First of all, I should let you know that I am a big fan of both Marucci and Zen bats. I often being asked by my students which one should they buy and that prompted me to write this Cat 8 vs Cf zen comparison.
Both of the companies have helped me a lot going through my rookie days. Although right now, I have to use other bats on the field from time to time, I still use a CF Zen older version on practice matches.
Now, I was not a great fan of composite bats at first. Not even the alloy bats. I used a good old-fashioned hand-made one-piece ash wood bat. My coach at the high school saw this and he introduced me to composite bats.
From my personal experience, I am going to compare two specific USSSA models of the composite bats – Marucci CAT 8 vs CF Zen Composite Drop 8.
Brief intro about both of the bats
CF Zen has always been famous for their composite bats. Even after their ban on the 2020 model by USSSA because of some new rules over the bat specifications, they are still one of the most popular brands when it comes to composite bats.
And yes, rather than being master of all types of bats, their designers and production lines are mainly based on composite bats.
On the other hand, Marucci, which was founded by the original big leaguers, has established several famous production lines like wooden and alloy bats.
CAT8 BBCOR may be one of the best alloy bats ever in the market. It is made with AZ105 which is still the strongest aluminum alloy among all the bats out there.
But today we will be comparing the CAT8 Composite bat and the CF Zen composite bat 2021 -8. Both of the bats are great. But which one can be best for YOU?
Let’s dig into the question without any delay.
Marucci CAT 8 Composite
Marucci CAT 8 Composite is a 2 piece bat with a barrel diameter of 2 ¾ inches. The 2 piece bat is connected with an SDX EXT connection.
The connection type is patented by Marucci. You need a 6-step break-in period for optimum performance. It comes with a 12 months warranty from the company and USSSA BPF 1.15 certified. It means you can use it in any league game if you want.
If you are the CAT series fan read my another article Marucci CAT 7 Vs CAT 8 BBCOR – A Complete Comparison
Demarini CF Zen Composite
CF Zen Composite 2021 is one of the best composite bat CF Zen has produced till now. It is a transition bat that has a reaction end cap for increasing swing speed. This is also a USSSA certified bat which means you can use it too for playing at different USSSA leagues and tournaments.
Marucci CAT 8 Composite vs Demarini CF Zen Composite – Side by Side Comparison
Now let’s get our hands dirty and see the comparisons between these two great composite bats –
Barrel Size
Both of the bats have the same diameter. 2 ¾ inch barrel diameter makes both of the bats really great for swinging, balance and speed.
Sweet Spot
Marucci CAT8 composite is perfectly made for an extra sweet spot. As you know, composite bats always help with mishit stings. Marucci specially made the CAT8 sweet spots alluring for regular players.
Even if you are a rookie, you will know what I mean when you hit the ball. With the -5 drop to weight ratio, this is the perfect example of a bat if you are going for the sweet spot.
But when it comes to Demarini CF Zen 2021, the sweet spot is more extended than other versions. This happens because it is made as a transitional bat between -5 to -10. So, here CF Zen is the advanced one.
Connection Type
Composite bats are two-piece bats. The main game of a two-piece bat lies in the join. Both of the bats have great connection types. While Marucci has their own patented connection for CAT8, called the SDX EXT connection for better stiffness , Demarini has 3Fusion Connection.
It focuses on weight control and energy transference to the barrel. Ultimately less stinging at hits.
Grip
Marucci has a specially made grip of 1.75mm for all the CAT8 bats. So, you can expect a good soft and thick grip on the composite bat. It helps you for a better hold of the bat with comfort.
On the other hand, CF Zen has a stronger grip, not as comfortable as CAT8 but durable. So, you can expect a tighter grip but a longer sweet spot.
End Loaded and End Cap
Marucci CAT8 is a perfect End-loaded bat. It means you get extra weight at the end of the barrel for a better hit. It weighs enough to hit the ball further than normal bats.
On the other hand, CF Zen is balanced and has an end cap. The reaction end cap is rather made out of lighter material, but stronger than the barrel.
As a result, the cap helps to gain more speed and balance. While an end-loaded bat helps you to hit the ball further, the end cap gives an extra advantage to reconstruct the energy with a good balance and less sting while mishit.
Because the cap helps to increase the barrel performance at its fullest.
