Baseball Bat Reviews

2012 Little League World Series (LLWS) Baseball Bats

Many have been watching the 2012 Little League World Series and have been wondering what bat models are being used. Here’s a brief explanation as to what is going on.

First you need to know Easton is the Official Team Equipment Supplier at the 2012 LLWS, hence you’re seeing Easton being used almost exclusively. They’re having every player experience their HIT LAB which, they claim, features an interactive batting system that uses swing “analytics” to custom fit players’ swings to the “correct” model. Participants will receive feedback and statistics based on their swing, helping them choose the right bat for unique swing characteristics. This is the same technology Easton utilizes for their NCAA Division I teams. Since this is the first time Easton’s new Power Brigade will be swung in the LLWS they are pushing each player to either the S1 or XL1 model with the HIT LAB. So these are just about the only models you’ll see being used. The 1’s are their 100% composite bats.

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2013 Youth and BBCOR Baseball Bats

There are going to be few 2013 Youth and BBCOR baseball bats on the market during the normal spring release season. The main reason is due to the BBCOR standard being implemented in 2012. The manufactures had to scramble to get their bats compliant and, hence, had to offer new 2012 models in the middle of the year. It didn’t make sense to come out with another model a few months later. Most will get their 2013 models on shelves in late summer early fall. Here are the few exc

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2012 Best Baseball Bat Recommendations

Here are my reviews and recommendations of the best youth, senior and BBCOR 2012 baseball bats. Everything is sorted by the composition of the bat and the price. I believe this simplifies a complex decision making it easier to pinpoint the bat that’s right for you.

My Baseball Bat Recommendations for the 2012 model year are:

100% COMPOSITE BATS

High Cost Recommendation:

Easton 2012 BB11S1 S1 (-3) BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat

Easton 2012 BB11X1 XL1 (-3) BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat

2012 Power Brigade S1 or XL1:
First here’s the difference, the SL1 has a low MOI (claims to be the lowest on the market) and balanced design. The XL1 has a higher MOI, is slightly end-loaded and has a longer barrel. Otherwise they are made with the same material and design. Choose the XL1 if you’re a power hitter and the SL1 if not. These are two-Piece bats with flex handles made from Easton’s new IMXTM composite material. Easton has always been the leader in composite bats and the 2012 model year is no exception. The Adult -3 model retails for $399. Continue reading “2012 Best Baseball Bat Recommendations”

2012 BBCOR Baseball Bat Recommendations

My 2012 best baseball bat reviews and recommendations are sorted by the composition of the bat and the price. I believe this simplifies a complex decision making it easier to pinpoint the bat that’s right for you. I’ve only listed BBCOR certified bats. These recommendations are for all model levels: Youth, Senior and Adult.

My Baseball Bat Recommendations for the 2012 model year are:

100% COMPOSITE BATS

High Cost Recommendation:

Easton 2012 BB11S1 S1 (-3) BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat

Easton 2012 BB11X1 XL1 (-3) BBCOR Adult Baseball Bat

2012 Power Brigade S1 or XL1:
First here’s the difference, the SL1 has a low MOI (claims to be the lowest on the market) and balanced design. The XL1 has a higher MOI, is slightly end-loaded and has a longer barrel. Otherwise they are made with the same material and design. Choose the XL1 if you’re a power hitter and the SL1 if not. These are two-Piece bats with flex handles made from Easton’s new IMXTM composite material. Easton has always been the leader in composite bats and the 2012 model year is no exception. The Adult -3 model retails for $399.

Low Cost Recommendation:

2012 Easton Omen
A two-piece bat made of 100% composite material with a stiff handle (95). It’s made with Easton’s older IMX composite and is slightly end loaded (MOI rating of 80). It was the first approved BBCOR composite bat on the market but Easton quickly came out with, and focused on, the Power Brigade bats. This bat is very similar to the Easton Speeds, but made to BBCOR specifications. This design has been extremely popular bat for experienced players at every level. The Adult -3 retails for $249 or lower which is a great price for a 100% composite bat! Continue reading “2012 BBCOR Baseball Bat Recommendations”

2012 Louisville Slugger BBCOR Baseball Bats

Louisville has a long and respected history in the baseball bat industry and was considered the holy grail of baseball bats. That distinction has long since faded and they are trying to catch up. Unfortunately, it’s going to be a long recovery as they were slow to get out of the BBCOR bat gate.

