward swings with your bat. Sometimes taking a bad shot can be painful, especially for those who are new to baseball and aren’t used to such encounters. The 3Fusion Handle will prevent you from hurting your back and hands unnecessarily; even contact on the bat’s lower end won’t cause any sting.

Apart from reduced stinging and vibrations, the handle has also been built to be more rigid than usual. This allows for minimal flex when swinging which is great for power hitters seeking to take their best swings yard.

End Loaded Swing

The bat contains tremendous power coming from the barrel and handle, it has more load at the barrel’s end which is of great advantage for mashers. Nonetheless, despite all the extra features found in it, Demarini has still made the bat to be considerably lighter to swing thus making it suitable for contact-hitters as well. As the manufacturers say, it provides you a great balance of speed and power.

Paraflex Composite Barrel

This material allows you to enjoy tremendous hitting performance right after purchasing your 2018 DeMarini CF Insane BBCOR from the store, you don’t have to break it in before use like other baseball bats. In other words, you can take it right from the shelf to your upcoming game without doing any prior adjustments.

Moreover, the barrel on Insane BBCOR has slightly been extended from the previous model, so as to give you a longer focus point or sweet spot for making ball contact more often.

As for player type, it’s an endloaded bat that normally does well for power hitters. However, the bat still has sufficient balance as to find a home in contact hitter's hands too. Those looking for a little bit extra power with sufficient end load will find it quite appropriate.

You might also like our 2018 CF Zen BBCOR Bat Review

Who is it meant for?

The 2018 DeMarini CF Insane Endlaoded BBCOR is one of the most advanced baseball bats the company has ever created for younger players. Though it can be used by any player interested in a good bat, it’s usually reserved for competitive players at high school or much older levels.

According to the manufacturers, 2018 CF Insane BBCOR is an end loaded composite stick in their collection. The bat is perfect for you if you’re in need of speed through the field zone, or skipping into the BBCOR game. It will help you upgrade your game and performance instantly.

Summary

The 2018 DeMarini BBCOR is an advanced baseball bat that continues on the great legacy of superior quality already paved by its predecessors. A lot of technology went into creating this model so that it can be suitable for use by its target group, mainly consisting of competitive high school and college baseball players.

One of its most significant features is the connective piece which eliminates vibration from the handlebar, and also stinging. This ultimately gives you greater confidence and feel at the pitch. Furthermore, the 2018 DeMarini BBCOR has a less bulky construction compared to its competitors, which allows for more accurate dial in swing-weight throughout the bat. This product will make a great tool for players interested in upgrading their game.

from The Baseball Bat Review Site http://ift.tt/2CpA0Wu

2018 DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR Review

Now, I’m not saying that I’m cut straight out of the MLB cloth, but I have been known to pitch around some. I won’t call myself a power hitter either, because that’s , again, way above my pay grade. While my skills on the courtside don’t count for much, I know more than a little about baseball bats and have been watching
the marketplace for as long as I can remember. I know a good bat when I see one, and I can almost always feel the strength of the grip of any of the bats out there. That, plus a ton of research on these little gems  makes me a real baseball bat connoisseur. This piece is going to be a review of the 2018 DeMarini CF Zen in BBCOR, and you are going to love it.

Learn More

See all our BBCOR Bat Reviews

Recommendations

This is the kind of bat you want to go for if you are a
contact hitter. The reason for this is that it has a balance of weight and power and therefore
allows a very even grip. While the bat is
most ideal in the hands of a contact hitter, it still has enough power in it to
accommodate the whims of a power hitter. However, if you are looking for a
little more of an end load, then the advice would be to look elsewhere. The
2018 CF Zen is made for competitive players from high school all the way to the
highest ranked professional leagues.

Bat construction

With this model, DeMarini has used its popular ParaFlex material
to build the barrel. This material makes for a good swing and power. In
addition to that, it is sturdy and won’t break midway through practice. The
long barrel gives you an opportunity to add power to your swing and connect
with the ball more often, which makes for plenty of power shots.

