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Home > All Reviews

2017 Mizuno Covert Review

By Bat Digest

Updated November 17, 2022

2017 Mizuno Covert Review Featured Image
Although there are some notable differences, the idea is the same between the 2016 Nighthawk and the 2017 Covert. Both bats are two-piece hybrid bats. This means they have a composite handle and an aluminum alloy barrel. They are welded together around the midpoint of the bat. By way of changes, Mizuno updated the aluminum alloy in the bat. They claim the alloy is stronger and, therefore, the walls can be thinner. Thinner walls would allow the bat a larger sweet spot by exaggerating the tapered barrel design without losing durability. Mizuno claims the sweet spot (where max pop is achieved) is 22% longer than the Nighthawk. There is no practical way to confirm if these advancements have been achieved, we simply report on what they claim. The thinner walls also decrease the effective swing weight. Although it should still be considered a mid-balanced bat, the 2017 Covert will swing lighter than the 2016 Nighthawk.
Price Check
2017 Covert Video

2017 Covert Models

We recently hit with the BBCOR and Big Barrel versions of the new 2017 Mizuno Covert. Our hitting experience was mostly in cage, although we took it to the field to see ball flight as well. We also exchanged a number of emails with Mizuno to dial in our understanding of the bat and how it upgraded from the 2016 Nighthawk. As well, a number of trusted online sources were referenced for details and other player experience on the Covert. All of this information is compiled below in our 2017 Mizuno Covert Review.

General Recommendations

Those who have used the 2016 BBCOR Nighthawk came away impressed. Additionally, although always wary of believing so-called user reviews, the Nighthawk rarely receives anything but maximum stars. Most players comment on the pop of the bat and how surprised they are few players use, or even know, the bat. Like last year, we would recommend the 2017 Covert to players who:

  • Appreciate a mid to low-swing weight bat
  • Like the hot out-of-the-wrapper feel of a top-shelf hybrid
  • Want a good-sized barrel with good performance
  • Are not in the Youth Barrel (2 1/4) space
  • Looking for something a bit off the beaten path that still competes with any bat on the market
Although a legit bat, that doesn't mean it is for everyone. We'd stay away from the bat if we fit into any of the categories below.
  • Although $300 in BBCOR at release, those on a budget might look at last year's Nighthawk despite the smaller barrel and heavier swing
  • Preferring an ultra-light swing weight
  • Looking for a massively over-sized barrel
  • Seeking an end-loaded feel
  • Preferring a single piece or composite barrel

Reviews By Model

Previous Bats

The 2017 Mizuno Covert is a new name in the 2017 Mizuno line of baseball bats. It should be considered the next generation 2016 Mizuno Nighthawk. The name change, as far as we have gathered, is to clear up the confusion between the Mizuno Nighthawk fastpitch line, made up of two-piece composite bats, and the Nighthawk baseball line, made of hybrid bats. The Covert model should be the hybrid baseball bat name going forward. Amazingly, Mizuno has only been in the metal and composite bat space for 3 years. Mizuno is dead serious about making top-shelf performance bats in the BBCOR and Big Barrel space. Seriously, watch out.

2017
Mizuno
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