DeMarini CF Zen Balanced Senior League Baseball Bat: DXCBZ
Features
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-10 Length to Weight Ratio
2 3/4 Inch Barrel Diameter
D-Fusion 2.0 Handle Technology - Reduces Vibration and Redirects More Energy Into the Ball
Features USSSA BPF 1.15 Certification
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty
Low Pro End Cap - Optimizes Weight, Feel, and Compression Throughout Barrel
RCK Knob - Perfectly Fits Bottom Hand for a Comfortable Grip
Two-Piece, Fully Composite Construction
New - ParaFlex Composite Barrel Dynamic Fiber Orientation for Max Performance, Feel, & Durability
Description
The DeMarini CF Zen Balanced Senior League Baseball Bat: DXCBZ features a -10 length to weight ratio, a 2 3/4 inch barrel diameter, and the USSSA BPF 1.15 Certification. Furthermore, it is backed by a Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty. DeMarini: Power To The Player! Make sure to buy yours today with fast, free shipping!
Reviews
Average Ratings Based on 54 Customer Reviews
SUPER HOT Alex player
Pros: Just as HOT as the CF8! Great feel, zero vibration. Durability at only 3 stars, due to only have used the bat in 3 games.
Cons: None so far
Great Bat Tons of POP! BW coach
Pros: Great feel and hot out of the wrapper just like the CF8. Used it in one tournament so far my son loves it.
Cons: None yet hopefully it holds up better than the CF8.
really good bat gregory eugene III player
Pros: holds alot of power when i swing. its light and feels comfortable. i am 11, 4'7 in height and weigh 70lbs. i hit 3 balls at practice over 220 feet center field. havent used it in a game yet.
Cons: none yet, just tried the bat out today foe the first time. too early to rate durability
Hot Bat For Sure!! RykMonster parent
Pros: this bat is awesome! My 10 yr old 4'8" 88 pound boy was driving them deep into center. Going from a 29/17 didnt seem to give any of the boys who hit with it tonight an issue. Hot bat with tons of pop right out of the package! No complaints of vibration.
Cons: after two hours of hitting, its dinged up. makes sense. i doubt the integrity is affected, purely cosmetic.
DeMarini Has Done it AGAIN!!! The Real Bob Saget coach
Pros: Don't bother with another bat on the market...this is the hottest bat, we have tried them all and no bat hits the ball further than the CF 2 3/4" model. It looks even better this year and hits just as well as last years model.
Cons: None. Looks like the durability issues are behind them!
Durability Issues BB coach
Pros: Great pop. Similar to the CF8
Cons: Our 10u team has cracked four of these bats in the first month of use.
Great while it lasts; not worth the overall cost. Jason parent
Pros: This bat has great balance and lots of pop.
Cons: If this bat lasts longer than 45 days, consider yourself lucky. My son & his friend got one the same day during the early release in June. His friend's snapped in half during the first tournament it was used in. My son's bat cracked on the barrel in the third tournament. Other than a few hits off the tee when he first got it, my son's bat was a "gamer" only and was not used in practice.
Big John parent
Pros: none
Cons: this bat is just as bad as the CF7 AND CF8 my son broke his new CFZen in less then 2 weeks after getting it.
CF Zen AD
Pros: This bat has a ton of pop, more than the CF8 and it gets better the more you use it. No vibration and its very balanced. My son had a CF8 and it cracked - so far so good with this bat 2 1/2 months in! Grip is very soft and "grippy"
Cons: Gets dinged up quick but what would you expect with a white bat... :)
CF Zen Baseball parent
Pros: AWESOME pop! Bat is hot right out of the wrapper. My son loves the feel of the bat and says its very balanced. Only used a few times so not sure about the durability. Dont think you will find a more hot bat though!
Cons: None so far...as long as thr durability holds up.
No durability Rick parent
Pros: The bat does have a lot of pop
Cons: There is no durability. We broke it in and then used it in two batting practices using only baseballs. It snapped in half during my sons first tournament. It was a replacement bat for his cf8 which also only lasted a few months.
