Bat Pack 2018 Louisville Slugger Solo 618 -11 and Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 -10 USA Baseball Bats: WTLUBS618B11 and WTLUBO518B10
144 ReviewsBat #1: 2018 Louisville Slugger Solo 618 -11 USA Baseball Bat: WTLUBS618B11
Bat #2: 2018 Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 -10 USA Baseball Bat: WTLUBO518B10
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Select an option for Bat #2: 2018 Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 -10 USA Baseball Bat: WTLUBO518B10
Bat #1: 2018 Louisville Slugger Solo 618 -11 USA Baseball Bat: WTLUBS618B11
Bat #2: 2018 Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 -10 USA Baseball Bat: WTLUBO518B10
Features
-11 Length To Weight Ratio
2 5/8 Inch Barrel Diameter
Approved For Play In AABC, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, Dixie Youth, Little League, & Pony
Free Shipping!
New USA Baseball (USABat) Certified Stamp
Anti-Vibration Handle Construction Helps Reduce Sting On Mishits
Balanced Swing Weight Score (1.1)
Colorway: White / Blue / Red / Black / Gray
Custom Lizard Skins Baseball Bat Grip Provides Premium Comfort
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty
Hot Out Of The Wrapper Performance
Lowest Swing Weight Profile & Fastest Swing Speed In Louisville Slugger Lineup
One-Piece, Aluminum Baseball Bat
SL Hyper Alloy Material Delivers Maximum Energy Transfer
Speed Ballistic Composite End Cap Increases Barrel Length & Improves Balance
Stiff, Traditional Feel For Immediate Impact Feedback
Description
New baseball bats for the 2018 season! For the second year running, Louisville Slugger has created a one-piece, all alloy, hybrid bat: the Solo. This season's model, the Solo 618, may be known as a single-piece construction, but due to the new and improved Speed Ballistic Composite End Cap, Louisville Slugger has deemed it a hybrid design. The enhanced end cap, combined with Slugger's SL Hyper aluminum material, delivers increased swing speed, better overall control through the zone, and the most balanced swing weight score (1.1) in the 2018 lineup. As the fastest swinging baseball bat Louisville Slugger has ever manufactured, this model is an excellent choice for players looking to ensure fastballs no longer phase them. Not only does the SL Hyper Alloy provide an increase in swing speed, but it ensures a stiff, traditional feel on contact with maximum energy transfer for further ball flight and more base hits. Not to mention, Louisville Slugger has applied a brand new vibration dampening handle design that helps reduce sting in the hands on mishits so that negative vibration is a thing of the past. The best part? A custom Lizard Skins baseball bat grip comes pre-wrapped around the standard handle for premium comfort and a better overall feel. Louisville Slugger: Hit For Power, Average, & Pride!
This 2018 Louisville Slugger Solo 618 USA Baseball Bat (WTLUBS618B11) features a lightweight drop 11 length to weight ratio, a 2 5/8-inch barrel diameter, and the USA Baseball (USABat) certification. With that stamp, this model is approved for play in AABC, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, Dixie Youth, Little League, and Pony baseball. Make every swing count and pick up one of these Solo 618 USA baseball bats today with free shipping and a full one (1) year manufacturer's warranty. Don't forget, with our 24/7 customer service, we'll be here for you from click to hit!
Reviews (86)
Average Ratings Based on 86 Customer Reviews
Pros: Light balanced swing weight, my 8 year old is swinging faster through the zone, hitting the ball well. Sweat spot seems to be rather large giving the bat good pop. My 8 year old loves the look of this bat, says it's his favorite over his other two bats which are the Rawlings Quatro-10 usa bat & the Easton-10 Beast X Hybrid usa bat
Cons: None
Pros: Bat handles well and seems to be very durable. Most of his fall little league team has been using this bat due to availability of usa stamped bats. Most of them seem to be very comfortable with it. Seems to be very balanced. He has gotten some pretty good shots with it in game play.
Cons: Cons is the pop. After using 2 3/4" barrel bats standardized for select ball play for the past 4 years. Going to this usa stamped bat has been quite a significant change. Ball definately does not jump off the bat like the ones he has used for select ball. Still a great bat, will just have to adjust to the change.
