DeMarini CF vs Easton Hype

In two-piece composite bats, few names command as much attention as DeMarini’s CF (formerly the CF Zen) and Easton’s Hype Fire. Historically, the DeMarini CF line ruled the USSSA roost for years, capturing the hearts of hitters who craved a massive barrel, a forgiving feel, and a light swing. However, Easton’s Hype Fire stormed onto the scene and now holds significant ground in that same USSSA space, challenging the CF’s long-held dominance. With 2025 models on deck, this piece dives into what each bat brings based on the latest insights from Bat Digest’s ongoing reviews.

Construction and Technology

DeMarini CF (Zen):

• Build: Two-piece composite design with a big, long barrel.
• Feel & Connection: A flexible connection piece aims to deliver that signature “CF feel”—a forgiving experience on both solid contact and mishits.
• Performance Goal: DeMarini is looking to recapture the magic of the once-revered CF Zen era. The focus is on producing a vast hitting area, a balanced swing, and smooth feedback in BBCOR and USSSA variants.

Easton Hype Fire:

• Build: A two-piece composite bat with a large, responsive barrel.
• Feel & Connection: This gun features an ultra-light swing weight, a big barrel, and a proven two-piece composite construction, likely a carryover from the 2024 edition.
• Performance Goal: The Hype Fire immediately emphasizes top-tier performance from the wrapper. Expect a light swing, a big barrel, and potent pop. While durability may occasionally become a concern—especially for heavy hitters—it’s a known trade-off for the barrel’s hot-out-of-the-wrapper performance.

USSSA Lineup & Performance

DeMarini CF in USSSA:

• Drops & Ratings: Available in drops of 5, 8, 10, and 11, the CF has historically catered to a wide range of youth and travel ball players.
• Strengths: Long known for its balanced swing and great feel, the CF is banking on nostalgia and improved barrel design to win back its audience. The Drops 8 and 10, in particular, scored well with Bat Digest (92.9/100), suggesting significant barrel responsiveness and player satisfaction.

Easton Hype Fire in USSSA:

• Drops & Ratings: Offered in drop 5, 8, and 10, the Hype Fire came in swinging, quickly topping the popularity charts with ridiculously high scores (some as high as 98.0/100 for drop 8 and 10 models).
• Strengths: The Hype Fire is built to rake—impressive exit speeds, a forgiving feel, and strong performance ratings make it an instant favorite for serious USSSA hitters looking for top-end pop. The feedback is that it’s hot and ready to go without much break-in.

Head-to-Head in USSSA:

• Historically, the CF Zen owned this arena. The Hype Fire and Easton’s ICON sit firmly at the top of many hitters’ lists. DeMarini’s attempt to reclaim the throne with the CF Zen name revival faces stiff competition, especially as the Hype Fire’s barrel performance and popularity continue to surge.

BBCOR Considerations

While both families have BBCOR options, the CF’s BBCOR presence is more limited and will likely appeal to hitters who want a light-swinging, two-piece composite with a big barrel. Easton’s Hype line also enjoys strong brand familiarity in BBCOR ranks, though the Hype Fire line’s main stage remains the USSSA world.

Comparable Alternatives

The DeMarini CF and the Easton Hype Fire sit in a crowded field of high-end two-piece composites. The Rawlings ICON and the Louisville Slugger META remain worthy considerations—each with large barrels and well-balanced feels. The ICON tends to swing slightly heavier, while the CF and Hype Fire aim for that ultra-light swing weight.

Durability and Longevity

• DeMarini CF: Historically decent durability with the CF line, but their new 2025 iteration will be closely watched to see if it maintains that balance between performance and longevity.
• Easton Hype Fire: It may have a higher propensity for durability questions, especially at the elite performance level. The intense hot-out-of-the-wrapper performance could come with some trade-offs in overall lifespan.

Who Should Swing These Bats?

DeMarini CF (Zen): Ideal for smaller to mid-sized hitters who value a big barrel and an ultra-light swing. If you love the feel of older Zen models and want something built to recapture that magic, the CF is an excellent bet.

Easton Hype Fire: Tailored for the player who wants top-tier performance, a huge sweet spot, and quick results. If instant pop and top-end performance are your main drivers—and you’re not overly concerned about a potentially shorter lifespan—you’ll love what the Hype Fire brings.

Our Parting Pitch

The 2025 DeMarini CF and the 2025 Easton Hype Fire share a similar design philosophy: both are two-piece composite bats delivering big barrels and light swings. But while the CF is making a comeback play—hoping to rekindle the glory of its Zen-era dominance—Easton’s Hype Fire continues to ride its current wave of USSSA popularity. The Zen may be your jam if you’re a player looking for that classic CF feel. If you’re more concerned about outright performance supremacy and that elusive “hot out of the wrapper” pop, the Hype Fire remains a top contender.

As always, the best bat is the one that fits your swing, strength, and preferences. With both the CF and Hype Fire offering top-tier designs for 2025, hitters have much to consider—and that’s a great problem to have.