Disclaimer: This site uses affiliate links. Learn More.
By Bat Digest
Updated November 17, 2022
If you were a fan of the 2015 version then we see no reason you won't think the 2016 version is fantastic due to its increased barrel size from added variable wall thickness in the barrel of the bat. As well, the addition of the drop 5 and drop 8 to the 2 5/8 Senior League bats round out this single piece aluminum bat as a full offering to the performance player.
We'd recommend the 2016 Mizuno Generations bat to those who prefer single piece aluminum bats and their traditional sound but also want (or need) a lighter swinging and very durable bat. Other's who want to stay with Mizuno but would like a hybrid bat or one with a soft barrel might check out the 2016 Nighhawk or 2016 MaxCor respectively.
The 2016 Mizuno Generations is a single-piece aluminum alloy design which, in theory, gives it maximum power transfer when hit on the sweet spot of the bat. As well, its aluminum design makes it highly durable when compared to two-piece and composite designed bat. More uniquely, the 2016 Mizuno Generation baseball bat boasts a tapered alloy wall. This means that outside the center of the barrel the bat walls are thinner. The 2016 version, when compared to the 2015 version, has an even more pronounced taper and, hence, a larger barrel. This design feature allows the bat to perform at peak performance throughout the length of the barrel while still maintaining BBCOR standards and keeping a light swing weight. As evidence that this idea has some steam, the tapered aluminum wall has been adopted in several bats within the market since Mizuno's 2015 groundbreak.