Carbon Candy a rebadged CF8?

To me It honestly just looks like a way to charge a little more for a new name all the while testing out a new material and using the general softball public for their own research and development. If you want the feel of the CF8 go on Ebay and pay the same price as this bat brand new for one. Although I saw one posted on a Facebook page last night for $250. I controlled my addiction and scrolled on past. Demarini Is really going to the gimmicks this year. A new bat with an adjustable handle to add or take away an inch of length, my first thought was....wow something else to worry about breaking. Anddddd of course this Carbon Candy. I will give them credit on the catchy name, Its gonna catch the attention of a lot of girls. I mean really, how hot can you make a bat while still passing the same tests as every other bat on the market In order to get that USSSA, ASA, etc. stamp. You can only get so close to that line before you cross It.

CF8 definitely wasnt known for Its sting free feel In the hands. If you dont want to feel any feedback In your hands go get a LXT. My guess Is "consistent feel" means no matter where you hit It on the barrel Its going to feel the same In your hands.

I will say it...seems fishy that their top line bat is 349...but yet this comes in at 299. Why would they produce a 299 bat that hits better than the Zen (or close) and take sales
from their top dog bat (Zen). I have an idea about this, but I will keep to myself as I don't wanna be called names

I would really like to hear some "hands on" reviews of the bat. If it does perform like a CF8, how can it be a bad thing that they are making them available again? Would anyone bitch over a re-released CF6?

2br02b said:

I would really like to hear some "hands on" reviews of the bat. If it does perform like a CF8, how can it be a bad thing that they are making them available again? Would anyone bitch over a re-released CF6?

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If the composite is different, it's not a CF8. Core makes a good point...Why would Demarini release a lower-priced bat that is possibly better performing than their newest top bat? What makes more sense (IMO, just a guess) is if they are putting new paint, a different connector, and and a new name on the CFX barrel.

Eric F said:

If the composite is different, it's not a CF8. Core makes a good point...Why would Demarini release a lower-priced bat that is possibly better performing than their newest top bat? What makes more sense (IMO, just a guess) is if they are putting new paint, a different connector, and and a new name on the CFX barrel.

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I could see that, but I could also argue that the feedback on the CFX has not been significantly positive. Why would they expect to change the handle on the CFX and suddenly get good feedback?

If they've already sunk the money in R&D on the original CF8, they could feasibly re-release it at a lower price point, as long as the manufacturing facilities still exist.

If they are using the barrel of the Zen on the CC then this situation is just weird.

2br02b said:

I could see that, but I could also argue that the feedback on the CFX has not been significantly positive. Why would they expect to change the handle on the CFX and suddenly get good feedback?

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That's my point. The CFX hasn't sold well. It's possible they are sitting on a stack of CFX barrels that they can't move very well under the CFX name, especially with the Zen being released. Paint it different, give it a catchy name, change the connector, and call it "new". They might be able to get rid of some of them. I wouldn't think great ratings on their second-level bat are what they're after.

2br02b said:

If they've already sunk the money in R&D on the original CF8, they could feasibly re-release it at a lower price point, as long as the manufacturing facilities still exist.

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This goes back to the question...Why would Demarini release a lower-priced bat that is possibly better performing than their newest top bat? That doesn't make much sense (IMO). They will want to push what makes the most profit, and that would be the bat selling for $50 more.

2br02b said:

If they are using the barrel of the Zen on the CC then this situation is just weird.

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I can't imagine they would do that.


All that said, this is just speculation and wild-rear guesses.

For what it is worth - there is a compression test video showing the CC at 300 and the CF-I (2019) at 325.

Again - waiting for some real world commentary before making any decisions on this thing...

Thank you Eric...exactly my point. Business wise, doesn't make sense. Not saying Wilson hasnt made bad business moves before

Reproducing a "CF8 like" bat for cheaper, that may hit better than your flagship bat, could bury your CF line. You already took a thumping on the CFX, now
you are gonna price a bat lower that hits as good or better than your next CF bat. Just saying, weird business move.

Again, I have no dog in this fight...just talking business side of it

Eric F said:

This goes back to the question...Why would Demarini release a lower-priced bat that is possibly better performing than their newest top bat? That doesn't make much sense (IMO). They will want to push what makes the most profit, and that would be the bat selling for $50 more.

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Your statement above assumes the production costs of the bat are the same. If the CC is $50 less to make it may be more profitable.

You would also think that a lower price point (CC) would be in a drop 11 29-30 sizes, its only in a drop 10. I imagine a good portion of their sales are the -11 Sprites and they don't want to mess that up.