Disclaimer: This site uses affiliate links. Learn More.
By Bat Digest
Updated September 25, 2023
Our hitters thought the RXT is "way" lighter than the PXT from 2019. They also felt the difference in the connection when compared directly to the CF from DeMarini and LXT from Slugger. Our experience is that stiffer connection often makes it feel worse in cage work so we expect the RXT's general reviews to be less than stellar. But, in terms of actual exit speeds, our data showed the RXT performed just as well as any fastpitch bat in the 2020 market.
As far as recommending the 2020 Louisiville Slugger RXT, it should work well for the serious fastpitch player who wants more stiffness in their balanced swinging bat---but not necessarily the same sort of stiffness as a Slugger Xeno. Although many like the smooth smash afforded by the softer connection of a bat like the Slugger LXT, the 2020 Slugger RXT gives more power transfer to the ball at the direct expense of feeling it in your hands more. As such, we recommend the 2020 RXT for players that want a stiff bat in a balanced fastpitch bat with a big barrel like the LXT. As well, it only comes in a drop 10. So, we would not sacrifice the right size for the RXT. Meaning, if you're a drop 9 or drop 11 hitter, for example, then take the RXT off your list.
There was no 2019 RXT. There was, however, a short lived PXT. That 2019 PXT was not very well received. The barrel size and stiffer feel were good but the heavy swing weight was an issue for most. Although some might consider the PXT as the previous version of the RXT we don't. Granted, it was a ring free barrel with an otherwise similar name. But, in terms of how it feels in the cage and initial player feedback we think it more reasonable to think of the RXT as a break from the LXT with a stiffer connection than the next generation of the PXT.
Like all fastpitch companies, DeMarini uses some marketing jargon to describe the construction of their bat. We take you through each one of those bullet points you can find on the 'specs' of most product pages for the 2020 RXT. The marketing terms are in bold below.