CAN'T STOP THE POP!! DARRELL coach
Pros: WE HAVE PURCHASED MULTIPLE BATS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS...THIS HAS TO BE THE BEST BAT WE HAVE HAD STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX...SPEED, POP, AND POWER.
Cons: NONE....
Great bat TK coach
Pros: My son (11 yrs old, 80lbs, 4'9") prefers this bet over several others we have tried. Almost no sting and very good pop. Seems to be pretty much identical to his green cf8, no noticeable difference in pop. Much more pop than the 2-5/8 cf8 and cf7. This model like the green cf8 is really a drop 9 bat. If they really did improve the durability this will be a great bat.
Cons: A little heavier than some other drop 10s. Not a problem if you can handle the weight.
The Best SL Bat Money Can Buy Coach Ted coach
Pros: This bat is hotter than anything on the market today. It swings super light and hits the ball hard. My kid is smaller than most kids on his team and this bat evens the playing field. If your kid is bigger I would go with -8 or -5 as this one can crack when pushed to the limit...that's what makes it so hot!
Cons: Durability stories from others. If your kid is over 80 lbs put him into the -8 or -5.
Big sweet spot Dad parent
Pros: This bat has a lot of pop and a huge sweet spot. Very forgiving.
Cons: Hopefully it lasts. Hard to rate durability yet since we haven't had it long.
New Name, Same Durability Issues T. Hodges parent
Pros: Bat is clearly at the edge of performance as there is no other bat that has the pop this bat has.
Cons: Much like the CF8, the CF ZEN is equally poor in terms of durability. After using in a handful of games and a few batting practice sessions, we have managed to crack two of these. Both bats were broken in and used in accordance with the guidelines. DeMarini will replace it, but only once. Considering the length of a season for any competitive player, one replacement isn't going to get it done. Simply speaking, these bats have the absolute best pop and the absolute worst durability of any bat on the market. It's so bad that it's probably not a recommended bat any longer.
Jetlag Karl parent
Pros: Solid performer out of the wrapper. After about 6 weeks use on my son's fall ball team shared between him and two other players the bat has broken in and is very hot. A nicely balanced, almost zero vibration, smooth swinging bat with loads of power. Longest bomb dropped with this bat to date is a 265' shot by a 12U player (31/21 bat). Seems to improve most hitters that have picked it up. At least to a degree. So far much preferred to a (non-broken in) Mako Beast that is also 31/21. Mako swings a little lighter, sounds higher pitched, is much less forgiving and doesn't have the same pop. Not yet at least. CF Zen is highly recommended. Worth the money.
Cons: Price. Giving it 4 stars on durability because the jury is still out on these as to the durability of the new Paraflex Composite.
should be illegal jeff rawls parent
Pros: hottest bat ever seen. they are good with there replacement bat
Cons: cracked and lost all pop with in 1 month of game use only same as the cf8
Buy 2 they are that good Jay parent
Pros: Its hard not to laugh when you see the ball JUMP off this bat. You ever hit a golf ball off a tennis racket. This is what this bat does.
Cons: So far none, the durability in the reviews is something I will keep an eye on.
Cracked in 1 week!!! Rick Krewson parent
Pros: This bat is very balanced and has pop.
Cons: Began to break it in properly hitting off the tee only - 300-400 swings. Soft tossed another 200-300 balls. Then we got in the cage and hit less then 75 balls and it cracked. My son is soon to be 12 and very strong but.... c'mon man!!
Hot! Ron coach
Pros: Bat has awesome pop!
Cons: None yet.
Parent Dave parent
Pros: CF Zen has the same feel and same pop as the CF8. I have not witnessed a -10 composite 2 3/4" bat with greater pop. They would need to add a 6th star to the overall bat rating system if not for the durability issue.
Cons: My son's CF Zen cracked/busted after 3 months of use. The CF8 actually took more like 4-5 months before it cracked/busted. So, it does not appear that durability has improved, but it is still the hottest bat out there, so I am not sure I would change it much. With one warranty return, in effect, you might end up getting a full season out of this $350 bat.
Best POP in Big Barrel -10 bats Sam P parent
Pros: WOW---that's all that needs to be said...my son crushes with this bat and it is crazy hot
Cons: None--except sometimes he plays in travel tournaments where we need to use the 2 5/8" bats---so I have to buy him two bats--but thankfully they make this in both barrels
Get Something Else! Drew parent
Pros: I would not no. It broke too fast.
