Bat Digest
AI Bat Picker | Blog | YouTube | Facebook

See All Results...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
fastpitch-bat-review
best-softball-bat
best-baseball-bat
baseball-bat-review

Disclaimer: This site uses affiliate links. Learn More.


Home > All Reviews

2017 Easton Z-Core XL Review | BBCOR Log is Back

By Bat Digest

Updated November 17, 2022

2017 Easton Z-Core XL Review | BBCOR Log is Back Featured Image
Price Check
2017 Z-Core XL Video

2017 Z-Core XL Models

The 2017 Z-Core XL from Easton is a revamp of the 2015 model. (You can see that here). Knowing that and adding to that our knowledge of the general upgrades from the 2017 Z-Core, we write this 2017 Easton Z-Core XL Review. You may also find value in visiting the 2017 Z-Core Speed and Hybrid reviews. These two bats are built with the same barrel as the XL, just with a balance point more toward the knob. You may also find the entire 2017 Z-Core and MAKO lineup overview helpful as well.

General Recommendations

We would buy the 2017 Z-Core XL if we were:

  • a power hitter who wants an end-loaded swing
  • a legit high school or collegiate player with sound mechanics
  • happy with honest feedback on every hit and the occasional hand sting
  • looking for a large barrel for a single-piece aluminum alloy
We would not buy the Z-Core XL if we were:
  • looking for a balanced or hand loaded bat weight distribution
  • in need of buttery smashes of two piece composites or hybrids
  • not in a BBCOR league
  • still in the growing phase and our mechanics weren't perfect (we'd prefer a balanced bat in the two piece composite space)
  • on a serious budget or looking for used (aluminum is hottest out of the wrapper)
We would price shop. Starting here (Amazon). Since there aren't any changes from the 2016 version, we would look for new, in wrapper, warrantied bats from trustworthy vendors in a 2016 model, as there isn't a significant difference with the 2017 version.

Reviews By Model

Construction

Like last year's 2016 Z-Core, the 2017 version is a single piece aluminum alloy bat with a heavy swing weight. The barrel is the exact aluminum barrel found in all the Z-Core lines. For at least a couple years now, Easton has used an inner sleeve in the bat's design to increase the size of the barrel and sweet spot. It is the largest barreled single piece alloy on the market. Our measurements showed this bat swings about 20% heavier than the MAKO. The Easton Z-Core XL is 10% heavier than the Z-Core Speed. These measurements confirm the bat as one of the heaviest swinging sticks per bat length on the market.

2017
Easton
Z-Core XL
1