Models Overview
The 2017 Easton XL3 is a reprint of the 2016 version. The bat is made as a single piece of aluminum intended for strong hitters who like an end-loaded feel. Our testing shows significant feedback on mishits (i.e. sting), but some hitters appreciate the ability to find the sweet spot. The Easton XL3 lies squarely on the bottom shelf of performance bats. Those looking for a value purchase who appreciate an end-loaded single-piece aluminum might find it's just the stick they've been looking for.
Construction & Technology
With the obvious exception of the color-up, the 2017 Easton XL3 is a reprint of the 2016 version. The bat is a single-piece aluminum with an end load. For a bat of this structure, it does boast a good-sized barrel. This is its unique feature in the space.
For the record, the 2016 version was roughly the same as the 2015 version. The 2015 version, however, came with an upgraded barrel size compared to the 2014 bat. In terms of performance, you should not expect anything different between the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Easton XL3s.
Performance Comparison
The XL3 has been a part of Easton's lineup for longer than we have been writing on this blog. That bat served as the 3rd iteration in the end-loaded Power Brigade. The XL1 was a two-piece composite and is now enveloped by the Easton MAKO XL---which was not produced in an XL for 2017. The XL2 has morphed into the Easton HYBRID XL---which was also not produced in an XL for 2017. In the BBCOR space, the XL3 is now the Easton Z-Core XL (which you can read our review of here).
But in the non-BBCOR space, the single-piece aluminum, end-loaded XL3 has yet to transform into anything but the same old single-piece aluminum, end-loaded XL3.
Comparable Bats
We think the DeMarini Insane (our review) from either 2016 or 2015 are very good comparisons to the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Easton XL3. This year's "insane", now called the Voodoo One (our review), has a middle-of-the-road swing weight, so it no longer the end-loaded feel.
Another endloaded single-piece bat is the 2017 Axe Element (our review)---although that bat has several things going on that make it a less comparable alternative to the Easton XL3.
Expert Recommendations
We recommend the 2017 Easton XL3 for players who:
- Prefer one-piece bats
- Prefer aluminum barrels
- Subscribe to the "Indian, not the Arrow"* philosophy
- Are okay with hand sting on mishits
- Want an end-loaded swing
- Want a light swing
- Would rather not have hand sting
- Need or prefer a two-piece bat
