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Speed

### About The Riddell Speed Football Helmet

The Riddell Speed is a professionally designed, top-tier football helmet built for any-level players in search of superior player safety and a close, customizable fit.

With a high-impact ABS gloss shell for superior player safety, inflatable S-pads for a close, customizable fit, and oversized vent holes for more air circulation, the Riddell Speed provides elite-level protection.

|Model|Price|Level of Play|Built For
|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Riddell Speed|$$$|Any|Superior player safety and a close, customizable fit

### Riddell Speed - Key Features

- A high-impact ABS gloss shell for superior player safety.
- Inflatable S-pads for a close, customizable fit.
- Oversized vent holes for more air circulation.

### Riddell Speed - Specs

|Model|Facemask|Protection|Liner|Inflatable
|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Riddell Speed|HS4 - High Strength Pring Stainless Steel|Patented Side Impact Protection (PSIP)|Air Fit Liner|Yes

- **Facemask:** HS4 - High Strength Pring Stainless Steel
- **Protection:** Patented Side Impact Protection (PSIP)
- **Liner:** Air Fit Liner
- **Inflatable:** Yes

Cleats

Nike alpha huarache elite 3

Zoom Pegasus 39

A2000

### Expert Notes
Wilson’s A2000 glove series has been a baseball staple since it was first released in 1957, and used by Ted Williams and Ernie Banks. We players have always known A2000’s for their Pro Stock leather’s durability, which continues to evolve and improve over time. In recent years, Wilson has started to combine the A2000’s legendary Pro Stock leather with a new SuperSkin material, which makes gloves more lightweight, moisture-resistant and twice as durable. And Wilson’s most recent A2000 release, the 2024 Love the Moment 1786 model, was designed to share a message of understanding and acceptance for people with autism. Even though my playing days are done, that alone makes me want to buy this glove. Regardless of which position you play, there’s a perfect Wilson A2000 glove available for you.

Icon

## Rawlings ICON Baseball Bat

Known for engineering some of the most trusted and technologically advanced equipment in the game, Rawlings consistently pushes the envelope to meet and exceed the expectations of players at all levels. The ICON offers state-of-the-art features in a carbon composite bat—all of which highlight Rawlings’ commitment to quality, performance, and durability.

  

Perfect bat for: Power hitters who want a perfect blend of heft and control.

### Key features include:

-   In/Tense Carbon Composite: Ensuring maximum barrel size while maintaining optimal stiffness.
    
-   Zero-Loss Collar: Creates a smooth connection between the handle and barrel to eliminate any drag of vibration.
    
-   Balanced swing weight: maximizes bat speed and plays to any type of offensive approach.
    
-   RevGrip: Tapered Premium Grip provides cushion and track.
    
-   Aerodynamic Design: Enhances swing speed without sacrificing power.
    

### Top competitors comparison: [Marucci CAT X Composite](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/marucci/cat-x-composite/l175805) and the [Louisville Slugger Meta](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/louisville-slugger/meta/l59403)

  

The big barrels on the Marucci CAT X Composite and the Louisville Slugger META, both feature flexible-feeling two-piece composite constructions. In comparison, the 2023 Rawlings Icon stands out with its In/Tense carbon composite construction which maximizes barrel size while maintaining it’s stiffness, perfect for big hitters. Each bat caters to specific league regulations and player preferences, with the CAT X Composite and META offering composite technology, while the Rawlings Icon features a zero-loss collar and connection joint creating a smooth connection between handle and barrel.  
  

### Progression of the Rawlings ICON Baseball Bat:

  
2023 is the first year of the Rawlings ICON.  
  

### What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity)

**PROS**

-   The Rawlings Icon is a beast on the field. Hits are powerful and consistent.
    
-   The sweet spot on this thing is like a magnet for the ball. It's tough as nails and can take a beating, which is exactly what you need in the game.
    
-   It's light and easy to swing. The ICON gives me control on the barrel. It feels lighter than other -3 bats. There is ZERO sting on this carbon composite. The ICON has a HUGE sweet spot and pop
    

**CONS**

-   The stock grip is just kinda okay – not as sticky or comfy as I expected. It's no deal-breaker, though. Folks generally like to tweak their grips to suit their style.
    
-   I'm not a big fan of the tapered knob on the ICON because I like to feel the handle more at the bottom (purely preference), but the handle feels fantastic.
    
-   The barrel cracked at the base of the handle. Travel ball practice starts this week and his brand new Icon is useless.
    

### Certification: BBCOR, USSSA, and USA

### Expert Notes ([Tony](https://sidelineswap.com/locker/batexperts))

The ICON is the new hot bat from Rawlings. It's the top bat in the market right now. In terms of sales, very popular. You've got a lot of guys online doing reviews on it. I think the hype comes from the merger between Easton and Rawlings. They've got a lot of technology and have come up with a really strong-performing bat this season.

  

Pop: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vibration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  
**Mid-Balanced** or End loaded?

Huarache

### About the Nike Huarache

The Nike Huarache is a baseball cleat built for abrasion protection against toe drag and powerful traction.

With a durable synthetic leather upper for ultimate support, a TPU toe cap for abrasion protection against toe drag, and an eleven-stud configuration for powerful traction, the Nike Huarache is an inexpensive cleat for baseball players at any level.

### Nike Huarache - Key Features

- Durable synthetic leather upper for ultimate support.
- TPU toe cap for abrasion protection against toe drag.
- Eleven-stud configuration for powerful traction.

