Marucci's 2018 F5 is a value bat built with the person who likes the idea of the CAT series of bats but doesn't quite like the price. The bat uses a similar alloy when compared to the CAT, but doesn't use the same anti-vibration know. Everything we know about the 2018 Marucci F5 is below.
Models Overview
If you love the Marucci line of bats and like the feel of a single piece aluminum bat, then the F5 is a legit option for players not ready to spend the money it takes to acquire a CAT 7. Do note, however, the F5 only comes in a drop 10 2 3/4 for both Junior Big Barrel and Big Barrel Leagues, as well as a BBCOR option. In other words, even if you do want this bat it is possible they won't make it in your size. Check before you start to salivate.
Construction & Technology
As we mention above, the 2018 Marucci F5 is made from a single piece of aluminum. This aluminum has added materials within the metal so you will often see it referred to as an alloy bat.
The most unique feature of the F5 is something you can only see if you cut the bat in half lengthwise. The barrel's differing thickness allows for better trampoline effect off the dead sweet spot. It also removes volume from the barrel and allows for a lighter swinging bat.
The F5 is one of the lightest swinging single piece bats on the market. And at this price point, we think it is the lightest.
Performance Comparison
2015 was the first year of the F5. This year has some slight upgrades, but it is the same bat and feel. They did upgrade some of it to a black version for 2020, but it is the same bat with some different graphics that comply with the new NCAA regulation on non-white bats.
Comparable Bats
Marucci F5 Comparable Bats
There are several single piece aluminum bats on the market. Not counting the Marucci F5, four bats use variable wall thickness to lower the swing weight. They are:
Rawlings VELO
Boombah Cannon
Axe Hyperwhip
Marucci CAT 7
Mizuno Generations
(Thanks goes out to one of our faithful readers for making sure we got the Generations on this list. It is far and away the most comparable bat to the F5 in the market today.)
Each of these bats are "hot out of the wrapper". None, save the Mizuno Generations, however, is as inexpensive as the F5. If you'd like to read more about those bats we refer you to those specific reviews for details.
Expert Recommendations
We think you'll like the F5 because it is a (1) Value Purchase, (2) big barrel for an aluminum bat, (3) Light Swing, (4) Loud Ping and (5) Durabile
You might not like the bat because it rings your hands on mishits, is not the biggest barrel and there are a lot of other single piece alloy bats in the bat space
Not the biggest barrel.
