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Bat Certification

Length

12OZ

15OZ

17OZ

19OZ

21OZ

22OZ

23OZ

29OZ

Weight

Drop

DeMarini

Victus

Easton

Louisville Slugger

Brand

Used

Condition

Alloy

Wood

Composite

Maple

Bamboo

Birch

Hybrid

Wood Composite

Bat Material

High School & College

Kid Pitch (9YO-13YO)

Tee Ball & Coach Pitch (4YO-8YO)

Age Group

2 1/4"

2 3/8"

2 1/2"

2 5/8"

2 3/4"

Other / Unknown

Barrel

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2017

Release Year

Black

Gray

Green

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

## DeMarini CF Baseball Bat


The CF series is DeMarini’s flagship line of composite bats, known for their innovative technology and exceptional performance for a wide range of players. The CF series combines comfortable contact, explosive power, and unmatched swing speed. Featuring Paraflex Plus Composite construction, the CF series has a large, light sweet spot, and its 3Fusion Connection dramatically reduces vibration and enhances weight distribution. 

**Perfect bat for**: Young players seeking a two-piece composite bat with maximum barrel control and pop.


### Key features include: 




* **Paraflex Plus Composite Barrel:** Engineered for consistent and responsive performance across a wide hitting area, enhancing pop and feel.
* **3Fusion Connection:** Reduces vibration and redirects energy back into the barrel, improving performance and comfort.
* **ReAction End Cap:** Increases barrel performance without compromising swing speed, optimizing the overall balance of the bat.
* **Two-Piece Construction:** Delivers a nice flex at contact, creating a whip effect that drives the ball with more force.



### Top competitors comparison: [Louisville Slugger Meta](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/meta/l59403) and the [Easton Ghost X Evolution](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/easton/ghost-x-evolution/bat-material-composite/l228675)

The DeMarini CF stands out with its exceptional use of Paraflex Plus Composite and 3Fusion Connection technology, which provides a perfect blend of feel, flex, and performance. While the Meta is celebrated for its EKO Composite Barrel and balanced swing weight, and the Ghost X Evolution is recognized for its Dynamic Feel System, the CF shines with its ability to deliver a large sweet spot, reduce hand sting, and maintain a consistently high level of performance, positioning it as a top choice for players who prioritize comfort and power.


### 
**Evolution of the DeMarini CF series:** 


Here is a list that details the progression of this series, highlighting the main features and advancements with each new model. 
 
**2015 - [CF7](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/cf7-2/l6993)**
- New Low Pro end cap and RCK knob for better balance and comfort. 
- ThermoFused Taper enhances the sweet spot and bat speed. 
- D-Fusion 2.0 handle technology further reduces vibration. 
 
**2016 - [CF8](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/cf8/l7553)**
- Lighter and more durable than previous models. 
- Introduction of the D-Fusion 2.0 handle across all models for improved feel and reduction of vibration. 
- Increased sweet spot size and better balance. 
 
**2018 - [CF Zen](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/cf-zen-2020/l8432)**
- Introduction of the ParaFlex Composite material for better weight distribution and performance. 
- 3Fusion handle and end cap for optimized weight control and minimized vibration. 
- Various drop weights available to accommodate different player needs. 



### What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity) 

**PROS**



* A kid in a slump hit his first-ever home run with this bat. It arrived just in time for a playoff game and worked great for my average-sized 11-year-old son - not too heavy.
* After breaking in this bat properly, it really performs well! My son uses it for our USSSA 8U Travel team and you can easily tell when it's hit on the sweet spot. The bat is also forgiving on mis-hits, often resulting in faster grounders than usual (for this age group) and very high pop.
* This bat has more pop than most USA bats, similar to BBCOR/USSA. We broke it in with tee hits, and my son hit missiles and balls over the fence on the first day. Expensive, but worth it for avid players.

**CONS**



* Great indoor results with the new non-Easton bat during coach pitch pre-season. Disappointing mid-season pop-up infield hits. I've always used Easton before, won't try other brands again.
* Great pop, but poor performance when missing sweet spot. Treated with care, but still cracked in Apr. Son upset I didn't allow use in cold weather, with heavy balls or pitching machines. It was mostly used as game bat last year, did not last into 2nd season.
* My son's bat barrel cracked after hitting his first HR, leaving him without a bat during All Stars and elimination series.


### **Certification**: BBCOR, USA, USSSA


### Expert Notes (Parker)

The DeMarini CF is a classic model that goes back to 2015 and offers one of the hottest models (2017) but is limited in use as its performance surpasses bat standards. Overall, the CF reflects a classic design which has been the same since 2015. A two-piece composite that offers a large barrel and sweet spot with a lightweight handle that creates a whip-like feel to it with the flexible connection between the handle and barrel. 


Pop: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐

Vibration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
**Balanced** or End loaded?

CF Zen

# DeMarini CF Zen Baseball Bat

The DeMarini CF Zen series is a highly acclaimed line of composite baseball bats known for their light swing weight and exceptional balance. The DeMarini CF Zen is engineered with Paraflex Plus Composite material for players who demand a bat that can keep up with their high level of play. The DeMarini CF Zen offers exceptional flexibility, durability, and a massive sweet spot. Founded in 1989, DeMarini has emerged as an innovative designer for baseball bats at every level. 


