We spent over 3 hours in our cage comparing the 2017 Louisville Slugger Xeno PLUS Fastpitch softball bat (Ebay, Amazon) to other similar designs in the market. While the 2017 models of performance fastpitch bats are still rolling out we are confident the 2017 Xeno Plus Fastpitch sits among the best in this year's class.
Models Overview
It was equally preferred among the best fastpitch bats we've seen since we began reviewing bats in 2013. We'd recommend the 2017 Xeno Plus to those who want top shelf performance at all pitch speeds, are not too concerned with budget, prefer an over-sized barrel (who doesn't?) and want (or need) a light swinging (read: balanced) bat.
Construction & Technology
The 2017 Xeno Plus, like the Xeno bats before it, is a performance two-piece composite fast pitch softball bat with a balance point built towards the hands for a lighter feeling swing. The bat is developed with an advanced transition between barrel and handle that keeps a smooth feel on contact yet a stiff enough feel for solid hitting at all levels of pitch speed.
The Xeno's extra long barrel is double-walled. The outer wall performs at max flex straight out of the wrapper. This means the bat has no warm up period. The inner barrel gives the bat added durability and ensures it stays legal when used by those with a very fast bat speed and/or those who see very fast pitching. The bat, of course, is legal in 1.20 USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA and ISF fast-pitch leagues.
Performance Comparison
The 2017 XENO (pronounced, by the way, Zee-No) has a stiffer transition point than the 2016 version. In theory, a stiffer transition will give hitters better feel through contact (read: more hand sting on mishits) as well as more power when the ball is squared up nicely. We buy the more hand sting on a stiffer bat, but we aren't quite convinced a stiffer feel actually delivers more power---especially considering most hitters don't generate the type of bat speed required for maximum performance anyways. Regardless, the 2017 Xeno does indeed have a stiffer transition. The only other differences from 2016 to 2017 is the color up.
If you want to see how the 2016 differed from the 2015 (and there were several changes) see our 2016 XENO Plus Fast-pitch review.
Comparable Bats
The most obvious comparable bat to the 2017 Xeno Plus is its predecessor in the 2016. Those comparisons and differences are discussed above. Outside of the Louisville Slugger brand the CF9 set of fastpitch bats from DeMarini get similar marks in terms of performance, price and expectations. Worth's 2 Legit is a worthy double-walled two-piece stick with many comparable specs.