For 2012 they’ve made significant changes to their line-up. They’ve discarded the poor selling multi-piece bat design of the last few years and have gone back to their core, a one piece bat design (say bye-bye to the Triton and H2). Not to say I told you so, but these were my comments regarding their 2011 models: “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.”

Louisville needs a strong entry in the 100% composite category to b Continue reading “2012 Louisville Slugger BBCOR Baseball Bats”

2012 Demarini Bats

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

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2012 Combat Bats

Combat (the company) started in 1998 when they began manufacturing softball bats for other brand name companies. Combat were born in the mid 00’s years when they decided to put out the same bats they make for other companies in their own name, including baseball bats.

Combat has a following in youth leagues but has never caught on in middle school, high school or college baseball. It is extremely rare to see their bats in the hands of those over 12 years old. Their claim to fame was a walk off home run with a Combat B1 in the 2007 Little League World Series. It created a big buzz and a lot of kids wanted a Combat bat. The buzz has long faded and, while still enjoying a small loyal following, their 15 minutes of fame has past.

Combat introduces new models in youth only, with the adult model coming the following year. The new 2012 model is the youth only B4. As with all the bats they have ever produced, the 2012 model year bats have a stiff handle and low swing weight.

As stated before, Combat needs to make inroads in high school baseball to become a true player in the industry.

Click here to check out my 2012 recommendations in each bat category.

Combat 2012 B4YB (-12) Composite Youth Baseball Bat

Their new 100% composite bat is only available in a youth model. It’s a single wall one-piece bat with a “longer barrel”, low MOI and stiff handle. They claim it’s made from the same Aramid fibers “found in bulletproof vests”! Umm, are you selling baseball bats or suits of armor? While the Youth -12 & -10 models retail for relatively low $199.99, I’d go with the Easton Omen in the 100% composite low priced category.

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Do You Want to Know the BBCOR Baseball Bat Standards, Rules and Regulations?

This will provide you with the difference between BBCOR, BESR and ABI. It also provides you with the current BBCOR standards, rules and regulations along with It will also let you know legal and what isn’t.

Below is the breakdown of the current changes in bat performance standards. First, we have some definitions of terms. Second, there is a league-by-league timeline. Third, some of the common questions about the changes are answered.

Definitions

BESR (Ball Exit Speed Ratio)
This was the longstanding test used to ensure that non-wood bats play similar to wood bats. It tests a bat’s “exit speed,” i.e. how fast the ball bounces off a composite or aluminum bat barrel. It has been phased out, because it failed to account for how bats would perform after they have been broken in (Composite bats typically improve with use).

BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution)
This is the new, more-accurate test that is replacing BESR. Like BESR, it is used to ensure that aluminum and composite bats play similar to wood bats, but it also accounts for how bats perform after they’ve been broken in. That’s because it includes the ABI, described below.
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2012 Marucci BBCOR Bat Reviews

Marucci Baseball Bat Reviews
First, yes the Cat 5, 33 inch Adult -3 has been banned as of February 2012. You can read more about that here.

The Marucci Bat Company has a great story behind it. In 2002 Jack Marucci saw his 4 year old son Gino slide head first into home plate at his first T-ball game he knew his son shared his love for the game. However, after two seasons of hearing the “clink” of the metal bat in the backyard, Jack and Gino could bear the sound no more.

Searching for a child-size wooden bat proved to be quite difficult. Marucci, who had inherited some woodworking tools from his late father had been slowly teaching himself the craft of woodworking. He purchased a small lathe and kit of tools and taught himself how to use it to craft wooden baseball bats. Before too long Marucci wood bats were at the MLB level in the hands of Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols and 300 other MLB stars.

Marucci then expanded into the aluminum bat category, with the Cat 5, and quickly generated a lot of buzz in the market. The buzz is quite hot right now and in my opinion is over the top. It reminds me of the insanity about Combat following that LLWS walk off home run in 2007 (and Miken bats before it). That has long since faded and so will the crazyness over the Cat 5. Nonetheless, Marucci has done a fantastic job of incorporating MLB stars into it’s advertising which is helping to stoke the fire.

Here’s what Marucci has to offer in 2012:

Marucci 2012 The Black BBCOR Baseball Bat
The Marucci Black is their new entry for 2012 and brings them into the hybrid category.

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2012 Youth and BBCOR Bat Reviews

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