After some good time in the cage with the Adidas Aero Burner Composite, as well as conversations with vendors and emails with the manufacturers about the bat, we have gathered enough information to present this review.
Models Overview
We found, on the whole, this bat is an upgrade to last year's EQT RBZ X3, a sweet-swinging two-piece composite, and a fitting complement to the single-piece Aero Burner Adidas also makes. The big barrel and light swinging two-piece composite space is chuck full of legit options. Adidas produces the bat in limited sizes, but if this is the type of bat you should be looking for and they make it in your size, we recommend the AeroBurner Comp go on your shortlist.
Performance Comparison
Much like the 2016 Adidas RBZ EQT X3, the 2017 Aero Burner Composite is a two piece composite bat with a large barrel and a light swing. Expect a similar feel to other "balanced" two piece composite bats on the market.
Don't confuse this Aero Burner Comp with the Aero Burner. The Aero Burner is a single piece aluminum bat with a slight end load.
Compared to the 2016 RBZ version, the Aero Burner Composite comes with a lighter swing weight. Adidas accomplished this by upgrading the end cap on the previous version. As well, as we mention above, they added a 2 3/4 drop 10 to the sizing option.
Comparable Bats
The two piece composite bat with a large barrel and balanced swing is a very crowded space. That is nearly an understatement. It would seem every serious bat company looking for elite dollars from elite players makes a two piece composite with a balanced swing. Easton and their MAKO and DeMarini and their CF series have led the space for years. Sluggers' 917 Prime is in the mix and so is Rawlings' new 2017 Quatro. Axe's version is called the Avenge. Marucci, the last hold out, came out with a two-piece composite in the big barrel space. Even Mizuno's MaxCor, it could be argued, is a two-piece bat with a composite type barrel.
In other words, there are a lot of comparable bats to the Adidas Aero Burner. Clearly, the big barrel, light swing, and buttery smash of a two-piece composite is where companies think there are big dollars to be captured.
Expert Recommendations
As a new iteration on the 2016 EQT RBZ X3, the Aero Burner Comp is made for players looking for an ultra-light swing and a composite barrel that needs some working-in. The two-piece design gives a real smooth feel even when it isn't that great at contact. As such, we would recommend the bat for players who:
- Want an oversized composite barrel with a buttery smash
- Need or prefer a light swing
- Play in BBCOR or Big Barrel (there is no youth)
- Have or want to afford the budget
- Need or prefer a heavier swing weight
- Need a short BBCOR (it only comes in a 32, 33 and 34)
- Are looking for a "value" buy
