Disclaimer: This site uses affiliate links. Learn More.
By Bat Digest | Last Updated November 17, 2022
After a couple of games, several hours in the cage, reading direct user reviews, discussing the bat with the manufacturer and major vendors we put together the following review on the 2018 DeMarini Voodoo Insane. Although the bat does come with a larger barrel then the Balanced Voodoo or One, the added end weight is a real hindrance to smaller hitters. If, then, you are stronger hitter looking for a hybrid bat then we are confident you’ll be happy with the 2018 Demarini Voodoo Insane.
As we mention above, the Voodoo Insane is an endloaded bat built for strong hitters that like the smoother feel of a two piece composite bat. Many collegiate players with schools that use DeMarini end up using the Voodoo Insane.
Smaller hitters that like a hybrid bat, but want a little more of a manageable swing weight, should consider the Voodoo Balanced—which is the sister bat of the Voodoo Insane but with a lighter swing weight. Do note, though, the barrel on the Balanced is smaller than the Insane.
Hybrid bats are fairly common, but in the remarkably heavy realm they are less so. In 2018, there are two comparable bats to the Voodoo Insane.
Both Easton’s Z-Core XL and the Slugger 718 are comparable bats to the Voodoo Insane. Both are hybrid bats with end loads.
Also, we should note, Marucci’s CAT 7 connect is meant as a two piece composite bat with an endload. Our measurements didn’t show the Connect as heavy as a swing as the Voodoo Insane, but both should be considered end loaded bats. The connect, in fact, is the only bat on this short list that comes in something other than BBCOR.
The only difference between the 2017 and 2018 DeMarini Voodoo is the connective piece. In 2017 it was referred to as the D-Fusion handle. The 2018 model has a slimmed down version of the D-Fusion referred to as the 3 Fusion. Less bulk in the connective piece allows DeMarini to use the weight in other places to reinforce performance and durability without effecting swing weight.
Otherwise, the bat is the same between 2017 and 2018. This year’s model uses the same aluminum barrel and the same composite handle as is found in the 2017 Voodoo Balanced.
More background on the 2018 DeMarini Voodoo Insane can be found by referencing a few places. In particular, we relied heavily on our 2017 Demarini Voodoo Insane Review. As well, our bat reviews section might give you a few more ideas as to details behind hybrid bats.
Off this site we think past user reviews on Amazon are mildly helpful. As well, DeMarin’s bat site might be useful to find sizing and comparison options.
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.