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2016 Combat Maxum Review

Best Bat Digest score 88/100
Top grade B+
Score range: 84-88/100 across 2 scored models Top model: 2016 Combat Maxum BBCOR -3
May 31, 2026
Expert Tested
2016 Combat Maxum Review
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Who should buy the 2016 Combat Maxum?

If buying: Consider the 2016 Combat Maxum if this matches your player: Baseball hitters who want a one-piece composite option across BBCOR and USSSA in -10 to -3. Choose the exact certification and drop first, then use the score and model table on this page to compare the available versions.

2016 Combat Maxum full bat view

Best for

  • Baseball hitters who want a one-piece composite option across BBCOR and USSSA in -10 to -3.
  • Hitters choosing -10 to -3 drops in BBCOR and USSSA.
  • Shoppers comparing multiple drops or certifications inside the same model line.

Skip if

  • You do not want to sort through certification-specific versions before buying.
  • You want a new warranty-backed bat instead of shopping an older model.

Confidence: Published Review This uses Bat Digest catalog data, ratings data, and existing review notes; current availability, warranty coverage, and used-market condition may vary.

Is the 2016 Combat Maxum a good bat?

The 2016 Combat Maxum (BBCOR) is a single piece composite bat reviewed by Bat Digest.

What should you know about the 2016 Combat Maxum?

  • How good is the 2016 Combat Maxum in our rankings: It is ranked 109 out of 424 in BBCOR -3 bats.
  • Who is the 2016 Combat Maxum for: Baseball hitters who want a one-piece composite option across BBCOR and USSSA in -10 to -3.
  • Construction: Single Piece Composite
  • Drop options: -10 to -3
  • Price: $350 - $400

What are the 2016 Combat Maxum specs?

  • Year: 2016
  • Brand: Combat
  • Model Name: Maxum
  • Drop: -10 to -3
  • Construction: Single Piece Composite
  • Original Price: $350 - $400

What evidence is this based on?

What we know

  • Available as BBCOR and USSSA, -10 to -3 drops, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33 sizes, $350 - $400 pricing.
  • Construction: Single Piece Composite.
  • The score module is generated from Bat Digest ratings data for the associated model set.

What we have not tested yet

  • Every used-market copy or later production batch.
  • Current seller pricing, warranty coverage, and availability.
  • Whether league rules or stamp requirements have changed since the original review period.
  • Variant, drop, size, price, and certification facts come from current Bat Digest catalog data.
  • Buyer-fit language is based on the existing Bat Digest review notes and watchouts in this file.
  • Scores and score ranges come from Bat Digest ratings data rather than static article copy.

What about durability and legality?

Legality: Multi-certification The line spans BBCOR and USSSA; match the exact certification and drop to your league.

  • For older composite bats, used-bat condition matters more than original marketing claims.
  • Used-bat condition can matter more than the original review grade.

What bats are comparable to the 2016 Combat Maxum?

In the comparable bat world of 2016 the only thing close to this bat is the a Dirty South Swag. Both are big barreled single piece composite bats. Both also have massive followings. You can also look at something like a 2016 Louisville Slugger Catalyst. Those bats don't have as big a barrel but they are made of a single piece of composite.
2015 Dirty South Swag

2015 Dirty South Swag

Overall: B+ (89/100) Rank #44/282

Closest same-lane comp: another USSSA one-piece composite to check for feel, value, and model fit.

2015 Marucci Hex Composite

2015 Marucci Hex Composite

Overall: C- (71/100) Rank #229/282

Closest same-lane comp: another USSSA one-piece composite to check for feel, value, and model fit.

2015 Louisville Slugger Catalyst

2015 Louisville Slugger Catalyst

Overall: D+ (68/100) Rank #25/43

Closest same-lane comp: another USSSA one-piece composite to check for feel, value, and model fit.

2016 Combat Maxum FAQ

Is the 2016 Combat Maxum a good bat?
It makes the most sense for this player fit: Baseball hitters who want a one-piece composite option across BBCOR and USSSA in -10 to -3. The score strip and model table are the quickest way to compare the listed variants.
Which 2016 Combat Maxum model should I buy?
Start with the certification and drop your player actually needs. Do not use the grade from one certification as a guarantee for a different version.
What bats compare to the 2016 Combat Maxum?
Start with 2015 Dirty South Swag, 2015 Marucci Hex Composite, 2015 Louisville Slugger Catalyst; those are the closest useful cross-shops in this review set.

Video review

How does it rate?

Overall score is Bat Digest's 100-point rating. Prices and availability can move.

Score range: 84-88/100 across 2 scored models Top model: 2016 Combat Maxum BBCOR -3
Model League Drop Overall score Power Control Quality Value Price Check price
2016 Combat Maxum USSSA full bat view Maxum 2016CombatMaxumUSSSADrop10 USSSA -10 84/100 B B+ A B B+ $350
2016 Combat Maxum BBCOR full bat view Maxum 2016CombatMaxumBBCOR BBCOR -3 88/100 B+ B+ A+ A B $400

What is the quick review?

The 2016 Combat Maxum introduced the massive barrel concept that would define the series. This one-piece composite delivered the largest sweet spot in baseball with an impossibly light swing weight.

What models and sizes are available?

The original Maxum featured Combat's Precision Molding Technology across the entire barrel length. The seamless construction eliminated dead spots while maintaining balance despite the oversized diameter.

How is it built?

It will NOT be hard to love Combat's flagship baseball bat. The barrels are gigantic. The one piece design can ring your hands but the power that comes with the seamless construction is a thing of beauty. The continuation of the premium lizard skin grips are a great touch. We also love the numerous sizing options. We are hopeful the drop 5 Maxum will become as good a bat you can find. The color coding is well thought out. The 500 day warranty is the best the industry has ever seen. Performance wise we have no reason to suspect the bat will be anything other than its predecessors---which was fantastic. The drop 5 will be a player favorite and the all big barrel versions should have the most plate coverage per swing weight any one can purchase for any price in 2016. The low swing weight will feel right at home for many players at the plate. Do we wish it wasn't as pricey out of the gates? Of course. But we are sure this won't be the last time our asthma inhaler is on overdrive due to the price points of 2016 baseball bats.
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