What is the quick review?
The 2023 Axe Avenge Pro brings Axe's proven one-piece alloy design to USSSA leagues with a balanced swing weight and their signature angled handle. Built for contact hitters who value bat control and consistency, it delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
What models and sizes are available?
The Avenge Pro comes in multiple drops to serve different age groups. The -10 model suits younger travel ball players (ages 9-11) with its light swing weight. The -8 and -5 options cater to more advanced hitters ready for additional mass through the zone. All models feature Axe's HyperWhip End Cap for improved barrel speed.
How is it built?
The 2023 Axe Avenge Pro USSSA comes in a drop 5, 8 and 10. It uses a composite handle and barrels to form a bat with a big barrel, light, and really comfortable feel on hits and mishits alike. Of course, the significant difference in an Axe's construction compared to other bats is its ergonomically shaped ax handle instead of a traditional round knob.
Round vs Oval
More than a couple of bat companies suggest an angled knob with a round handle makes more sense than an angled knob with an oval handle. The argument, they suggest, is since a swing is rotational an oval handle will get your bat off the plane of your swing.
In short, this is a poor argument that uses pseudoscience jargon to try and sell you the Pro XR handle because, in most instances, the Pro XR has a less expensive licensing fee. These wood bat companies want to believe it.
In any case, the rotation point of the bat is in the middle of the cylinder you are swinging, which is actually a straight line. It follows, then, that an oval-shaped knob swings as on plane as any other knob for the same reason that a square knob (think a 2x4) doesn't have an 'V-shaped swing path because it's also not round.
If you don't believe us, find an oval-shaped knob (the Axe) and compare it to a traditional knob as you rotate around your swing. See if the bat somehow gets off the plane because of the oval knob. It won't.
In any case, there might be a reason or two to avoid the Axe handle in your life (like a preference) but any inability to keep your bat on a level plane is not one of them.
How does it compare?
Compared to the 2022 version of the Axe Avenge Pro, which gets above average ratings with us, the 2023 is a measurable upgrade. You can expect a new connection piece, newly designed carbon fiber, end cap and handle. It's a considerable overhaul insomuch most companies likely would have changed the name of the bat. In any case, don't think the 2022 and previous Avenge Pros in USSSA are good replacements for the 2023 version of the bat.
