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USSSA Certified

Bat Certification

Length

16OZ

17OZ

18OZ

19OZ

20OZ

21OZ

22OZ

23OZ

24OZ

25OZ

26OZ

27OZ

28OZ

29OZ

30OZ

Other/Unknown

Weight

Drop

Marucci

DeMarini

Victus

Easton

Louisville Slugger

Brand

Used

Condition

2 1/4"

2 5/8"

2 3/4"

Barrel

2023

Release Year

Black

White

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: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
**Mid-balanced** or End loaded?

Hype Fire

## Easton Hype Fire Baseball Bat

Easton continues to light up baseball with its latest innovation, the Hype Fire bat. The Hype Fire features state-of-the-art materials and engineering to deliver explosive power, unmatched speed, and precision control. Designed with input from professional hitters, the Hype Fire aims to elevate the game of any player who wields it, burning past the competition with every swing. Known for blending cutting-edge technology with unparalleled craftsmanship, Easton has been long been a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels.


**Perfect bat for:** The powerful young player that still gets to use USSSA Bats.


### Key features include:



* **Revolutionary Composite Technology:** Crafted for peak performance, offering superior durability and an expanded sweet spot.
* **Dynamic Feel System:** Provides the ultimate in energy transfer and feel for more power and efficiency in every swing.
* **Speed Cap Design:** Enhances the sound and feel of the bat upon contact, coupled with improved barrel flexibility for a bigger impact.
* **VRSCOR Handle Insert:** Offers a solid feel and increased comfort, reducing vibration for a smoother swing.
* **Optimized Barrel Profile:** Increased barrel length provides a larger hitting area, suited for precision hitting.
* **Attention-Grabbing Aesthetic:** Features a distinctive fiery design that stands out on the field, complemented by a high-grip handle for maximum control.


### Top competitors comparison: [Louisville Slugger Meta](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/meta/l59403) and the [DeMarini CF](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/cf-20/l59398)

The Easton Hype Fire aims to outshine competitors like the Louisville Slugger Meta and the DeMarini CF with its focus on a high-octane combination of power, speed, and comfort. While the Slugger Meta is known for its groundbreaking vibration-dampening system and the DeMarini CF for its balanced swing, the Hype Fire is engineered to capture the best of both worlds, adding a distinctive edge in aesthetics and ergonomic design to ignite the performance of any player looking to make a statement.


### Progression of the Easton Hype Fire Baseball Bat:


The biggest differences between the 2023 and 2024 is a redesigned TCT™ Barrel aimed at widening the sweet spot, improving off-center hits, and maximizing the overall performance area.


### What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity)

**PROS**



* My son loves the 30", 5oz Easton Fire bat. It's hot straight out of the wrapper and feels lighter than his old one. The colors are bold but the grip is great. It has a normal composite bat sound and a well-balanced swing with a lot of pop. Highly recommended.
* My son switched to Easton Hype Fire bat after being a fan of Marucci for years. He loves the huge sweet spot, lighter weight and tons of pop. According to him, it's the perfect bat for USSSA.
* I love to see the confidence this bat gives my son. He's a very strong hitter, but with this bat, I see him being more patient, trusting his swing more, and hitting harder balls. 


**CONS**



* My son used this bat for about 2-3 months before small cracks in the bat started to form. He still used it because his old bat (30-inch -8 Demarini Zoa) was broken. It is an amazing bat but it probably won't last a full season in 13U baseball because of the speed.
* My son's new bat, a 30" (-8), has a small 1/2" crack after just two sessions of coach pitch BP with around 50 hits. It's brittle and we've never used it on a tee or machine. I'm surprised at how quickly it broke.
* I wish they were made stronger. It has great pop, great swing but the durability is lacking. Our original purchase cracked in a month and our replacement cracked in 2 months.


### Certification: USA


### Expert Notes ([Tony](https://sidelineswap.com/locker/batexperts))

The Hype Fire is the hottest, lightest swinging bat right now. The swing rate is very fast. It's a balanced, two piece composite bat. The first ones that came out had some breakage issues but they are now on that bat's second gen. We've not seen any of the new ones breaking. And to top it all off, it has the coolest paint job. The flames are yellow, orange, and red. The players love that. 

Pop: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vibration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
**Mid-Balanced** or End loaded?

### About the Marucci F5

The precision made Marucci F5 is a value bat built for exceptional durability. 

With AZ4X aluminum alloy construction for increased power, a multi-variable wall design for an expanded sweet spot, and a custom micro-perforated soft touch grip for added comfort, the Marucci F5 is designed for increased power and added comfort. 

### Marucci F5 - Key Features

- AZ4X aluminum alloy Construction for increased power.
- Multi-variable wall design for an expanded sweet spot.
- Custom micro-perforated soft touch grip for added comfort.