In addition to a good, balanced design with a good grip, the
Zen also comes with a new feature, the 3Fusion handle that works towards
eliminating sting and vibrations when the hitter makes an unbalanced swing. Less
sting means a higher level of accuracy and hence better performance. The handle
is quite rigid, and this provides some good flex, especially when in the hands of a power hitter.

Compared to last year’s model

The 2017 model of the Zen didn’t come with the 3Fusion handle, and that was a real problem because it used to sort of spin out of form and ruin what would otherwise be some very good swings. The lack of this type of handle did little to help with problems related to sting and vibration, and while it was a good bat by any standards, it couldn’t scale the dizzying heights of performance the 2018 version is capable of. The new bat also comes with a longer barrel, and any hitter will tell you what kind of contact that provision makes for.

Comparable bats

For DeMarini, high performance bats have always been part of the job description, and this bat is an upgrade of most of those varieties. CF Zen has some similarities with its predecessors such CF7, CF8 and CF9. Sure , a good number of things have changed, such as the level of precision expected as well as the materials used to make the various components. However, the operation technique has not changed much, and there is a consistent focus on ease of use and tact.

CF Zen’s sister version for 2018, the CF Insane, is also a lot like others in its pool but has a modified end load, making it ideal for power hitters.

Best places to buy

eBay and Amazon seem to be the places to look if this is the bat you have set your eyes on. At the moment, Amazon is offering it at up to about $449.95 on the high end and seems to be shipping the product for free around the world. eBay is selling the bat at the same price but then slapping you with
a $50+ shipping fee, so amazon is definitely the better deal at the moment.

Sizing

The bat is available from 29 all the way to 34-inch lengths. The various models offer drops at
5,8,10 and 12.

from The Baseball Bat Review Site http://ift.tt/2Bo6tx1

2018 Easton Ghost X Review | Easton’s New Two Piece Composite

Easton leaves behind the MAKO in 2018 and moves into the Ghost X series of bats. Like the MAKO these are two piece composite bats built with a light swing a big barrel. They will serve the same population of hitters that need/want as much barrel as possible on a smooth swinging stick. I have seen the Easton Ghost X and used it and now I write our 2018 Easton Ghost X Review.

Where to buy the Easton Ghost X?

The only place to find deals on the Ghost X is eBay...

Easton Ghost X
Price Check

2018 Eaton Ghost X Sizing

Easton's Ghost X will come in several different sizes. I list them below in the bullet points. The 2018 brand of bats will be offered in the most robust offering of any bat line in 2018. Expect to see the bat in a BBCOR from sizes 30 to 34 as well as a number of USSSA bats including a drop 5, drop 8 and drop 10. As well, the new USAbat will be an interesting take as Easton is set to release atleast one line of 2 5/8 drop 10 USAbats.

• BBCOR
• USABat
• Big Barrel Drop 5
• Big Barrel Drop 8
• Big Barrel Drop 10
• USAbat Drop 10

2018 Easton Ghost X Recommendations

As the most popular overall bat made in the world, you can expect Easton's premier bat line to be useful for most types of hitters. The only ones I would suggest do not use the Easton Ghost X are those who like single piece bats, those who want something that is more stiff, those who like hot out of the wrapper aluminum or those who do not like two piece bats.

Otherwise, you can expect the following characteristics in players that should really appreciate the great smash of the 2018 Easton Ghost.

• Prefer a lighter Swing
• Like a bat that feels good even on poor contact.
• Use a bat where every hit feels like a homerun.
• A bat with a balanced swing weight (not too heavy, not too light)
• Is looking for a USAbat.
• Have a bat that feels like every hit is a homerun

2018 Easton Ghost X Ratings

Durability

If the Easton Ghost X struggles in any department I expect it to be durability. Not because the bat is poorly made. On the contrary, the bat is one of the best two piece composites on the market. But, instead, because two piece composite bats have a lot of chances to break. That is, they can become dysfunctional on the connective piece, the barrel, the end cap or the handle. Each, although separate crafted well, have more points of structure that might break. It is the nature of two piece composite bats.

As such, I suggest you buy these bats places that offer a real warranty and a real receipt.

