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2017 DeMarini CF9 Review

By Bat Digest • Updated May 31, 2026
Best Bat Digest score 80/100
Top grade B-
Score range: 79-80/100 across 6 scored models Top model: 2017 DeMarini CF9 Slapper Fastpitch -10
May 31, 2026
Expert Tested
2017 DeMarini CF9 Review
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Who should buy the 2017 DeMarini CF9?

If buying: Consider the 2017 DeMarini CF9 if this matches your player: Fastpitch hitters who want a Fastpitch two-piece composite option in -11 to -8. Choose the exact certification and drop first, then use the score and model table on this page to compare the available versions.

Check price: 2017 DeMarini CF9 at Amazon SidelineSwap Dick's Closeout Bats

2017 DeMarini CF9 full bat view

Best for

  • Fastpitch hitters who want a Fastpitch two-piece composite option in -11 to -8.
  • Hitters choosing -11 to -8 drops in Fastpitch.
  • Shoppers comparing multiple drops or certifications inside the same model line.

Skip if

  • Durability concerns are mentioned in the review.
  • 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 2017 DeMarini CF9 a good bat?

The 2017 DeMarini CF9 (Fastpitch) is a two piece composite bat reviewed by Bat Digest.

What should you know about the 2017 DeMarini CF9?

  • How good is the 2017 DeMarini CF9 in our rankings: It is ranked 68 out of 103 in Fastpitch -10 bats.
  • Who is the 2017 DeMarini CF9 for: Fastpitch hitters who want a Fastpitch two-piece composite option in -11 to -8.
  • Database rank: 2017 DeMarini CF9 Fastpitch drop -8 is ranked #37 out of 47 in our Fastpitch database.
  • Construction: Two Piece Composite
  • Drop options: -11 to -8

What are the 2017 DeMarini CF9 specs?

  • Year: 2017
  • Brand: DeMarini
  • Model Name: CF9
  • Drop: -11 to -8
  • Construction: Two Piece Composite
  • Original Price: Unknown

What evidence is this based on?

What we know

  • Available as Fastpitch, -11 to -8 drops, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 sizes.
  • Construction: Two 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: Fastpitch Confirm the Fastpitch stamp on the exact bat before game use.

  • Durability concerns are mentioned in the review.
  • 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 2017 DeMarini CF9?

No other brand really drives options like the CF9. In that regard, there are no comparable options. Sure, Slugger's LXT and XENO lines combined might get you close ,but they would still lack a drop 9 end load. Slugger's fastpitch line does offer customization options---as they are owned by Wilson, too.

Easton, Marucci, Anderson and Rawlings each make good bats in their own regards. Some, like Rawings' new Quatro and Marucci's Pure, use a similar light swiging two piece composite concept, but they lack sizing options and pedigree.

 
2017 Louisville Slugger LXT Hyper

2017 Louisville Slugger LXT Hyper

Overall: A (93/100) Rank #5/103

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

Review Buy
2016 Louisville Slugger LXT Plus

2016 Louisville Slugger LXT Plus

Overall: A (93/100) Rank #5/103

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

Review Buy
2018 Louisville Slugger LXT

2018 Louisville Slugger LXT

Overall: A (93/100) Rank #10/103

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

Review Buy

2017 DeMarini CF9 FAQ

Is the 2017 DeMarini CF9 a good bat?
It makes the most sense for this player fit: Fastpitch hitters who want a Fastpitch two-piece composite option in -11 to -8. The score strip and model table are the quickest way to compare the listed variants.
Which 2017 DeMarini CF9 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 2017 DeMarini CF9?
Start with 2017 Louisville Slugger LXT Hyper, 2016 Louisville Slugger LXT Plus, 2018 Louisville Slugger LXT; 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: 79-80/100 across 6 scored models Top model: 2017 DeMarini CF9 Slapper Fastpitch -10
Model League Drop Overall score Power Control Quality Value Price Check price
2017 DeMarini CF9 Fastpitch full bat view CF9 WTDXCFS17 Fastpitch -11 79/100 C+ B+ A B B -
Amazon SidelineSwap
2017 DeMarini CF9 Fastpitch full bat view CF9 WTDXCFP17 Fastpitch -10 80/100 B- B+ A B B -
Amazon SidelineSwap
2017 DeMarini CF9 Fastpitch full bat view CF9 WTDXCFF17 Fastpitch -9 80/100 B- B+ A B B -
Amazon SidelineSwap
2017 DeMarini CF9 Fastpitch full bat view CF9 WTDXCFB17 Fastpitch -8 79/100 C+ B+ A B B -
Amazon SidelineSwap
2017 DeMarini CF9 Hope Fastpitch full bat view CF9 Hope WTDXCFH17 Fastpitch -10 80/100 B- B+ A B B -
Amazon SidelineSwap
2017 DeMarini CF9 Slapper Fastpitch full bat view CF9 Slapper WTDXCFA17 Fastpitch -10 80/100 B- B+ A B B -
Amazon SidelineSwap

What is the quick review?

Few bats hold a candle to the CF9 series of DeMarini Fastpitch sticks.

What models and sizes are available?

We took several of them for a spin, got feedback directly from elite players, read a number of sources we trust and spoke to the manufacturer and vendor to put together this 2017 DeMarini CF9 Fastpitch Bat Review. We cover the Hope, drop 8, drop 9, drop 10 and drop 11 here. We leave the 2017 Slapper Review and 2017 Insane Reviews to another post.

How does it compare?

The major, and only, change from 2016 CF8 fastpitch bats to the 2017 CF9 Fastpitch bats, is the change to a stronger composite. The claim is, this new Paraflex composite is 22% stronger. In theory, a stronger composite wall allows for a longer sweet spot, because walls can be thinner for longer without sacrificing durability. Time will tell if the CF9 is much hotter than the CF8, which were arguably the hottest bats on the market.

Our gut feel, after using the bats and speaking to others who have---the CF9 will have similar outstanding performance reviews as the CF8. Good news for all.

Why trust our reviews

Laboratory tested swing weights
Real player feedback surveys
15+ years of expertise
Featured in ESPN, Forbes
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