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By Bat Digest | Last Updated May 18, 2023
The 2023 LXT LTD is the same as the 2022 LXT but with a new color design. A Limited bat (LTD) generally means there will also be limited distribution. At our first review, this bat is only found directly on Slugger’s website. All in all, the bat is great, and always has been. If you want a trusty bat that is likely Slugger’s best fastpitch bat in the last 20 years, then the 2023 Slugger LXT is it.
Our hitters loved the feel and sizing options of the 2023 Louisville Slugger LXT. We liked the durability and history of success—especially when compared to the Easton Ghost Advanced—which also hits the ball hard but has a lousy history of durability. The players like the feel and look of the bat too. If you need a drop 8 or 9 then you’ll need to stick with the 2022 version. This Limited version is only in the drop 10 and 11.
If you want a drop of 10 or 11 bats, then the LXT is a great stick. It swings light, has a great barrel, and can hit it with the best of them. As a rule, a bat like the Easton Ghost hits the ball really really hard at all swings and speeds. It is also not as durable as the LXT. So, if you want a bat that will last and can get you in the same ballpark as the Easton Ghost, the most popular fastpitch around, then the LXT LTD for 2023 is a great pick.
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Every bat wants to be like the LXT. DeMarini’s CF, Mizuno’s PWR CRBN, and Marucci’s Echo Connect area are all trying to take away market share. The Easton Ghost Advanced has more of an end-load than the LXT (which is why some think it has better exit speeds). But, in the end, the top-end fastpitch market has all coalesced around the idea of a lighter swinging, big barrel fastpitch bat with a semi-flexible handle and a great feel. The 2023 LXT is the epitome of a good fastpitch bat.
There are no changes between the 2022 LXT and 2023 LXT LTD, except for the color (and model number). They have the same grip, barrel, same “PBF Technology” and “COPA” end cap. (PBF Tech and COPA are marketing terms that mean something or another).
Here’s our best ChatGPT level marketing write-up for the 2023 LXT LTD.
The 2023 Louisville Slugger LXT LTD (-10) Fastpitch bat is meticulously crafted with a composite barrel, boasting a 2 1/4″ diameter that offers a large and responsive sweet spot. Its light swing weight and balanced feel suit players aiming to utilize the entire field. The bat is equipped with the VCX2™ Vibration Control Connection System, a patented elastomeric connection that allows independent movement between the barrel and handle, ensuring excellent vibration control and unmatched feel on contact. The Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip™ enhances tack and cushion for improved feel and bat control. At the same time, the PBF Technology™ Speed Composite Barrel delivers a larger sweet spot, higher performance, and an incredible sound on contact. Finally, the COPA™ Performance End Cap works harmoniously with the barrel to maximize the sweet spot for optimal performance.
The overall rating uses seven different weighted metrics to determine our overall score. Half of total rating comes from the player and our exit speed tests (Player Rating: 25%, Performance: 25%).The other categories are Relevance (20%), Demand (10%), Durability (10%), Resell Score (5%), and Tech Specs (5%).
*: When a bat is denoted by a star (*) it is a preliminary rating. Expect it to be updated as we learn more about the bat and gather more data.
(PlaRa) Player Rating: We measure player rating from user reviews. Those users include our own hitters that we test at the lab as well as reviews we find online.
(ExVe) Performance: Performance measures the exit speeds and distances we capture in our hitting lab with HitTrax using these bats.
(Relv) Relevance: We measure the number of sizes and the MOI of the bat. Bats with a wider range of options get a better score.
(Dmnd) Demand: Demand is measured by consumer sentiment and the buzz around the bat.
(Drb) Durability: A bat’s durability is measured by user reviews as well as feedback from manufacturers.
(ReSl) Resell Score: Based on the price the bats go for used. Higher prices mean greater user demand which means, generally, a better bat. A resell value closer to its original price means a higher score.
(Tech) Tech Specs: We rate the bat on its technological advancements from previous years and compared to the industry at large. This is our chance to reward companies who are trying to innovate.
MOI
MOI or Mass Moment of Inertia is a measurement of bat swing weight. This quantifies how difficult it is to swing a bat. The industry often refers to this as things like End Load or Balanced but those words have been overused to the point of meaninglessness. We measure the actual swing weights of each bat we test using the industry-standard pendulum period, balance point, and scale weight. You can read more about that here.
Price
The price is the original MSRP price of the bat.
Type
The types of bats are single-piece alloy (SPA), two-piece composite (TPC), single-piece composite (SPC), hybrid (Hyb.), and wood (Wood). Hybrid bats are made of composite handles and alloy barrles.
Date
The estimated date the bat began distribution.