Last Updated on July 1, 2023
Are you looking for a softball fastpitch bat for yourself? Then you have landed in the right place. Because here I am going to compare the best 2 bats in the business Louisville LXT vs Xeno.
When you are looking for a fastpitch bat, it would be a little confusing what you should choose. If the options are Louisville LXT VS Xeno, it would be more confusing. The mentioned two bats are great in their aspects.
But, there are a few things to differentiate too. These perplexing facts may make it difficult for you to make a decision.
No worries, I will be sharing my thoughts on these two. I’ll be discussing everything in my Louisville LXT VS Xeno comparison guide based on my own experience with both products.
I hope that after reading the complete comparison on this Louisville LXT VS Xeno guide, you will be able to go beyond the stage of deliberation of the equipment. This will help you to step into the decision-making step.
Louisville LXT VS Xeno: Louisville LXT Softball Bat Review
Finally, the Louisville LXT fastpitch bat has come in 2022. It is one of the most popular lineups of LXT. In the latest model of LXT, some significant changes happened. The connection got some new features as well.
So, how is the bat actually made?
There are some changes in the design of LXT 2022. So, let’s start with the officially announced features of Louisville LXT 2022.
Features
As I mentioned before, there are some changes in LXT’s new version. They re-engineered a single disk speed composite Barrel for ensuring a more suitable sweet spot.
Its larger sweet spot makes it popular with players of all ages. Following are the main features that LXT features on the 2022 model.
“PBF Technology™ Speed Composite Barrel”
Louisville Slugger has patented this composite design. It ensures a larger sweet spot on the bat because of PBF Technology. Because of the larger sweet spot, performance gets higher, and excellent sound generation by contacting the ball. You will feel it.
“VCX2™ Vibration Connection System”
Louisville uses the great VCX2 vibration connection system on LXT 2022. It will let you feel a negotiable vibration during hitting. The three-piece design ensures a proper balance between the handle and the barrel. This brings more reliability and flexibility during the game.
“Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip™”
Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip equipped the bat to provide tack and cushion in order to build sensation and striking control throughout the game. The old
“COPA™ Performance End Cap”
The old COPA Performance End Cap balances with the Speed Composite design. That makes the sweet spot more performing.
“Swing Weight”
The balanced Swing Weight distribution features a top-notch balanced performance of LXT 2002. This makes the bat popular among every type of batter.
Design
I believe that the Louisville LXT 2022 is created with an aggressive aesthetic in mind. Personally, I think the new LXT’s design is fantastic. The LXT logo, which is both sharp and fiery, is visible on the bat.
This is, in my opinion, one of the most attractive designs from LXT thus far. Louisville has done an excellent job in this regard. The color grade is just flawless. There will be no additional color or excessive tone.
This will instill fear in the mind of the pitcher who will be assigned to you for pitching. However, this is all in good fun!
Making
Louisville demonstrated something amazing throughout the production of Louisville LXT. They integrated the use of high-performance materials with a thorough understanding of building techniques.
The design of the Speed Composite Barrel ensures that it has a very forceful striking capability. Their revolutionary Composite construction, along with PBF Technology, lets you generate the most popping possible when striking.
In addition, it has a huge sweet spot and produces wonderful sound creations.
Probably the most appealing feature of the LXT 2022 is that it retains the Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip on the handle. When you take it in your hands, you will feel more relaxed. As a result, you will be able to develop more exact control over your bat.
As a result of the bat’s three-piece construction, the weight is more evenly distributed over the whole body of the bat. Weight distribution is well balanced, allowing you to maintain complete control over the maximum swing.
A well-distributed weight, on the other hand, provides the most possible contacting power between the bat and the ball. When you strike the ball, you will get the most forceful hit possible.
Aside from them, the LXT has been equipped with Louisville’s unique VCX2 vibration control system, which is responsible for vibration management. This assures the least amount of vibration production, which will be nearly negligible in the long run anyhow.
I guarantee that when you strike, you will experience the no-vibration moment.
The installation of the COPA Performance End Cap enables a balanced hit for the bat while also providing considerable structural support for the bat.
