Our favorite USA bat from last year is back again in the Easton ADV 360. There are no changes between the 2020 and the 2021. However, COVID pushed new iterations of the USSSA and BBCOR ADV 360 to the backburner. Our expectation is we will see those for 2022. But, at a minimum, the success of the Easton ADV 360 Drop 11 in USA brought us a new colorway and fresh stock for 2021.
Models Overview
Our hitters love the feel, performance, and barrel size of the Easton ADV 360 in USA drop 11. Although a drop 11, the swing weight puts it in the average of drop 10 bats. We are not entirely sure why Easton does that, but it uses a different composite (Ultra-Lite Launch Comp) in the drop 11 than it does in the drop 10 (Launch Comp). The feel, instant performance, and barrel size allowed by the Launch Comp are well worth making sure you get the drop 11.
Construction & Technology
The Easton ADV 360 in a drop 11 is a two-piece composite bat built with a balanced swing and a semi-flexible connection. Easton uses a different composite in the drop 11 than they do in the Drop 10/8 USA, USSSA or BBCOR versions of the bats.
The other unique feature of the bat worth considering is the "Power Boost" knob. That is, Easton uses a semi-flexible rubber piece to surround the knob. It helps a lot for sting as well as feels better for those who like to grip close to the knob.
Performance Comparison
There are no changes between the 2020 and 2021 Easton ADV 360 Drop 11. Both are still two-piece composites with long barrels and balanced swings. Expect the same composite material, end cap, power boost knob.
That said, the 2021 version does not come standard with a Lizard Skin Grip while the 2020 version did.
Comparable Bats
There are plenty of light swinging two-piece composite bats in the USA bat space. The first that come to mind is DeMarini's CF and Rawlings Quatro. Those are comparable bats in their feel, barrel profile, and performance. We prefer the overall experience of the ADV 360 to those. But, to be sure, those have their benefits too.
Expert Recommendations
We recommend the Easton ADV 360 in a drop 11 for the USA ball player that wants as much barrel as possible for the given swing weight. Although not inexpensive, we think the premium is worth it for the player that takes baseball seriously and plays lots of games. This is not a rec player's bat. Instead, serious players looking for the best the industry can offer in the USA space should like the ADV 360 drop 11.
