We reviewed a number of sources in putting together this article on the 2017 Louisville Slugger X12 fastpitch bat. For starters, we checked our 2017 DeMarini Vendetta Review and our overall Fastpitch Bat Reviews page. You may also find our XENO and LXT Slugger reviews worth a few minutes of your time.
Off this site, there are a few places to find some insight on the X12. Reviews can be found on Amazon's product section. As well, justbats.com and Modell's sporting goods have some insight.
Models Overview
After quality time with Slugger's X12 fastpitch bat, we have our review and some recommendations. Overall, the Slugger X12 is an entry-level fastpitch bat with an entry-level price. It offers some features top-shelf bats boast, like its two-piece composite design. In other areas, it lacks newer composite structures and does not provide the same type of performance feedback found in real top-shelf bats. We recommend the X12 to the player looking for a value purchase, where top-end performance for top-end pitch speed is not as crucial as a reasonable price and light swing.
Construction & Technology
Louisville Slugger's X12 Fastpitch bat uses a traditional two piece composite design. This design, found on the vast majority of top shelf fastpitch bats, combines a composite handle onto a composite barrel. The two pieces are made separately, then connected with a rubber or synthetic collar.
In theory, this two piece design allows for ball shock to dissipate before it reaches the hands. As such, two piece bats tend to ring the hands less. Depending on the strength of the transition, a two piece composite bat can also bend more on contact. As a general rule, this sting dampening also causes some performance dampening, as possible trampoline effect is negated by a softer landing.
Comparable Bats
In the Drop 12 two-piece composite space, the Louisville Slugger X12 Fastpitch bat has at least a little bit of company. Maybe the most popular, Easton’s FS3 fastpitch bat, also a two-piece composite in the drop 12 built for a new player and a light swing. If we are to believe the average of most online reviews, then the FS3 is the more desired and more popular fastpitch bat when compared to the Slugger X12.
If you need a slightly heavier option in the drop 12 space, DeMarini makes a drop 12 fastpitch bat called the Vendetta. You can see our full DeMarini Vendetta Review here.
Looking for more options? Browse our complete Fastpitch bat reviews.