We put several hundred swings on the 2018 Rawlings Threat USA Bat. The USSSA and BBCOR versions are reviewed here too, but they are significantly different in makeup when compared to the 2019 USA Rawlings Threat.
Models Overview
Stronger, more advanced hitters didn't prefer how light it was and complained a few times about hand sting. All the players under 10 loved the light swing of the USA Bat. It also had a great sound, feel on impact as well as the design. The USSSA and BBCOR versions of this bat are the next generation Rawlings Prodigy. The Prodigy is a single piece aluminum bat with a low price point and a low swing weight.
Construction & Technology
The USA Rawlings threat is a single piece composite bat with an ultra light drop 12 swing. The barrel size measures out below average when compared to other drop 10s in the space, but they are far from the smallest. And it stands alone in the 2 5/8 drop 12 space.
It also comes in as short a size as a drop 28 inch drop 12. That is, you can get a at that weighs close to 16 ounces---making it appropriate for players as young as 6 years old.
Note, as well, our 31/19 weighed in closer to 18 ounces. And the swing weight on the bat (with a real focus of the weight in the handle not the barrel) push it well below other 18 ounce bats on the market. In fact, its swing weight was even lighter than the 27/17 Marucci F5.
Performance Comparison
There was officially no Threat in USSSA and USA last year. However, there is was a Prodigy and this bat takes its place in a long line of simple, single piece aluminum bats from Rawlings.
The Threat in USA is considered by some a 2018 and by others a 2019 bat. It came out later in the season for 2018 because there was a huge need for a light swinging USA Bat. This, in a drop 12, did the trick.
Comparable Bats
The Beast X Hyperlite from Easton is a drop 12 in the USA Space. However, that version of the drop 12 is a 2 1/4 barrel bat. We think a 2 1/4 bat is a terrible idea in the USA space.
The Hyperlite does have a 2 5/8 version in a drop 11. But, if you were looking for a drop 11 you'd likely not have made it this far in an article about the drop 12 Threat.
There are enough early reports on the Beast X Hyperlite to prove it is not going to be the favorite in this years 2018 USA Bat space.
If your intent is to get the lightest swing you can possibly find then the Rawlings Threat should be your choice.
Overall grade: A
Overall grade: A
Overall grade: A-
