2015 Easton XL1 Review

Will this bat be as popular as it was in 2014? We are sure Easton hopes so. We suspect, with other bats coming this year that are serious improvements over last year's version (and here), that Easton's dominance in the end-loaded bat space might have a bite taken from it. However, with how wildly successful the XL1 was, we expect this bat to find its way, quite often, to the plate at every level of metal bat baseball.  

There were two criticisms of the 2014 that are not addressed in the 2015 bat. The first is a few disliked the factory grip. The grip did appear to get dirty and slippery quite fast in comparison to other grips. However, we think this is more of a preference issue than a real design one. As well, there are grips you can purchase post-market if you don't like it. The second, and a more verifiable gripe, is the price point. A $400 two-piece composite BBCOR bat is quite an investment. It of course now pales to other bats made by Easton, but bat prices sure seem to have done nothing but go upwards these days. The 2015 Easton price point is the same as last year. But considering the 2014 is basically the same as the 2015, maybe the smarter buy, while supplies last, is to go for the 2014 XL1 while suppliers are trying to make room in their inventory for the new version. Based on current prices, that should save you about $100.

Sizing is a bit different in the 2014 Line. The bat will only come in a BBCOR drop 3, Big Barrel Drop 8 and drop 5. We have yet to weigh out the drop 5, but it will be very interesting to see if, like the previous year, it comes in at 2 to 3 ounces over its stated weight. The Easton XL1 will NOT come in a youth version of the bat---as that bat will be released in a new line called the Easton MAKO XL.