The 2023 Marucci CAT X is a single piece alloy bat with huge appeal. It updates from the popular CAT 9 before it. In the early months of 2024 (as we predicted) Marucci ads a puck knob version of the bat to its lineup.
Models Overview
The Marucci CAT X is a single piece alloy bat with a reasonable barrel, outstanding feel and top end feedback. The bat comes from a long line of successful bats that have been on top of the best single piece alloys in the game. The BBCOR and USSSA Versions are popular across the board and it serves as an all hitters bat (any kind of kid can make use if it). We think the BBCOR version is among the best BBCOR bats in the game.
Construction & Technology
The 2023 Marucci CAT X is a single-piece alloy bat with some tech in the knob that dampens stings on mishits. It also has a unique alloy to give it a huge barrel and hot out-of-the-wrapper performance.
Performance Comparison
Here are the changes, as reported by Marucci on our Podcast, of the 2023 CAT X Connect vs the 2021 CAT 9.
Cat X BBCOR
- New Barrel Profile: Longer, Smoother shape to allow for a more consistent, wider performance area.
- ~1” lower balance point compared to Cat 9 BBCOR. Huge change in balance to fit more hitters. Close to Vandal/Voodoo One balance.
- Thinner handle for more bottom-hand feel.34mm hard taper modeled after for more top-hand control and more ergonomic fit (similar to the most popular wood turn, AP5). This piece is removable if wanted.
- Liquid-Gel knob dampens sting faster and more efficiently than previous anti-vibration knobs. Now offering a 32.5” and 33.5” along with all normal sizes.
Comparable Bats
Single-piece alloy bats that are hot, big barrelled, and get good reviews are similar to the Voodoo One, Rawlings 5150, and Slugger Omaha. The CAT X has a few more tech advancements (like the knob that dampens sting). But, fundamentally, if you are looking for a single-piece alloy bat then the CAT X has competition.
Expert Recommendations
The CAT series from Marucci is, to put it mildly, popular. The CAT X will replace the CAT 9 which has a history since the CAT 5-squared of top end performance, a great sized barrel and some of the best player feedback around for a single piece alloy bat.
