2017 Boombah Cannon Review

Comparable Bats

In the Big Barrel (2 5/8) space,  DeMarini has a hybrid bat that intends for a light swing. The 2017 version is called the DeMarini Voodoo Balanced. (This bat also comes in a BBCOR). In terms of market awareness, massive performance and player appreciation few bats compare to the DeMarini Insane. However, it also swings a little bit heavier than the Cannon as it does not have an extended composite end cap like the Cannon. See our DeMarini Voodoo Balanced Review.

The idea of a two-piece hybrid bat that uses an extended composite end cap is nowhere else to be found. Last year, in 2016, Rawlings made a bat called the TRIO and another called the 5150 Hybrid. These were both hybrid bats that used an extended composite end cap. They scrapped those bats in favor of the new Quatro which is a fully composite bat made of two pieces. See our Rawlings Trio Review.

There are several bats in the hybrid space that intend for a light swing. Easton makes one they call the Z-Core Hybrid. It only comes in BBCOR. Its intent is a light-swinging hybrid BBCOR bat. But, it does not use the composite end cap. It does have a bigger barrel than the Cannon but swings a bit heavier. See our full Z-Core Hybrid Review.

Previous Models

The 2017 Boombah, much like the 2015 version, uses a two piece hybrid design. Meaning, the barrel is made of aluminum and the handle composite. In theory, and our experience too, this hybrid design proves to decrease hand ring on mishits. It also gives a smoother smash. In some instances it gives a false positive. That is, an impression the ball was hit very well when, in fact, it was not.

We find that younger players tend to prefer two-piece bats more often as it gives them more confidence to swing harder.

Also, like the 2015 version, the 2017 uses an extended composite end cap. Adding lighter material at the end of the barrel decreases swing weight and helps for better bat control. Faster speeds at contact usually mean a further hit ball but, do remember, a lighter bat also carries less mass and, hence, less force. It is the age-old play between swing weight and swing speed. But, again, younger players tend to appreciate the ability to wield the bat more effectively. Balls in play are better than strikeouts.

Construction

Unlike the 2015 version, the 2017 Cannon uses a “Flight Tech” feature which gives texture to the barrel of the bat. The Boombah claim is this increases backspin and, therefore, increases ultimate flight distance. This feature is used on other bats on the market—notably some fastpitch bats. While backspin can indeed increase ball distance in theory, we find it unlikely that the paint texture on the barrel can affect this enough to create a difference. But, like they have no proof to say it does, we have no studies to prove it does not.