2021 Louisville Slugger Xeno Fastpitch Review

Updated September 25, 2023

The 2021 Louisville Slugger Xeno is a two-piece composite bat with a good-sized barrel and a mostly balanced swing weight. Its differentiating feature is the stiffness of the connection, while all other two-piece composite bats in the performance fastpitch space have a flexible connection. If you want a stiffer connection between your barrel and handle on your fastpitch bat, then the Xeno is where you should look.

Price Check

2021 Xeno Video

2021 Xeno Models

We like the drop 8 and 9 Xeno as some of our favorite power-hitting bats on the market. Big hitters might appreciate the loaded feel and the stiff connection. Smaller hitters who want a lighter swinging bat but a rigid connection should like the Xeno. But, to be sure, most more minor hitters who want bat speed and a soft swing aren't in the mood for a stiff bat. Instead, they tend more towards a bat like the Slugger LXT or Easton Ghost with a more flexible connection.

The bat was initially made available only directly on Slugger.com's site. However, some models were since released to a few select dealers.

General Recommendations

Our recommendation is for the Xeno drop 8 and 9 to be in the bag of most heavy hitters who want a stiff connection or, at least, a different feeling bat than their drop 8 Easton Ghost Advanced or Rawlings Mantra. If you wish to drop 10 or 11, we think you'll appreciate the bat's durability and the more endloaded feel.

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Previous Bats

There are no considerable changes in the 2021 Louisville Slugger Xeno when compared to the 2020 version of the bat.

Construction

The 2021 Louisville Slugger Xeno is a two-piece composite bat built with foam and ring technology that helps slow impacts perform at peak levels while allowing the bat to pass the certification test. The bat has not changed much over the years, which is a good thing.

Marketing Writeup

(From Louisville Slugger's Writeup)

Inspired by and designed for elite talent that prefers a stiff feel through the zone, the 2021 Louisville Slugger Xeno continues to set the bar for performance.

Our two-piece IST Technology gives you a stiffer connection and a more solid feel on contact, while the Dual-Disc S1ID Performance Composite Barrel means minimal break-in time and ultimate performance right out of the wrapper. The new X-CAP End Cap features ultra-lightweight materials that make this bat easier than ever to get through the zone.

New for the 2021 model, this bat is available exclusively to fastpitch players on Slugger.com.

Play with passion, play to win and play like the world is watching. Play with Louisville Slugger.

BARREL: Performance Composite Design with patented dual disk - S1IDTM Barrel Technology that provides the ultimate performance right out of the wrapper.
CONSTRUCTION: Two-piece design featuring our exclusive ISTTM Technology – a stiffer connection with a more solid feel on contact.
SWING WEIGHT: Balanced swing weight that is perfect for all player types.
END CAP: NEW Ultra-lightweight X-Cap™ design for improved speed and control at the plate.
GRIP: NEW Standard Fastpitch grip with improved cushion.

WARNING: Most bats are made to standards of governing bodies, including any certifications shown on this bat. Still, a hitter can generate batted ball speeds that present a risk of serious injury or death to fielders, nearby players, coaches, umpires, and spectators. Be alert and aware of all batters, and use appropriate protective equipment at all times, on a baseball or softball field or near a batter.

Manufacturing tolerances, performance considerations, and grip weight may cause variations from the listed weight/Mass Index.