Pros: Great light swinging bat for youth players. The pop is decent for the price and I don't think paying an extra $100 for a bat is warranted. Get this bat!!!
Cons: The sting on a not squarely hit ball hurts, but that is with any USA bat.. Even my friends Ghost X which was $350..
Pros: This -11 swings nice and light and relative to the competition still seems to have a good bit of pop. Weight is a big issue for everyone this year and going with anything heavier than a -10 will likely be a mistake. This is the best performing -11 we have played with so far.
Cons: none yet. well, the new usa standard is a con for everyone.
Pros: Affordable, looks good, balanced. Thanks to USA baseball for levelling the playing field with the usa bats. It was needed. Dont take my high ratings too literally cuz its all relative with these usa bats - its now personal preference for the "wood" you choose. I fondly bid farewell to the days of the calculating dads using an outlaw easton or combat b2 da bomb to create an illusion/distortion of the game with young players (unlike mlb's new baseball which doesnt put kids at risk). Gone are the days of the 50 pounder generating crazy back spin to loft a ball far in the air with his orange mako and/or softball swing. Now... with usa bats it will be more if not completely obvious to everyone if a bat has been tinkered with, and levels the playing field for the safety and betterment of the players. Maybe the spoiled usa kids that play baseball should use what kids iin other countries use. Having said all that, this bat seems good.
Cons: none so far.
Pros: This bat has great pop compared to other USA bats. My son tested out the beastX, GhostX, and Velo. The 618 not only had better pop and sound but had the best feel, not to mention it was the lightest. Tapered grip/handle is also a great feature.
Cons: none.
Pros: I bought several bats for my youth players. The best performing by far was the Louisville Slugger. Most of the kids hated the Easton Ghost as it didn't seem to have much pop. All of the kids swung this bat faster through the zone. I will be ordering a few more in different lengths to satisfy the various sizes and abilities of the kids. Strongly recommend the bat and the price can't be beat.
Cons: None
Pros: Very balanced. Nice barrel/sweet spot. not too big/small. Ball jumps off the barrel on solid contact. The line drive contact hitter is finally rewarded. No longer is the high pop up a HR...
Cons: Haven't had the bat long enough to gauge durability but that's always a concern. Otherwise there are none to speak of at this time.
Pros: Good grip with wide bottom handle making it easier to choke up if needed. If you don't like a wider bottom handle, then this may not be one for you. It widens out towards the very bottom. May want to go with a Rawlings that has a skinny grip all the way down. Good pop when hit on the sweet spot. There will be learning curve with kids who are used to just hitting anywhere on bat. This bat also great weight distribution making it feel lighter than it really is. Barrel seems a bit wider throughout the barrel too.
Cons: If you don't hit the sweet spot, will sting. The wider bottom handle may not be good for kids will small hands. Not a true drop -11, but that is consistent with all new USA bats. I just wish they would all just give them a true Length/Weight rating.
Pros: very balanced feel! my eight year old is on the smaller side, so i got him the 29" 18oz. he has no problem swinging it. This bat also has great Pop for a USA bat. very comparable to the ghost x. I definitley recommend this bat!
Cons: only negative, but not a big deal. stings the hands at times. but wouldnt let that keep me from buying it.
Pros: I have purchased no less than 4 USA bats for my 8 year old son. But this is the bat he that went to try outs. We got a lucky break when Little League and a local retailer made nearly every new USA bat available to test drive.After being sized Each kid got to go into tunnel and hit 10 balls with several new bats. Seems the brand we had gone with before was nothing close to the Solo. It just swings faster and hits further. The balance just seems to work, This was the best hitting youth bat of the whole bunch. There is a composite big barrel by a big named brand,-11. We both thought it was great when he first got it. He needed thicker batting gloves and we changed the grip to lizard skin to ease the hand sting.We thought after a 1000 balls it would break in, like his last composite bat ,it never did. This bat out hit the big barrel composite and everything else we have seen and it served him well in try outs. He hit hard everything they threw at him, it's the best for 2018.
Cons: It's still a 2018 bat, what are you gonna do?
