What is the quick review?
The 2022 Louisville Slugger Xeno marks a significant shift back to broader availability, reversing the 2021 strategy of exclusive sales through Slugger's platform. Not publicly explained, this move reintroduces the bat to a broader market, creating more options for consumers in an industry trending towards higher prices and restricted access. The Xeno itself, maintaining its design from previous years, offers a two-piece composite build with a sizable barrel and a balanced feel.
What models and sizes are available?
The 2022 Slugger Xeno's differentiating feature is the stiffness of the connection, while all other two-piece composite bats in the performance fastpitch space have a flexible connection. If you want a stiffer connection between your barrel and handle on your fastpitch bat, then the Xeno is where you should look.
We like the drop 8 and 9 Xeno as some of our favorite power-hitting bats on the market. Big hitters might appreciate the loaded feel and the stiff connection. Smaller hitters who want a lighter swinging bat but a rigid connection should like the Xeno. But, to be sure, most more minor hitters who want bat speed and a soft swing aren't in the mood for a stiff bat. Instead, they tend more towards a bat like the Slugger LXT or Easton Ghost with a more flexible connection.
The bat was initially made available only directly on Slugger.com's site. However, some models were since released to a few select dealers.
How is it built?
The 2022 Louisville Slugger Xeno is a two-piece composite bat built with foam and ring technology that helps slow impacts perform at peak levels while allowing the bat to pass the certification test. The bat has not changed much over the years, which is good.
(From Louisville Slugger's Writeup)
A bat is built to run this game. Just like you. Introducing the 2022 Xeno Fastpitch Bat from Louisville Slugger. Stronger players who love a stiffer feel and connection love our two-piece IST Technology and the Dual-Disc S1ID™ Performance Composite Barrel that’s game-ready as soon as you step to the plate. The X-CAP End Cap and standard fastpitch grip help deliver improved performance and feel on every swing.
The 2022 Xeno Fastpitch Bat is available exclusively on slugger.com.
FEATURES
- Dual-Disc S1ID™ BarrelThe Performance Composite Design is centered around our patented Dual-Disc S1ID™ barrel technology that is ready for game action right out of the wrapper, eliminating the need for any break-in period prior to use.
- IST™ Technology Two-Piece ConstructionThe two-piece design of the Xeno is all about stiffness. Stronger players who prefer that feel keep coming back to this bat for our exclusive IST™ Technology that keeps the feel stiff and solid on contact.
- X-Cap™ DesignOur innovative X-Cap™ design pairs perfectly with the stiff feel of the bat, improving performance and feel of the bat on every swing.
- Swing WeightThe mass is perfectly distributed throughout the barrel across all weight drops and complements the stiffer connection, allowing the player to achieve maximum power with each and every swing.
- Standard Fastpitch GripOur grip improves feel and comfort at the dish and has been tested rigorously and been proven to be what players prefer in a grip.
How does it compare?
There are no considerable changes in the 2022 Louisville Slugger Xeno compared to the 2021 version of the bat. The Xeno from Slugger has not changed in several years. If you can find an older one for cheap then don't hesitate.
Bottom line
The 2022 Louisville Slugger Xeno Fastpitch bat stands out for its consistent performance and design continuity from previous models. It offers a balanced swing weight and a robust barrel and caters to players seeking reliability a stiff feel. The choice to maintain its design underscores its proven effectiveness on field.
