2020 Louisivlle Slugger RXT Fastpitch Bat Review

Updated September 25, 2023

Our 2020 Louisville Slugger RXT Review entails three different hitter feedback on over 400 hits both live and off a tee. We measured the bats swing weight and balance points in relation to all other performance fastpitch bats for 2020 and 2019. We took video and recorded some directly player feedback. In short, the RXT is a two piece composite built with a large barrel, stiffer connection than the LXT and a middle of the road swing weight. It replaces the PXT in the 2020 Slugger offering but is more like a stiffer connection in the balanced LXT than it is an upgrade of the heavy swinging PXT.

Price Check

2020 RXT Video

2020 RXT Models

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.

General Recommendations

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.

Reviews By Model

Previous Bats

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.

Construction

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.

HVR-1 Technology in the barrel construction of the RXT is in reference to the inner workings of the barrel. Like the LXT, the 2020 RXT has a foam insert inside. It does not travel the length of the barrel like the LXTs but, instead, sits towards the connection piece. This hovering piece (HVR = hover) gives the bat a balanced feel while maintaining a barrel that performs along its length.
Springload Connection System is the new connective process found inside the RXT. It is a change from the VCX connection system you'll find in the LXT. The SCS system is built for a little more stiffness like the IST connection you'll find in the Xeno. Our hitters found the RXT to be in between the stiffness of the Xeno and the LXT.
Balanced Swing Weight is not a Slugger marketing term, per say. But, it is where the RXT sits. The average swing weight of all the 2020 performance fastpitch bats we tested was 5800. The RXT's swing weight (aka MOI) was 5650. So, basically, within 2% of the middle of the road swing weight.
COPA Performance End Cap is the end cap used for the RXT. There does not appear to be anything particular special in the end cap over other end caps other than the fact it's built specifically for the RXT's barrel and HVR-1 design. End caps matter a lot when it comes to barrel compression allowance and swing weight. We trust Slugger got the right on on there and they are welcome to call it whatever they want.
LS Pro Comfort Grip is Slugger's take on premium grip. You may have noticed, unlike in years past, that Slugger is not using Lizard Skin on their grips for 2020. Rawlings appears to have won that bidding war. In any event, Slugger's grips are good and our players liked them.