Pros: Feel, comfort, ball comes off the bat real nice.Was looking for -11 for my 10 yr old. Contact, gap speed type hitter about 70lbs. He tried out Ghost x hyperlite and LS Solo 618 over about 5 hitting sessions(including break in period prior for Ghost x hyperlite composite). Loves the solo. Don't be misguided by fact ghost hyperlite has a bigger barrel and slightly lighter. He squares up more baseballs with the LS 618 and the mishits spin far better than the ghost hyperlite off the bat. The ghost x hyperlite so far- unless struck in (small sweet spot on a huge barrel) the ball knuckles, floats, and dies. It's like the oversized barrel absorbs the energy. They would be much easier for fielders to make outs. Meaning more hits with the LS 618 ( because ball spins and darts). It is a great bat (as far as USA) if your son likes a light swinging, balanced, fast bat with a bit of pop. He loves it. Hope this helps
Cons: Not many but if you are really picky like me- A bit of sting which is the reason for the 4 in vibration. However, the ghost x hyperlite stings his hands so bad it drops him to his knees every 3 or 4 mihits he has to take a break. He says the sting from the LS 618 is a "normal sting", and he is able to shake his hands out, get back in box and continue. Keep in mind my son primarily plays catcher at this point, so has a bit of toughness, and same results other hitters. The 4 for durability is because the bat has developed a barely noticeable "tiny rattle", I believe in the end cap. it has not affected performance, and i'm sure LS will replace. But my son loves the bat so much with all his (hit marks) he doesn't want me to send it back. It weighs about 1.3 ounces heavier than advertised (almost all bats USA 2018 are heavier) so it is actually a -9.5/10, but swings very light, fast and easy. Also, I'm not knocking easton. They are replacing our Ghost x hyperlite with easton
Pros: My 8yr old son plays Travel ball and AAU for a local club. We have Owned the Ghost X 2 piece, Ghost HL, Beast HL and been to a few Demos for the Demarini, Mizuno and Rawlings. A lot of dads on the team have been waiting to see this bat in action and it doesn't disappoint. The ball screams off the bat and the mishit ground balls are so spinny that it was eating up our infielders. First few hits in the cages during BP all the heads turned due to the unmistakable sound of the Solo. My son moved up from a 28/16 Mako beast to a 29/18 Solo and has way more pull power with the Solo. My son is hitting the Solo harder and ball velocity is up over his Mako. Most of us baseball dads have been fumbling around checking reviews and buying the normal Eastons and have been bashing the USA bats due to performance. The Solo 618 or the Demarini VooDoo one piece bat are the hot bats that we have seen so far at our baseball school. Ordering the -10 Big Barrel for AAU play!
Cons: Hard to find in stock.
Pros: My son tried several bats including: Easton Hyperlite, Demarini Voodoo Balanced & 1 piece, Easton Hyperlite, Beast X, Ghost X, and Ghost-X Hybrid, and LS Omaha before figuring out the 618 Solo was the one. He's small for a 9 year old...only 50 pounds. Previously, he had a Combat Maxum -12 so he's accustomed to a light swinging, balanced stick. He gets decent pop but I'm most happy that he's been able to adjust to a 1 inch length and 2 oz. weight uptick with no problem. I attribute this to the bat's balance point. Great bat...cool grip too and he likes the tapered handle. Also, to top it off, the price is right on this compared to the others I listed.
Cons: Barrel isn't as big as the Easton and Rawlings line.
Pros: very balanced feel, swings well, good median price point / I bought this for my son due to the new USA baseball guidelines. He has probably about 100 plus swings in it already and he seems to be adjusting to the feel. He swings a combat Maxum 30/19 with the 2 3/4" barrel and this bat hasn't seemed to affect his swing at all. The sound is very dead unless you strike a ball perfectly but he seems to have the same power in the cage so far. I will revise this after the season to see how it works against live pitching.
Cons: lots of vibration with the 1 piece design when a ball is hit anywhere besides the sweet spot, handle is pretty thick compared to his combat which has a larger diameter barrel
Pros: So my son had the Rawlings Prodigy -11 2 5/8 USABaseball bat in fall. It was good. He hit mostly solid line drives into the outfield. Saw a kid I had previously coached at a lesson with the Solo. He was crushing the baseball pitch after pitch. Okay, it's a lesson right. At spring tryouts, he was launching the ball again. This bat has POP for a USA bat. So I bought one for my son and those line drives are now deep in the outfield. The bat is balanced and feels lighter. It does not clank the the Rawlings did. it's a solid and sounds that way. The only thing left is the games. This bat is the real deal.
