The 2018 DeMarini CF Insane BBCOR bat is a powerhouse designed for serious power hitters. This review dives deep into its performance, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it's the right tool for your swing. We'll examine its striking design, analyze its construction and performance characteristics, and discuss its suitability for various batting styles. Ultimately, we'll help you decide if the CF Insane's hefty price tag is justified by its exceptional power and innovative features.This in-depth review covers key aspects, including the bat's size and weight distribution, its unique composite material construction claimed to enhance strength and power, and its impressive vibration dampening technology. We'll discuss the bat's end-loaded feel and how it impacts swing mechanics, and consider whether its power-focused design is a benefit or drawback depending on your individual hitting style and preferences. Prepare to discover if the DeMarini CF Insane lives up to its reputation and whether it's the "power hitter's dream" it's often touted to be.
Pros And Cons
- Best end-loaded bat of the year
- BBCOR approved for high school and college
- Comes in four sizes (31-34 inches)
- Standard drop -3 ratio
- 2 5/8 inch diameter barrel
- Composite bat with stronger flex material (22% stronger)
- Precise weight distribution
- Humongous flex and massive pop
- Reduced vibration and comfort when hitting outside the sweet spot
- Well-designed handle reduces vibration
- May not look as good as its reputation suggests
- Designed for power hitters, not leadoff or spot hitters
- High price
Read more: Top 5 Best BBCOR Baseball Bats in 2024
Design and Aesthetics
The 2018 DeMarini CF Insane boasts a visually appealing design, though opinions may vary. While some might find its looks underwhelming compared to its reputation, I personally appreciate its aesthetic appeal. The bat's performance, however, undeniably overshadows any subjective opinions on its visual aspects.
The sleek design is coupled with a high-performing bat. This is more than enough for most baseball players looking for serious performance.
Performance and Features
This BBCOR-approved bat is available in four sizes (31-34 inches) with a standard -3 drop weight. Its 2 5/8-inch barrel diameter is a standard feature among high-performance bats.
Utilizing a unique composite material, it's reported to be up to 22% stronger than other composite materials. This superior material contributes to the bat's exceptional flex and power, resulting in a massive pop on contact.
Swing Weight and Target User
The DeMarini CF Insane is explicitly designed for power hitters. Its weight distribution is heavily end-loaded, making it less suitable for contact hitters or leadoff batters. The swing feels more like wielding a hammer than a lighter bat.
The significant weight in the barrel emphasizes power over bat speed. Therefore, it's important to consider your own hitting style before purchasing this bat.
Vibration Reduction and Sweet Spot
One standout feature is its impressive vibration dampening. The bat effectively minimizes vibrations even on off-center hits. The well-designed handle further reduces the transmission of vibration energy, enhancing comfort and control.
Despite the enhanced vibration dampening, consistently hitting the sweet spot will always yield optimal results. This bat minimizes the negative effects of outside-sweet spot contact.
Overall Conclusion and Verdict
The DeMarini CF Insane is a powerful bat capable of delivering excellent performance throughout the season. However, its high price point might be a deterrent for some. The bat's exceptional power and vibration reduction make it worthwhile for serious power hitters, but it's crucial to assess your own hitting style to determine if it's the right fit.
While it is a high-performance bat, the hefty price tag should be considered alongside personal budget. Ultimately, whether this bat's considerable power and performance justify the expense is a personal decision based on individual needs and preferences.
