What is the quick review?
The 2019 Louisville Slugger 719 Select is a hybrid bat that serves the two piece space well.
What models and sizes are available?
The 2019 version expands its size offerings (a good sign) and, at least in BBCOR, lowers its swing weight. In the past, the bat was built for the heavy hitting elite hitter that wanted a hot out of the wrapper bat with a smooth feel. The swing weight isn't 619 Solo or 519 Omaha Light. But, in some sizes, it swings similar to the 919 Prime. See our full 718 Select Review for details.
How is it built?
The 719, like the 715, 716 and 718 before it, is a two piece hybrid bat. That is, the handle of the bat is composite while the barrel is aluminum. From the knob to through the VCX connection piece (that ultimately attaches to the barrel) the 719 is exactly like the 919 Prime.
The principle behind a two piece hybrid bat is a hot out of the wrapper bat with a great feel on both hits and mishits. Aluminum bats require
no work in and their stiff performance, at least in the 719, guarantee top end pop on barrel-center hits. The connective piece and composite handle allow for a buttery blast in the gap or a more manageable feel on mishits.
How does it compare?
The 719 and 718 are considerably different in BBCOR. In particular, the swing weight on the 719 is lighter. The 718 was considered one of the heavier swinging bats on the market.
The 2019 719 Select should still be considered a heavier swinging bat. It swings 5% heavier than the 619 Solo in the same size (last year it swung closer to 10% heavier). But, compared to the 2018 version the 2019 is noticeably lighter in BBCOR. The USA and USSSA swing weights haven't changed much as they already had the new end cap in 2018.