In writing the 2017 Mizuno MAXCOR review, we tested the bat extensively in the cage. We also spoke with the manufacturer about upgrades from previous years' versions. As well, we compared our 2016 and 2015 MAXCOR hitting notes and reviews previously published on this site. We have also spent several hours reading and researching player experience with the 2017 Mizuno MAXCOR. Those thoughts and efforts come together in this 2017 Mizuno MAXCOR Review.
Models Overview
As in previous years, the Mizuno MAXCOR will sport the now-famous soft outer barrel. We discuss at length the theory behind the soft barrel in our 2016 and 2015 review. We'd push you to those for a longer discussion. But, in short, as the length of the barrel correlates with the size of the sweet spot from knob to end cap, the softness of the barrel correlates with the width of the sweet spot from top to bottom of the barrel.
Mizuno argues that their two-dimensional approach to sweet spot growth makes it the largest sweet spot in the business. There is simply no way for us to confirm if this is in fact the case. How would anyone, after all? But that doesn't mean the idea behind *two-dimensional sweet spots is hocus pocus. Indeed, we like the idea. And until proven otherwise, we are believers.
*Note: "Two-dimensional sweet spot" is a phrase we believe we came up with during this article. It just came to us like lighting! Mizuno doesn't use those exact words to describe the process, but the idea is the same.
Performance Comparison
Compared to the 2016 Model, Mizuno exaggerated the taper in the inner barrel to expand the sweet spot. The claim is it is 33% larger than previous years. We would have no way to confirm this, but are comfortable in taking their word that the sweet spot is indeed expanded.
Additionally, the thinner walls in the barrel have decreased swing weight. We have confirmed this. Unlike the 2016 version of the MAXCOR, the 2017 version should be considered a 'balanced' BBCOR baseball bat.
Comparable Bats
There is nothing like the 2017 Mizuno MAXCOR. The soft barrel and focus on a two-dimensional sweet spot is unique. The only reasonable solution when considering other options is the 2016 or 2015 MAXCOR. Both of those bats, however, swing heavier, and the 2015's short barrel length should be avoided.
There are other balanced two piece hybrid type bats on the market with a balanced swing. Of course they do not have a soft barrel, but they could serve the same type of hitter. Those are highlighted by the DeMarini Voodoo Balanced (our review) and the 2017 Easton HMX Z-Core Hybrid (our review).
Expert Recommendations
If you fall into any of the following categories, we suggest looking somewhere else for your 2017 stick. If you:
- Want an ultralight swing (this is balanced, not ultralight)
- Are not in the BBCOR space (the bat doesn't come in those sizes)
- Want an endloaded bat
- Want a 'ping' sound on a truly aluminum barrel