Cons: The other boys want to use it.
Pros: Has the pop and feel of a composite bar with a nice barrel and sweet spot. Sound is pretty good too. Great grip. Price is lower than many others. I have hit bslls to my players with just about every USA bat, including the expensive Easton bats. This one is much better. My 10 year old is using the 30-19 and he loves it.
Cons: None so far.
Pros: My 8 year old loves this bat. It is light and more importantly balanced as described in other reviews. Went from a 27in 14 oz composite last year to this 28in 17oz. this year. Researched the heck out of USA bats. i think its a great bat for the price.
Cons: no complaints.
Pros: -I have a younger boy just starting out and this Solo 618 lets him get the bat through the zone. It has a very light swing. The new so called -10 & -9 bats are just too heavy. Not to mention they are really closer to -9 & -8 when you put them on the scale. -It still has the new bigger barrel and just as much pop as any other USA bat for a much better price. -The Lizardskin grip is a great perk.
Cons: -USA standard is weak. -There is still quite a bit of vibration, but expected because it's still just a one piece barrel. A two piece bat will help reduce some of the shock, but you're paying quite a bit more for that. -The hitting area / sweet spot is small.
Pros: Balance and feel of this bat are great according to my 11-year old son. Having the -11 drop with this bat makes a difference. No noticeable issue with vibration and sting upon contact.
Cons: Still adjusting to the decrease in pop of the USA bats.
Pros: Very balanced bat, fast through the zone , better pop than I thought. The lizard skin is nice and taper at end of bat. We are indoors at winter training so all hitting is done in cages or stations. I coach and see all the bats cycling through, ball appears to come off the bat hotter on the Solo. Looking forward to going outside to see how it performs but I do not anticipate things to change. There is always the 'one" bat and I think this may be it for now.
Cons: none
Pros: Lightweight for bat speed, Huge POP, NO Vibration or stings, Great size sweet spot, Lizard grip is awesome, great durability, can't believe it out performs the $300+ bats no questions. My son is going to out bat every kid on our team because of this bat and the fact no one else has it and it's sold out until May-June per LS.
Cons: SOLD out coast to coast, every kid on the team wants to use it and haggles to buy it since there is non avail.
Pros: My son loves the bat. Seems to have good pop for a USA bat. He hit a wood Phoenix all winter so he was very happy to starting hitting this bat. He said there is no vibration and great balance.
Cons: Only complaint we have is the bats all weigh in heavy compared to their advertised weight.
Pros: I've returned 2 top of the line Easton bats this year because of the sting to the hands. I purchased this bat based on reviews that I've read. I'm happy to report that after 3 cage sessions, my 10 year old son hasn't felt any sting to his hands at all.
Cons: No pop. It will be interesting to see how many balls go over outfielders heads this year in 8-10 year old age group.
Pros: Great pop compared to other USA bats he has tried, including the Easton ghost hyperlight. Very light feeling bat due to its even balance makes it a very fast swinging bat. My son is getting more hits with this bat.
Cons: none yet, after two weeks
Pros: My son hit two deep Fly balls with this bat. 1 for a double and was a fly out. but in the game they were the two deepest hit balls between either team. I like to think his hard work in the tee and taking endless BP has made his approach consistent and powerful bit I truly believed based on the reviews that he was going to struggle to hit the put of the infield. Even with the new bat he is hitting the ball further than just this past fall with a USSSA bat. I highly recommend this bat. it is as close to or better than the pperformance of a USSSA bat. I should say that by the time he used it in live game he probably had over a 1000 swings on it and rotated it between every swing. It was well broken in by the time he used it in league. I think that is the most common mistake parents make. They do not take the time to properly break in a bat before using it in a game situation. There is a right and a wrong way to do it.
Cons: Its the sweet spot or nothing so barrel control and the ability to square the ball is a must. A miss hit is a weak grouundball and an automatic out.
