The 2018 Maxcor is just like the 2017 version of the same bat. However, the 2018 class comes in an additional size---a USAbat drop 5 versions. We have spent plenty of time with this soft barreled bat, talked to a number of players who have used it, and give our 2018 Mizuno Maxcor Bat review below.
Models Overview
If you are in the BBCOR space, we'd suggest you buy last year's (2017) model. The bat is virtually the same and can be found at a considerable discount.
Once those run out, there really is only one bat on the market the offers the hitting approach that the Maxcor offers. It becomes terribly difficult to recommend the bats considering. First, their BBCOR line is not a significant amount different than their 2017 line, which can be found for a fraction of the cost. Secondly, if Mizuno does go the way of all the earth, then anyone should be able to snatch up these bats for a fraction of the price in the coming months.
Construction & Technology
We have written a considerable amount on the soft barrel of the Maxcor. The bat uses a pliable outer shell over an aluminum inner shell. As the ball compresses on the barrel, this outershell deforms to deliver more barrel and ball contact. The additional contact increases power transfer, and at some angles, increases backspin. Both of these are factors to a longer flying ball.
In theory that makes plenty of sense, and at least at some level, it makes sense in practice, too. But the major caveat: to produce a great barrel compression you must have a massive collision---which most high school and USABat players are incapable of even in the best of circumstances.
We also have yet to see any substantive data on the supposed backspin increase. Ball flight calculators show that doubling the backspin, in some cases, can increase the ball's flight some. And by some we mean a few feet. In some cases a few feet may mean all the difference. But, does the Maxcor double the backspin? We simply aren't told.
Performance Comparison
There are no differences, aside from the color up, between the 2017 and 2018 Maxcor. We would refer you to the 2017 Maxcor review here as a reference point.
Do note, however, both the 2017 and 2018 versions are much different than the 2016 version and the 2015 version. Those bats' barrels were remarkably small and swung heavy.
Comparable Bats
We often use this section to describe a few bats in the market that might be worth a look if the bat you are reading about here sounds tempting. But, in terms of the MAXCOR, there are simply no other bats with similar construction.
If we had to stretch, and it would be a massive stretch, maybe take a look at any top end two piece composite bat. Ultimately, the Maxcor is a two piece composite bat. Granted, the "composite" of the barrel on the Maxcor is an out of this world substance.
Try, for example, the 2018 CF Zen?
Expert Recommendations
The USABat recommendation is a bit trickier. These bats do not exist in the 2017 space---making it therefore impossible to pick up last year's model. And the fact only a few companies have released USABats on time gives the public only so many options.
If it were our money, the drop 5 Maxcor in the USABat would be the only Maxcor we'd be willing to buy.