Cons: Unfortunately this is no where close to the CF8. My 12U player used a buddies CF8 last season and crushed the ball with it. The Zen is "supposed" to have the same pop but 20% more durable. NOT EVEN CLOSE. This bat lasted 2 games (5 at bats) before it snapped in half above the handle. On of my sons teammates got the same bat and it shattered during soft toss. It never made it to a game! Wait until they figure this out. They are sending me the drop 8 because they do not feel confident it can take 12u pitching.
CF ZEN VS. CF 8 Zen Master 8 parent
Pros: Since the 2016 CF8 2 3/4 bat which this bat replaced is not on the market anymore, the Zen is your best bet and likley the best BB SR League -10 bat on the market. It does NOT have the pop of the 2016 model but is still very good.
Cons: Not as good as the CF8 but still the best bat you can get for this segment
DeMarini Kid Joe parent
Pros: My son's first bat was a Vexxum when he was 7 and he hit about 20 home runs. I purchased and used the Easton Mako for 1 year and zero home runs. Someone stole his Mako so I purchased the CF Zen. He hit 2 homeruns during his first tournament. Lets just say he is a DeMarini kid....
Cons: None Yet
NICE BUT Victor Dutton parent
Pros: A ton of pop, balanced, ball comes off hot whether in the air or on the ground
Cons: Durability. This weekend at a tournament the temp was in mid seventies, not too cold or hot. My sons cf8 and another player's zen busted. Cannot figure it out. And before you guess we must have altered the bats, that is not the case. This bat does not need altering to produce great hits if you teach proper mechanics. It is a 350 dollar mystery. We are now going to see how Demarini handles the warranty.
amazing James player
Pros: everything
Cons: a little bad on duribility
Bat Darren parent
Pros: Justbats is awesome, but they should make DeMarini stand behind their product.
Cons: This bat is hot! But maybe too hot. It only lasted 1 month and my son is 11 and 75lbs. DeMarini replaced with same bat and stamped the bat No Return and it cracked 2 weeks later. I wish they would stand behind the full twelve (12) month manufacturer's warranty. Not so much!
Unreal How Awesome this Bat is... Justin parent
Pros: I have put about every kind of bat in my son's hands at least one time or another and there is no comparison, whatsoever, to the overall performance of this bat. He is 10 and is about 4'6" and weighs probably close to 80lbs and is consistently killing the ball. I'm talking shot after shot hitting 200'-230' fences in the air or one hopping them. I still see people buying these other bats and wasting loads of money because the color might be cool or something. Whatever... I am all in Demarini and have been for a while. As far as Durability I'm afraid to comment seeing all the other horror stories, but He has had his for about five months and has hit "lots" of baseballs with no issues. Demarini's warranty is top notch "had to use it in the past" so I'm not worried about anything. Don't even look at anything else if your son is around 9-11. It will just be a waste of time. And also The -11 is not the same bat from what I have seen. I'm rating the -10 only! Hope this helps.
Cons: Beautiful paint job and Color but you cannot keep it clean. Not even worth attempting. I will say one more thing. A bat is not going to miraculously make a kid hit a baseball. However, if your child has a very high bat speed I promise you will see 20-30ft distance right out of the wrapper!
pop Elijah Roberts player
Pros: Always used the makos had great pop. but then i tried the cf8 and i crushed the ball even more, then tried the zen and killed the ball even more and more durable. Really should buy it its worth the money
Cons: none yet
2017 Dimarini CF ZEN DelValle Boys coach
Pros: my 9 year old first time hitting with the bat hit a bomb off center field fence for a double... the bat has great pop don't know about the durability yet
Cons: none yet
another bomb Bat Dad parent
Pros: My son liked the bat
Cons: Just like the CF7 and CF8 the CFZen blew up (Cracked) on my son about 10 games into the bat. Why cant Demarini get this problem fixed? Right when the bat gets hot it breaks. I would not pay $349 for it.