USSSA Certification
When it comes to USSSA certification, both of the bats got 1.15 standard. You can use both of them in any league game. In 2020, a ban was imposed on CF Zen bats for USSSA games due to new rules for the bat.
But it was not banned from other games. After that, DF Zen brought some new changes in the specifications and now the ban is lifted.
Break-in
Like all other composite bats, you need to break-in both of the bats. CAT8 certainly needs break-in to reach their optimal points. As for Demarini, you also need to break-in before you reach for its full potential.
Warranty from the company
Both of the companies offer 1-year warranty from the date of buying for the bats.
Price
Surprisingly, both of the composite bats have very similar prices. And not so much different from alloy or wooden bats. But yes, wooden bats are the cheapest. The prices may vary between different versions available at the store at a season. But both of the bats can be acquired for around 300-350 bucks.
How to Break-in a composite bat?
You need to season a composite bat first for a good break-in and reach its full potential. For this, you need to start using it from 40-50% power. You should start hitting balls with this half-power first. Rotate the bat ¼ within each hit and hit around 50-100 balls. After that, increase the power by 25% and hit around 50-100 balls.
Again rotate the bat ¼ each time. Then go for 100% power but the balls should come as soft, not at full speed. After that, you can go for full speedballs and full speed swinging of the bat. Minimum 300-400 balls will be necessary to break on the bat for a lifetime.
Pioneers suggest only one-time break-in for making it ready for the game. More than that may occur the bat’s lifetime will be reduced.
Enough about the features and specification, what about the field?
While I used the bats, both of the bats felt similar. I am not talking about the grip or the weight. The hitting actually felt the same. Although, after around 30-40 balls, speed became slightly better with CAT8 while the CF Zen speed remained the same.
Why do you need composite baseball bats?
Okay, many of you who still have not held a composite bat in a game, do not know the difference. Technically, composite bats are made with different metals mixing together, not creating an alloy, rather keeping the metals at their own level.
So, composite bats can be more durable than alloy bats from time to time, if a break-in happens correctly. And the weight is distributed evenly for the barrel. But in most cases, composite bats are end-loaded. This means, most of the composite bats are good with reversing energy into the barrel while mishits.
So, the balance, speed, and strength of a composite bat is enough to help you reach your next level by directing your power to the ball absorbing the reverse force and vibration. Resulting in a good hit with a minimum sting.
Best bat for you CAT 8 vs CF Zen
Technically, I have shown all the differences between both of the bats along with similarities. For your reference, most of the players have found both bats feel and perform the same. Even the prices are similar. It is up to your choice which one you think best.
If you want to go for one bat, then you can consider the uniqueness, grip, end load, and balance, then make your decision between these two great bats.
Searching for a quality bat at low price? Why not check out Marucci F5 Reviews & Comparison With Others
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the 2021 Demarini CF Zen Banned?
CF Zen 2020 was banned by USSSA after auditing took place. It happened because of some specifications changed in the USSSA rules. The ban was lifted afterward.
2. Is the Marucci CAT8 Composite?
Marucci CAT8 has different product lines. CAT8 has Aluminum alloy bats as well as hybrid CAT8 bats. But the new CAT8 composite bat is a new composite bat for Marucci. So, not all the CAT8 bats are composite, but the series has composite bats.
3. Does Marucci make composite bats?
Marucci CAT8 composite bats are the first composite bats created by Marucci. The 2-piece bats have a similar grip and patented SDX EXT connection. It needs a break-in like all other composite bats.
4. Is the CAT8 end loaded?
The CAT8 bats are end-loaded. It means the balance of the barrel weighs heavy at the end. It gives better performance and speed as well balances the reverse energy.
5. Is there a 2021 CF Zen?
Yes, Demarini 2021 CF Zen bat is a two-piece composite bat with an end cap and Paraflex Plus composite barrel. It has a reaction end cap which helps for better performance.
6. Is the 2021 CF Zen balanced?
Yes, the 2021 CF Zen bat is a balanced-designed bat. So, the bat can distribute the force imposed on it and gives better accuracy and speed. It also absorbs the vibration.
Conclusion
I hope you have enjoyed my cat 8 vs cf zen comparison. I tried to cover every aspect so that you can make your own decision. Both of the bats are great. They have good grip, enough power, speed, and balance.
Most of all, both of the composite bats are good for the sting. If you are not a fan of the sting, then you can go for any of them.
Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.