The 2022 Meta is an underrated bat in BBCOR and USSSA. It comes in a lot of sizes and our hitting team found it to perform as well as the CF–although the stiffer feel in the Meta didn’t get as good feedback.
Models Overview
Our hitters like the stiffer feel of the Meta when compared to other BBCOR and USSSA two-piece composites. The big barrel, great sound, and top-end performance make it a popular bat among our testers.
Construction & Technology
The 2022 Louisville Slugger Meta comes in a normal version and, in BBCOR at least, a PWR version. The PWR version is the same as the BBCOR version of the bat but with added swing weight. Generally, expect the same "EKO" composite, "VCX2" connection piece, GT1 end cap, and balanced swing weight on the non-PWR vesions. Those features (and marketing names for bat pieces) have not changed from the 2021 version. Here is the marketing writeup of the bat:
- EKO™ Composite BarrelEngineered to the pinnacle of performance; light-swinging monster barrel profile, optimized sweet spot, and the truest sound in the game
- GT1™ End CapMaximizes barrel length and swing speed, delivering added power in every swing
- 3FX™ Connection SystemThree-piece design gives players a ‘stiff’ feel, while also dramatically reducing vibration on mis-hits
- Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip™Designed to give players added tack and cushion to improve feel and bat control through the zone
- Balanced Swing WeightFor the ultimate combination of speed and power
Performance Comparison
There are no changes between the BBCOR or USSSA versions of the 2022 Meta compared to 2021. It is, effectively, the same bat with different graphics along all its USSSA and BBCOR version.
Comparable Bats
There are plenty of two-piece composite bats on the market that competes with the Meta. The big barrel and light swing in with a smooth smash made possible by the two-piece connection are bats like DeMarini's CF and ZOA as well as Slugger's Prime, Marucci's CAT 9 Connect, Easton's Hype and the Rawlings Quatro.
Expert Recommendations
The bat isn’t cheap, and the mystique of the 2022 (and 2021) versions of the bats falls short of the 2019 and 2020 BBCOR, which were world-class. Overall, this is a better-received bat than the Slugger Prime series and in BBCOR the META is a real win. USSSA 2022 Meta versions fall behind the CF in terms of overall prowess, but we are fans nonetheless.
The Bottom Line
Built for power, the 2022 Meta from Louisville Slugger is back for more. The game-changing EKO™ composite barrel delivers a sound unlike anything in the game, delivering the perfect balance of performance and feel. The three-piece construction is centered around our patented 3FX™ Connection System that gives you a stiff feel on contact that pairs perfectly with this bat’s monstrous sweet spot. We maximized the barrel length with the Premium GT1™ End Cap, putting the finishing touches on one of our highest-performing bats ever.