2017 CF ZEN 28-18 Ethan H. player
Pros: This bat has an incredible amount of pop and the grip is comfortable. The Zen seriously reduces bat vibration and is well balanced.
Cons: Cold weather (50 and below) creates some serious challenges to this bats' durability.
Horrible durability Peter Marcus parent
Pros: I wouldn't know. Bat broke before season began.
Cons: Bat cracked after 3 weeks of use. My son is 12. I called DeMarini's customer service. They said that they DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BAT TO KIDS OVER 10 YEARS OLD.
Great pop, poor durability Br parent
Pros: Great pop, didn't need a lot of time to break in.
Cons: It cracked terribly in just 3 weeks! I have a 10 year old who is a little small for his age and not very strong and he managed to crack his bat on a 60 mph pitch in about 73 degrees. The crack is huge. Several people I know have had the same problem. I bought my 8 year old the same bat, so far no problem on that one.
CF Zen Drew N. parent
Pros: My 10 y.o. son plays 11U. He is 4'10" and 80 lbs. He has played travel ball for the past 4 years playing 80-100 games/year, practices 2-3 x/week, tourneys 2x/month. He has used easton's S3 until a couple weeks ago. I have consistently replaced the S3 4 times a year because of durability. It usually looks like a cricket bat after 10 -12 weeks but he loved the S3 because of the balanced weighting. I bought a 29/19 2 3/4" senior league Zen because of the similarities to the S3 He loves this bat and hit a grand slam in the first tourney he used it in. He does not complain of any type of vibration on mishits as he did with the S3. He likes the zen better than the CF8 because that model is end loaded. I broke it in hitting 250 balls off the tee starting off swinging at 70% and progressing to 100% while rotating the bat between each swing. He is hitting with live pitching and soft toss only... no pitching machines. He loves the pop and similar to the S3 in its balanced weighting.
Cons: My son's teammate however, has had a 28/18 zen for 2 months and it cracked last month. He just recieved the replacement bat and it just cracked again tonite...hopefully De Marini honors the 12 month warranty as easton has and will replace it... Especially at $350 a pop. I'm keeping my fingers crossed in terms of durability. We will see if breaking it in as recommended helps.
great bat but breaks eaily van parent
Pros: Excellent pop, no vibration
Cons: Broke after just 10 games. Other team mates have broke multiple CFZEN -10 and -8. Being used by 11 and 12 year old majors team
lot of POP Donnie parent
Pros: no vibration, grip comfortable and oh what a POP!!
Cons: none so far.
You won't get your money's worth Coach Buff coach
Pros: Best POP from a bat I've ever seen, nice and balanced, no vibration
Cons: Less than 100 swings with that bat and its done. Started with a small crack then two or threw swings later, a complete crack and multiple fractures. My team ordered 5 of these, all of which were destroyed within a month.
Buy 2 BW Kopf parent
Pros: This is the hottest bat on the market.
Cons: You need 2 of them bc they will crack and bust.
Not holding up TravelBall parent
Pros: Bat looks and feels nice.
Cons: Have only used a handful of times, all indoors and paint is already starting to flake off.
Bat has Pop BigBat Matt player
Pros: Cfzen bat feels good, looks good and hits good. Baseballs are scared of this bat.
Cons: None, you get what you pay for.
great for 2 weeks Dinger Dan coach
Pros: Most pop i've ever seen! Great Balance and feel.
Cons: My 10u team has been through 7 bats in less than 4 months. Some bats dont even make it 50 swings before they start cracking and loosing pop.
disappointed kevin parent
Pros: this is by far the best bat i have seen
Cons: 0% durability, we are on bat number 5. first 2 bought in august both split in december. got both replaced, split one in 20 pitches of getting it, im saving one for outdoor ball. bought 2 more for christmas they both split last weekend. i am highly disappointed in the durabilty for the money that they cost.
demerini cf8 and zen -10 Jeremy parent
Pros: hot out of the wrapper, looks goods, zero vibration. My son loved both the cf8 and the zen. Had tremendous confidence when at the plate.
Cons: We bought the cf8 in April of 2016. Bat shattered beginning of July 2016. Demerini sent the Zen in Middle of September. my son used the bat in about a hand full of games. Started practice hitting in the cages beginning of December and the Zen cracked beginning of February. Been through 2 bats less then a year. Disappointing when spending that kind of money and not 1 but 2 bats will not last a whole year.
