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By Bat Digest | Last Updated November 17, 2022
Axe’s most popular bat is the Axe Elite. That popularity is due to its big size offerings and great player feedback. It also fits well as a value bat as Axe isn’t nearly as popular as it should be, which ultimately pushes the price down especially when they come off of manufacturer agreed upon pricing. In other words, if you want a value bat that isn’t well known in the hybrid space its likely there’s an Axe Elite out there with your name on it.
We have been fans of the ergonomic handle on the Axe bat for several years. If you’ve yet to try it then you’re missing out and in just a matter of a few swings you’ll be accustomed to it. The Elite is likely Axe’s best bat—as a two piece hybrid with hot out of the wrapper performance. Generally, our players liked the feel of the bat especially in the USA and drop 5 USSSA versions. The BBCOR version was middle of the pack but still recommendable as general BBCOR differences are small.
Depending on the size you are looking for Axe’s Elite likely has a good option for you. In particular, big hitters in the USA or USSSA space will should consider the drop 5 and we’d recommend that bat for the drop 5 type looking for a balanced swing. (DeMarini’s CF or Slugger’s Select are also great in this department but swing much heavier than the Elite). BBCOR bat isn’t bad but is clearly made for hitters who want an aluminum barrel. The USSSA version are recommendable if you can find them at a good price. Generally, we think the best in the line is the drop 5’s and recommend them often.
If you’re looking for an ergonomic handle then your only option is Axe (they have the patent). So, there’s that. But, if you are looking for a two piece hybrid bat with a balanced swing you have at least a few optoins. Most notably is DeMarini’s Voodoo balanced line of bats. In BBCOR, at least for 2020, you have an Easton Fuze too. Slugger makes what is likely the most comparable in terms of sizing options in their Select line of bats. Which one is best? It really just depends on what you want out of a bat but, without a doubt, the Axe is the right choice for some—especially those looking for a more ergonomic handle.
Not a lot of changes from last year’s bat. Check out our 2017 and 2016 model review.
The Axe Elite (not to be confused with the Axe Elite One) is a two piece hybrid bat. Meaning, the handle is composite and the barrel is aluminum. As well, the bat’s knob is shaped like and Axe to help with more ergonomic swinging. Axe claims the handle increases swing speed and they have some data to back up the claim. Expect a hot out of the wrapper bat with a smooth connection piece. Barrel size is good too.
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.
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