The new Louisville LXT softball bat 2022 has been authorized by a number of organizations, including USA Baseball, the National Softball Association, the International Softball Association, and the United States Softball Association.
Distinct Types of Drop Weight
The makers bring the Louisville LXT softball bat with four drop weight options. They are -8, -9, -10, and -11.
-11 is the lightest version of the LXT fastpitch bat. This bat is highly preferable and suitable for the youths. The youth level includes high school level baseball players or the highest college level. -11 is the lightest version of LXT in the same size.
Ther -10 is a balanced build slightly preferred fast swing. The barrel and handle size is the same here too. Probably, the -10 is the most popular version of LXT I found.
You will find the -9 version as the most balanced one. It allows you both heavy swings and hits. These facilitate high-level performance.
-8, the last one, is the heaviest LXT fastpitch bat. It is designed for the most powerful swings because of its heaviness. The -8 version is almost 20% heavier than its -10 version. This makes it the most powerful version of the Louisville LXT fastpitch bat.
It is recommended for strong players who want more forceful swings to use the -8 variant.
Performance
Louisville, on the other hand, produces the best-balanced bat by using several forms of drop weight distribution. The Speed Composite Barrel is the true power generator in this bat. The barrel ensures that the ball makes good contact with the barrel.
The -8 and -9 varieties, in particular, are known for producing very forceful striking. For great power hitters and rapid swingers, the LXT is an excellent choice. The appropriate contact between the bat and the ball produces pleasing noises.
Additionally, the Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip delivers the most comfortable handgrip and control over the bat while swinging the bat. Its VCX2 vibration control system ensures the lowest vibration which keeps the control on.
Louisville LXT Softball Bat: Pros And Cons
If we sum up the whole factors about the Louisville LXT fastpitch bat, we will find some significant pros. Let’s check them in a nutshell.
Pros
- Speed Composite Barrel with PBF technology offers to generate true power hits.
- Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip facilitates cushion and extra grip on the handle.
- VCX2 vibration connection system ensures proper vibration control.
- Balanced weight distribution offers proper contact with the ball.
- COPA Performance End Cap provides support to the bat’s structure.
However, you may find a few cons with the LXT 2022. I did not find any drawback of this bat from my side at all.
Louisville LXT VS Xeno: Xeno Softball Bat Review
The Xeno softball bat is one of the favorite fastpitch bats for power hitters. It gives a stiff feel when hitting. However, the 2022 version has come.
So, what is the condition of the new version? Let’s check thoroughly.
Features
First, we will be checking the features of the Xeno fastpitch bat. As per the manufacturer, the following are the key features of the Xeno softball bat.
“Dual-Disc S1ID™ Barrel”
As per the previous version of Xeno, there are not a lot of changes that happened to the Xeno 2022 version. Particularly, Xeno uses Dual-Disc S1ID Barrel, which makes a stiff feeling when hitting.
Dual-Disc S1ID Barrel technology also takes less time for breaking in.
“IST™ Technology Two-Piece Construction”
Its rigidity makes the Xeno fastpitch bat popular. The fact that it is two-piece in construction, in addition to being rigid, is noteworthy. Louisville uses IST technology In order for the bat to stay steadfast while being struck.
Strictness is the greatest option for those who desire a powerful impact. The balls strike the bat with such force that power batters feel solid and rigid.
“X-Cap™ End Cap Design”
The X-cap design perfectly gives balanced support to the entire structure. This helps to keep the rigidity of the bat. Overall performance gets improved with the excellent X-Cap design in Xeno.
“Swing Weight”
However, despite the fact that the barrel is made up of two pieces, the weight is evenly distributed across the barrel. Even with different drop weights, it performs great.
A well-balanced distribution of the weight aids in the generation of the most powerful possible hit for the hitters.
As a result, hitters get the most out of their swing capabilities when hitting, as I learned from experience with the bat.
“Standard Fastpitch Grip”
Louisville uses a standard fastpitch grip on the Xeno’s handle. It gives perfect grips while batting. There are no issues with controlling. However, Xeno could use a more premium grip in this section.