CF Zen MS Royals coach
Pros: good pop
Cons: I have two brand new CF Zen bats and both broke after using in one tournament and one practice. They were used by a single person, not a team bat. I wouldnt buy another one because of poor warranty. A one bat replacement isnt right because it's not the purhasers fault the bat will not withstand what its made for.
Great bat Bryson player
Pros: The zen is a great bat I hit my first home run with my most favorite.
Cons: NONE
cf zen is junk! Down with Zen!!! coach
Pros: Hot bat
Cons: Not durable, my 10 yr old has broke two, one lasted 3 months and the other lasted a month. Four other players on my travel team own this bat as well and all four has broken theres as well. We will never own one again. Demarini will only replace it one time. Not good business on there part. Bat is junk!!!
less than 100 hits cracked in thre spots ga travel ball parent
Pros: great pop! good balance
Cons: second Demarini CF Zen -10 in four months both crack. not good! the second one had less than 100 hits. my son plays 11u and is 85lbs. as good as Demarini is supposed to be this should not happen this soon and with only one replacement is good either. i will be seitching my son to a longer lasting bat
great bat bob player
Pros: pop
Cons: breaks
Hot bat broken bat JLeitch coach
Pros: This bat has crazy pop! Hard to believe it passes 1.15 bpf!
Cons: Not durable at all. Broke the 1st one after a month and now the warranty replacement just broke after 1 tourney. FYI you only get one replacement bat :(
the zen cody player
Pros: a lot of pop and it is fun to use
Cons: mine broke in three months of using it
This Bat Is Illegal JP17 parent
Pros: None
Cons: I have been in travel ball for several years with 2 kids. Both playing in the USSSA Major Division. The DeMarini CF Zen bat has GOT to exceed the 1.15 BPF. I saw 4 kids this past weekend in Houston, 4ft tall weighing about 65 lbs soaking wet hit balls 250' with ease. A kid is going to get hurt with one of these bats. USSSA needs to look into this one.
Questions and Answers
Have a question about the DeMarini CF Zen Balanced Senior League Baseball Bat: DXCBZ? Ask our team of experts and they will respond within 24 hours.
How is this bat compared to the DeMarini CF8? Bob
How is this different than the 2016 DXCFZ? my DXCFZ cracked
Is this bat available in 31" length? ACG522
Compared to the CF8 - does the new Paraflex barrel seem to have as much pop as the previous model? D
(1) I have seen numerous reviews on the CF8 which indicate very early cracking. What is the expected durability of this bat? (2) They say this bat is balanced, but is it truly balanced? Josh 32
Has this bat been tested up against the CF8 for performance? Is it just as hot? SA
Is there at break-in period on this bat? If so, what would it be? Art
We have a 9 year old son (soon to be 10). We are trying to decide if we should go with this CF Zen or the new Rawlings Quatro (-10). Which bat do you recommend and what size? CrushersBaseball
I'm having a hard time deciding between two bats. Has there been any feedback or comparison between the Zen -10 and the Rawlings Quatro -10? B
I want to know the differences between models bat DeMarini CF 2017 Senior League Baseball Bat Zen DXCBX and 2017 DeMarini CF Zen Balanced Senior League Baseball Bat DXCBZ. Buyer
Does this bat require any break in? EC23
I am drowning trying to evaluate/decide on a bat to suit my son. He just turned 8 yo and has a very good swing. He is 50" and 52 lbs with a moderate to aggressive swing speed. What bat(s) are the best choices for a coach pitch travel ball situation? What are the best choices up and down the price spectrum? Do certain bats perform better or worse depending on bat speed? (i.e. is aluminum better for slower bat speed vs. composite). Dad
Do you all offer this bat already shaved? Players dad
My son currently swings a 2016 Easton Mako Balanced bat. How does the Easton compare to the Zen? Is there a benefit to upgrading to the Zen over the Easton? Rachel Crawford
Is there a difference between the models 2017 Balanced Zen DeMarini CF 2 3/4" and 2 5/8" in pop? Baseball Player
My 12 yr old son hit with a demo version of this bat at our local batting cage and loved it. However, I'm hesitant to spend this amount of money on a bat that so many claim has durability issues. What, if anything, has DeMarini done to address these issues? Chris
