2016 DeMarini CF8 Review

Updated November 17, 2022

We've spent 22 hours in total using and researching DeMarini's 2016 CF8 baseball line specifically, and countless hours swinging everything else.

Price Check

2016 CF8 Video

2016 CF8 Models

After all that, we are confident in saying, for most little leaguers, the DeMarini CF8 is the best bat money can buy in 2016. Among High school and collegiate play it is among the very best for many players. We used the drop 8 and drop 10 Senior Barrel DeMarini CF8 bats at a weekend tournament as well as a 4 day baseball camp for 10 to 15 year olds. Several dozen players used the bats in that time and we gathered their feedback. We also spent several hours in the cage with the BBCOR bat among different High School players. These bats were used right along side other major brands and models in the space. The feedback of the players was compiled, and we have some great highlights.

General Recommendations

Reviews By Model

Previous Bats

Compared to the 2015 DeMarini CF7, the 2016 DeMarini CF8 comes with some noteworthy upgrades:

A noticeably longer barrel and wider barrel on the Youth and Senior League Versions.
The BBCOR and Drop 5 have a thinner and tackier grip and a shorter knob flare (from knob to handle).
The Drop 8, 10s, and 11s have a slightly thicker and cushier grip. They also do not have a knob flare.
There is a new end cap design on each bat.
Each iteration (like the 2016 DeMarini Voodoo Raw) of the bat comes in its own color scheme customized to the age group of the bat. If you don't like it, you can always make your own custom DeMarini CF8!
All CF8s this year have an upgraded, stiffer handle called the D-Fusion 2.0.

Construction

In general, the first thing noted was the balance of the bat. Its barrel size in the Senior League versions is bigger than the 2015 CF7. So big, in fact, it gives the visual impression that it should weigh more than it feels like it does. Especially with the drop 10 Senior Barrel, the balance point is so close to the hands it nearly creates an optical illusion with how easily it swings. Subsequently, for most younger players, this light swinging and the big barreled bat is a perfect fit. Bat speed and bat control are significant aspects to getting the ball in play and, ultimately, on base. The CF8 succeeds in enhancing both.

The bat also has fantastic pop---something we've come to expect from the CF series of bats DeMarini has made so very famous. Put more flatly, as one Dad in the stands pointed out while the below 11 year old jacked a 250 foot shot into a River, "that is the Electric Avenue if I've ever seen it." Where people come up with this stuff I have no idea.