This review dives deep into the 2018 Easton Ghost X Hyperlite USABat, a significant contender in the youth baseball bat market. Designed for younger players, this one-piece, full composite bat utilizes Easton's Exact Carbon technology, promising superior performance. We'll examine its key features, including the 2 5/8-inch barrel diameter (meeting USA Baseball standards), the drop 11 weight optimized for younger hitters, and Easton's claimed "extended barrel technology" for an enhanced sweet spot. Our analysis will go beyond manufacturer claims, providing real-world measurements of weight and barrel length to assess the bat's actual performance characteristics.This comprehensive review will reveal whether the Easton Ghost X Hyperlite lives up to its advertised capabilities. We'll scrutinize the bat's weight accuracy, the effectiveness of the extended barrel in enlarging the sweet spot, and the overall feel and performance. Ultimately, we aim to provide parents and coaches with the information needed to make an informed decision when choosing a bat for young players, weighing the benefits against potential drawbacks like sting on mishits inherent in one-piece designs.
Pros And Cons
- Features Easton's new Exact Carbon technology
- Full composite one-piece bat
- Extended barrel
- Drop 11 weight
- Available in 27 to 31 inch sizes
- Accurate weight (17.4 ounces for a 28-inch bat, close to the advertised drop 11 weight)
- 8.5 inch barrel size
- May have more sting compared to other bats (due to being a one-piece bat)
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First Impressions and Specifications
The 2018 Easton Ghost X Hyperlite USABat is a significant addition to the youth baseball bat market. Boasting Easton's new Exact Carbon technology, this one-piece, full composite bat promises impressive performance. It features a 2 5/8-inch barrel diameter, essential for meeting the USA Baseball stamp requirement for many youth leagues.
The bat's drop 11 weight makes it suitable for younger hitters. Available in sizes ranging from 27 to 31 inches, it offers versatility for different age groups and skill levels. The extended barrel is designed to enhance the sweet spot, maximizing hitting potential.
Weight and Balance Analysis
One crucial aspect of any bat is its actual weight. Manufacturers often state weights before the end cap and grip are added. We weighed the 28-inch Easton Ghost X Hyperlite, finding it to be 17.4 ounces—remarkably close to the advertised drop 11 weight of 17 ounces.
This accuracy in weight is impressive. The close-to-advertised weight suggests a high level of manufacturing precision from Easton. This ensures the bat performs as expected and helps young players get the most out of their swings.
Barrel Size and Sweet Spot
Easton promotes its 'extended barrel technology' for a larger sweet spot. Using a 2 5/8-inch diameter ring, we measured the bat's barrel. We found the usable part of the barrel to be approximately 8.5 inches.
This significant barrel length contributes to a more forgiving sweet spot, increasing the chances of solid contact even on slightly off-center hits. A larger sweet spot is particularly beneficial for younger players still developing their batting skills.
Overall Assessment and Conclusion
The 2018 Easton Ghost X Hyperlite USABat is a well-constructed bat that delivers on many of its promises. The accurate weight, substantial barrel size, and the use of Exact Carbon technology point towards a high-quality product.
While it's a one-piece bat, which might result in more sting on mishits, the extended barrel and accurate weight help mitigate this. This bat is definitely worthy of consideration for young players and parents seeking a reliable and high-performing bat for the youth baseball season.
