The Verdict: 3.8/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
14 Reviews
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The new 2017 DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR is the latest generation of the DeMarini CF line of baseball bats, and it’s a beauty.
Now you may be wondering about the name, as it’s not named CF9 following the 2016 CF8 and the 2015 CF7.
It does retain the CF designation, and that’s because it offers many of the same benefits that you got from the other balanced two piece composite bats with an oversized barrel, like the CF8 and the CF7.
This is the unchanged design that provides optimal performance, which shouldn’t be surprising given the huge budget DeMarini reserves for its research and development.
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Features and Specs of the 2017 DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR
| Features | 15/15 |
|---|---|
| BBCOR Certified | -3 Length to Weight Ratio |
| Barrel Diameter | 2 5/8 Inch |
| Materials Used | Two-Piece Fully Composite |
| Grip | Synthetic |
| Pop | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Vibration | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Durability | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Shipping | Free |
| Warranty | 12 Months |
This is a BBCOR bat, which makes it legal to use for collegiate and high school leagues.
It also means it has a drop 3 ratio and that it has a 2 5/8-inch barrel. It’s available in either the 32-inch (29-ounce) version, or in the 33-inch (30-ounce) type.
Here are some features you can expect from the 2017 DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR DXCBC:
- Stronger Carbon Fiber. The great thing about the DeMarini R & D is that they don’t rest on their laurels.
They continue to find ways of improving their composite bat material, and they prove that with the new 2017 DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR.
This is so tough that it’s actually stronger than the composite in the CF8 by a whopping 22%. That makes it stronger than just about every other baseball bat material out there.
Because of this toughness, it uses less of the material for the bat so it’s lighter.
- Balance. The light weight also enables DeMarini to concentrate more on the end cap and the knob, so you get the best balance and the structure is ultimately sound.
It features the RCK knob which somehow fits your hand perfectly so that your grip is more comfortable.
It also offers the Low Pro end cap that optimizes the compression and feel of the bat.
in the picture: 2017 DeMarini CF Zen Drop 3
What About the Handle and the Grip?
- D-Fusion 2.0 Handle. This is the handle that debuted in the CF8, and it is back. It’s this handle that gives the perfect compromise between power and painless hitting.
It comes with the dampener in the mend that stops the vibration (caused by bat contact with the ball) from hitting your hands.
Yet it also is stiff enough that you can still give some oomph to the ball when you make contact.
- Different grip. Most people who have used the 2017 DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR and the CF8 have reported that the grip seems different compared to the CF8.
Many say that it’s slimmer, but there are those who feel confident that the grip is somehow thicker at the handle.
- Warranty. It also comes with the standard 12-month warranty.
DeMarini has been in the business for the last 28 years or so, and this bat showcases the brand’s commitment to progress and excellence.
They don’t settle with the tried and tested, not when they can offer “better” bats year after year.
Benefits of the DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR
Why pick the 2017 DeMarini CF Zen Drop 3 over its competitors?
The fact is that it doesn’t really have competitors at all.
It really is that good and other bats in comparison will just not be up to scratch.
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- It just plain hits better. This is the bat you get when you’re having trouble getting a hit.
With this bat you get better control because of the even distribution of weight, so you can really place the bat where you want it to go.
- It offers maximum contact and production. What this means is that when you hit right, you don’t just end up getting safely on first base.
Instead, you’re more likely to end up on 2nd base, because it feels stronger upon contact with the ball.
It really does have a lot of zing.
- It’s versatile for any pitching speed. Whether the pitcher throws a fastball or a lazy looping curve, the Zen can give you the swing speed you need to make contact with the ball.
That’s the advantage of the light weight, since fastball pitchers can’t just throw zingers in the hope that you don’t have the swing speed to keep up.
- It forgives mishits. Another advantage of this is that when you don’t hit the baseball perfectly, it’s not an automatic out.
- It just plain hits better. This is the bat you get when you’re having trouble getting a hit.
Will the 2-Piece Design Help With Sting?
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- It really reduces the stinging to your hands. When you mishit the ball, you may feel the harsh vibration caused by the contact into your hands.
This can be very unpleasant, and it can distract you from concentrating on your hitting. But this problem is largely dampened by the Zen design.
If you’re using a bat with a small sweet spot, then you’re more likely to sting your hands when you make contact with the baseball.
The 2-piece design and the dampener also keep the vibration to a minimum.
The vibration doesn’t travel as freely, so even when you hit outside the sweet spot the stinging isn’t as great.
If you’re a parent, then you may not really understand how annoying this stinging sensation can be. It’s very uncomfortable, and over time it can really distract you.
You end up worrying about getting the vibrations when you’re at bat, rather than thinking about your mechanics so you can get a hit.
- It really reduces the stinging to your hands. When you mishit the ball, you may feel the harsh vibration caused by the contact into your hands.
Great For High School and College Players Only?
- It’s great for younger kids. All in all the CF Zen is ideal for younger players, because this bat doesn’t require the hitter to be immensely strong.
This sensation is so unpleasant that some players would rather not just play baseball anymore because of it.
While very young children in younger leagues can use any drop of bat, with this they can get control over the bat while they can also familiarize themselves with the drop 3 bats required for senior play.
- It’s BBCOR-certified. There’s often a bit of confusion whether or not a particular bat is allowed for certain leagues.
With the CF Zen it’s simple enough to determine. If your league requires BBCOR bats, then this CF Zen is allowable.
High school and college leagues require BBCOR bats only, so this bat may be among the few bats allowed for such leagues.
Awesome Promo Video All About The 2017 DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR Bat
Disadvantages of the 2017 DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR
It must be admitted that the 2017 CF Zen BBCOR isn’t for everyone.
The first hurdle you’ll have to overcome is the retail price, which is a bit high. This is expected, however, since it’s a brand new design and it represents the very best DeMarini has to offer.
Still, not everyone can afford shelling out the required $450 price tag as seen on the DeMarini website.
Read some of these CF Zen reviews to see what players say about the price.
It’s also not the most suitable bat for you if you’re a true power hitter who prefers an end loaded bat instead of a balanced bat like the DXCBC.
For that, you may want to look at the 2017 CF Insane BBCOR instead.
Finally, some people may not just warm up to the 2-piece design which eliminates the sting to the hands.
If you’re one of those who wish for the wood bat experience and the risk of stinging hands, then the 1-piece design may be better for you.
Does This Bat Have a Lot of Pop?
Just wanted to make sure I was going to give you the most accurate analysis and review.
I hit balls off a professional tee and I hit soft toss into a net.
First of all, the bat felt really good in my hands. It was easy to handle and it truly felt balanced.
It was amazing hitting off the tee. No vibration and no sting.
The sound was incredible and to answer the question of the day…yes, it had amazing pop!
It’s hard to describe how good it felt hitting the ball. I did take a short video which you can watch here.
Should You Get It?
It all depends on the type of batter you are.
It’s also the best bat for you if you’re already used to the CF series but you want something that’s even better than the terrific CF8.
It’s also great for younger players, since the weight distribution makes it easy for smaller players to control.
This is what this bat is all about—better hitting with better protection for your hands.
Such superior performance comes at a price, unfortunately.
But for those who have the budget for it, the DeMarini CF Zen BBCOR is definitely worth every cent. It will certainly prove is with if you use it constantly and you play a lot of games.
You’ll believe that more and more as you invariably improve your hitting, and when you discover that this bat can last for quite a while.
Rumor has it that DeMarini has underestimated the demand, so that some sizes are becoming more difficult to find.
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