What is the quick review?
As a late-season addition, Easton adds a 2020 fastpitch bat to improve upon the Double Barrel Line called the Ghost Advanced. We spent time with the drop 8 and drop 10 Easton Ghost Advanced for 2020. It is, like its predecessor, an end-loaded fastpitch bat with a big barrel and a great feel. We have no doubt those who loved the Double Barrel will enjoy the Advanced too. The addition of the Power Boost knob (a rubber knob end) and improved composite are all plusses. Smaller hitters who prefer more bat speed won't like it as much--although a drop 11 Ghost Advanced does give them some options.
What models and sizes are available?
Our bigger hitters were shocked how hot the bat was from the minute the wrapper came off. If felt to them like the bat needed no work in and was ready to rock from swing one. Smaller hitters liked the feel, but could produce better exit speeds (off a tee at least) with lighter bats they could swing faster. Overall, average to big hitters who like a lot of weight behind their bat and want top-end barrel performance should look closely at the Ghost Advanced.
Durability
That said, based on early reports, its possible this bat might have a bit greater tendency to break than other fastpitch bats of the same price range. (It might also be due to the fact that stronger hitters like the bat). Although it's unlikely yours that will break, we strongly suggest you buy it from a certified vendor with a real receipt so the warranty will be in place in the event of a worst-case scenario. The drop 8 and 9 seem particularly vulnerable.
How is it built?
Easton's 2020 Ghost Advanced fastpitch bat is a two-piece composite bat with a long barrel and heavy swing weight. It is the heaviest swinging two-piece composite in the fastpitch space. It's drop 10 is comparable to other bat's drop 9 or 8.
It also upgrades the composite to a "Launch Comp". This new tech appears to perform at least as good as the previous year's composites.
How does it compare?
The most significant upgrade we found for the Advanced over the Ghost Double Barrel is the Power Boost knob. That's not just a fancy name for a traditional composite bat knob. Instead, the bat's knob consists of a rubber-like substance. It improves the swinging experience in a noticeable way. All our hitters (even on the baseball side) think the Power Boost knob is preferable.
The Advanced did increase the price so that is disappointing. The never-ending march to a $500 fastpitch bat is well on its way. So, is it worth the extra $50? That's impossible for us to answer, not knowing your budget. Did our hitters prefer it over the Ghost Double Barrel? Yes. Was it their money? No.
