Is the DeMarini CF Zen Illegal?

2017 CF Zen

The CF Zen for 2017 (the blue one pictured below) is illegal in USSSA play. That is the 2 3/4 drop 10. As well, the 2017 CF Zen in a 2 5/8 with a drop 8 (that is a green/white version pictured below) is also illegal.

DeMarini made new versions of these bats that have an orange end cap and a new serial number. Those re-tooled versions of the bat are legal.

2017 DeMairni CF Zen 2 3/4 Illegal

2017 DeMarini CF Zen 2 5/8 Drop 8 Illegal

2018 CF Zen

Not Illegal (Any Longer):

Although the 2018 versions went through a spell of being banned, USSSA came to their senses. The 2018 version of the bat (the red and white one) is perfectly legal.

2019 CF Zen

Never Illegal:

The 2019 USSSA CF Zen versions of the bat are perfectly legal in all lengths and sizes. DeMarini’s 2019 CF Zens actually split their serial numbers between the shorter and longer bats. This is a method learned the hard way and works a fail-safe in the event USSSA has another seizure.

For a short while, the 2018 CF Zen (white/red) was banned by USSSA. But, after further review, it was reinstated.

Later in 2017, DeMarini re-released the above bats in retooled versions. These bats are noticeable because they have an orange cap on the end as well as an orange stamp on the barrel.

Where to buy the Banned Versions

The banned 2017 versions are very hard to come by. And expect to pay a lot.

Every so often one pops up on Amazon with a search like this. Make sure it does NOT have the orange end cap (that is the retooled one). The ratings are usually terrible because the bat has some durability issues. But, make no mistake, the banned CF Zen’s are illegal because they are earth burning hot. (They make our best youth bats ever for a reason).

Otherwise, your best bet is eBay. Try both this search and this search. These bats usually run a MASSIVE premium.

Most of the 2 5/8 drop 8’s were remade into the 2018 version of the CF Zen (the red/white one).

2017 Retooled CF Zen

We have hit with this bat in the cage and at a few different games among different players. It is definitely not the bat of old. That thing made tiny little kids look like rock stars. The retooled one is nice and performs like other bats in this age category should, but the fact it is dialed down from the old (illegal) one makes us a tiny bit disappointed. That is not to say the Retooled Zen is a bad bat. Indeed, we like it. Just note you won’t be seeing the bombs that made this bat illegal. And, to boot, the bat weighs about an ounce more than it used to.

See our full 2017 CF Zen Retooled Review

2017 CF ZEN Retooled Review Video

CF Zen Replacements

Word spreads fast on the internet. So when DeMarini’s 2 3/4 drop 10 CF Zen for 2017 was deemed illegal by USSSA on a Thursday night while we were enjoying some Spring Training games, our social media and email blew up with requests for information on what exactly that meant. Since we have now had time to get back in the saddle, much of the initial panic in the market has worn off. Still, we detail the information we have gathered about the CF Zen Illegal Article Contents

What CF Zen is Illegal

The CF Zen is the 2nd largest line of bats in the world. It comes in a number of iterations including a BBCOR, 2 5/8 and 2 1/4 in addition to the 2 3/4. Within the 2 3/4 “big barrel” section, the bat comes in a drop 10 and drop 11. Do note, the drop 11 is considered a Junior Big Barrel and only comes in short sizes.

• 2017: The 2 3/4 drop 10 Big Barrel version and the 2 5/8 Drop 8 of the CF Zen have been removed from the USSSA certification list. There are several sizes in each of these—including a CF Zero Dark Thirty that is included.

What to Do with your Illegal One?

At this point, you’ve missed the boat to exchange it. For some time Demarini offered an exchange program but that shipped has sailed.

We would suggest you sell it on eBay for a pretty penny.

Here was DeMarini’s Statement

“For the past two weeks, we have worked closely with USSSA to complete its audit of the 2017 CF Zen -10 2 ¾” and the 2017 CF Zen -8 2 5/8”. Based on complete and final audit findings and our unwavering commitment to provide players with the best, compliant bats in the game today. DeMarini has concluded its youth baseball bat BPF audit for USSSA and the following bats have been officially withdrawn from USSSA baseball play as a result of that audit.”

They then go on to give the serial numbers of the bats we listed above. You can see that full statement here.

What To do with My CF ZEN 2 3/4 Drop 10?

Easy. Sell it. For a lot of money. And then use the proceeds to fund your baseball season for a year or two.

Is DeMarini Bad?

Although the inability to produce the quality control on manufacturing to ensure bats maintain a certain degree of integrity is troublesome, the fact DeMarini made an illegal bat proves a couple of our working theories on this site.

1. Bats do have different performances. Saying the BPF and BBCOR standard ensures every bat is the same doesn’t jive with the fact that even the most notable companies in the space struggle to get it just up against the line. One bat is indeed better than another—some even too much so. They simply don’t make crappy bats illegal.
2. Aggregated player reviews are generally correct in terms of what bats are the hottest. We couldn’t even count the number of times we have been told how hot the 2 3/4 Zen was. People loved that bat despite it is the CF Zen Drop 10 2 3/4 Illegal in my league? USSSA is the governing board for the 1.15 BPF stamp. As a 2 3/4 bat, this particular version of the Zen was only available for some leagues anyway. The question you need to solve is if the USSSA stamp certification is a requirement for the league you play in. If it is, then you should not be able to use that CF Zen in your league. We would suggest you start the voucher process sooner rather than later.There are other leagues that simply don’t care what kind of bat you use, especially when you get into the leagues where this bat is appropriate, like bats for 8, 9 and 10-year-olds. But you will still need to determine if it is appropriate for a kid to be using the bat even if it is not “illegal” in the league you play. Our general advice is that $349 spent on Wilson’s website is money well spent.