After hitting with the 919 Prime from Slugger in four games and several hundred hits in the cage, among a few different players, this is our 2019 Louisville Slugger 919 Prime Review. Generally, the bat feels much like it did last year.
Models Overview
The two-piece composite with a smooth connection makes for a great feel on hits and mishits. We'd recommend it for hitters who want a bat with a balanced to light swing weight, a great feel on hits and mishits, as well as a smooth connection.
Construction & Technology
The 919 Prime from Slugger is a two piece composite bat. Meaning, the bat's barrel and handle are constructed separate and then put together post production. How a bat connects its handle to its barrel considerable affects its performance and feel. Slugger's connection is know for a real great feel on both good and bad hits. It is not a terribly stiff connection. Which, of course, has its downsides too in that you might loose some power on off-center hits.
Performance Comparison
There are a few fundamental changes to the 2019 Prime when compared to the 2018 Prime.
- The grip has changed from the standard Lizard Skin grip to one manufactured by Louisville Slugger. For some, this is no reason to fret. A grip is a grip is a grip. And adding a Lizard skin, or any number of grips available on the market today is easy enough. Rumor has it that Slugger doesn't have the Lizard Skin contract anymore.
- Slugger changed the connective piece in the 919 from the Tru3 in the 918. This new connective piece is called the VCX. Our hitters didn't feel much difference in the two bats, although Slugger claims the VCX adds some durability and better weight distribution.
- USA Bat: For some, the most significant change in the 91X line from Slugger is the long-awaited edition of a two-piece composite USA Bat to the mix. The USA Bat is a massive step in this new market, and there should be plenty up for trying it out.
Comparable Bats
The two peice composite bat space is no stranger to competition. Every serious bat company seems to make a really good one in this space. In terms of a similar swing weight and feel on contact look for the 2019 CF Zen and the 2019 Rawlings Quatro Pro. Each of those bats, like the 919, come in a number of sizes and leagues.
If you want to be crazy then Slugger sure would like to see you consider their Meta 9 Prime. New for 2019 this is the flagship bat of Slugger's bat offering. It has some serious upgrades from the 919 Prime and worth a look. If you can believe it, it also costs more.
