Disclaimer: This site uses affiliate links. Learn More.
By Bat Digest
Updated November 17, 2022
Our hitters generally liked the USSSA version of the bat. In fact, the drop 5 2 3/4 USSSA version is a monster and one of our favorite drop 5's out there. The drop 10 is a solid bat recommendable for serious players who like a two piece composite but don't want the CF Zen. The USA version of the bat has something wrong with it (as many of our hitters and others online have pointed out). It rings the hands in an unconventional way and doesn't feel right off the bat for many hitters. There are some that have had positive experiences with the bat but we were not one of them.
The Ghost X recommendation for 2018 depends on what class of bat you are looking for. Generally, the BBCOR and USSSA versions of the bats are highly recommendable. The USA version in the drop 10 struggles to impress. But, the drop 8 and 5 USA Ghost X are decent bats.
In terms of overall set up, the 2018 Ghost X and 2017 Mako Beast are similar. That is, they are both two piece composite bats with a big barrel and a light swing.
However, there are considerable upgrades to the composite structure Easton uses in the Ghost, insomuch that calling it a Mako wasn't fair. The new composite structure used to design the Ghost intends to extend the length of the sweet spot. Note, this isn't a claim the barrel is larger. Instead, the claim is the new composite structure allows for a longer sweet spot on the same sized barrel.
For the record, the MAKO Beast had one of the largest barrels on the market in 2017. So, the 2018 Ghost X having a barrel just as big, if not ever so slightly bigger, means it is still huge.
As well, Easton claims to have updated the connective piece. It is no longer the CXN which has been on the MAKO since its inception. Instead, it is referred to as connection+. The idea is a more durable connective piece via some redesigned innards.
The Ghost X is a two piece composite bat built with a big barrel and a light swing. Depending on the drop, the barrel size tends to be larger than average. It comes in a number of sizes and drop options. It is, for all intents and purposes, Easton's flagship bat for 2018. It uses a connection piece called the CXN and delivers generally good feel on contact in the BBCOR and USSSA spaces.