The Rawlings 2024 CLOUT AI BBCOR bat is making waves in the baseball world, offering top-tier performance at a surprisingly affordable price. This in-depth review delves into the bat's design, performance characteristics, and overall value, comparing it to higher-priced competitors like the Rawlings Icon and L.S. Atlas. We'll explore whether this budget-friendly option truly holds its own against established market leaders, examining its power, control, and feel to determine if it's a worthy investment for players of all skill levels.This review analyzes the CLOUT AI's performance in real-world testing, focusing on metrics like exit velocity and distance. We'll discuss its unique features, including a thin handle similar to the Rawlings Icon, and assess the impact on swing feel and control. Ultimately, we aim to determine whether the Rawlings CLOUT AI delivers on its promise of exceptional performance without the premium price tag, helping you decide if it's the right bat for your game.
Pros And Cons
- Good exit velocity
- Similar design to Rawlings Mack AI
- Unreasonably whippy for a one-piece alloy
- Easy swing
- Good barrel control
- High exit velocity (up to 109 mph)
- Good value at $250
- Bangs well
- Thin handle (may require additional grip)
- Slightly less consistent than Atlas bat
- Barrel may get away from you a little bit
- Slightly stiff
Read more: Top 5 Best BBCOR Baseball Bats in 2024
First Impressions and Design
The Rawlings 2024 CLOUT AI BBCOR bat boasts a design similar to the Rawlings Mack AI, featuring a striking teal colorway. The one-piece alloy construction is visually appealing, and the bat feels well-balanced in hand. A notable feature is the thin handle, reminiscent of the Rawlings Icon, which some hitters will appreciate for enhanced barrel control, while others might find it a bit too slender. Adding a half-millimeter grip easily addresses this, improving comfort and feel.
The unloaded version, as reviewed here, promises exceptional performance at a surprisingly low price point. Initial swings suggest a surprisingly whippy feel for a one-piece alloy, exceeding expectations. This contributes significantly to both power and bat speed, making it appealing for a broader range of hitters.
Performance on the Field: Speed and Distance
Testing the CLOUT AI against college-level baseballs reveals impressive results. Early hits displayed exceptional distance and exit velocities, consistently exceeding 100 mph. This power translates into impressive home runs, even at higher elevations. The reviewer notes the bat's exceptional barrel control and whippy feel, emphasizing its ability to consistently generate solid contact and maximizing power.
Comparison with higher-priced bats like the Rawlings Icon and the L.S. Atlas shows the CLOUT AI holding its own. While the Icon boasts superior swing weight, and the Atlas's control and feedback are noticeably improved, the CLOUT AI's performance is remarkably close, especially considering its significantly lower price.
Comparison with Higher-Priced Competitors
The Rawlings CLOUT AI is compared directly to the more expensive Rawlings Icon and L.S. Atlas bats. While the Icon and Atlas offer slightly superior swing weight and feel, the CLOUT AI’s performance comes remarkably close in terms of exit velocity and distance, especially considering its significantly lower price. This makes it a compelling alternative for budget-conscious players.
The reviewer emphasizes that even with a thinner handle and slightly stiffer feel than the Atlas, the Rawlings CLOUT AI consistently delivers powerful and accurate hits. The added grip helps to improve the thinner handle, making it much more comfortable. The slight stiffness also creates impressive power and bat speed.
Conclusion and Final Verdict
The Rawlings 2024 CLOUT AI BBCOR bat emerges as a strong contender, offering exceptional performance at a significantly lower price point than top competitors like the Rawlings Icon and L.S. Atlas. While the more expensive bats might offer slightly improved swing weight and feel, the CLOUT AI's performance is remarkably similar, making it an outstanding value for the money.
Overall, the Rawlings CLOUT AI is a top-performing bat in its price range. It's easy to recommend, especially for players looking for maximum performance without breaking the bank. However, players who value refined swing weight and subtle feedback from the barrel might consider saving up for a higher-end model. The relatively thinner handle and slightly stiffer feel are the main drawbacks, but easily manageable with grip additions.
