2017 DeMarini CF9 Review | Baseball and Fastpitch Updates

DeMarini Baseball did not release a CF9 in baseball for the 2017 season. Instead, the marquee baseball brand will take the CF series and split it into two different bats. They are: (1) an end-loaded two-piece composite (called the CF Insane) and (2) a balanced two-piece composite (called the CF Zen).

DeMarini will keep the CF series in the traditional numbering system in fastpitch. There will be 7 different 2017 DeMarini CF9s in fastpitch. Jump to the DeMarini CF9 Fastpitch Section

Baseball Update: CF Insane and CF Zen Overview

The 2017 CF Insane is a new iteration to DeMarini’s line in baseball. The bat, to put it simply, is an end-loaded version of the CF8. There are upgrades in addition to that which are covered in the more comprehensive review on the Insane. (Amazon Price Check)

The 2017 CF Zen is the most direct “next generation” of the 2016 CF8 and 2015 CF7. Like those previous iterations, the CF Zen is a lighter swinging two-piece composite built with the everyday hitter in mind. It has a total usable barrel and an upgraded composite compared to last year (DeMarini’s claim). We discuss this more in our full review. (eBay Search Price Check)

DeMarini CF9 Fastpitch Overview

Like last year, there are seven different DeMarini CF9 Fastpitch bats for 2017. Four are drop 10s, and the other three are drop 8, drop 9 and drop 11. Here is an overview:

DeMarini CF9 Fastpitch Drop 10s

The most popular CF9 in the 2017 lineup is the Balanced fast pitch Drop 10. Most fastpitch players will prefer this middle-of-the-road swing weight and considerably poppy bats. The bat has a balanced swing and a large barrel and greatly minimizes hand sting on mishits.

The HOPE CF9 fastpitch bat is the same as the balanced CF9 with the apparent exception of the colorway change. The proceeds from this bat also help support DeMarini’s partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The CF9 comes in an endloaded version called the DeMarini CF9 Insane. Although the total weight of the bat is the same as the other drop 10s, the weight distribution is more towards the end cap. This change of balance point increases the swing weight (often referred to as MOI). As you can guess, the bat is more difficult to swing when the swing weight grows. However, if the additional swing weight doesn’t affect the player’s bat speed, more power can be transferred to the ball. In other words, stronger players who aren’t ready for drop 9 or drop 8 should consider the CF9 Insane.

Last but not least, in the 2017 DeMarini CF9 fastpitch lineup is the drop 10 slapper. Left-handed players who make a living on first base will appreciate the 2017 DeMarini CF9 fastpitch stick. The bat has a long 14-inch barrel, opposite taped grip, and a balance point very close to the hands for easy control, all features lefty slappers will love.

CF9 Fastpitch Drop 8, 9 and 11

Elite high school and collegiate players tend to the drop 8 CF9. Primarily because the most legal length to weight ratio is met in this beast, and DeMarini designs it with that in mind. Those who can swing this monster should swing this monster. Additionally, upgraded composite features, found on all the CF9 bats this year, are also on the drop 8.

Heavy-hitting high school players will appreciate this 2017 CF9 Drop 9. While not as end loaded as the drop eight above, the Drop 9 is perfect for a player who needs more power than a drop 10 endload could give them but is not quite ready for the drop 8. It has a long, usable barrel with a smooth feel at contact.

The drop 11 2017 CF9 fastpitch bat is the lightest swinging CF9 DeMarini makes. Little league players who need as much bat speed and control as possible will appreciate this bat. The bat lacks some punch, but when the plan is to get the ball in play, the lights swinging stick is the right fit. The same performance composition, including the upgraded composite found in 2017 CF bats, is also on the drop 11.