The Verdict: 4.6/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
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30" 27 oz. - Check Price |
31" 28 oz. - Check Price |
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33" 30 oz. - Check Price |
34" 31 oz. - Check Price |
As a baseball player these days, it’s great that you have a lot of options when it comes to picking a baseball bat. Not only that but one you can use reliably.
There have been lots of innovations to bat manufacturing technology, so you get a lot of zing with every swing.
What’s annoying is that the best ones are often the most expensive.
Features of the 2016 Easton Z-CORE HMX BBCOR
Easton is actually one of the driving forces in bat technological innovations.
They produced their first aluminum bat as early as 1969. And since then they’ve been at the forefront of bat hi-tech.
The industry firsts which were introduced by Easton baseball include the first bats made from alloys and metals such as CU31, C405, titanium, Carbon Core, and Scandium.
Easton bats can also be very expensive, and some of their flagship models can cost up to $500.
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It features a -3 length to weight differential. This is a standard length (in inches) to weight (in ounces) differential for adults. It offers a greater heft and power to the swing.
As an adult, it’s assumed that you have the muscle and strength needed for a -3 2016 Easton Z-CORE BBCOR bat, which ranges from 30 inches (27 ounces) to 34 inches (31 ounces).
So if you want a 30-inch bat, then the 27 ounces is better for you as an adult than a -9 bat that offers only 21 ounces in weight.
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It is BBCOR-certified for use in high school and collegiate play. It also measures 2 5/8 inches for the bat diameter and 31/32 of an inch for the tapered handle.
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The bat offers the traditional 1-piece design that has been in use for decades. This design has proven very effective in maximizing the energy transfer when you make contact with the baseball. It also gives you that very familiar feel.
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What makes it different from the earlier generations of 1-piece construction bats is the use of the Z-CORE Technology. This technology expands the size of the sweet spot considerably.
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It also offers the ultra-new HMX (Hyperlite Matrix Alloy) material for the barrel. This is an alloy that is ready to perform right out of the box. Unlike composite materials which need about 100 to 150 swings of soft toss while you rotate the barrel.
It even gives off that classic “ping” sound when you make contact, which is actually very satisfying to hear.
At the same time, it doesn’t have the traditional lack of durability in alloy bats. It doesn’t dent or dull over time as quickly as other alloy bats.
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Unlike traditional bats which make you feel like you’re wielding a mace or a mallet, the barrel weight design is more balanced instead of top-heavy.
The swing weight index is much lower, which enables you to achieve a faster swing speed for your bat.
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It also comes with the modern HYPERSKIN grip which measures 1.2 mm.
This is a textured grip that offers greater security when you hold the bat, and it’s also soft enough to cushion your hand as you swing and make contact.
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The dark gray and neon skin look gives an impression of hi-tech speed and control. It seems light-hearted and fun, while it also makes you feel more confident at the plate.
Is It Certified For My League?
What Materials Make This Bat Great?
In the picture: 2016 Easton Z-Core HMX
Benefits of the 2016 Easton Z-Core HMX BBCOR
The typical 2016 EASTON Z-CORE BBCOR review will probably mention the great price of this bat, given that so many of its competitors have become so expensive in recent years.
Yet in general, this doesn’t mean that you won’t get a lot for your money.
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It’s a relief knowing that if you play in official leagues that your bat conforms to BBCOR standards.
Even if you just examine the league rules for bats cursorily, all you need to know is that your BBCOR certification makes your bat useful in a wide variety of leagues.
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If you’re used to a 1-piece design, then the 2016 Easton Z-CORE HMX BBCOR will be very familiar for you, and there’s not much adjustment to make regarding your swing.
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The superb HMX material is a godsend. It really expands the sweet spot, so that you won’t have to be so exacting in making contact with the baseball.
A bigger sweet spot means a bigger chance of getting a hit and avoiding the punishment of vibrations felt on your hands when you make contact improperly.
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That HMX material also makes it a lot more durable than other alloy bats. That’s why it comes with a full 1-year warranty, which is as long as what you get with other more expensive bats.
So not only does the 2016 Easton Z-CORE BBCOR cost less, but it’s also very durable. Its cost-effectiveness is off the charts.
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The increased bat speed also boosts your hitting. Some bats take longer to get going, so you need more time to make your swing.
That means you have less time to predict the trajectory of the baseball, estimate its speed, and decide whether you should swing or not.
But with the ZCORE, you have more time to think because you only need little time for your swing.
But How Does This Material Make It Better?
Final Thoughts on This 2016 Easton Z-Core HMX BBCOR Baseball Bat
If you have the budget for an expensive bat, and you’re playing a while lot of baseball, then you can always go for the more expensive models of bats which I’ve already reviewed for you on this site.
However…
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