Alpha Menace Elite 2

CAT X Connect

## Marucci CAT X Connect Baseball Bat


The CAT X Connect is a is a two-piece hybrid bat with features aimed at improving player performance through a mix of materials and engineering techniques. Overall, the bat provides a stiffer feel while also reducing vibration, with better energy transfer and reduced sting on mishits. It’s ideal for aggressive hitters—with no dead spots, advanced grips, and an ergonomic knob. Since its launch in 2009, Marucci has grown to stand among the giants of baseball equipment manufacturers thanks to a passionate dedication to quality and performance. By building research partnerships with major league players, Marucci creates products that fulfill players' specific needs and preferences at all levels.

**Perfect bat for:** Amateur power hitters looking for a mix of reach, power, and vibration reduction in their swings.


### Key features include:



* **Two-Piece Hybrid Construction:** Combines a power-loaded barrel made of AZ105 alloy with a composite handle, ensuring maximum performance and durability with a smooth swing.
* **SDX LT Connection:** Provides a stiffer feel while reducing vibration, offering better energy transfer and reducing the sting on mishits — ideal for aggressive hitters.
* **Power-Loaded Barrel:** Engineered to optimize weight distribution, enhancing power potential without sacrificing swing speed.
* **Ring-Free Barrel Technology:** Eliminates barriers to maximum performance, ensuring no “dead” spots across the barrel’s surface.
* **Ergonomically Designed Knob:** Promotes comfort and control, complementing the bat’s design to reduce hand fatigue and improve overall handling.
* **Micro-Perforated Soft-Touch Grip:** Enhances comfort and tack, allowing for better control and reducing the likelihood of slippage during powerful swings.


### Top competitors comparison: The [DeMarini Voodoo](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/demarini/voodoo/l7333) and the [Easton Ghost X Evolution](https://sidelineswap.com/shop/baseball/bats/easton/ghost-x-evolution/bat-material-composite/l228675)

The Marucci CAT X Connect distinguishes itself with its specialized SDX LT connection that minimizes vibration while maximizing power, tailored specifically for power hitters who value comfort and efficiency. While the DeMarini Voodoo is celebrated for its balanced swing weight and the Easton Ghost X Evolution for its dynamic feel and quick swing speed, the CAT X Connect excels in delivering a powerful, stiff, feedback-friendly experience, marked by a reduction in vibration and an increase in power transfer.


### Progression of the Marucci CAT X Connect 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](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**



* It's an end-loaded bat, but it's very easy to swing. You have full control when going through the strike zone, no matter where the ball is over the plate.
* This bat allows you to maximize your swing speed for high ball exit velocities. The sweet spot is huge and covers almost the entire barrel of the bat, making the ball jump off the bat."
* It’s been used for about a month for cage work and early season practice. The ability to consistently barrel or square up on a pitch is better than any bat on the market. The connect version does minimize the vibration.

**CONS**



* The grip is slippery. Even with batting gloves on it’s hard to hold on to it. Easy fix with a lizard skin grip.
* Bat knob fell off after 1st time using, no pop!
* Used for one game and the knob sticker has come off already. 


###  Certification: BBCOR, USSA


### Expert Notes ([Tony](https://sidelineswap.com/locker/batexperts))

The CATX Connect is a hybrid bat. It's a strong performer. It's top five in the hybrid market. Very easy to swing, very well balanced. There's a good nature to it; it doesn't dent. It's very durable. But it is an end-loaded bat and a two-piece hybrid, so it's more designed for the power hitter and for stronger players.

Pop: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vibration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Balanced or <span style="text-decoration:underline;">**End loaded**</span>?

Dri-Fit

Vapor Jet

### About Nike Vapor Jet Football Gloves

The exceptionally engineered Nike Vapor Jet is an inexpensive football glove specially designed for players that require a superior, ultra-sticky catching surface and breathability.

With a full-length Magnigrip™ palm for a superior, ultra-sticky catching surface, a stretch woven back for breathability, and adjustable cuffs for a custom fit, the Nike Vapor Jet brings exceptional performance.

|Model|Price|Level of Play|Built For
|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Nike Vapor Jet|$|Any|A superior, ultra-sticky catching surface and breathability

### Nike Vapor Jet - Key Features

- A full-length Magnigrip™ palm for a superior, ultra-sticky catching surface.
- A stretch woven back for breathability.
- Adjustable cuffs for a custom fit.

Superbad

### About Nike Superbad Football Gloves

The specially designed Nike Superbad is a top-tier football glove crafted for players who need protection and a comfortable fit.

With lightweight, flexible padding for protection, a hook-and-loop closure strap for a comfortable fit, and stretchy fabric for long lasting durability, the Nike Superbad provides top-of-the-line performance.

|Model|Price|Level of Play|Built For
|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Nike Superbad|$$$$|Any|Protection and a comfortable fit

### Nike Superbad - Key Features

- Lightweight, flexible padding for protection.
- A hook-and-loop closure strap for a comfortable fit.
- Stretchy fabric for long lasting durability.

Alpha Menace Pro 2

Vapor knit

### About Nike Vapor knit Football Gloves

The best selling Nike Vapor knit is an inexpensive football glove specially designed for players that require a light, airy feel and increased grip.

With a breathable knit construction for a light, airy feel, full length silicone palms for increased grip, and Magnigrip palms for maximum catching surface, the Nike Vapor knit has everything you need to take your game to the next level.

|Model|Price|Level of Play|Built For
|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Nike Vapor knit|$|Any|A light, airy feel and increased grip

### Nike Vapor knit - Key Features

- A breathable knit construction for a light, airy feel.
- Full length silicone palms for increased grip.
- Magnigrip palms for maximum catching surface.

LSU Tigers Fan Shop