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By Bat Digest | Last Updated August 27, 2019
However, each year they do add a few models to the line. In 2018 they added a drop 10 to round out their drop 8, drop 5 and drop 3 (BBCOR) versions of the CAT 7. Generally, the bat gets very high marks from us (and users). After hitting with every version of the 2017/2018 Marucci CAT 7, multiple times with multiple hitters, here is our full review.
As a general recommendation, we think the BBCOR CAT 7 is made for the gap hitter that likes the stiff feel of a single piece bat more than the soft crush of a two piece stick. Here’s who this fits: You want the best metal bat Marucci makes; You prefer a good value purchase on a performance bat; A durable bat that can last a good season or two is on your short list of features; Your stat sheet is filled with singles and doubles and a high AVG.
On the other hand, those who want an end loaded bat, prefer the more buttery smash of a two piece bat or want a composite barrel should look elsewhere.
The 2018 Marucci CAT 7 is the same as the 2017 Marucci CAT 7. Marucci doesn’t hide this idea. They release their performance bats on a two year cycle.
The 2018 Marucci CAT 7 is the same as the 2017 Marucci CAT 7. Marucci doesn’t hide this idea. They release their performance bats on a two year cycle.
Does anything really compare to the CAT 7? A big barrel in a single piece aluminum is hard to come by. And the added unique know with its sting dampening skills makes it hard to find an equal. The CAT 7 also prices out above most single piece aluminum bats anyways.
If you we had to shoot for something in a similar class then take a closer look at the Omaha 518 from Slugger. Both bats have stiff feels, decent sized barrels and come in a number of sizes. Or, maybe, the 2017 VELO from Rawlings. That Velo will swing lighter than the Cat 7, but its worth a shot if you’d like something with a lower price point.
Looking at the Posey Metal 28 is cheating. That bat, in BBCOR at least, is the same as the CAT 7 with a different paint job.
In terms of construction there is no difference in the 2017 CAT 7 vs the 2018 CAT 7. They did add the drop 10 version as well as some limited edition version (as we mention above).
Marucci makes no bones about it being the same bat. As a site that reviews bats we can appreciate this approach as many companies are often guilty of changing the paint job and calling it something else. Not with Marucci; the 2017 CAT 7 is the 2018 CAT 7.
Marucci uses this two year cycle on all of their performance baseball bats.
If we’re being frank, we think the drop 10 loses too much weight to keep the same smooth feel as the drop 8 and drop 10. The loss of the extra mass really removes a lot of the confidence players have in the drop 8 and drop 5. However, those with slower swing speed that saw slower pitch speeds still really liked the drop 10. But, once pitch and swing speeds got faster the CAT 7 Drop 10 lost its appeal. We would suggest most serious players stay with the light swinging drop 8 if they can swing it.
To keep consistent ratings across years, models and brands, we’ve devloped an aggregated rating system using 6 categories. As well, we track swing weight (MOI), stiffness and profile although they do not affect the overall score directly. The explanation of each rating is below.
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The Marucci Cat 7 Baseball Bat with the AZ4X alloy construction is one of the best options on the market.