What is the quick review?
We've hit with the 2021 Louisville Slugger Meta over 1,000 times. Compared to the 2020 version, there are very few changes. However, the sound of the bat, due to a new end cap, as well as a minor barrel restructuring gives it a different sound. No bat is anticipated, much like the 2021 Louisville Slugger Meta.
Expect a USSSA meta in a drop 10, 8, and 5 in October of 2020.
In June of 2020, Slugger releases the 33" version of the 2021 Meta. This is mainly meant to replace the 2020 33" which was made illegal. Expect to see the remaining sizes of the Meta in October, when Slugger releases the bulk of their BBCOR bats. You can check Slugger's 2021 Meta page here for available sizing.
What models and sizes are available?
We've yet to speak to a high school ballplayer who didn't love the Meta. Now, they may have liked something a bit better---like The Goods or the value buy like the Omaha. But, every player who swings the Meta loves it for its big barrel, balanced swing, and huge sweet spot. For three years running the bat has dominated best BBCOR bats lists for a reason. Of the few complaints, the largest is that it isn't cheap and doesn't come in non-BBCOR styles. As well, it is a light swinging bat so very much not made for big-time hitters. The Meta is the ideal bat for the average to above-average High School ballplayer.
How is it built?
The 2021 version updates to a lighter end cap and changes the sleeving inside the bat. Instead of one sleeve, it uses two smaller ones to pass the ABI test (which got it in illegal territory for during 2020). The double sleeves instead of the one single larger sleeve are on every size (31 through 34-inch) of the 2021 Meta.
The bat uses the same EKO Composite barrel material and 3FX Connection piece found since the 2018 version.
How does it compare?
To make sure the 2021 Meta passed the ABI test that the 2020 Meta failed mid-season, Slugger redesigned the sleeve inside of the bat. Now, instead of a single sleeve, they split it into two smaller ones. These sleeves, we were told, are not performance governors. The 2021 Meta got the same exit velocity scores as the 2020 Meta in testing. Instead, it helps the 2021 Meta pass the ABI test (accelerated break-in test), which is where the 2020 version failed. In short, the ABI test measures if a composite bat will break before it exceeds the limit (it should break). The division of the single sleeve into two smaller ones solved the ABI test issue.
That said, the two sleeves also added more weight to the bat. But, to keep it within a similar swing weight, the 2021 Meta has a redesigned end cap. This new GT1 is the lightest end cap Slugger has ever put in a BBCOR bat.
We measured the swing weight of the '20 and '21 Meta in a 33". We found the '21 version to be 2% heavier. However, 2% is within the margin of error and manufacturer tolerance. Most cannot feel the difference between bats with a less than 5% swing weight. In other words, the difference between the 2021 and 2020 Meta swing weight is all but nothing.
