The 2025 Marucci CAT X2 Composite arrives as the first real update to the CAT Composite line since 2023, as the 2024 Vanta was just a color change with a price increase. The bat uses MDX Max composite that Marucci claims offers faster break-in and an S-35 handle they say is 5% less stiff than previous versions. At $400 for USSSA and $350 for USA models, it maintains premium pricing while adding liquid gel in both the knob and endcap for vibration control.
Models Overview
The CAT X2 Composite lineup includes USA Baseball Drop 10 (27-31 inches at $350) and USSSA models in Drop 10 (28-31 inches), Drop 8 (29-32 inches), and Drop 5 (30-33 inches) all at $400. A BBCOR Drop 3 version is also available. Each model uses the same two-piece composite construction with MDX Max barrel technology and what Marucci calls model-specific handle stiffness tuning by drop weight.
Construction & Technology
The bat uses MDX Max composite with multi-directional layers in the barrel that Marucci says provides performance straight from the wrapper. The S-35 composite handle is reportedly 5% less stiff than the previous S-40 handle for more whip. The OLS (Outer Locking System) connection joins barrel to handle from the outside in. Liquid gel appears in both the knob and endcap, an upgrade from the 2024 Vanta which only had it in the knob. The slightly end-loaded swing weight targets power hitters.
Performance Comparison
The 2025 X2 represents the first technical upgrade since 2023, as the 2024 Vanta was identical to 2023 except for color and a $20 price increase. Marucci added liquid gel to the endcap (the Vanta only had it in the knob) and changed from S-40 to S-35 composite handle for supposedly 5% more flexibility. The MDX Max barrel replaces the previous composite design with claims of faster break-in. Otherwise, the two-piece construction and OLS connection remain unchanged.
Comparable Bats
The 2026 DeMarini Zen offers similar two-piece composite construction with Paraflex Plus technology at comparable pricing. The 2025 Louisville Slugger Meta provides another premium composite option with proven performance. The Marucci CAT X2 Connect hybrid offers the same handle technology with an alloy barrel for players wanting immediate hot-out-of-wrapper performance without break-in requirements.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Marucci CAT X2 Composite delivers legitimate technical updates after the disappointing 2024 Vanta color-only refresh. While Marucci makes typical claims about the MDX Max barrel and handle flexibility improvements, the addition of endcap vibration dampening represents real engineering progress. Whether these updates justify the $400 price tag depends on how much value players place on marginal performance gains. The bat will satisfy those wanting Marucci's latest composite technology, though patient buyers might wait for the 2023 models to drop further in price.
