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By Bat Digest
Updated November 17, 2022
We'd expect the average player who prefers a stiffer feel in their bat but, can also appreciate the barrel size and lighter swing weight of a composite BBCOR, to fall in love with the 2016 Element for its stiff and balanced feel.
The Hyperwhip from Axe set a standard in the bat line they've followed ever since. It drives home the idea of one-sided hitting, has a good sweet spot, and dials in the right handle. Hitters who like a unique bat and want an Axe handle could start here and be happy their whole playing career.
If any company receives extra points for pushing the limits of alloy and composite bat design it has to be Axe bats from Baden Sports. The decrease in swing weight while keeping the barrel size similar when compared to the 2015 version is made possible through two unique features, both of which are new to the 2016 Hyperwhip. First, the 2016 version replaces the alloy end cap and three inches of the end of the barrel with a lighter composite. This decrease in end weight drives the balance point of the bat more towards the hands---giving it a swing weight more in line with a balanced composite bat---without decreasing effective barrel size. Second, because the bat's handle forces once sided hitting, Axe shaved off the backside of the bat's barrel towards the end cap. This again decreases weight towards the end of the bat and pushes creates a balance point more towards the hands for a lighter swing without decreasing effective barrel size.