Pros: Got a 29" bat for my son for Christmas and have been using it for winter workouts and have a few months to give good feedback. Our travel team has a mix of all the top USA bats hanging on the rack and the 3 top hitters on the team are all using Solo's. It almost looks like an unfair advantage over the Teams we play with the other big brand bats. Our middle infielders are just feasting on their weak ground balls coming off the other USA bats. My sons 29/18 weighs 19.2oz and took a few weeks to adjust coming from a 28/16 Mako but is now hitting with some pull power and the Solo just sends it every time with coach pitch. 7 out of 10 hits with the Solo are equal to his MOAB but the MOAB still has 3 balls that are 35-40' longer. Solo is the best that I have seen so far and is very balanced and great acoustics. You can tell how well they hit the pitch just off the sound.
Cons: The 28" Solo's look a lot different then the 29" Solos. The 28"s have a similar profile to the 518 Omaha's and seem to ring your hands a bit. The 29" sweet spot is a lot bigger then the 28's. The 28" Solo's sweetspot is right on the 6 of the 618 and anything higher up will ring hands. The 29" sweet spot covers the whole word SOLO. Seems 3 times bigger for the extra inch. The acoustics are clearly different from a sweetspot hit vs an off center hit. Last 2" of the 29" will produce a weak ground ball and some hand sting. Had to move my son closer to the plate as an adjustment. Our Solo's get a lot window shoppers sitting on the fence due to the lack of availability in any retailers anywhere. 2 of our 3 removed the foam padding under the grip with just a normal LizardSkin grip. Taper seems ok for a bigger kid but not an 8 yr old.
Pros: First, remember it's the kid swinging the bat and the work he or she puts into it. The bat itself is super balanced. We tried other bats that are end loaded and were toughter to get around. My son is 9 and playing up a level against quicker pitching, so this bat was necessary. A great alternative is LS Omaha 518. Same bat balance, just different metal compostion.
Cons: non yet.
Pros: Pretty close to stated drop, my son has the 28/17 and it weighed in at 17.8 which is good for USA standards. Looks good and grip is nice. Seems to provide a good swing speed.
Cons: sweet spot seems small only top 2 inches are the max diameter. Seems to produce a lit of ground balls for kids. Personally i think it seems to need a breaknin period despite manufacturer. not sure there are any better options under $200.
Pros: After many tries, I was finally able to get my hands on a 29"/18oz Solo 618 for my 9yo son. After a couple years of swinging a 14oz. 2 1/4" barrel bat in his house league, I was a bit concerned an 18oz. bat would feel heavy, but the weight distribution on this bat feels excellent. It is really well balanced, and does not feel barrel heavy...as most of the USABat Easton's we tried, making them feel heavier than 18-19oz. I could tell right away after the first few test swings he took, the 29"/18oz. was the perfect size, and he was happy with how the bat felt. Taking his first live swings, the pop was surprising for a USABat, and my son was incredibly happy with it. If you can find it, I'd highly recommend this bat.
Cons: None yet. My son is very happy with the pop, feel, and lack of vibration so far.
Pros: - Solid POP for a USA bat. My son was swinging the Easton Hyperlite before this. Every hit on the Easton stung his hands to the point that he was swinging and missing on purpose. Obviously I had to get him something else. Compared to the Hyperlite the ball jumps of the bat. My son does not complain of any sting/vibration. Says its very balanced and light.
Cons: Cant find the bat in stock anywhere.
Pros: Ideal swing weight. Ball travels farther that other usa bats. Nice looks. Only 1 ounce heavier than advertised so a 29/18 is a 29/19 and exactly what we were looking for.
Cons: Sting on mis hits A teammate's solo bat had end cap come loose. Had to send in for replacement.
Pros: has good pop to the bat considering the new USA standards my 11 yr old loves the grip and is easy to swing with. 2nd game of the year and already a straight shot to outfield for a homerun after that it went from one other player on the team using it to three other players.
Cons: there has not been any cons as of yet its a solid bat
Pros: Last year i was using an Easton XL3 31"/20oz and the Easton Mako 31"/20oz.My dad got me this bat and i wasn't sure about it but, i was wrong, the bat is great.This bat is the closest iv'e found to that bat.Has amazing pop and very little sting.this bat weighs 20oz unlike the other USA bats.
Cons: If you don't hit it in the sweet spot it will sting where bating gloves.