Performance

Although the entire line of bats, and each of the models, are hard to stuff into one category of performance, I think the Easton Ghost X will be one of the best performing bats on the market for 2018. No doubt about it. Expect the best from these bats because it is likely you will get it regardless of what model size you purchase.

Sizing Options

The Easton Ghost X will come in just about every size imaginable. I'd like to see some additional drops added to the USAbat space (instead of just the drop 10) but I can't have everything. Hence the reason this rating gets a 99/100 instead of a 100/100.

User Ratings

Although it is early, my preliminary testing and reading others thoughts make this 2018 Easton Ghost X on the short list of great bats. I fully expect this bat to be as loved in the BBCOR, Big Barrel and USAbat space as the Mako's that preceded it.

Overall Score

As of this writing, the overall ranking of the Ghost X is as high as I have given any bat. Much can change throughout the 2018 season, no doubt. But, for now, I think this bat is going to do be dynamite.

---

Easton Ghost X Sources

If you are looking for places to read more about the Easton Ghost X I would suggest the 2018 bat section directly on Easton's website. There you will find all the up to date sizing options as well as MSRP pricing options. Good luck and happy hitting!

BBCOR Bat Reviews

Buy the Ghost X

from The Baseball Bat Review Site http://ift.tt/2xLv2B9

2018 Marucci CAT 7 Review

Marucci has made a CAT baseball bat for the last several years. The CAT 5 was the first iteration followed by the CAT 5-squared (after the CAT 5 was made illegal in a few leagues). Then followed the CAT 6 in 2014 and then, now, the CAT 7 in 2017 and 2018. Below discusses our 2018 Marucci CAT 7 Review.

Where to buy the Marucci CAT 7?

The best place to buy the CAT 7 is on eBay

Find the Best CAT 7 Price

2018 CAT 7 Sizing

The CAT 7 is Marucci's most elite bat. It comes in many different sizes and, really, there is a size for everyone. I really like the drop 5 and drop 8 in the big barrel. Here are a list of the sizes you can find.

• BBCOR 
• Big Barrel Drop 5
• Big Barrel Drop 8

2018 vs 2017 CAT 7 Sizing

Marucci releases their premier CAT line on a two year cycle. Meaning, the 2018 and the 2017 CAT 7 are exactly the same. If things go to form, expect a 2019 CAT 8 (or something like that.

They did make some upgraded bat designs in 2018 with the CAT 7 chassis. The first is a black camo looking bat and the second is a CAt 7 that looks like a Buster Posey wood bat.

CAT 7 Recommendations

The CAT 7 is a single piece bat built for maximum power transfer to the ball. That is, the stiff structure of a single piece bat has no give at contact like two piece bats.

The disadvantage of a single piece bat is that they tend to ring your hands on mishits. Marucci solves this problem by adding an anti-vibration knob in the knob to help dampen sting.

You will like the CAT 7 if you:

• Like a Balanced, but not necessarily light, swing.
• Prefer a stiff feeling bat.
• Want Max performance and a big barrel for a more reasonable price.

Marucci CAT 7 Ratings

Durability

As a single piece aluminum bat the durability of the Marucci CAT 7 is tough to beat. The only issue you might run into is the knob which has its own insert, but that was more a problem on older models of the CAT.

As well, the CAT 7 does use a very thin aluminum in the barrel. But I have never seen a dented one. It appears to hold its shape well and it is a very durable bat.

Performance

In terms of user reviews, very few have ever complained about the bats production. I like the bat, like how it feels, and like what it costs for the pop. The barrel is a good size and produces a great sound on contact. I believe it produces distance like any bat money can buy.

Sizing Options

If the Marucci CAT 7 struggles anywhere it is the lack of sizing. I would love to see a 2 5/8 drop 10 as well as some options in the USAbat bat arena.

We do like the upgraded looks of the buster posey model and the black camo design, but the lack of sizing in those models leaves more than a few hitters dissapoitned---relegated to the 2107 CAT 7 look.

User Ratings

As we mention above, the Marucci CAT 7 User ratings are fantastic. If you are in the market for a light swinging BBCOR or big barrel bat that has tremendous pop and some decent feedback then look no further. Real hitters, including me, love the bat.

