What is the quick review?
You might be surprised that the 2023 Mizuno CRBN1 was the most common bat in the 2023 NCAA Fastpitch College World Series. Mizuno sponsors many schools and, instead of choosing their two-piece CRBN2 or the CRBN1 PWR bat, the elite players end up choosing the single-piece 2023 CRBN1. To make it even crazier, the CRBN1 from 2021 was a top 9 bat for the CWS too. In other words, the CRBN1 is an excellent bat that the best in the game choose to swing day in and day out. It's a real sleeper.
What models and sizes are available?
The CRBN1 is a single-piece composite bat with a big barrel and a light swing. Like the Easton Ghost, it uses a double-barrel wall design. The CRBN1 single-piece design gives it some stiffness--although its complete composite design does allow for some flex and an excellent feel on hits and mishits alike. Overall, we think the bat is highly underrated and at a price point most can be excited about.
How is it built?
The 2023 Mizuno F23 CRBN1 Fastpitch Softball Bat features one-piece construction and Anti-Shock Construction for reduced vibrations. It has a double wall design with a larger sweet spot and an optimized end cap for improved performance. The bat utilizes X-Zone Technology for a massive sweet spot and is made of durable Black Onyx Carbon. It has a 2 1/4-inch barrel diameter and comes with a Speed-Helix Grip. The bat is designed for adult women players. The warranty covers manufacturer defects.
How does it compare?
The previous bat version, the 2021 CRBN1, is also a single-piece composite bat with a big barrel and a lighter swing. There were some tech changes to the barrel, but we didn't find them enough to feel like the bat was considerably different. Both swing light, have a big barrel, and, for a single-piece bat, good flex to help dampen stings on mishits.
