The 2019 DeMarini CF Insane brought end-loaded power to the CF fastpitch line. This two-piece composite bat took the beloved CF platform and added mass in the barrel for players hunting extra-base hits.
Models Overview
The CF Insane featured the same Paraflex+ Composite and 3Fusion Connection as the balanced CF, but with strategic weight distribution toward the end cap. This created a noticeable end-load while maintaining the forgiving sweet spot CF bats were known for.
Construction & Technology
The CF Insane comes in a drop 8, 9 and 10. The Zen version of the bat comes in a drop 10 too, but that bat swings 10% lighter than the drop 10.
As a general rule, every step up in size you can expect a 10% increase in swing weight. So, the drop 8 in a 32 should swing about 20% heavier than the drop 10 in a 32. If you want to change drops but keep the same swing weight then move up an inch if you go down a drop or move down an inch if you go up an inch.
Remember, swing weight is NOT scale weight. Swing weight is more dependent upon how the bat's weight is distributed along the length of the barrel instead of how much the bat weighs in total.
Performance Comparison
Aside from the name and paint job, there are no differences (as far as we could tell) between the 2018 CFX Insane and the 2019 CF Insane. This is not uncommon for major bat manufacturers to have an old bat and a new paint job. Some take a flack for it.
However, bats in a given year are made for certain inventory levels, and resupplying them with a colored-up version makes marketing and consumer sense. As well, we can't expect bats to get better and better all the time. Turns out, too, that the CFX Insane is a fantastic bat as is the CF Insane will be. So, hard to complain too much about a good bat.
That said, if you can find the 2018 version of the bat new in wrapper with warranty we would not hesitate on it when compared to the 2019 CF Zen. In time, the 2018 CFX will be out of stock. Then, obviously, go for the CF Zen Insane. Both bats use the same Paraflex composite in the barrel, 3-fusion handle and 3-fusion end cap. They also use the same grip as well as the same handle and knob too.
Comparable Bats
In terms of swing weight, the most common and similar bat to the CF Insane is Louisville Slugger's XENO. Both these bats have the same construction (two-piece composite) and swing weight. Barrel sizes are comparable too.
However, the Insane is more expensive than the XENO (at least MSRP). As well, the IST connective piece on the XENO is remarkably stiff and delivers more feedback on the hands. DeMarini's CF Insane is a smoother connection that doesn't give the same kind of feedback but feels real good on both hits and mishits.
As well, the XENO comes in a drop 8, 9, 10, and 11 while the CF Insane only comes in a drop 8, 9 and 10. If you want a drop 11 in a CF series of bat check out the 2019 DeMarini CF Zen. (And the XENO is about $50 less expensive).
The other option to consider for 2019, if you are looking closely at the 2019 CF Insane, is Mizuno's new Carbon Power 2. This bat feels a lot like the CF Insane with a smoother connection point when compared to the Zen.
However, the lack of long-term pedigree on the Mizuno Power Carbon makes it a bit of a wild card when compared to the well-established CF Insane. All things on the Power Carbon are new this year. The CF Insane has nothing new but a paint job.