Can you tell me what 2017 equivalent bat to the 2016 DeMarini CF8 in both a drop 8 and drop 3 are? wa30
How does this bat compare to the Easton Mako Beast in 28/18 configuration? I have the Mako Beast. toddg
How does the 2017 DeMarini CF Zen 27" 17 oz compare to the 2017 Rawlings Quatro? ernesto
I have seen multiple reviews on both the WTDXCB5 and the WTDXCBR that seem to indicate that durability is in question. Is there a manufacturing issue with the DeMarini CF Zens? Coach W
How will this bat feel when compared to a Easton S3 28/18 senior league? My kid has a 27/17 S3 and we are looking for next size up. Will it feel the same on swings? Is the balance similar or is the DeMarini more end loaded? Coach S
Any there any differences between the 2-5/8" or 2-3/4" versions of this bat besides the barrel size? Jeff G
I'm 11 years old 5'5" and 145 pounds. I've got tons of power. Is this bat good for me? Big rig
Will the CF-Zen 2-3/4 have more pop than the Zen 2-5/8 due to the barrel diameter difference or will they perform the same? Ed
I'm looking into purchasing a Zen for my son. He's 5' and 92 lbs. He swung a 29/19 last season. What size do you recommend? Pat
I'm looking into purchasing a Zen for my son. He is about 4'5" and weighs about 50 - 60 lbs. Right now, he is swinging an Easton S500 27 in. 18 oz. (-9) What size and weight would you recommend? I would like to find a bat that he can use for a couple of years. Lil Joe
I'm learning about this baseball bat. My child is 11, in travel ball and I've always thought the big barrel is better than the senior league. Is this true? kris
I am wanting to purchase this bat. My son is 11 and turns 12 on July 20, 2017. He currently swings an Easton 29". First, should we go up to a 30" and to a 2 5/8" barrel? He is 4'9" and weighs 103 lbs. michael
The bat is composite and heard some things about using them in cold weather. What temperature is coldest temperature recommended for composite bats? brandon
My son is 7 yrs old playing travel ball kid's pitch. Can he use this bat for kid's pitch? johny
My son is 9 years old, 50" and 50 lbs (skinny). Should I go with the 28 or 29? Rodney
Does the true weight come in under or over the drop weight? Franc
I ordered this bat for my son on the recommendation of a friend. After ordering, (shame on me) I have found time to read the reviews and I am highly concerned. Is this bat certain to break? For $350, I would expect the product to last. Even more alarming, is reading that you will only replace it once. My purchase has shipped. Should I return it immediately? If it isn't going to last and you don't stand behind the products you sell, I think it prudent that we don't do business. DP
My son is 9 years old, 4'10" and weighs 95 lbs. What drop weight, size and barrel diameter would you recommend for him? Chris
How does this bat compare with the Easton S2 and the Mako Beast? My son has swung all three, and prefers the Zen, S2, then the Beast. Based on reviews of the Zen, I'm worried about durability. Can you break down the main differences between the three, and what you would recommend? He will be turning 11 in April, about 4'10", and 80-85 lbs. He's been trying the 29/19 in all three. Rachel
Has anyone actually weighed this bat? The last DeMarini I bought weighed in at over 1.5 oz higher than it was supposed to be. BaseballMom
Does the Zen come in a 2 5/8" barrel? Seth
Is this BBCOR? kameron
My son is 10. Good hitter (bats clean-up). He's been swinging (-10) 2 5/8" Marrucci. (1) What are your thoughts on the (-10) 2 3/4" v. (-10) 2 5/8" bat? (2) Will the 2 5/8" be any more durable than the 2 3/4" or will they be about the same? HP
My son is 5'1 1/2" tall and weights about 124 lbs. What size bat do you recommend? chris
Is this bat USSSA legal? Angie Thompson
About the Brand
In 1992, DeMarini Sports had something to celebrate. The three-year-old company had climbed a rung on the proverbial ladder of success, moving its world headquarters from a dirt-floored barn to a slightly larger metal shack. "It was a big move for us," recalled Ray DeMarini from the batting cage of DeMarini Sport’s present-day Bat Industrial Complex. "The new shop was larger, more storm resistant, and -best of all- it had a heater."
