We have covered Easton's TORQ-handled bats since their release over two years ago. There is not a version we haven't hit, seen hit or tested extensively. Although not available at major vendor sites, Easton is producing the TORQ in several versions for 2017 directly on their site. Count this as our 2017 Easton TORQ reviews overview.
Models Overview
There are seven different 2017 TORQ models. The three flagship BBCOR bats (Z-Core Speed, Z-Core Hybrid and Beast) come in a TORQ option. Three Big Barrel bats do too (2 5/8 drop 8, drop 5 and 2 3/4 drop 10). Easton will also release a 2 1/4 youth barrel in a drop 10 TORQ option.
Construction & Technology
Z-Core Speed TORQ Review
As we cover in our 2017 Easton Z-Core Speed Review, the Speed line from Easton is a single piece aluminum built with an ultra light swing in mind. Although not quite as light as the Beast, the Z-Core Speed is as light as any single piece aluminum on the market. It also boasts a remarkably sized barrel for a single piece alloy bat.
The TORQ version is literally the same exact bat with a spinning lower handle. It only comes in 33 and 34-inch lengths, and because of the TORQ, has a different grip structure on the bottom hand. Other than those features, expect the same exact performance.
Z-Core Hybrid TORQ Review
As we cover in our 2017 Easton Z-Core Hybrid Review, the Hybrid is a two-piece bat with a middle of the road swing weight. It is built for the player that prefers the buttery smash of a two-piece stick, but likes the aluminum barrel's ping, durability, and hot out of the wrapper performance. It is the easiest way to get the largest aluminum barrel possible.
The Z-Core Hybrid is exactly the same with the obvious exception of the spinning handle. It also only comes in a 33 and 34 inch size and has a different grip structure due to the TORQ element.
Beast TORQ Review
Expert Recommendations
If you are looking to learn more about the genesis and reasons behind the TORQ, then a few sources can get you started. Our "What A Bat Should Do" is helpful, as well as our Baseball Life Hack video. Reading Amazon reviews on the Beast might be helpful too, as they are essentially the same bat. We spent some time on Easton's product pages for this review, as well.