Design
The new Xen 2022 version is distinguished by its purple color scheme. However, it is not the same as the prior one. The grip is decorated in purple, however, the barrel is decorated in a light grey color scheme. The combination of the two hues, on the other hand, created a bat that’s very pleasing to the sight.
In terms of execution, the yellow branding on the barrel is flawless. The design, in my opinion, is a blend of dominance and calmness in its execution. There’s no denying that Xeno created a visually appealing design.
Making
Let us now turn our attention to the manufacture of the Louisville Slugger Xeno. One thing to keep in mind is that the Xeno is specifically intended for power striking.
It guarantees that the batter in the Diamond has a high level of responsiveness and stiffness. When it lands in the palm of a strong hitter’s hand, it transforms into an explosion.
The structure was designed to allow for a quick swing and a solid strike. Its barrel is of medium size, and the handle is slender, resulting in a forceful stiffness when striking the target.
The Xeno’s two-piece design was created using Slugger’s unique IST technology, which gives hitters an additional edge over the competition.
Because Xeno makes substantial contact with the balls, it has a negative impact on the ability to manage vibration.
The Dual-Disc S1ID Composite barrel of the Xeno is the most notable feature of the weapon. It provides the necessary power for the shortest possible break-in time and a nearly ready game. This guarantees that the bat delivers immediate results from the very first swing.
The X-Cap™ End Cap Design provides more support for the barrel, allowing for more forceful impacts. It guarantees that the barrel receives the most structural support possible. The End Cap is made of a lightweight material, which allows the barrel to create quicker swings.
The regular fastpitch grip makes it easier to grasp the bat in a typical manner, and the cushioned handle makes it more comfortable to handle the bat. At the end of the day, this bat received approved certificates from the USA Softball, ISA, USSSA, and NSA.
Several Drop Weights
The Xeno bat, like the Slugger LXT, comes with four different kinds of drop weights to choose from. The various drop options are as follows: -8, -9, -10, and -11. All of them are here to help you achieve your target weight choice.
-10, and -11, are the lightest bats available, yet they have the same handle and barrel size as their heavier counterparts. These are the ones that are recommended for youngsters or for those who are just getting started in the game. Despite the fact that they are lighter, they do not sacrifice power.
In contrast, if you are physically capable and want good power striking, you should choose for ranks -8 and -9. These two are here to deliver the most powerful striking and the quickest swings possible, thanks to the complete weight installation.
The construction of Xeno fastpitch bats provides a wealth of pop and assures additional sweet spots. These allow you to use the majority of the barrel for fantastic contacts.
Performance
If you want to go into the performance of the bat, I’d say “brilliant” is the word to use. The contact ability of the Xeno fastpitch bat in the 2022 edition resulted in an improvement in durability. It does, however, guarantee that the swings are balanced and very quick.
The stiffness of the Xeno fastpitch bat makes it a popular choice among players. As a result, there is no dispute about its ability to strike hard. Furthermore, it is one of the most preferred bats among power hitters, ranking in the top five.
According to my assessment, the way it seems is amazing. The connection between the bat and the balls was improved by a lot of pop. Its ability to contact the ball makes it easier for hitters to hit the ball more consistently.
Xeno Softball Bat: Pros And Cons
So, if we sum up the facilities of the Slugger Xeno fastpitch bat, what will we find?
There are a lot of pros for the Xeno softball bat as per its aspects. A hitting engineered bat ensures the following benefits for a power hitter.
Pros
- Dual Disc S1ID Barrel facilitates the ready game option. You do not need any break-in period. Just grab the bat, and stand into the home plate.
- IST technology’s two-piece connection ensures the peak rigidity of the barrel. This allows you to hit with as much power as you can.
- X-Cap End cap design provides extensive support to the barrel for more power hitting.
- Perfectly distributed weight will not bother you with any uncertainty in balancing and controlling.
Cons
However, every good piece of art may have some cons too. From my perspective, the following may be disadvantageous for many players.
- Due to using Dual Disc S1ID ready hitting technology, the vibration control is not up to the mark of the bat. You will feel the vibration during contact and misstrikes.
