Our 2020 Easton Ghost Double Barrel Fastpitch review consists of three hitters feedback over the course of two days and nearly 400 hits. We measured exit speeds, barrel sizes and direct player feedback. We also did actual swing weight tests. In short, the 2020 Easton Ghost Double barrel is an end loaded fastpitch bat that can hit absolute rockets. It's swing weight is considerably heavier than any other fastpitch bat on the market. But, many players LOVE that about it.
Models Overview
Our stronger hitters loved everything about the 2020 Easton Ghost Double Barrel. In fact, they chose it as their favorite power hitter fastpitch bat for 2020. Our smaller hitter had trouble generating the same amount of bat speed they could with lighter swinging bats like DeMarin's Prism or Slugger's LXT. Yet, again, the heavier hitters were huge fans.
Construction & Technology
Like previous years models, the 2020 Double Barrel has two barrels--and inner and outer. the inside barrel controls the performance of the middle parts of the barrel while allowing the outsides of the barrel to get peak performance. Dual barreled fastpitch bats are not unique to Easton and they are wide spread enough to justify their existence for sure.
The barrel material is, ultimately, Easton's take on a high end composite built for comprehensibility, durability and the right amount of flexibility. Easton's marketing jargon refers to this as "Xtra Tough Resin Matrix". Which is, in some sense, a shiny name on the idea of a plastic material that is strong, pliable to some degree and uses a crisscross type composite pattern with some special.
The connective piece is used in several of Eaton's high end two piece composite and hybrid bats. They call it the "Connection+". It uses a foam piece which keeps it strong yet light. The connection piece is generally though to be loose in a good way---allowing for super smooth feels on both hits and mishits. This type of feel is the most common in high end fastpitch softball bats.
Easton's Double Barrel handle is a traditional 29/32" size with soeme Easton branded grip called Hyperskin. The grip material is nothing to write home about, but our hitters liked it enough not to complain. Of course, switching it out with any other type of grip, like a Lizard Skin, is easy enough.
As we note above, the certifications of the 2020 Easton Ghost Double Barrel fastpitch bat are in the ASA and USSSA space.
Performance Comparison
The major differences between this year's 2020 Easton Ghost Double Barrel and the 2019 version is the dual certification found on the 2020 version. That is, the 2020 Easton Ghost Double Barrel is certified for both ASA (High School Fastpitch, etc) and USSSA fastpitch leagues. The previous year's bats were only certified in individual leagues.
Comparable Bats
In terms of super end loaded 2020 two piece composite bats there really aren't any. In terms of swing weight, the 2020 Slugger Xeno is next on this list---but that is a legit 10% lighter still than the Easton Ghost Double Barrel. It would be the most 'comparable' swing to the Xeno's weight---but the Double Barrel has a connection piece that feels more similar to the CF or LXTs of the world. That is, a softer connection on an endloaded bat.
Expert Recommendations
The Easton Ghost Double Barrel gets fantastic reviews online. It is the favorite bat of many fastpitch players. We found that stronger hitters that want as much gumption possible yet still want to keep the smooth feel of an expensive two piece will love this bat. As well, smaller players that want to increase total mass at impact like the Ghost's feel too. But, we caution, it does swing heavy---nearly 20% heavier than the lightest bats in the same drop space. (That is, a 33/23 Easton Ghost Double Barrel will feel 20% heavier than a Demarini CF in a 33/23). If this is the bat you choose, plan your sizing accordingly.