Pros: Seems to be one of the better USA bats available at a "decent" price. Sone, started with a Easton Hyperlight. Broke that within a week. Save your money and buy this. No reason to spend any more. Decent "pop" for a USA Bat, Pre-Gripped with Lizard Skin
Cons: USA bat - (enough said) Has some hand sting if not hit right. Suck it up, there is no crying in baseball.
Pros: My son , who is 14 loves the bat. Last season his batting was not so good. If he did hit the ball, it went straight to first and he went straight to dug out!!!!! This year , with his new bat, he is hitting so much better. They are even going outfield instead of to first where he always got out. The kids on his team are asking to use the bat!!!
Cons: some vibration
Pros: My 7 yo son switched to this bat a week ago and since is 7 - 8 with some of his most impressive hits to show for it. Entire team and coaches noticed immediate difference. Has been quite literally a game changer. - Excellent balance. - Great pop off the bat. - Bat speed notably better.
Cons: None to speak of so far.
Pros: My son says it has pop. I don't see it in his hitting.
Cons: I have to try to convince my son to use this bat. He is constantly saying it stings his hands and he is always switching to someone else's bat or using an old bat. I read that in other reviews, but he is almost to the point that he won't use the bat because it hurts his hands.
Pros: This bat is popular because it's well-balanced, light, and moderately priced. At the younger ages 6-9, it should be all about making contact at the plate and learning "how" and not necessarily "how far" to hit. The 618 is made to support this view. I think depending on the player, power may be a focus from as early as age 9. My son's (age 7.5) first bat was a -12. This one is a -11. So around age 10, I predict a slighlty end-loaded bat will be best for him at-10. I hope LS makes a slightly end-loaded aluminum bat without the extra $100 price tag by then or I will strongly consider other options.
Cons: The pop issue is universal with the new standards. I've seen research out there that many composite bats underperform compared to the 618.
Pros: My 9 year old son has been playing with the Easton Ghost X (29) and lack of power moved me to look into other options. To note, several kids on the team have been using Ghost bat with similar results. With positive reviews, we purchased the Solo and with hopes of deeper hits but so far, we are seeing similar results from both him and teammates that have wanted to try out the Solo. Around the league we are seeing kids consistently hit the same regardless if they are using Composite or Aluminum. Bottom line, I am confident to say that younger hitters with the new USA bat standards are hitting relatively the same whether they are using a $50 bat or a $350 bat. For the money, the Solo is a great bat and definitely one to consider if you are looking for a mid priced/good performing bat.
Cons: USA bat regulations are having a strong effect on the game. I suspect that bat manufacturers will figure out how to sweeten the bats in 2019 once the manufacturers have a little more time to study the bats and responses to hits. Just as a reference to power with these new regulations, in the 2017 season, our league had 19+ kids hit at least one ball out of the park-for 2018 a total of 5 have done it.
Pros: Like many others have said, this bat is good. Everything except the vibration kills it. The technology at the end of the bat has proven to work, my son throws this bat through the strike zone so fast, because of this technology. But everything else for this bat is perfect.
Cons: My son states that every time he uses the bat it vibrates. He is a pretty good hitter, and we've tried everything. He squeezes the bat tight, and he definitely hits the ball in the middle of the barrel. I am actually quite disappointed, because I've seen all of these good ratings for the vibration. For example, one time my son hits a blast to RF. He told me down at first base that his hands were stinging so bad, that he couldn't pitch. This is one of the many accounts were this bat has proven not to be good when it comes to vibration.
Pros: Good price for a high performing bat. We have this and the ghost. The ghost is no longer used. The balance is better and thus my sons swing is better. I measures the exit velocity between this and his ghost. The solo had higher average exit velocity and conistently 5 mph higher on his best hits. A better bat for 1/2 the price.
Cons: The vibration on this bat can be pretty bad if you don't hit the ball correctly. Vibration is a little worse than the ghost.
Pros: very balanced. easy to get through the zone quick and has very good pop! son is 7 swinging a 28/17 and has hit the fence 4 times with it on a 145 ft fence. better sweet spot than other high $$ bats on the team. well worth the money
Cons: wish all usa bats had better barrel design
Pros: It has good pop for a USA bat, but nothing like the bats from last year. My son has several USA bats from an Easton Ghost to a Voodoo one piece, but this one is by far his favorite. It has a much better sound than the "dead" sounds from other brands.
