This review pits two powerhouse USSSA baseball bats against each other: the DeMarini ZOA and the DeMarini CF. Both are designed for maximum power, but cater to slightly different player preferences. The CF, a long-standing favorite, is known for its substantial sweet spot and powerful performance, while the newer ZOA boasts continuous fiber barrel technology promising an even larger sweet spot and a stiffer connection for enhanced power. This comparison delves into the key differences between these two bats, exploring their performance characteristics and suitability for various player types.To provide a comprehensive analysis, we tested both bats in drop 8 and drop 5 sizes, incorporating feedback from both a young, experienced hitter and adult reviewers. Our evaluation includes subjective assessments of swing feel, sound, and bat speed, complemented by objective exit velocity testing conducted at a professional facility. The results offer a detailed comparison, helping you decide which bat – the classic CF or the innovative ZOA – best suits your swing and power-hitting goals.
Pros And Cons
- Giant sweet spot
- Hits absolute tanks
- More feedback on top hand
- Heavier
- More unloaded
- Takes longer to break in
- Sounds stiffer
- Easier to swing
- Better sweet spot
- Sounds better (red hot out of the wrapper)
- Quicker bat speed
- More barrel feel
- Lighter swinging than the CF
- Huge barrel
- Very easy to find the sweet spot
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Initial Impressions and Bat Overview
Both the 2022 DeMarini ZOA and CF are USSSA baseball bats designed for power hitting. The CF is a tried-and-true fan favorite, known for its large sweet spot and powerful performance. The ZOA, a newer model, is a two-piece composite bat touted as a potential CF replacement, featuring continuous fiber barrel technology for an extended sweet spot and a stiffer connection.
The ZOA's marketing emphasizes improved sweet spot size and power compared to its predecessor, the BB Core version. Initial impressions suggested the ZOA might be lighter and easier to swing than the CF, making it more versatile for players of different skill levels. However, the CF was considered more end-loaded and better for pure power hitting.
The video showcases both bats in drop 8 (32-24) and drop 5 (33-28) sizes. This allows for a comprehensive comparison based on different player preferences and skill levels. Both bats were thoroughly broken in before testing to ensure accurate feedback.
Youth Player Perspective: Drop 8 Bat Test
A 12-year-old, seventh-grade baseball player with experience hitting home runs, tested the drop 8 (32-24) versions of both bats. His current gamer was the DeMarini CF. The young player's feedback provided valuable insights from a youth player's perspective, offering a contrast to adult opinions.
He found the ZOA to have noticeably faster bat speed and a better sound, attributing this to improved performance. The ZOA's lighter weight and broader sweet spot likely contributed to his positive experience. He impressively hit some of his furthest balls using the ZOA.
Interestingly, the youth player ranked the CF last among the three bats tested (ZOA, CF, and Cat 9 composite), highlighting its heavier weight and slightly less satisfying feedback. This clearly emphasizes the importance of considering bat weight and feel, especially for younger players.
Adult Player Perspective: Drop 5 Bat Test & Exit Velocity Comparison
The adult reviewers then used the drop 5 (33-28) versions of the ZOA and CF, giving their insights and performing an exit velocity test. The reviewers found the CF to be significantly stiffer and take much longer to break-in compared to the ZOA, which performed exceptionally well right out of the wrapper.
The exit velocity testing at a professional facility revealed that the ZOA slightly outperformed the CF, showcasing only a marginal difference in overall performance. Both bats demonstrated impressive exit velocities, consistently over 100 mph, and produced powerful hits.
The adult reviewers concluded that while the difference between the ZOA and CF was minimal, the ZOA had a slight edge in overall performance and feel. The ZOA’s lighter weight and slightly larger sweet spot offered a more manageable and powerful swing for the adult players as well.
Overall Conclusion and Recommendations
Both the DeMarini ZOA and CF are exceptional USSSA bats for power hitters. The youth player strongly preferred the ZOA due to its lighter weight and easier swing, while the adult reviewers found the ZOA slightly better than the CF. The ZOA's continuous fiber barrel technology seemed to deliver on its promise of extended sweet spot and power.
Ultimately, the choice between the ZOA and CF comes down to personal preference and playing style. The CF is a classic, powerful bat ideal for players who prioritize a heavy, end-loaded swing. The ZOA offers a similar power profile with a lighter, more manageable swing, potentially making it a better choice for a broader range of players.
While both bats are top contenders, the ZOA’s slightly higher exit velocity and better feel give it a small advantage. If you're looking for a powerful, easy-to-swing bat with excellent performance right out of the wrapper, the ZOA is a strong contender. The slight performance differences are not enough to make the CF obsolete, however.