In the early days, DeMarini Sports hardly made a blip on the radar screen of softball. With no retailers and virtually no advertising budget, DeMarini grew steadily by selling high-performance bats directly to customers. While established companies made "juiced" bats for the pros and ordinary bats for the public, DeMarini focused on making one line of high-performance bats for pros and amateurs alike. This approach, combined with a passion for the sport, led to the greatest innovation in softball history - the world’s first multi-wall bat: the DeMarini Doublewall.
Released in 1993, the DeMarini Doublewall was the world’s first multi-wall bat. Like a modern golf driver or oversized tennis racket, the Doublewall had a giant "sweetspot," which allowed average players to hit like pros. DeMarini’s sales exploded, and before long opposing bat manufacturers to notice. DeMarini - a homegrown company led by a softball fanatic - had shaken the establishment silly.
To understand the rise of the DeMarini Dynasty, you need to know Ray DeMarini. A cult hero among avid players, Ray DeMarini emerged on the professional softball scene at the age of 40, a veritable geriatric among younger players. With a scientific approach to training, a batting speed of 96 miles-per-hour and a bombastic attitude, DeMarini fast earned a reputation as a savage competitor.
In June of 1987, ESPN launched a nationwide search for a hardcore player to advise on a series of instructional softball videos. When approached by producer Erich Lytle, the biggest boys in softball repeatedly spoke of a five-foot-seven softball giant—Ray DeMarini. DeMarini had mastered reflex hitting, a technique that drops the ball squarely between the infield and outfield. Impressed with DeMarini's knowledge and scientific approach to training, Lytle not only hired Ray as an advisor—he hired him as the host. Together, they produced Ray DeMarini's Reflex Hitting System, ESPN's most successful home video to date.
Having garnered national recognition through ESPN, Ray turned his efforts toward designing a high-performance bat for the masses. To accomplish this, he needed an engineer. "Not just an engineer," he said, "but a boot-strapping rocket scientist who could build an empire with pocket change." Ray's call was answered by Mike Eggiman. Having grown up on a farm, Eggiman was adept at making the most of a situation. Case in point: the company's first piece of automated bat-making equipment had the heart of an abandoned washing machine.
With Eggiman as Chief Engineer, DeMarini Sports delivered a series of industry firsts: the first multi-wall bat (Doublewall Distance), the first high-performance bat for massive players (Fatboy) and the first high-performance youth bat (Black Coyote).
In 2000, DeMarini joined forces with Wilson Sporting Goods to develop the next generation of hitting technology. Ray believed it was a perfect fit, as both companies shared a vision of developing game-enhancing equipment for avid players. What’s more, the companies had complimentary products: Wilson was the leader in gloves, balls and protective gear, while DeMarini made the world’s finest bats. According to Chris Considine, Vice President/General Manager of Wilson Sporting Goods: "The thing that struck me most about DeMarini was their passion for sports and their true competitiveness.
Within a year, DeMarini unveiled the industry’s first concept bat, the $35,000 F1. Secured under lock and key at the DeMarini Bat Industrial Complex in Hillsboro, Oregon, the F1 served as a technological storehouse for future products, including DeMarini’s landmark Half & Half system.
In December 2001, 12 years after the genesis of DeMarini Sports, Ray DeMarini died of cancer in his Northwest Portland home. He was 55. The next summer, the Portland Metro Softball Association paid homage to the “King of Softball” with the dedication of Ray DeMarini Field. Formerly known as Delta #1, the field was DeMarini’s favorite place to test bats during the early days of business. Ray DeMarini—bat maker and player extraordinaire—was remembered for his high-performance softball bats and unwavering encouragement of everyday players. Today, a 40-foot sign announcing RAY DEMARINI FIELD graces the outfield, and an interpretive display chronicling Ray’s life greets players as they register for games.
More "Insane Dedication to Performance" is in store for tomorrow.
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