We've spent at least 20 hours collectively in the cage with the MAKO TORQ brand of bats, including the BBCOR, Little League (youth), and Big Barrel versions. We've also seen the bat at the plate at least one hundred times and spoken to nearly anyone we've seen who uses it about their experience. Additionally, we've spent time on the phone with Easton employees discussing the intricacies of the MAKO TORQ.
Models Overview
Those experiences, plus a year of mulling them over, have made us appreciate the bat for its uniqueness, but we still struggle to recommend it across the board due to its rotating handle. The bat's base (without the spinning handle) is fantastic as a replica of the 2016 MAKO, and those comfortable with the rotation (or those willing to tape it down) can find a lot of success with the 2016 MAKO TORQ. But for many, the rotating handle (or TORQ) is not quite traditional enough.
Construction & Technology
- BBCOR. 31" through 34".
- 2 5/8 (Senior Barrel) in a Drop 5 and Drop 8. 30" through 32".
- 2 3/4 (Big Barrel) in a Drop 10. 28" through 32".
- 2 1/4 Little League (Youth Barrel) in a Drop 10. 28" through 32"
Comparable Bats
Outside the Easton brand, there are, obviously, no bats with a rotating handle. In terms of messing with the shape or function of the handle, only the Baden Sports Axe Bat line can claim a similar intent with its asymmetric handle.
In terms of high-end two-piece composite bats, the 916 Prime from Slugger, the CF8 from DeMarini, and the RBZ X3 from Adidas are just a few of the light-swinging two-piece composite bats on the market with similar construction when compared to the Easton MAKO. Other than those far-reaching examples, the only bat that is really similar to the Easton MAKO TORQ of 2016 is the 2015 Easton MAKO TORQ version of the same bat. Pricing-wise, at this time, you can pick up the 2015 version of the MAKO TORQ at a pretty big discount.
Expert Recommendations
As such, we'd recommend the MAKO TORQ to those who are sure they love the traditional MAKO and believe they'd benefit from the rotating handle's potential for better inside plate coverage. Another type of hitter who may appreciate the 2016 MAKO TORQ is those looking at other light-swinging two-piece composite bats and is up for trying something somewhat different. Both groups should be patient enough to become comfortable with the rotating bottom hand. Otherwise, we believe plenty of performance bats in this price range will suit your fancy.
The Bottom Line
As you may know, at batdigest.com, we only review bats we've hit with. With the 2016 Easton MAKO TORQ, we spent several hours in the cage with the BBCOR and youth versions of the bat. In the past, we've spent considerable time with the Fast Pitch Easton MAKO TORQ and the 2015 senior barrel MAKO TORQ, so we knew what to expect.
If you are comfortable with the rotating handle (and we're not assuming you are), then the bat is a verifiable beast. It is, in reality, an Easton MAKO with its remarkably sized barrel and the added rotating handle. The bat is clearly a high-performance composite with a butter-like feel on impact.
In terms of pure performance, the 2016 Easton MAKO TORQ is a top-shelf premium bat. The barrel size is gigantic by any standards, and the bat is an ultra-light swing weight, as airy homemade rolls. If a player is willing to become accustomed to the spinning handle- or is already so- then the 2016 Easton MAKO TORQ may very well be the exact right bat for them. Otherwise, those looking for an alloy barrel and end-loaded swing weight, a one-piece bat, or a bat without a rotating handle need to look elsewhere.
