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Written by Jerrad Hardin
March 5, 2021

Can a bat really make that much difference?

The short answer is, YES. A high-performing bat maximizes the investment you've made with hitting lessons and practice sessions. It can be the difference between a deep fly ball and one that clears the fence.

 

With the high price of bats and so many choices, it's important to select the best a high-performing bat.

 

  • Aside from price, there are many things to consider when buying a new bat.

  • Are you loyal to a brand?

  • Do you prefer an end-loaded or balanced feel?

  • Do you want a long-lasting bat, or one that gives you the most pop?

  • Are the aesthetics important?

  • Is having one like everyone else for you - or do you want a unique weapon at the plate?

Having the answers to these question may narrow the list for you, but even then, you'll still be faced with endless options.

I've done the research, witnessed it first hand in our hitting facility, and most importantly, I've spoken to college coaches across the country who see more swings than just about anyone else. 

Please check out what I've gathered below. 

Louisville Slugger LXT X20

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The Louisville Slugger LXT boasts a clean look, balanced feel, and ultimate performance.  
PROS: Extended Sweet Spot, Sound, Design, Feel
CONS:  Durability, Short Life-Span
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Performance: 10

Feel:  10

Durability: 8

Design: 9

Overall: 47/50

Feedback: 10

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Easton Ghost Double Barrel

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The 2020 High School Bat of the Year (Bat Digest) - Sensational Pop and Feel.
Pros: Hot, Long Barrel, High-End Exit Speeds
Cons: Short-Life Span, Feels Heavier

Performance: 10

Feel:  10

Durability: 7

Design: 9

Feedback: 9

Overall: 45/50

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DeMarini CF (2020)

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The DeMarini CF scores high marks for producing high-end exit speeds with a light feel. 
Pros: Lightweight, Long Sweet Spot, Produces High-End Exit Speeds.  
Cons: Can Feel Loose, Too Light for Some Hitters

Performance: 9

Feel:  9

Durability: 9

Design: 9

Feedback: 8

Overall: 44/50

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Louisville Slugger LXT (2020)

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This bat performs. It has a great feel and produces high exit speeds. 
Pros: Sound and Feel at Contact, Easy to Swing, High-Performer
Cons: Can Feel Loose, Too Light for Some Hitters

Performance: 10

Feel:  9

Durability: 8

Design: 8

Feedback: 9

Overall: 44/50

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Louisville Slugger XENO (2019)

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You can find this bat at a discount and still benefit from superior performance. 
Pros: Track-Record of Success, Great Feel with High-End Results
Cons: Stiff Feel, Limited Sizing Options, Appearance is Outdated

Performance: 9

Feel:  9

Durability: 8

Design: 8

Overall: 43/50

Feedback: 9

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Easton Ghost Advanced

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The 2021 Ghost Advanced bat is hot. It's also very expensive, but the upgrades from 2019 will be worth it.  
Pros: Extended Sweet Spot, Stronger and Lighter Barrel, High-Performance
Cons: Reports of Breaking Easily, Expensive

Performance: 10

Feel:  9

Durability: 7

Design: 8

Overall: 42/50

Feedback: 8

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DeMarini Prism (2020)

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The Prism is an eye-catcher! The graphics look great and it sounds and performs even better.
Pros: Lightweight Double-wall Barrel, Great Feel and Sound, High-End Performer.
Cons: Can Feel Loose for Some Hitters, High-Price Tag

Performance: 8

Feel:  9

Durability: 9

Design: 8

Overall: 41/50

Feedback: 7

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DeMarini CF Zen (2021)

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This big-barreled bat will feel great in the hands and its design lessens vibrations on swings with poor contact.   
Pros: Long Barrel and Extended Sweet Spot, Great Feel and Sound, Nice Graphics
Cons: Expensive and Can Feel Loose for Some Hitters.

Performance: 8

Feel:  9

Durability: 9

Design: 8

Overall: 41/50

Feedback: 7

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Mizuno F21 Titanium

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The only titanium bat on the market performs at a high level. 
Pros: Terrific Sound and Performance, Clean Look, Great Grip
Cons: Stiff Feel, Heavy Feel for Some Hitters

Performance: 8

Feel:  9

Durability: 8

Design: 8

Feedback: 7

Overall: 40/50

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Axe Avenge Power Gap (2020)

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A bit of a surprise addition to our list, but this bat offers high-end performance, but offers a unique feel. 
Pros: High-End Exit Speeds, Durable Design
Cons: Unique Grip is Not for Everyone, Can Feel Stiff for Some Hitters

Performance: 8

Feel:  8

Durability: 9

Design: 7

Feedback: 7

Overall: 39/50

Need a New Glove?

Here are a couple of my favorites.

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NCAA DISCLAIMER: The Hardin Fastpitch Camps are Open to Any and All Participants Restricted Only by Gender, Age, and Number of Campers. 

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