Overall Score

The 2018 CAT 7 is one of our favorite bats in the class. The fact the price point is a little more reasonable compared to other brands top shelf bat is a major plus. I am very high on this bat and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great value purchase.

---

Marucci CAT 7 Sources

If you'd like more information on the CAT 7 you may find our 2015 CAT 6 review worth your while too. There was an upgrade of a thinner aluminum for a larger barrel. Also, Marucci's site is usually worth a look too. There I could find a number of different sizing options as well as what colors were in stock.

BBCOR Bat Reviews

Buy the 918 Prime

from The Baseball Bat Review Site http://ift.tt/2tw7rmY

Slugger 918 Prime Review

Louisville Slugger will release a 2018 two piece composite bat called the 918 Prime. The bat uses the same connective TRU3 technology as it did in previous years, but now ends a new end cap and a new composite for a bigger barrel and a lighter swing. It will be priced out at $399. But, I always like to look at ebay pricing before anywhere else. 

Where to buy the 918 Prime?

The only place to find deals on the 918 prime is eBay...

Price Check 918 Prime

918 Prime Sizing

The 918 Prime will be Slugger's most robust baseball bat. Meaning, the bat will come in the most sizes of any of the 4 major performance bats Slugger will produce for 2018. You can expect a BBCOR, USABat as well as several big barrel bats in the drop 5, drop 8, drop 10 and drop 12 range. What the drops will be in the USABat bat range have yet to be seen.

• BBCOR
• USABat
• Big Barrel Drop 5
• Big Barrel Drop 8
• Big Barrel Drop 10
• Big Barrel Drop 12

918 Prime Recommendations

Although there are some structural changes to the 918 Prime, when compared to the 917 Prime from 2017, the bat will still be intended for the same audience. More specifically, the following characteristics are the type of person that will like the 918 Prime.

• Like a Lighter Swing
• Prefer a bat that feels softer on even poor contact
• Have a bat that feels like every hit is a homerun
• Balanced swing weight
• Need a unique size like a drop 8 or drop 5
• Are willing to afford the expensive bat
• Play a lot of baseball---as this expensive bat is not made for the typical rec ball player

918 Prime Ratings

Durability

If the 917 struggled in any particilar category it was the durability. There were more than a couple of reports that the connective piece between the handle and barrel would become loose. And, upon hitting the bat, you could feel the barrel spin away from the barrel.

If that problem is fixed in the 918 has yet to be seen.​

Performance

No one denies the 918 Prime is a beautifully performing baseball bat. In particular, many BBCOR hitters love the use of a 918 at high levels of highschool and collegiate play. Although the barrel could have been bigger in the 917 Prime, the 918 solves at least a few of those issues with the new end cap, new composite and ultimately bigger barrel.

Sizing Options

The 918 Prime gets almost perfect marks on the 918. The bat is Slugger's marquee bat. It comes in a BBCOR, USAbat and then several Big Barrel sizes. We would love to see a drop 10 in a 2 3/4 too. And the fact it only has one size in a USAbat keep it from getting the perfect score.

User Ratings

Although still very early in the season, early reports show the 918 prime as a very user friendly bat. It is a smooth swing even on the most violent smashes. Every hit will feel like a home run as the two piece composite makes them all feel great. And, a hit right in the sweet spot with some good bat speed should make that ball sail.

Overall Score

There is no doubt that the 2018 Louisville Slugger 918 Prime will be a marquee bat in the baseball space this year. The BBCOR bat should be the most popular with the big barrel and senior bats not far behind. The jury is still out on the USAbat PRIME 918. 

---

918 Prime Sources

Since this blog covers bats before just about anyone else, there is not a lot of information on the 918 prime available to date. We always suggest you check on Slugger's site directly. Otherwise, check back here often for updates. Our overall BBCOR bat reviews page is super helpful in your search for a great baseball bat.

BBCOR Bat Reviews

Buy the 918 Prime

`

from The Baseball Bat Review Site http://ift.tt/2tGdyoe

Easton Ghost Bat | Reviews of the Easton Replacement

Although I do not know too much about the Easton GHOST bat, since it is only released in fastpitch as of the time we publish this article, we do know that Easton will be releasing a Ghost in baseball too. The bat will replace the Easton MAKO as the flagship bat in Easton's line. And, we can only imagine, the bat will use the upgraded connective piece and some degree of a double barrel like the fastpitch versions.

