What is the quick review?
We spent 2 hours in the cage and 1 hour in the field hitting with the 2016 Louisville Slugger 716 Select. We also spent another 2 hours reading reviews from other players and deciphering message boards that discuss this bat. In that 5 hour time, we found the 716 Select to be a lighter swinging hybrid bat built hot out of the wrapper for players who consider themselves occasional power hitters and, due to it's focused barrel, know how to hit a ball well.
What models and sizes are available?
The 716 has a heavy swing---so, naturally, our bigger hitters liked it. It's a softer connection piece than in later years, but it packs a punch and is the go to bat for several collegiate level players.
How is it built?
The 2016 716 Select (like the 2015 Louisville Slugger 715 Select) is a two-piece hybrid bat. Meaning, it has a composite handle and an aluminum barrel. The bat also has a composite slug that sits within the transition point of the handle and barrel. This slug both dampens sting on mishits as well as keeps the bat stiff for quality performance. Slugger refers to this as a TRU-3 connective piece since it makes the bat officially 3 pieces.
How does it compare?
Compared to last year's 715, the 2016 comes with two upgrades in an updated color scheme and a black and white camo lizard skin grip. Otherwise, there are no notable differences. The 716 from the 715, by way of performance improvements, are identical---which is not a bad thing considering the 715 was well-received, especially at collegiate levels.