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USABat Certified

USSSA Certified

Bat Certification

Length

12OZ

12.5OZ

13OZ

14OZ

15OZ

16OZ

17OZ

18OZ

19OZ

20OZ

21OZ

22OZ

23OZ

23.5OZ

24OZ

24.5OZ

25OZ

25.5OZ

26OZ

26.5OZ

27OZ

27.5OZ

28OZ

28.5OZ

29OZ

30OZ

32OZ

Other/Unknown

Weight

Other / Unknown

Drop

Easton

Louisville Slugger

Marucci

Rawlings

Brand

Used

Condition

Alloy

Composite

Bat Material

High School & College

Kid Pitch (9YO-13YO)

Age Group

2 1/4"

2 5/8"

2 3/4"

Barrel

2023

2021

Unspecified

Release Year

Black

Silver

Color

Meta

##  Louisville Slugger Meta Baseball Bat


The Louisville Slugger Meta series is at the forefront of technological innovation in baseball bats, offering players a high-performance combination of power and balance. Featuring Louisville Slugger’s patented 3FX Connection System and EKO™ Composite Barrel technology, the Meta delivers an explosive energy transfer. This bat also delivers a stiff feel with minimal vibration—and a massive sweet spot.

**Perfect bat for**: Young players unlocking their power in the batter's box, who want a lightweight design with a maximized barrel size.

 



### Key features include: 




* **EKO™ Composite Barrel:** Engineered for a light swinging weight and maximum barrel performance, producing a unique combination of speed and power.
* **3FX Connection System:** Provides a stiff feel on contact while significantly reducing vibration to the hands, ensuring maximum comfort and control.
* **Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip™:** Added to handle for added tack and cusion.
* **GT1™ End Cap:** Maximizes barrel length and swing speed, ensuring that players can make the most of their natural power.
* **Revolutionary Three-Piece Design:** Combines advanced materials and innovative technologies to offer a bat with unmatched feel, performance, and durability. 



### Top competitors comparison: [DeMarini CF Zen](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/cf-zen-2020/l8432) and [Easton ADV 360](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/easton/adv-360/l59709)

The Louisville Slugger Meta distinguishes itself from competitors like the DeMarini CF Zen and Easton ADV 360 by offering a superior balance of lightweight performance and powerful precision. While the CF Zen is known for its Paraflex Plus Composite construction for flexibility and balance, and the ADV 360 features two-piece ConneXion+ technology for energy transfer, the Meta’s EKO™ Composite Barrel and 3FX Connection System create a perfect harmony of speed, power, and control not found in other models, setting it apart as the ultimate choice for serious athletes. 



### Progression of the Louisville Slugger Meta Series

Here is a list that details the progression of this series, highlighting the main features and advancements with each new model.

**2019 - [Meta Prime](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/meta-prime/l9512)** 
- Introduced 3FX™ Connection System, designed to reduce vibration and provide a perfect feel upon contact. 
- EKO™ Composite Barrel, offering a light-swinging bat with a massive sweet spot. 
 - RTX End Cap design maximizes barrel shape and improves the sound on contact. 
 
**2020 - [Meta](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/meta/l59403)**   
- Continued with the popular 3FX™ Connection System and EKO™ Composite Barrel. 
- Introduction of the Premium GT1™ end cap that maximizes barrel length and swing speed. 
- The 2020 model became known for its "EJUICE" technology, which created a highly responsive and massive sweet spot. 
- The bat was noted for exceptional balance and a significant reduction in hand sting. 
 
**2021 - [Meta](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/meta/l59403)**   
- Upgraded with the new VCX2™ Vibration Control Connection System, enhancing the feel and reducing vibration more effectively. 
- Retained EKO™ Composite Barrel for a light-swinging bat with a massive sweet spot. - Premium GT1™ end cap as introduced in 2020 continues, optimizing barrel length and swing speed. 
 