- Also, Louisville could use more premium gripping on the handle.
Louisville LXT VS Xeno: Comparison
So, what do you think about the comparison of Louisville LXT VS Xeno? What do you feel about the differences between the two bats?
It is clear that bats are made for different aspects. Though the comparison between these two may help you to get a more precise idea about these two bats. So, let’s sum up the things.
If you look closer, you will get the two most significant differences in two different sections of the bats I found in Louisville Slugger LXT vs Xeno.
Connection.
The LXT uses VCX2 three-piece connection design. This helps the bat to absorb more vibration. VCX2 is engineered especially for vibration control. The Tru3 ensures more flexibility in swinging the bat.
On the other hand, the Xeno uses IST two is all about the rigidity of the bat. Its two-piece connection ensures the peak hitting power of the bat. but, the batter will feel the vibration in his hand.
Barrel
Though Louisville uses the same type of wooden material, the main difference is in the disc. Xeno, by the way, uses two composite discs. Though these lessen the sweet spot slightly, hitting power gets more strength.
On the other hand, LXT uses a single disc to develop a new PBF Barrel that facilitates more spaces for the sweet spot.
Besides this, there are several differences between these two bats. Let’s compare them on the following Louisville LXT vs Xeno comparison table at a glance.
Entities | Louisville LXT Softball Bat | Louisville Xeno Softball Bat |
Barrel | Single Disk Composite Barrel. Provide more sweet spots. | Dual Disc S1ID Barrel. Concentrates on hitting power. |
Vibration Control | High-profile VCX2 three-piece vibration control technology. Provides more flexibility, and reduces vibration significantly. | Two-piece IST Technology design. Focuses on rigidity and hitting power. Less vibration control. You will feel the hit. |
End Cap | COPA Performance End Cap pairs the barrel and maximizes the performance. | X-Cap design perfectly pairs the barrel. You will feel the hits. |
Grip | Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip ensures the best grip and control | Standard Fastpitch Grip provides less comfort than LXT’s grip. |
Louisville LXT VS Xeno: Which Bat Is Perfect For You?
There is no doubt that the two bats are among the most popular bats. They are high-performing and balanced. However, which one would you prefer for yourself?
Are you a little confused yet?
Okay, let me explain.
If you closely look at the Louisville Slugger LXT vs Xeno comparison, and their features, you may understand the differences.
It is certain that, if you are a player who loves power hitting and speed, the Slugger Xeno is for you.
On the other hand, if you are a contact hitter, and love to play with much control and a massive sweet spot, the Louisville LXT is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is The Louisville LXT A Good Bat?
Without a doubt, the Louisville LXT is a great softball bat with high-grade materials. It is a two-piece composite bat with PBF Technology Speed Composite Barrel. It is powered by a Premium LS Pro Comfort grip which provides outstanding control over the bat.
Its VCX2 vibration connections system ensures almost no vibration when striking and miss-strikes.
2. Is Louisville Xeno A Balanced Bat?
The new Louisville Xeno is a well-balanced bat with high-hitting power. This bat is designed for power hitters. Its Dual Disc S1ID Barrel and IST technology feature more power hitting and rigidity.
3. Is The Louisville Slugger LXT NSA Certified?
Yes, the Louisville Slugger LXT fastpitch bat is NSA certified. Besides this, it is also certified by USSSA, ASA, USA Softball, etc.
4. How Do You Break In A Louisville Slugger LXT Bat?
Usually, you need to swing 150 to 200 times to get used to the bat. Because basically, fastpitch bats need these numbers of swings to break in. But, it also depends on your work.
If you target 200 swing marks, you should start with half of your swing power, and end with a full-power hit.
On the other hand, you can start slowly up to 100 swings. Then short swing for the next 50, and full toss for the last 50.
Last Thoughts
I hope you got things clear from this Louisville LXT vs Xeno comparison guide. It is certain that the Louisville Slugger has been providing great bats for baseball players.
I have been satisfied with the world-class quality of their manufacturing.
However, both LXT and Xeno are among the best options in their aspects. Though, Xeno has the option to develop in its grip, by the way.
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.