​2018 Easton Ghost Fastpitch Bat Review

The ghost fastpitch bat is going to be a rockstar. Although we do not think it will be as dominate as the XENO or CFX from slugger and DeMarini respectively, I do think it is laying the ground work to compete in that long barreled and light swinging 2 piece fastpitch bat space.

​2018 Easton Ghost BBCOR Bat Review

At this moment, I am not sure exactly what the BBCOR Ghost looks like. Although, I should note, we have seen some close up pictures of the material. It does look like it will have that same interesting composite structure within the barrel.

In terms of what it will feel like, we could guess they will do their best to make it swing at least a little bit like the MAKO. The MAKO had a great swing weight and many players were really attracted to that.

If the 2018 Easton Ghost bat makes our Best BBCOR bats page is yet to be seen.

Best Prices for the Easton Ghost will be on eBay!

Buy the Easton Ghost

​2018 Easton Ghost USAbat bat Review

We can also only assume that Easton will be releasing a Ghost bat in a new USAbat bat too. Total performance for these bats should be lackluster at best. But, if there is anything I am more excited about, it is getting the new USAbat bats in house and checking them out.

​2018 Easton Ghost Big Barrel Review

Where I feel like Easton could really make up some ground is in the Big Barrel baseballb at space. Although the MAKO Beast was a really good bat, it was not quite as good as the CF8. Granted, the CF8 was made illegal. So any bat looked like a dud compared to that.

But, most travel ball players are convinced the CF line has mastered the big barrel world. If the Easton Ghost in a big barrel can do that we will wait and see.

from The Baseball Bat Review Site http://ift.tt/2suHR4j

Easton Lock & Load Review | New Wizardry From Easton

---

Easton Lock & Load Recommendations

I had a chance to hit with and heft the Easton Lock and Load bat. I thought the bat felt good and, frankly, just like the Z-Core Easton bats. Which, it turns out, it is supposed to feel like. I thought the locking mechanism for the end cap was a bit cumbersome although unique and ultimately useful.  It did change the swing weight, obviously. But any review saying they could change the end cap weight in the dugout does not know what they are talking about. It is way too cumbersome and involved to be changing that thing around mid game. You may use the weight changing mechanism on the bat, but if your intent is to change your bat's weight on the fly then I think you'll be disappointed.

Where to Buy the Easton Lock & Load?

I always check out eBay pricing before I go anywhere else. There are also a few facebook groups that sell new and used equipment. Many of these are under the table deals so be careful in terms of a warranty and a real receipt. But, I always look there first to see how much I could save. 

Track Auctions lorem ipsum dolor

Easton Lock & Load Ratings

I would give the Lock & Load a 4.33 out of 5 stars. I love the innovation of the new bat. And the performance is proven from bat's Z-Core history. But, it loses marks as the bat weight system is more cumbersome than I would hope. And, although I understand the price increase, think the price of this single piece aluminum might give people pause.

If you need a single piece aluminum bat then the Z-Core lock and load might be a very good fit. However, do note that it is more expensive than other single piece aluminum bats. But, in theory at least, the bat can serve the purpose of three bats with it's three different weight options.

The other option, if you know the exact swing weight you like, would be to buy an Easton Z-Core bat. We review those bats here.

However, while the bat can be used in NCAA play, it cannot be used in NCAA with the weights. It has to stay at the "speed" option (no weight) to be used there. In Highschool you can use the different weights.

Easton Z-Core Lock and Load Images

Easton Z-Core Lock and Load Conclusions

As the bat is new, there are not very many places that have actually seen and used the Z-Core Lock and Load. Most are generally positive. But, the idea of a premium for a feature you may never use is questionable. Yet, the idea is cool enough that hopefully man will take it for a swing.

You may also find some value checking out my best BBCOR bat sections.​

from The Baseball Bat Review Site http://ift.tt/2qRB4fs