**2022 - [Meta](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/meta/l59403)**  
- New F2X Performance end cap design, enhancing barrel flexibility, and maximizing the sweet spot. 
- Continued improvements on the VCX2™ Vibration Control Connection System for enhanced feel. 
- EKO™ Composite Barrel technology persists, ensuring a lightweight feel with a large sweet spot. 
- Marketed also for its balanced swing weight, catering to contact and power hitters alike. 
 
**2023 - [Meta](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/meta/l59403)**  
- The latest Meta integrates all previous technologies while focusing on even greater balance and a faster swing speed without sacrificing power. 
- Materials and design updates aim to increase the sweet spot further and enhance the bat's feel during contact. 
- Continued refinement of the VCX2™ Vibration Control Connection System for optimal stiffness and flexibility, reducing hand sting. 


### What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity)

**PROS**



* This bat has a fantastic feel, sound, and performance on miss-hits. It boasts one of the largest sweet spots in BBCOR. Although it lacks feedback, it is very easy to swing.
* Great feel and pop. Although I usually change grips, the stock grip on this bat is solid. The durability is very impressive as well, as the bat has already outlasted most others.
* No failures on Meta bats except cosmetic chips. They perform better than new. High school varsity team used 32-3 for 2 years without issues. Change grip tape yearly and keep hitting!

**CONS**



* The finish will chip if hit against spikes.
* It's expensive.... and not crazy about the color.
* This bat has no pop.


### **Certification**: BBCOR, USSSA


### Expert Notes (Parker)

The Louisville Slugger Meta is still a slightly newer model. The meta is similar to the DeMarini CF which offers a lightweight composite handle with a huge barrel made for every sort of hitter. A popular series that offers great jump-off-the-barrel when you hit the sweet spot and keeps the sting off your hands when the ball is missed on the cap or handle. 


Pop: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vibration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
<span style="text-decoration:underline;">**Mid-balanced**</span> or End loaded?

CAT9

## Marucci CAT 9 Bat


  

The Marucci CAT 9 baseball bat is part of Marucci's highly respected CAT series, known for its balance, performance, and durability. Introduced as an upgrade from the previous models, the CAT 9 incorporates new technologies and materials to provide a superior hitting experience.

  

Since its inception in 2009, Marucci has risen to prominence in the baseball industry by prioritizing direct input from professional players. This player-driven design philosophy has guided the development of some of the market's most trusted and high-performing baseball equipment. Marucci's dedication to quality and performance, coupled with its commitment to a detailed, handcrafted process, has established the brand as a favorite among players at all levels of the game.  
  

Perfect bat for: Youth players who are looking to elevate their game with superior balance, power, and performance.

  

### Key features include:

-   AZR Alloy Construction: Offers a more responsive microstructure for better feel, increased forgiveness, and enhanced performance at elevated swing speeds.
    
-   Precision-Balanced Barrel: Engineered for optimal balance, providing players with control and consistency in their swings.
    
-   Multi-Variable Wall Design: Creates an expanded sweet spot and thinner barrel walls, which help in forgiving off-center hits.
    
-   Ring-Free Barrel Technology: Eliminates dead spots in the barrel, ensuring maximum performance and solid contact throughout the bat.
    
-   Anti-Vibration Knob: Features an AV2 knob that reduces vibration, providing a better feel and minimizing hand sting on mis-hits.
    
-   Micro-Perforated Soft-Touch Grip: Ensures superior comfort and an enhanced feel, allowing for better control and reduced hand fatigue.
    
-   One-Piece Alloy Construction: Delivers a clean, consistent, traditional swing feel with built-in durability for long-lasting performance.
    

### Top competitors comparison: [Easton ADV 360](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/easton/adv-360/l59709) and the [Louisville Slugger Solo](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/solo/l7816)  
  
The rivals include the Easton ADV 360 and the Louisville Slugger Solo. The Marucci Cat 9 stands out due to its innovative AZR alloy construction, offering a unique combination of feel, performance, and durability that is tailored specifically for the developing player. While the Easton ADV 360 is prized for its 360-degree barrel tuning for precision across the entire barrel and the Louisville Slugger Solo is known for its ultra-balanced swing weight for ultimate swing speed, the Cat 9's multi-variable wall design and precision balancing mean it excels in providing young hitters with a powerful, yet manageable tool to enhance their game.

