Bat Review: 2018 DeMarini CF Zen USA Baseball Bat

When major bat manufacturers released their initial USABat offerings in September 2017, there was a noticeable absence -- the DeMarini CF Zen.

DeMarini opted to take their time on releasing a their popular bat series approved for USA Baseball, but now it's here. In this bat review, JustBats.com examines the 2018 DeMarini CF Zen -10 USA Baseball bat.

The initial foray into USABat was the 2018 DeMarini Voodoo. It cast a spell. Players have been impressed with the bat's "good pop for USA Bat, especially in the sweet spot" and "not a heavy drop 10." But the Voodoo is a hybrid baseball bat, and fans wanting a 100% composite bat were out of luck. Some players wondered if the CF Zen delay was due to the issues with DeMarini's initial USSSA approved CF Zen (it wasn't).

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Despite being one of the first to the market with bats after the BBCOR rule change, DeMarini opted to wait for the CF Zen. And, the payoff was worth it. Like past years, DeMarini introduced a BBCOR model and Senior League / Youth Big Barrel model. 

Meeting all requirements for USA Baseball, and approved for play in AABC, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, Dixie Youth, Little League, and Pony, the DeMarini CF Zen USA Baseball bat is the lightest swinging, most balanced composite stick. The two-piece construction and Paraflex barrel allows the CF Zen a 22% increase in strength from all previous 100% composite bats.

The newest feature of this model is DeMarini's 3-Fusion System. This one-of-a-kind design includes the streamlined 3-Fusion handle along with the lightweight 3-Fusion en cap that optimizes weight for better overall control at the plate. And, with the sleek design, the 3-Fusion handle provides a serious reduction of vibration in the hands and a noticeable difference in flex on contact that helps transfer negative energy into the barrel for maximum power. Other key features of the DeMarini CF Zen (-10) USA Baseball bat include:

• 2 5/8 inch barrel diameter.
• New USA Baseball certification stamp.
• Available in 30", 31", and 32".
• Balanced swing weight.
• Exceptional flex with more pop and less sting.
• Huge barrel with a massive sweet spot.
• Paraflex composite barrel design.

What do you think? Have you been waiting for the CF Zen for USA Baseball? Let us know by leaving a comment.

If you have any specific USA Baseball bat questions, remember our Bat Experts are available via telephone at 866-321-2287, email at  experts@justbats.com, or you can click here to live chat! Don't forget, we'll be here for you from click to hit!