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By Bat Digest | Last Updated November 17, 2022
With one glaring exception, the 2017 Axe Elite is built just like the 2016 version. That is the asymmetric knob with its EndoGrid knob and a two-piece hybrid design. Hybrid bats, as you know, are produced with a composite handle and an aluminum barrel. This approach gives hot out-of-the-wrapper performance of a metal barrel with the smoother feel of a composite handle and two-piece connection.
The one glaring exception, and a serious upgrade to the 2017 version, is the addition of an asymmetric end cap on this year’s Elite. This shaped end cap, which we discuss at length in another article, noticeably moves the balance point of the bat toward the hands, thus decreasing the mass moment of inertia.
For three years we have hit extensively with an asymmetric knob on an Axe Bat. Now, for almost a year, we have spent time with a bat with an asymmetric end cap. Like the 2017 Axe ELITE, sometimes those features come on a 2 5/8 hybrid bat, where the handle is composite and the barrel is aluminum. This research and testing allow us to recommend the AXE Elite for a select group of hitters—in particular, those looking for a balanced swing in a hybrid bat, who are comfortable with a more focused barrel and can appreciate the asymmetric knob.
We Would If Our Hitter Wanted
We Would Not If Our Hitter Wanted
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| 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
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In terms of a two-piece hybrid bat with an asymmetric end cap and knob, there simply isn’t anything like it. In that regard, the 2017 Axe Elite stands alone as a one of kind bat. Or course, the 2016 version is almost there save the end cap and lower swing weight.
There are, as well, several two-piece hybrid bats with a focus on low swing weight. The Covert from Mizuno and the Voodoo from DeMarini are the first that come to mind. Both, like the AXE Elite, are in the performance space. But to say those bats are akin to the 2017 Axe Elite is a stretch.
The overall rating uses seven different weighted metrics to determine our overall score. Half of total rating comes from the player and our exit speed tests (Player Rating: 25%, Performance: 25%).The other categories are Relevance (20%), Demand (10%), Durability (10%), Resell Score (5%), and Tech Specs (5%).
*: When a bat is denoted by a star (*) it is a preliminary rating. Expect it to be updated as we learn more about the bat and gather more data.
(PlaRa) Player Rating: We measure player rating from user reviews. Those users include our own hitters that we test at the lab as well as reviews we find online.
(ExVe) Performance: Performance measures the exit speeds and distances we capture in our hitting lab with HitTrax using these bats.
(Relv) Relevance: We measure the number of sizes and the MOI of the bat. Bats with a wider range of options get a better score.
(Dmnd) Demand: Demand is measured by consumer sentiment and the buzz around the bat.
(Drb) Durability: A bat’s durability is measured by user reviews as well as feedback from manufacturers.
(ReSl) Resell Score: Based on the price the bats go for used. Higher prices mean greater user demand which means, generally, a better bat. A resell value closer to its original price means a higher score.
(Tech) Tech Specs: We rate the bat on its technological advancements from previous years and compared to the industry at large. This is our chance to reward companies who are trying to innovate.
MOI
MOI or Mass Moment of Inertia is a measurement of bat swing weight. This quantifies how difficult it is to swing a bat. The industry often refers to this as things like End Load or Balanced but those words have been overused to the point of meaninglessness. We measure the actual swing weights of each bat we test using the industry-standard pendulum period, balance point, and scale weight. You can read more about that here.
Price
The price is the original MSRP price of the bat.
Type
The types of bats are single-piece alloy (SPA), two-piece composite (TPC), single-piece composite (SPC), hybrid (Hyb.), and wood (Wood). Hybrid bats are made of composite handles and alloy barrles.
Date
The estimated date the bat began distribution.
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