### Progression of the Marucci CAT 9 Baseball Bat:

  

Here is a list that details the progression of this series, highlighting the main features and advancements with each new model.

  

**2017 - [CAT7](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat-7/l7247) & CAT7 CONNECT**

-   CAT7 and CAT7 Connect are introduced, featuring the upgraded AZ4X alloy for improved performance.
    
-   CAT7 has a one-piece alloy construction, while CAT7 Connect offers a two-piece hybrid design with a carbon composite handle.
    
-   Both models feature an increased sweet spot and an upgraded anti-vibration knob (AV2).  
      
    

**2019 - [CAT8](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat8-2/l7709), CAT8 CONNECT, CAT COMPOSITE**

-   CAT8, CAT8 Connect, and CAT Composite are launched.
    
-   The barrels of CAT8 and CAT8 Connect are constructed using the new AZ105 alloy for higher performance at the sweet spot.
    
-   Introduction of SDX EXT connection technology for a stiffer connection and improved energy transfer.
    
-   CAT Composite, a two-piece composite bat, is introduced with SDX EXT and ring-free barrel construction.  
      
    

**2021 - [CAT9](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat9-2/l163499) and CAT9 Connect**

-   CAT9 and CAT9 Connect are released with the new AZR alloy for a more responsive microstructure.
    
-   CAT9 features a 2nd Generation AV2 Anti-vibration knob and additional weight below the hands for better control.
    
-   CAT9 Connect introduces the Outer-Locking System (OLS) for an even stiffer connection and virtually zero vibrations.
    

  

### What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity)

  

**PROS**

-   Great for kids who need to "feel the barrel" during their swing. The ball jumps off this bat well. It has never collapsed and provides enough feedback to know how you hit it. Vibration is only felt when hitting the handle.
    
-   "My 12-year-old son upgraded to a Marucci Cat 9 -5 bat from a 30" -8 bat and is hitting great with it. Although the bat is heavier, it is well-balanced and solid. Highly recommended for kids upgrading to a -5."
    
-   Bought the Cat 9 BBCOR bat for my 13-year-old son. It's well-balanced and has good pop for a one-piece. Vibration-resistant knob helps with miss hits. My son loves it and is hitting the ball well.
    

**CONS**

-   Good bat for my 10-year-old, but didn't hold up well in New England cold spring. Dead after one AAU season despite hard hits and dingers. Would have given 5 stars if it lasted longer.
    
-   My son used this bat for 1 season and it has multiple dents in it. He is 12 and weighs about 70 pounds. Thought I would get more than 1 season out of the bat.
    
-   Bought a bat for my 6-year-old son a year ago. It's good but lacks the power and balance of CATX Aluminum. Looking for sales to buy CATX.
    

  

### Certification: BBCOR

### Expert Notes ([Tony from BatExperts](https://sidelineswap.com/batexperts))

They took the same design from the CAT8 and strengthened the CAT9 with a stronger alloy to avoid any denting issues. It's a very good, durable bat. The CAT9 will be a bit heavier than the CAT8; it's a better bat for stronger kids. The first generation of the CAT9 came out with a gray, black, and red paint job. The second generation they called the Past Time, which was red, white, and blue. It's the same bat, but a different paint job. The second bat was more popular simply because of how it looked. Everyone likes the American Flag with its Stars and Stripes.  
  

Pop: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vibration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  
**Balanced** or End loaded?

ADV1

## Easton ADV1 Baseball Bat

Easton ADV1 baseball bat is part of Easton's Project 3 Series and is designed for youth and college players. This model is mainly known for its one-piece, composite design, emphasizing a light swing weight without sacrificing power. Easton's deep-roots and commitment to technological advancement have made their bats some of the most revered and sought-after in the game. The Easton ADV1 bat is designed to offer young players an unprecedented combination of power, speed, and control that sets a new benchmark in the youth baseball category.