Cons: I could not accurately rate the durability of this bat because this is only the first month we have had it. Also, I wish the Solo 618 was available sooner, but we are adjusting to the bat as we play games/practices.
Pros: For the 6 days my son used it, it seemed to have great POP to it. My son LOVED the feel of the bat and the balance when he swang the bat.
Cons: 6 days after receiving (maybe the 4th practice, less than 100 hits) the bat gave a horrible corky, spring type noise on one area of the barrel. Tapping around the barrel of the bat gives some unorthdox noise that was not indicative of a properly functioning bat and it did not make this noise when new. Bat went bad somehow. My son is by no means a "slugger", but he makes contact very often and has good and bad hits.
Pros: Waited all season to buy a bat for my 10U. Wanted to watch the dust settle on the new USA bat standards and see which bats came out on top. We tried out 6 bats during the season and this one was by far the best. Better pop than other brands with the same specs. Bat shipped the same day. Using it in All Stars now and loving the bat.
Cons: Haven't had it long enough to accurately review durability.
Pros: None
Cons: May 10 yo son is not picky about bats and he is a power type of hitter. He hated everything about this bat. He said there is no pop and the vibration is awful even when hitting the sweet spot! We do not recommend this bat!
Pros: Best USA bat available. Bat speed the name of the game. This Bat delivers. Son has hit multiple HRs with this bat. in Practice and Games. The last being a legitimate 330' HR. Best pop for USA Bat Ive seen.
Cons: vibration if not hit in sweet spot.
Pros: Out of the box this bat out performed the Easton Ghost X. It is superlightweight and great pop for a USA bat. I bought the Ghost and it cracked aftet 17 hits. A month later still waiting for my replacement bat. Louisville hit a home run with this bat. It is better than any composite for 2018. We tried them all.
Cons: Nothing so far.
Pros: Excellent pop, no vibration, increased my sons swing with USA bat. Went from a -10 to this bat and wow what a difference an once MADE - and the bat is all that!!!! wow wish we could of got this bat earlier in the year but it wasn't available....worth every penny
Cons: Excellent all around my 11 year old LOVES this bat!!!!
Pros: M 11 year old loves his new bat. Feels and sounds good. We had the Easton Ghost X and thr louisville solo is a much better quality bat. It has better sound to it is a lighter weight. This bat seems like its better quality that the ghoast X and for my son seems to be similar to the his mako.
Cons: his only complaint is the bat is thicker on the bottom of the handle and tapers up.
Pros: startng the year out my son was using the Easton Beast. He was making contact but the balls never seemed to jump off the bat and had very little distance with line drives. Purchased the Solo and he's making the same contact but the balls are exploding off the bat. its been a while since I was moved to write a review on a bat but for the money spent its well worth the investment.
Cons: need to advertise this bat more!
Pros: My 11 year old was permitted to use USSSA this spring. His bat is Mako Beast and why wouldn't he? We work constantly so he is getting better each month or season. To put this into perspective his fields at 9-10 wete 205 and 185. I knew at 10 he could clear 185 which he did. He and I were stunned when he ckeared 205. Fall ball we play big fields. Past fall we played 11-12 and 70 foot bases on huge field. This spring same rules but fence 220. Again I did not think he could do it. He did once in game mid season and then a couple times at practice. Then in mid June he won a home run derby at a camp. The issue about his bat came up. I ordered the 2019 Axe Avenge which was shipping end of July. I don't take him out for tourneys yet. I am weird that way. But the 12B toutney team called. We agreed. i needed a USA bat. This bat was cheap and light and i knew with less pop speed was key. We ordered the 31 inch and it arrived just in time. We broke it in at field with 20 foot wood fence
Cons: pros continued. He was hitting them out there. We compared it to Mako. It is not the Mako. This weeks tourney though - fence probably 210, he hit 2 out. We have compared it with 718. We like this one better. Did experiment on big field with fence about 235 on Saturday night. He one hooped the fence a couple times and hit one out with this bat. He hit 3 of 20 out at same place with his Mako. It is not the Mako but it is a darn good USA bat. The Axe we ordered before we got recruited for this tourney team better be real good.
Pros: We purchased this based on reveiws and looking for bat with good balance and pop. my son likes the look and feel of this one with little vibration and excellent pop. This helped him with confidence with a improved performing bat.
