The 2019 Louisville Slugger Meta Prime revolutionized BBCOR bats with its EKO Composite barrel that delivered unprecedented exit velocities. This three-piece design quickly became legendary for its hot out-of-the-wrapper performance.
Models Overview
The Meta Prime featured Louisville Slugger's new EKO Composite material and VCX Vibration Control Connection. The balanced BBCOR model (-3) created incredible swing speed while the composite barrel delivered elite-level pop.
Construction & Technology
The bat, virtually, has everything upgraded from the 918. So much so that they decided to make it an entirely new bat. Do note, too, the 918 does have a natural upgrade in the 919 Prime. But, the Meta is different enough to start a new line of bats.
To start, the barrel is different. It's big, sounds great, and feels about perfect. It uses a new connective piece that we've yet to see in the industry and the handle is a newer composite. Throw in a new type of end cap and the bat is completely redesigned. Although the price point is $500 we see why Slugger thinks they can justify it---although most people won't
Performance Comparison
There really isn't a "last year's model" of the 2019 Meta Prime. The 918 Prime is followed by the 919 Prime. The Meta is enough of a new bat to be considered the first of a generation.
That said, Slugger surely learned somethings from the 91X Series of bats that they put into the Meta Prime. Though the Meta is not the official child of the 915, 916, 917 and 918, we think it more like a close cousin whose dad is uber-wealthy.
Comparable Bats
At this point, it is difficult to say how comparable other two piece composite bats on the market are compared to the Meta 9 Prime. Of course the two piece composite space is replete. Rawlings' Quatro Pro, Easton's new Project 3 ADV, DeMarini's CF Zen and Insane as well as Slugger's own 919 Prime all fight for the top end dollar.
In other words, we are very much in a holding pattern to find out which one, if any, of these 2019 BBCOR bats will drive the market. But, if any bat is set to rock the boat of the normal winners in this category, the Meta 9 looks primed for the run. Follow our 2019 BBCOR bat reviews to stay up to date.
