NIW compression tests and performance/durability

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Yet again, I am in the market for a new bat for my daughter. She is currently swinging a CF8 -10 and likes it, but she also really liked her 2015 Mako she had before moving up in bat size. She is really wanting to try the Rawlings Quatro, but I haven't been able to find too much feedback on these (I know it is basically a Worth 2Legit). I would like her to try an LXT, but have also been eyeing the new Stealth Flex bats given her past love of her Mako.

In researching, I ran across some YouTube NIW compression tests done by 99bats. I found it interesting the LXT and Xeno test at 275, the Stealth Flex and Quatro came in at 300, so the LS line is hotter out of the wrapper. My problem with that is I have read review after review of the 2016 & 2017 LXTs having handle issues and rattles not long after purchase, and getting rejected before games after umpire inspections, so durability is a big concern. Also just talked to a HS girl and her mom at hitting lesson last night, and their 3 week old LXT was already going back due to a rattle. There is also the unknowns with the Stealth Flex and Quatro (is it new technology or repaints?).

Given the cost of good bats today, just wanting to make a well informed decision. So a couple of questions:

1. Bat compression testing - should it matter when looking at a purchase, and is it an indicator of durability? I know you don't see bats being tested in fastpitch like slowpitch, but I've just never thought of this as a factor when buying a bat.

2. Does anyone have any new feedback on the Stealth Flex and Quatro outside what is already on the board?

3. LXT durability - is it a widespread concern, or just the disgruntled customers being loud?

Thanks!
 
Apr 16, 2010
924
43
Alabama
Compression testing may not be the best way to consider which is hottest. Due to a bats construction some pass bat testing procedures with lower numbers than others. Last years PGF/Demarini fiasco is a good example.
 
Oct 3, 2011
3,478
113
Right Here For Now
Most, and I say MOST bats are nowadays made to perform their hottest right out of the wrapper (after a minimal break-in period of 150 hits or so) and there are a certain number of hits they will take before failing. There are some exceptions to this but most of those manufacturers have been bought out by the big boys such as Combat. The Rawlings Quatro is nothing more than a 2Legit repaint IMO. That said, I have never before had a team hit so many of their first OFTF HR's than my second year 14U team that was "sponsored" by Rawlings and a majority of my team, at that time, was swinging the 2Legits. That may be because of the bat, that may be because they were starting to grow into their physical maturity, it may be because of the fact that we worked on hitting tirelessly or any combination of the above. That said, my DD, who is a metalhead (loves her Rocketechs), swung the Rawlings Quatro and loved it. Not enough to switch mind you, but still loved it. The longevity is there also since I had only 1 bat returned under warranty during the 3 years I coached that team.

As a side note, it has been mentioned on this site by more then a few bat experts that the reason we are paying $300 plus for a new bat is because we are actually paying for two bats; 1 new and their replacement when they fail within the first year. The LXT is a great balanced bat. However, after Wilson put Coresoftball20 out of business because they'd rather get full retail out of their bats at the big box stores as opposed to putting the right bat in the hands of the batter like Core did, I won't ever purchase a Wilson product again nor will I purchase another Easton product again after the failed Olympic vote unless they have a gun to my head. There are far too many comparable, if not better products out their to purchase from start-ups. Here's one example https://maruccisports.com/softball/...ign=ep4p&utm_term=&utm_content=&ep4p_ref=bing The product reviews by members on here have been pretty darn good when it comes to the Pure model. Although I, nor my DD have had the chance to hit one yet, from the trusted member reviews I know, I would put them up there with any of the top 3-4 bats out on the market after a few more break-in hits than the other bats. They take just a tad bit longer to open up.
 
Last edited:

CoreSoftball20

Wilson = Evil Empire
DFP Vendor
Dec 27, 2012
6,215
113
Kunkletown, PA
Compression testing may not be the best way to consider which is hottest. Due to a bats construction some pass bat testing procedures with lower numbers than others. Last years PGF/Demarini fiasco is a good example.

Actually, compression is a good test to decide whats hotter. Most bats are now constructed to not allow a ton of "play" after
usage. Obviously, a bat testing (using usssa numbers) at 260 and one at 300...the 260 is hotter. But I will guarantee you, the one at
300 will get better, just needs time. But, you do have to be careful of the bats that are close if you are doing a lot of tested events
because you have user error as well the chance for bats to fail faster.
But this is what you get when people want instant heat from a bat.

And thank you YOCOACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Oct 16, 2014
333
0
.......There are far too many comparable, if not better products out their to purchase from start-ups. Here's one example https://maruccisports.com/softball/...ign=ep4p&utm_term=&utm_content=&ep4p_ref=bing The product reviews by members on here have been pretty darn good when it comes to the Pure model. Although I, nor my DD have had the chance to hit one yet, from the trusted member reviews I know, I would put them up there with any of the top 3-4 bats out on the market after a few more break-in hits than the other bats. They take just a tad bit longer to open up.

Huh.....this bat is getting positive reviews? I hadn't heard much but then again I wasn't really looking

. DD's team is sponsored by Marucci, I think I can get one of the Pure's at 30% off. DD1 is about to need a 33' maybe we should try this. She's really really attached to the older LXT, but for the price maybe it's worth a test run.
 
Sep 29, 2010
1,082
83
Knoxville, TN
I will never understand why anybody buys a new bat. DD has had exactly one NIW high end bat that I won in a raffle in her eight years of softball. I understand wanting to try new bats, but none of them have a $200 difference in performance new vs. used. Most bats that are two years old can be had used (or NIW) for $150 or less. Why not try two or three for the price of one new one? Heck, if she busts a $125 used bat, buy another one for $125 and your still $100 ahead. BTW, Quatros will be cheap by next spring (or get a used 2Legit for $100) and a used Flex can be had for around $100.

As far as compression, USA/ASA and PGF Nationals are the only places I've heard of compression tests being performed. I really wouldn't sweat failing a compression test. With the removal of the OG Eastons from tournament play, the days of the mushy hot as fire, durable bats are over, with the exception of a Phenix and an OG Catalyst. A "little hotter" based on compression really doesn't matter. Also, the Xeno/LXT aren't hotter because they are softer. Their inner discs limit the trampoline effect so their ball exit speed will be similar to a conventional hollow composite bat.
 
Oct 3, 2011
3,478
113
Right Here For Now
Huh.....this bat is getting positive reviews? I hadn't heard much but then again I wasn't really looking

. DD's team is sponsored by Marucci, I think I can get one of the Pure's at 30% off. DD1 is about to need a 33' maybe we should try this. She's really really attached to the older LXT, but for the price maybe it's worth a test run.

There's a whole thread on here about them. Go to the DFP search engine and look it up under Marucci Pure Review. Moe tested them out as well as others.
 

CoreSoftball20

Wilson = Evil Empire
DFP Vendor
Dec 27, 2012
6,215
113
Kunkletown, PA
I will never understand why anybody buys a new bat. DD has had exactly one NIW high end bat that I won in a raffle in her eight years of softball. I understand wanting to try new bats, but none of them have a $200 difference in performance new vs. used. Most bats that are two years old can be had used (or NIW) for $150 or less. Why not try two or three for the price of one new one? Heck, if she busts a $125 used bat, buy another one for $125 and your still $100 ahead. BTW, Quatros will be cheap by next spring (or get a used 2Legit for $100) and a used Flex can be had for around $100.

Honestly, people weren't getting ripped off from me...haha. But you see where that got me :)

I was upsetting the cash cow market that is fastpitch bat sales.
 

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