2013 DeMarini CF5 Youth Baseball Bat DXCFL-LE vs 2013 Easton XL3 YB13X3

DeMarini CF5 Youth Baseball Bat DXCFL-LE and Easton XL3 YB13X3 were two feature bats in the 2 1/4 barrel of 2013. Both are a drop 11 bat. How do they compare to each other? Let's take a look.

The most obvious difference between the two is the XL3 is a one-piece aluminum bat and the CF5 is a two piece composite bat. (You can read more about the  two piece/one piece debate here and composite/aluminum debate here.) But let's look at the bat's metrics on paper and help you in your buying decision.

Better Design? I vote the CF5. But the XL3
does look pretty smooth.

Balance Point

18 3/4 inches from knob - Demarini

18 1/2 inches from knob - XL3

Total Actual Weight

22.10 oz - Demarini

20.45 oz - XL3

MOI Calculated at Knob

7213  - XL3

7388 - CF5

I am surprised at how much the CF5 weighs compared to its stated weight. I know many two-piece composite bats are weighted without their handle or end cap--its just a barrel measurement. However, I have received bats before that have been mis-weighed/printed. The fact it is 2oz off makes me wonder....

Assuming the CF5 isn't misidentified at the factory (and I'd guess it was not) then the results are surprising. The swing weights (or MOI's) of the XL3 and the CF5 are virtually identical  (less than 3% different at the knob) at the same stated length (31 inches). If we are going to call the XL3 a 'heavy swing' that is endloaded then we better start calling the CF5 the same.

There is no fair answer as to what bat is better. They are both high end bats from well known companies. Based on the above valuation we can know that swing weight from one to the other should NOT be an issue. If you are trying to decide between these two then it will come down to your preference of composite two-piece and a aluminum one-piece. I'd suspect most folks, assuming the prices were the same, would take the CF5 simply because it has a higher retail value (because it is composite), but the fact its more expensive is never a reason to buy something.

Post Script 1:

Anyone at home have a CF5 2 1/4 31 inch they want to weigh? I'd love to confirm it is 2oz+ the identified weight.

Post Script 2:

Clearly the more common comparison will be the XL1 vs the CF5. One day I'll compare those.