2017 Louisville Slugger Xeno Plus Fastpitch Review

Updated September 25, 2023

We spent over 3 hours in our cage comparing the 2017 Louisville Slugger Xeno PLUS Fastpitch softball bat (Ebay, Amazon) to other similar designs in the market. While the 2017 models of performance fastpitch bats are still rolling out we are confident the 2017 Xeno Plus Fastpitch sits among the best in this year's class.

Price Check

2017 Xeno Video

2017 Xeno Models

It was equally preferred among the best fastpitch bats we've seen since we began reviewing bats in 2013. We'd recommend the 2017 Xeno Plus to those who want top shelf performance at all pitch speeds, are not too concerned with budget, prefer an over-sized barrel (who doesn't?) and want (or need) a light swinging (read: balanced) bat.

General Recommendations

Slugger claims the 2017 Xeno, and its sister LXT Hyper, fast pitch bat are the #1 fastpitch bats in the market in terms of usage, player preference, collegiate uptake and performance. It's not hard to make case that any of those are true. In fact, we submit the Xeno is at least tied for the #1 bat in the market in terms of usage, player preference, collegiate uptake and performance. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend the 2017 Xeno Plus to any serious player looking for what could be the best stick in all of fast pitch softball. If they are looking for a large barrel, great performance right out of the wrapper, considerable sting dampening (and aren't too concerned about budget as this is a top shelf bat) then we are sure they could find happiness in aÂwell fitted and right sizedÂ 2017 Xeno Plus no matter where they find themselves in the line up.

Reviews By Model

Previous Bats

The 2017 XENO (pronounced, by the way, Zee-No) has a stiffer transition point than the 2016 version. In theory, a stiffer transition will give hitters better feel through contact (read: more hand sting on mishits) as well as more power when the ball is squared up nicely. We buy the more hand sting on a stiffer bat, but we aren't quite convinced a stiffer feel actually delivers more power---especially considering most hitters don't generate the type of bat speed required for maximum performance anyways. Regardless, the 2017 Xeno does indeed have a stiffer transition. The only other differences from 2016 to 2017 is the color up. If you want to see how the 2016 differed from the 2015 (and there were several changes) see our 2016 XENO Plus Fast-pitch review.

Construction

The 2017 Xeno Plus, like the Xeno bats before it, is a performance two-piece composite fast pitch softball bat with a balance point built towards the hands for a lighter feeling swing. The bat is developed with an advanced transition between barrel and handle that keeps a smooth feel on contact yet a stiff enough feel for solid hitting at all levels of pitch speed. The Xeno's extra long barrel is double-walled. The outer wall performs at max flex straight out of the wrapper. This means the bat has no warm up period. The inner barrel gives the bat added durability and ensures it stays legal when used by those with a very fast bat speed and/or those who see very fast pitching. The bat, of course, is legal in 1.20 USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA and ISF fast-pitch leagues.