What is the quick review?
2020 Louisville Slugger Solo Review: Light, Value, Good Performance. After hitting each 2020 Solo with several different hitters, it rates out as well as the 2019 version did. That is, a very durable bat that perfectly serves the need of a budget conscience buyer who needs a light swing. The BBCOR Solo has many fans and the 29-inch is a hit for those who needs it ultra-light. The USA is our favorite Solo. The drop 11 creates as good as exit speeds as any. USSSA Solo's aren't as popular as composite barrels do better there. Our Score 9/10 (BBCOR); 9.8/10 (USA); 8.5/10 (USSSA).
What models and sizes are available?
Our hitters praised the bat's light swing in the BBCOR and USA version.
The USSSA swings as light as a few other bats in the drop 10/11 space--but still plenty light enough. Do note, however, the 2020 Prime in USSSA drop 10 swings lighter than the Solo (close to 5% lighter). Even though the Solo is marketed as an "ultra-light" USSSA bat it doesn't swing as light as the 2020 Prime which is marketed as just balanced.
In BBCOR and USA it didn't matter what type of hitter picked it up they immediately notice how light the swing feels. That's because it is. According to our swing weight measurements the USSSA and USA Solo swings weights are in the bottom 20% of every size and weight class category.
How is it built?
Like all companies, Slugger has some marketing jargon to explain different parts of the bat. We discuss those in bold below.
The Solo uses an ultra light alloy with very thin walls. They refer to this as Premium Hyper Superlight Alloy. Each company has their own spin on an aluminum alloy to make it their own. But, in reality, not many break through tech in aluminum alloys has been achieved in dozens of years. Expect the Solo to have decent durability and a light swing---a lot like other premium single piece bats in the baseball bat space.
The Solo uses an end cap built for speed and durability with the emphasis on speed. They refer to this as the Speed Ballistic Composite End Cap (or SBC) and is what separates it from a bat like the Omaha. The end cap extends into the barrel to help reduce end cap weight while keeping the bat durable.
Slugger's 2020 Solo comes with a Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip which replaces the Lizard Skin they had on previous models. It's a decent grip.
How does it compare?
The only serious change in the lineup, save the colorway change, is the BBCOR version ads a new end cap that helps with a lower and more controlled swing weight. Our hitters could tell no difference by holding them, but do know Slugger is committed to the Solo being a light swinging BBCOR bat.
The USA and USSSA are 2020 Solo are the same as the 2019 Solo 619.