Model|Price|Built For|Construction
:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Marucci F5|$$|increased power and added comfort|Aluminium

### Marucci F5 - Specs

- **Construction:** One-Piece
- **Material:** Aluminium
- **Barrel Material:** AZ4X aluminum alloy
- **Swing Weight:** Balanced

Model|Construction|Material|Barrel Material|Swing Weight
:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Marucci F5|One-Piece|Aluminium|AZ4X aluminum alloy|Balanced

### Other baseball bats by Marucci similar to the Marucci F5

If you like what the Marucci F5 has to offer, or are looking for something slightly different, check out other bats by Marucci such as:

- [Marucci CAT 7](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat-7/l7247)
- [Marucci Posey28](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/posey28/l9995)
- [Marucci CAT 8](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat-8/l7709)

## Marucci CAT Baseball Bat



The Marucci CAT is a bat designed for superior performance straight out of the wrapper. Engineered with a precision-balanced and ring-free barrel construction, the CAT series allows for maximum swing speed, control, and an expanded sweet spot for a more forgiving hit. From its ultra-responsive alloy to its ergonomically designed handle, every aspect of the Marucci CAT has been crafted to elevate a player's game and provide comfortable contact at the plate.

 
**Perfect bat for:** Young players looking for modern performance and extra comfort on contact. 



### Key features include: 




* **AZ105** Super Strength Aluminum Alloy:** Offers a thinner barrel wall for a higher response rate and increased durability.
* **Multi-Variable Wall Design:** Expands the sweet spot and reduces dead spots for more consistent performance across the barrel. 

**Anti-Vibration Knob:** Provides a better feel and reduces negative vibrational feedback to the hands, ensuring comfortable swings.
* **Precision-Balanced Barrel:** Results in a lower M.O.I. and balanced feel for precision and control.
* **Ring-Free Barrel Construction:** Allows for more barrel flex and increases performance without "dead" spots.
* **Micro-Perforated Soft-Touch Grip:** Enhances comfort and tack, promoting better control and reducing hand fatigue during swings.
* **One-Piece Alloy Construction:** Delivers a clean, consistent, traditional feel with built-in durability and performance.



### Top competitors comparison: [DeMarini CF](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/cf-20/l59398) and [Louisville Slugger Meta](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/meta/l59403)

Compared to leading competitors like the DeMarini CF and Louisville Slugger Meta, the Marucci CAT series distinguishes itself with its one-piece alloy construction and AZ105 Super Strength Aluminum Alloy, which offers hitters a traditional, yet highly responsive feel. While the DeMarini CF is known for its two-piece composite design that emphasizes flexibility and feel, and the Louisville Slugger Meta prides itself on its three-piece composite build for balance and speed, the Marucci CAT excels in delivering direct feedback, explosive power, and a classic feel, making it a solid choice for players who appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of alloy bats.


### Progression of the Marucci CAT series 


Here is a list that details the progression of this series, highlighting the main features and advancements with each new model.

**2014 - [CAT6](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat-6/l7498)**



* Building on the ring-free barrel design, Marucci releases the CAT6 with an extended, optimized barrel made from the AZ3000 alloy.
* Patented anti-vibration knob takes on additional weight for a more balanced feel and faster swing speeds.

**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](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat9-connect-3/l164210)**



* 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.

**2023 - [CATX](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat-x/l175792), [CATX Connect](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat-x-connect/l175804), and [CATX Composite](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat-x-composite/l175805)**



* The CATX, CATX Connect, and CATX Composite represent a significant generational change.
* CATX features AZR Alloy with new barrel profiles and an ergonomic, custom-shaped tapered handle.
* CATX introduces Liquid-Gel anti-vibration technology.
* CATX Connect and CATX Composite maintain the OLS and introduce S-40 composite handle for increased performance and energy transfer.
* Barrel profiles are reshaped for better balance, with a focus on data from the Baseball Performance Lab.


### What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity)

**PROS**



* This bat is one of the best options available for young players. It is USA-regulated and commonly used in little league. It offers excellent control and feel and has a large sweet spot for hitting home runs.
* I bought a new bat for my son a month ago since he had outgrown his old one. The new bat is longer and heavier, and he's happy with it. His game has improved since he started using it.
* Marucci's bat is lightweight, durable, and has an old-school sound when solid contact is made. My son has been hitting great with it.

**CONS**



* I like Marucci bats, but this is the 3rd time I've bought one that's heavier than listed. Bought a 28" 17 oz 2022 USA Cat for my 8 y/o son, but it weighed 19.3 oz. Will keep trying with Marucci, but they all tend to be heavier than listed.
* Purchased a 29” 18oz. bat, but it weighed 20.3 oz.
* I bought this product for my son and when I asked him to rate it, he gave it four stars. He explained that he didn't give it five stars because he feels too much vibration upon hits and it doesn't have the best pop.


### **Certification**: USA


### Expert Notes ([Tony from BatExperts](https://sidelineswap.com/batexperts))

The Marucci CAT is designed for Little League. It has that USA stamp, which means it has a lightweight feel and good control. The CAT has an affordable price point, so it won't break the bank. A lot of parents get this bat specifically because it's a quality bat with a good bang for the buck. 


Pop: ⭐⭐⭐

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐

Vibration: ⭐⭐⭐

 
**Mid-balanced** or End loaded?

Vandal

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(Used)

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Used Marucci Cat 9 28 18 Usssa Bb Bat 11692-s000127634

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