The Top 5 Composites Bats

[gef2003]

Anyone want to tell me what are the top 5 bats out there ranking them 1-5?

[dsore1218]

First, use what you love. 2 yrs old or a week old, don't go to the plate without a trusted instrument.

This is just my opinion and a kick off to the topic.

1) Demarini CF3 - Runaway in terms of use
2) Easton Stealth IMX - Starting to come on.
3) Louisville Triton - Biggest sleeper around
4) Nike CX2 - Love it or hate it.
5) Rawlings Rush Comp Lite - Such an improvement from 1st generation makes you wonder what they will do next.

This is based on what we have seen so far and feedback from practice with the various bats. I believe they are all Composite bats.

[hardhitter]

I like the following in the -10 bats

1. Triton
2. Nike Cx2
3. Rawlings Lite
4. Combat Virus
5. TPX H2 (-8)

2 1/4 barrel

1. Combat Da Bomb - blows everything out of the water
2. TPX Triton
3. Combat Virus
4. akadema extension
5. CF3 - my stomach hurts saying that, but it's true

Remember all composites are the same, what makes one better then the other is how the layer the material and the catalyst used to bond the layers, so there are differances

[2ManyBats]

OK .... I'd like to know something.

I have my opinion also, but we only own (1) Composite Bats, and an Amp Hybrid.
(which isn't really a composite bat .. just the handle )

Therefore, I feel that I can't give an opinion on something I don't own. Especially since Composites have only been around for approx 2 yrs + / - , and most bat companies have just now got good at making them.

So, I'd like to know ... is this Fact from usage or Opinion based on Witness or Research ? Either is acceptable ... I just think we as possible users can benefit more with this added information.

Or Better yet,
Which Bats should We, the Future Buyers of those Composite Bats ...Avoid like the Plague ? !

[dsore1218]

I do not play. I coach, manage and have kids. Mine is from observation, info from reps, being in the dugout, etc.

I don't know if you ever saw the 'How it's made" episode on baseball bats but the metal bat is formed from a billet of alloy metal. They do things like cut holes in the handle and add other material (EXO) or put in a composite handle (Vexxum, et. al.) but the alloy barrel is extruded from a billet.

Composites are woven or wound or whatever. The manufacturers can do so much more with the composites that each generation will be different (see conversation under Blue Catalyst vs Green Catalyst). Rawlings Rush Comp was abysmal, end loaded, fragile and just a poor bat. The Rush Comp Lite is balanced, excellent feel and seems to be more durable.

Louisville now talks about its manufacturing process and quality control. Something must have occurred that would make them bring this up in their advertising. CE Composites (Combat) does make their own bats and bats for others. They do great R&D and I think they will be a major player in -3 bat composites one day. Right now, they are not as good as the big boys. That can change in one generation like it did for Combat in Little League majors.

So are there bats to stay away from? Ones without warranty. Other than that you find the bat that feels good and natural in your hands. One that compliments your swing. You plan on taking care of it and using it at least through the warranty period. Then it is time to shop again and, lucky you, the next generation is out if you want the latest and greatest or there will be discounts on your favorite bat that just became the OLD model.

My second son swings a 3 yr old Plasma, carries a 2 yr old Vexxum and has his brothers green Catalyst. He swings the plasma about 85% of the time because it is just a part of him.

If you want detailed research, look for Dr. Russell's page at www.kettering.edu. You can learn all about swing weight, vibration, etc. More than you will ever remember.

[dsore1218]

Just got back from a double-header. Boring games. No pitching on either side.

Anyway, we had a great discussion on Composite bats with two reps and the baseball academy coach. We all have our opinions but we see about 20+ games a week between us. So it is not fact (facts are at kettering.edu) but it a lot of trained observation. It all applies to HS/College -3. Senior League bats have differing compromises to get to the weight.

Best overall composite on the market - CF3. Most Underrated - Triton. Hype of the year - Nike CX2. Great Idea, Make it work - Mattingly V-Grip Beast. LOVE IT/HATE IT - Rawlings Rush Comp Lite. Workhorse - Easton. Lurking in the wings - Combat Virus successor.

During the game we noticed a couple of interesting things. The starting 20 (9+EH for each side) went like this: 4 hit with older Plasma's (20%), 3 used wood, 2 used a SV12, 3 used original EXO's, one used an Easton IMX, 2 hit with an older Liquidmetal 2, then there were 3 CF3's and 2 Vexxums. So 6 old Rawlings were hit with. They accounted for 6 of the 7 RBI's. These are post High School, first year college guys. They have found what they like and do not need new every year. The guys with the new bats were younger kids. I expect that if they like the bat they will be hitting with the SV12 or the IMX/CF3 when they are out of school and we will be talking about how they are older bats.

[hardhitter]

I like the following in the -10 bats

1. Triton - son owns
2. Nike Cx2 - just based on feedback
3. Rawlings Lite - son used several times
4. Combat Virus - son own
5. TPX H2 (-8) - seen used to date

2 1/4 barrel

1. Combat Da Bomb - blows everything out of the water - own
2. TPX Triton - own
3. Combat Virus - own
4. akadema extension - own
5. CF3 - my stomach hurts saying that, but it's - proud to say I don't own, seen kids using

Also owned - Easton stealths - -13, -11, -9. Anderson Zilla, Worth prodity, TPX dynasty, catalyst Demarini f2 and f3, I'm sure they're a few I forgot

Yes I like to buy bats, again takes the place of bowling balls

[2ManyBats]

WOW ... thanks. ( you gave more than I expected )

I think some players use whatever it offered to them. My 2 boys (10 & 12) have to use a bat in BP and prove it to themselves before they use it in a game.
I pitch to them 3-4 time a week and we always take 2ManyBats along with us.

Most of my experience is with 2-14/" bats .... 2 years with Big Barrels. But I think the LS - Catalyst and Easton - Stealths we have started with are proven to be solid bats backed by reputable companies.

I like the looks of the CF3, and Triton and I see the CF3 Black is getting marked down alot.

Again - Keep the Info Flowing... Thanks

[Bat Monster]

Does anuybody konw about anything on the louisiville slugger H2 hybrid. i am looking to get one but before i do i need to see if it is actually good in other peoples eyes

[Enrico Palazzo]

From what I've seen the best senior league composite is the new blue easton. Ball comes off hot. Sounds good. Looks good. The triton would be #2, in my opinion. But for the money, it's still tough to beat the good 'ol Omaha XS.