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By Bat Digest | Last Updated December 7, 2020
The 2021 Louisville Slugger META PWR is the end-loaded version of the 2021 Meta. Our swing weight measurement showed it 5% to 10% heavier—a noticeable difference—compared to its non-end-loaded counterpart. In terms of pure performance, the bat performs and any upper-end BBCOR bat on the planet. It sounds different from the 2020 model due to an added piece on the barrel inside, but the feel and connection pieces are the same.
$499.95
Original Price
Certification: BBCOR
Sizes: 32/29, 33/30
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 3
Swing Weight: End Loaded (More than 10% Above Class Average)
Serial Number: WBL2465010
Original Price: $499.95
Release Month: August 2020
Related: Best BBCOR Bats
2021 Louisville Slugger Meta PWR BBCOR
$499.95
Original Price
Meta PWR BBCOR Drop 3
The 2021 Louisville Slugger Meta PWR is the Meta PWR with an extreme end load. The bat's MOI (swing weight) is in the top 10% of the industry for the given length. It's built for the big hitter who wants more mass in their two-piece composite. As such, the 31 and 32-inch don't make much sense to us. Those who want a 31 and 32-inch PWR should get an inch longer in the non-PWR version. The 31 and 34 are were not available at the bats' release, but we are told they will eventually be available.
Certification: BBCOR
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Sizes: 32/29, 33/30
Barrel Size: 2 5/8
Drop: 3
Swing Weight: End Loaded (More than 10% Above Class Average)
Serial Number: WBL2465010
Release Month: August 2020
Related: Best BBCOR Bats
Our hitters liked the big barrel, end load, and fantastic feel of the 2021 Louisville Slugger META PWR. However, it’s not a bat for everyone. The end load makes it one of the heavier swinging bats of 2021. It’s only built for big hitters. But, it turns out, most big hitters prefer the stiffer feel and hot out of the wrapper of single-piece aluminum or alloy bats. As such, although the Meta PWR can perform with the best of them, it sits atop an empty category all by itself.
Our hitters liked the big barrel, end load, and fantastic feel of the 2021 Louisville Slugger META PWR. However, it’s not a bat for everyone. The end load makes it one of the heavier swinging bats of 2021. It’s only built for big hitters. But, it turns out, most big hitters prefer the stiffer feel and hot out of the wrapper of single-piece aluminum or alloy bats. As such, although the Meta PWR can perform with the best of them, it sits atop an empty category all by itself.
This comprises our 2020 Louisville Slugger Select and 2020 Louisville Slugger Select PWR review. The former (no “PWR”) is a balanced swinging drop 10 and 8 USA hybrid bat as well as a VERY end loaded drop 5. The later (with the “PWR”) is a BBCOR version of the bat that is the next generation of the end loaded 719 Select. Both bats, the Slugger Select and Slugger Select PWR, comprise Sluggers’ 2020 two piece hybrid line. We hit both bats for this review, compared exit speeds and swing weights to previous years and write this 2020 Louisville Slugger Select Review.
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.
Compared to the 2020 Slugger META PWR, it is mostly the same. They did, however, and more volume to the ring inside the barrel. This helps it pass the certification tests. Based on our exit speed results, the bat performs as well as last year’s model.
However, that change on the inside of the barrel does make the bat sound different. As we’ve mentioned previously, the sound is an important factor in the perception of a bat’s performance. So far, that change in sound has convinced many the 2021 META does not perform as well as the 2020 META. However, our data shows that isn’t the case. But, perception in bat performance is a compelling thing.
In other words, expect the same performance but a different sound when compared to the 2020 Louisville Slugger META PWR.
We've hit with the 2021 Louisville Slugger Meta over 1,000 times. Compared to the 2020 version, there are very few changes. However, the sound of the bat, due to a new end cap, as well as a minor barrel restructuring gives it a different sound. No bat is anticipated, much like the 2021 Louisville Slugger Meta. Expect a USSSA meta in a drop 10, 8, and 5 in October of 2020. In June of 2020, Slugger releases the 33" version of the 2021 Meta. This is mainly meant to replace the 2020 33" which was made illegal. Expect to see the remaining sizes of the Meta in October, when Slugger releases the bulk of their BBCOR bats. You can check Slugger's 2021 Meta page here for available sizing.
The 2021 Louisville Slugger META PWR is the end-loaded version of the 2021 Meta. Our swing weight measurement showed it 5% to 10% heavier---a noticeable difference---compared to its non-end-loaded counterpart. In terms of pure performance, the bat performs and any upper-end BBCOR bat on the planet. It sounds different from the 2020 model due to an added piece on the barrel inside, but the feel and connection pieces are the same.
The 2021 Slugger Meta PWR is built for big hitters that prefer two-piece composite bats over single-piece aluminum or hybrid bats. That niche of players isn’t large as most big hitters like the stiffer feel of an aluminum bat and don’t want to worry about working a bat in. Despite the Meta PWR delivering top-end exit speeds and a great feel on hits and mishits, we don’t see the type of player the bat will attract.
Big hitters want end loaded bats, and the META PWR is definitely an endloaded bat. However, most big hitters like stiffer feels and aluminum barrels, something the META doesn't offer. Unfortunately, we think too many younger hitters that need a more balanced bat will go after the PWR version thinking it will improve their power. That isn't the case. In other words, it isn't that the Meta PWR isn't a good bat. It's just that we don't think there are many players out there who think it's the right bat for them.
Price CheckThe 2021 META is a two-piece composite bat built with an endloaded feel. The connection piece is reasonably stiff, but not as stiff as a single piece bat or other big-hitting hybrid bats like The Goods.
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