**Perfect bat for:** Youth players seeking a lightweight, composite bat that offers a combination of power, speed, and control.


### Key features include:



* **Ultra-Lite Launch Composite Technology:** Ensures a lighter swing weight while maximizing power and bat speed, tailored for youth hitters.
* **Power Boost™ "Soft Knob" Technology:** Delivers more leverage and power potential, while reducing vibration and improving comfort for the hitter.
* **Carbon Zero Handle:** Constructed with 90% carbon fiber, it provides an extra stiff feel on contact, translating to more energy returned to the ball.
* **Speed Cap™:** Enhances the flexibility and responsiveness of the barrel while creating a more pleasant sound on impact.
* **One-Piece Composite Construction:** Offers a solid, consistent feel across the bat, enabling young players to swing with confidence and precision.
* **DFS Carbon Handle:** Dynamic Feel System carbon handle creates an extra stiff feel on contact, offering young players better feedback and more power during swings.


### Top competitors comparison: [Louisville Slugger Solo](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/solo/l7816) and the [Marucci Cat 9 Composite](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat9-composite-3/l164870)

The Easton ADV1 distinguishes itself with its innovative Ultra-Lite Launch Composite Technology, aimed at providing youth players with a bat that increases their swing speed and maximizes their hitting power. While the Louisville Slugger Solo is known for its ultra-balanced swing weight that maximizes swing speed, and the Marucci Cat 9 Composite boasts a more responsive barrel with a multi-directional composite material, the Easton ADV1's unparalleled combination of speed, power, and control, thanks to its unique set of technologies, positions it as the premier choice for youth players aiming to elevate their game to the highest level.


### Progression of the Easton ADV1 Baseball Bat

Here is a list that details the progression of this series, highlighting the main features and advancements with each new model.

**2019 - [ADV1](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/easton/adv1/l266673) (Original)**
- Launched as part of the Project 3 Series.
- Featured new Launch Comp™ Technology that combined composite material with 360 Engineering for barrel precision.
- Introduced Power Boost™ Knob to enhance leverage and comfort while reducing vibration.
- Utilized DFS™ Carbon Handle to provide a more solid feel on contact.
 
**2020 - ADV1 360**
- Introduced 360 Engineering for 360° barrel-tuned precision, enhancing barrel performance. 
- Ultra-Lite Launch Composite technology provided a lighter and faster barrel. 
- Soft Knob technology improved leverage and power potential while reducing vibration. - iSo ConneXion™ technology allowed for a more solid feel and optimized energy transfer. 

 **2021 - ADV1 360**

- Continued with the features introduced in the 2020 model. 
- Focused on refining the technologies like the 360 Engineering, Soft Knob, and iSo ConneXion™ for an improved feel and performance. 
 
**2022 - ADV1 Ultra-Lite**
- Introduced as a variant designed specifically for younger players looking for an even lighter bat for maximum swing speed. 
- Maintained many of the ADV1 360 features but with a focus on reducing the bat's overall weight.

- Continued with the features introduced in the 2021 model.


### What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity)

**PROS**



* After extensive research, we found the perfect bat for our 10-year-old. It boosted his confidence and impressed his teammates. We recommend avoiding two-piece composite bats as they don't last long. 
* Bought this bat for my son playing in the minors. Great balance and pop. Added taper to the knob, and he loves it.
* The crack of the bat is sweet, didn't sting, very light for a 30 inch, grip is comfortable. 

**CONS**



* After about two weeks, noticed the sound and feel was different on contact. Inspected the bay and found a small fracture/crack.
* The bat feels hard, but there is also a ton of sting.
* Cracked within the first couple games. 


