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.
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 & 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, 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 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
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?