**Perfect bat for**: Ideal for hitters who seek to maximize their swing speed without sacrificing control. 



### Key features include: 




* **Paraflex Plus Composite Barrel:** Engineered for consistent responsiveness and a huge sweet spot, delivering maximum pop.
* **3Fusion Connection:** Reduces vibration for a comfortable feel while redirecting energy back into the barrel for improved performance.
* **ReAction End Cap:** Increases barrel performance without sacrificing swing speed, enhancing the bat's overall balance.
* **Balanced Swing Weight:** Optimizes bat speed and control, making it easier for hitters to meet and drive the ball.
* **Two-piece Composite Construction:** Offers an ideal combination of weight, balance, and flexibility, promoting a more efficient swing path. 



### Top competitors comparison: [Louisville Slugger Meta](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/meta/l59403) and the [Rawlings Quatro Pro](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/rawlings/quatro-pro/l10010)

The DeMarini CF Zen differentiates itself from competitors like the Louisville Slugger Meta and the Rawlings Quatro Pro with its innovative Paraflex Plus Composite material and 3Fusion Connection technology, providing a unique blend of flexibility, balance, and reduced vibration. While the Meta is known for its EKO Composite barrel and premium feel, and the Quatro Pro boasts a four-piece composite design for maximum power, the CF Zen excels in delivering a balanced swing weight and enhanced barrel performance, making it a top choice for athletes who value precision along with power. 



### Evolution of the CF Zen Series 

Here is a list that details the progression of this series, highlighting the main features and advancements with each new model. 


**2016 - [CF Zen](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/cf-zen-2020/l8432) (Initial Release)**
- Introduced the Paraflex Composite for a more responsive barrel and better weight distribution. 
- 2-piece composite design with D-Fusion 2.0 handle to reduce vibration and redirect energy back into the barrel. 
 
**2017 - [CF Zen](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/cf-zen-2020/l8432) (Update)**
- Enhanced Paraflex Composite for even greater flexibility and durability. 
- Refined D-Fusion 2.0 handle technology to further dampen hand sting on mis-hits. 
- New Low Pro end cap to optimize balance and maintain barrel integrity. 
 
 
 

**2020 - [CF Zen (BBCOR)](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/cf-zen-2020/bat-type-bbcor/l211796)**
- Applied the latest Paraflex Plus Composite for a lighter, more responsive barrel. 
- 3Fusion Connection technology optimized to redirect energy into the ball for explosive performance while minimizing hand sting. 
- Redesigned end cap (ReAction End Cap) to increase barrel performance and swing speed. 
 
**2021 - [CF Zen](%28https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/cf-zen-2020/l8432%29) (Latest Model)**
- New Paraflex Plus Composite delivers the perfect combination of balance and power. 
- Improved 3Fusion Connection and ReAction End Cap for enhanced feel, performance, and swing speed. 
- Attention to detail in material consistency for increased durability and performance across all pitch speeds. 


### What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity)

**PROS**



* Good bat, with less pop than 1-piece aluminum. Ideal for singles with a lighter swing weight. Composite material, so have 2 bats for high competition.
* My son is 11 years old. I was worried he would struggle to swing a 30/20 bat this year, considering he used a 29/19 bat last year. However, this bat is amazing! It is hot right out of the wrapper. I wouldn't even think about using another bat this year; this one is perfect.
* This is the best overall USA bat on the market. It has decent pop and great balance, making it a high-quality option.

**CONS**



* "The bat developed cracks in the sweet spot from regular use during batting practice. After six months, the cracks grew larger until there were two major ones, resembling a cave-in."
* Bat has pop but I've had a couple of friends crack this same bat after 4 games.
* Bought it for my son, 2nd time he used it, it cracked. He only hit league baseballs with it in warm weather.


### **Certification**: BBCOR, USSSA, USA


### Expert Notes ([Tony from BatExperts](https://sidelineswap.com/batexperts))

The CF Zen has been discontinued. The early models from 2017 - 2021 were called CF Zens. After that, DeMarini changed the name to CF. The first models of the CF Zen were very high-performance. But they also tended to break, so DeMarini made them stronger, made them stiffer, made them more durable. And when they did that, the bats didn't hit as well. The early models were better performers than the later models. 


Pop: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐

Vibration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
**Balanced** or End loaded?

ADV Hype

### Expert Notes
The Easton ADV Hype metal bat series is a batting average’s best friend. Considering
the success of older ADV Hype models, it’s surprising to see that the 2022 ADV Hype
release features a different barrel, handle, and connection piece than those earlier
versions. But the rave reviews make it clear that these
updates were well-received. Still older ADV Hype models have a lot to offer
hitters, too. The one throughline is the balanced and
lightweight feel. 

Regardless of which model of this bat you prefer,
one swing should convince you that the Hype is real.

Hero

Uprising

Model

United States (All)

US: Northeast

US: South

US: West

US: Midwest

Seller Location

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Item Type

Lockers (Individuals)

Pro Seller

Seller Type

(Used)

2023 DeMarini USABat Certified Composite 23 oz 31" (Used) CF Bat

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Demarini Cf-9 32-22 Insane

Used 2023 Louisville Slugger USSSA Certified Composite 15 oz 32" Meta Bat

Used  Easton BBCOR Certified (-3) 29 oz 32" ADV Hype Bat

Used 2022 Victus USSSA Certified Composite 23 oz 30" Nox Bat

Used 2021 AXE Hero USABat Certified Bat (-11) Composite 19 oz 29"

Used  Victus USSSA Certified Composite 21 oz 29" Nox Bat

Used DeMarini Uprising USABat Certified Bat (-11) Composite 17 oz 28"

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