2020 Easton ADV 360 Review

Easton ADV -11 swing weight

Dear Bat Guy,

We recently ordered an USA Easton ADV -11 31/20 for our 2 boys. They are both 11 and normally swing a -10, one sometimes swings a -8. We have an ADV -10, but we heard so much about the -11 being so hot that we wanted to give it a try. We were a little concerned about going down in the weight from what they normally swing, so that’s why we decided to go with the 31/20, but it is too heavy for them. I really tried to do my research before buying it because I didn’t want to waste $350 on a bat and I didn’t see anything anywhere saying that it swung heavy. Also, it is supposed to be a balanced bat, but the one we got definitely feels end loaded. The 31” inch is definitely too long for both boys, but we were thinking they could just choke up on the bat…BUT it’s literally been used to hit maybe 10-15 balls in the batting cage and that’s it bc it is too heavy for them.

Even for the one that has been swinging some -8 bats. Since there are so many glowing reviews about the -11, I’m thinking maybe it’s just the size of the bat that is the issue? I could just exchange it for another size, but I’m just not sure what size to get bc I’m not sure if the bat swings heavy in general or what…if so, the 30/19 may also be too heavy for them and the 29/18 would prob be too short.

So, I’m just at a loss as to what to do.

After we got the bat and found out it was too heavy, I saw that the swing weight on your chart for the 31/20 was like 22.4, I think), so it def swings a lot heavier than I expected, but I wasn’t able to find any info on the swing weight of the 30/19 or any of the other sizes. Does the USA Easton ADV -11 swing heavy in general or is the size that we got the issue?

Rachel,

Thanks for the question. You are correct, the drop 11 ADV 360 swings like a middle of the road drop 10. As you are too familiar with now, scale weight and swing weights have very little to do with each other sometimes. It’s a major frustration in the bat world and I see no end in sight. Length changes swing weight much more than supposed stated weight.

Changing an inch down will be a considerable difference. It should change it by about 10%. So, in a perfect world, a person looking for a 29/19 in a drop 10 should really get the 29/18 in the ADV drop 11. Not, as could reasonably but incorrectly suspected, the 30/19. In other words, go with the same length, not the same stated weight.

To answer your question specifically, it would be difficult to answer without just some experimentation. But, for what it is worth, We do think the drop 11 ADV 360 does have a great barrel. Going to the 30/19 might do the trick. But, if they are struggling as much as you say, maybe even the 29/18? Sadly, the best way to know would be to just try it out and see.

Thanks for reaching out.

BBCOR for 13 year old

Dear Bat Guy,

I am looking for the best BBCOR from Demarini or LS for a 13-year-old, on the smaller side who I wouldn’t call a “power hitter”. I currently have a voucher for a warranty replacement. I was considering getting a -5 but with the COVID situation, I don’t know how much use he will be able to get out of it before having to step up so I figure we will just make the jump to BBCOR now. He was swinging a 30″ -8 CF Zen.

Jeff

Jeff,

Most USSSA kids like to transition to BBCOR and gravitate towards the CF because they had so much success with it in USSSA Ball. However, that soft connection, that works well at < 13U, really starts to lose its brilliance when balls start coming faster and swing speeds start increasing.

Although the CF in BBCOR does well in our exit speed tests, most BBCOR hitters don’t prefer it, and it quickly takes a back seat—especially to bats with more stiff connections. Of course, that isn’t everyone—some really like it and do really well with it.

As well, we realize you didn’t ask if you should be getting a CF in BBCOR. But, since you have that voucher, we just thought we’d throw that insight out there before you buy a CF in BBCOR and end up being a bit disappointed.

We believe the best transition bat for a smaller kid who liked their CF in USSSA is going to be a 2019 Rawlings Quatro, Prime, or ADV 360 from Easton. The 2020 and 2019 Meta are fantastic too, but too expensive to justify for such a short window and because the exit speeds aren’t any better (although the feel is terrific).

The ADV 360, Prime, and Quatro have about the same kind of feel like the CF in USSSA. So, if he likes that feeling and wants to keep it, those are the bats he should be aiming for. The trick is finding the bat with the right swing weight (which will be your challenge when jumping from a drop 8) and has the feel the player prefers.

That said, in the spirit of getting you on the trail of something that it’s a real steal, we’d look real close at bat like a 31/28 Easton Ghost from 2018 in BBCOR used on eBay to tide us over until he could grow into a 32 or 33 where we’d be willing to spend Meta type money (and use our voucher) on his Soph/Junior/Senior year bat.

If that voucher is burning a hole in your pocket, then we’d buy the 31″ Prime from Slugger. There is a “Bat Day” that Wilson does every October where they drop the prices of those bats. If I were you, I’d wait until then if you can and then buy it directly from Slugger’s site.

Thanks for the question, and we hope that helps at least get you on track