### **Certification**: USA


### Expert Notes (Parker)

The Easton ADV1 is a great entry-level bat that performs at a high level for USABat Certification. A composite bat that is a balanced lightweight bat that will perform for any hitter contact or power. For someone who is required to use USABat Certification this bat is going to be great for those higher-level players within USABat certification. The lightweight composite allows all kids to have the confidence to compete with the better pitchers who may throw faster. 


Pop: ⭐⭐⭐

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vibration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


<span style="text-decoration:underline;">**Balanced**</span> or End loaded?

Threat

### Expert Notes
Rawlings wanted to create a bat that’s meant specifically for smaller framed
players—and that’s just what they did with the Threat. The newest 2022 Threat comes
in an awesome Stars and Stripes themed colorway that we all
love, and delivers on its promise of enabling smaller hitters to swing with extra speed
through the strike zone. The 2022 Threat has evolved from when the series started in
2018 by adding even more width to an already expansive barrel—although I’ve heard
young hitters still love the 2019 Threat, as well (if only because of its neon green
colorway). If you seek a one piece composite bat that isn’t going to break the bank and
will benefit those who haven’t yet grown into their natural power, the Rawlings Threat
series stands alone.

Mako Beast

### Expert Notes
The Easton Mako Beast is proof that some bats surpass their expected expiration date.
Released in 2017, this Easton model offers a deadly combo of a light swing and a big
barrel to create a terrifying bat for we pitchers. The two-piece, composite Mako Beast
evolved from Easton’s legendary Mako bat series (my favorite metal bat of all time), but was updated to include a longer barrel than the original Mako. Aside from that, not
much else has changed between older Mako models and the 2018 Mako Beast (not
including this bat’s sweet black matte colorway with grey accents). Although Easton has
released a number of excellent metal bats over the years, many hitters 
consider the 2017 Beast Mako to be one of their all-time best. And if you use this bat, you
might reach your peak, as well.

Reflex

### About the Easton Reflex

The one of a kind Easton Reflex is an inexpensive bat built for a solid feel. 

With an 7050 Aircraft alloy construction for maximum durability, a balanced swing weight for an improved feel, and an ultra-thin cushioned grip handle for added comfort, the Easton Reflex is designed for maximum durability and added comfort. 

### Easton Reflex - Key Features

- 7050 Aircraft Alloy Construction for maximum durability.
- Balanced swing weight for an improved feel.
- Ultra-thin cushioned grip handle for added comfort.

Model|Price|Built For|Construction
:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Easton Reflex|$|Maximum durability and added comfort|Aluminium

### Easton Reflex - Specs

- **Construction:** One-Piece
- **Material:** Aluminium
- **Barrel Material:** 7050 Aircraft Alloy
- **Swing Weight:** Balanced

Model|Construction|Material|Barrel Material|Swing Weight
:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Easton Reflex|One-Piece|Aluminium|7050 Aircraft Alloy|Balanced

### Other baseball bats by Easton similar to the Easton Reflex

If you like what the Easton Reflex has to offer, or are looking for something slightly different, check out other bats by Easton such as:

- [Easton S450](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/easton/s450/l679)
- [Easton S500](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/easton/s500/l7267)
- [Easton Stealth](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/easton/stealth-10/l9198)

Model

United States (All)

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US: South

US: West

US: Northeast

Seller Location

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Shops (Businesses)

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Seller Type

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(Used)

Used Easton Adv1 29 17 Bb Usa Bat 11692-s000127076

2021 Marucci CAT9 USSSA Certified Bat (-5) Alloy 29 oz 31" (Used)

(New)

New Easton Reflex 29 17 Usa 2 1 2 Barrel Dia Baseball Bat 11692-ease00704231

New Easton Reflex 29 17 -12 Drop Usa 2 5 8 Barrel Bats 11692-eas8071471

Easton Triple7 Sc777 SCANDIUM 32/27 (-5) 2 3/4" Unsanctioned Baseball Bat BZ86

2023 Louisville Slugger Meta USSSA Certified Bat (-5) Composite 32" (New)

Used Rawlings Threat 29 17 -12 Drop Usa 2 5 8 Baseball Bat 11692-s000128993

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