Cons: overall USA bats are secondary to the ussaa perfomances, however this one may be the best of the new requirements.
Questions and Answers (85)
Have a question about the 2018 Louisville Slugger Solo 618 -11 USA Baseball Bat: WTLUBS618B11? Ask our team of experts and they will respond within 24 hours.
About the Brand

In 1842, J. Frederick Hillerich emigrated with his family from Baden-Baden, Germany to the United States. Eight years before, the 1834 Book of Sports had made its debut as the nation's first publication covering baseball. But when he arrived in Baltimore, J. Frederick Hillerich would never have dreamed of the future impact his family would have on America's favorite pastime.
After a short while, the Hillerichs moved to Louisville, where J. Fred started a woodworking shop in 1856. Two of his sons, Adam and John Andrew "Bud" were born in the United States and would later join their father in his business. By 1864 "J.F. Hillerich, Job Turning" was in operation and filled orders for businesses by custom-turning everything from balusters to bedposts.
The firm thrived, and by 1875 the little woodworking shop employed about 20 people. In 1880 Bud Hillerich, who was an amateur baseball player, became an apprentice in his father's shop. Young Bud made his own baseball bats along with bats for several of his teammates.
The debate over the origins of the first bat continues to generate controversy among baseball enthusiasts, but the younger Hillerich was most certainly involved in getting his father's business involved with what would become the company's signature item. According to company legend, the first bat was turned by Bud for Pete "The Old Gladiator" Browning in 1884. Browning was a star on Louisville's professional American Association team - the Eclipse. On a spring afternoon Bud, then seventeen, witnessed Browning break his favorite bat. Bud offered to make a bat for his hero, and Browning accepted. After the young wood shop apprentice lathed a quality stick from white ash, according to the story, Browning got three hits with it in the next game.
Louisville Slugger gloves are worn by more pitchers in Major League Baseball than any other glove.
Bat Properties
Approved For | USA Bat |
---|---|
Barrel Diameter | 2 5/8" |
Baseball Bats | Youth Big Barrel Youth |
Bat Type | Baseball |
Color | Blue Grey |
Deals | Personalization Eligible Closeout Bats Deal Of The Day |
Length to Weight Ratio | -11 |
Material | Aluminum |
Price | $100 - $199.99 |
Series | Solo |
Vendor | Louisville Slugger |
Year | 2018 |
Features
Free Shipping!
Approved For Play In AABC, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, Dixie Youth, Little League, & Pony
New USA Baseball (USABat) Certified Stamp
-10 Length To Weight Ratio
2 5/8 Inch Barrel Diameter
Balanced Swing Weight
Colorway: Black | Gray | Green
Consistent, Durable Construction For Long Lasting Performance
Custom Baseball Bat Grip Provides Premium Comfort
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty
Hot Out Of The Wrapper Performance
New 6-Star Premium Performance End Cap Improves Balance
One-Piece, Aluminum Baseball Bat
ST 7U1+ Alloy Construction Delivers Massive Sweet Spot With Stiff, Traditional Feel
Description
Louisville Slugger has done it yet again! One of the most widely known and best baseball bats is back and better than ever. For the 2018 season, the Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 is set to deliver top-notch performance and a traditional feel all at an unbelievable value. There is a reason that the Omaha continues to be a bat of choice at the highest levels of amateur play year after year and season after season. With a durable, one-piece construction, this model is guaranteed to provide long-lasting, consistent performance so that you can bring it during every at-bat. It is masterfully constructed out of the proven ST 7U1+ alloy that delivers a stiff, traditional feel on contact and an enormous sweet spot. The latest addition to the Louisville Slugger Omaha is their 6-Star premium performance end cap that extends the barrel length while maintaining weight distribution for a balanced weight score of 2.3. If you're looking for reliable power, championship level performance, and an increase in your batting average, the Omaha 518 baseball bat is exactly what you need. As an added bonus, a custom Lizard Skins grip comes equipped for superior comfort and less sting in the hands on mishits. Louisville Slugger: Leave Your Mark!
This 2018 Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 USA Baseball Bat (WTLUBO518B10) features a drop 10 length to weight ratio, a 2 5/8-inch barrel diameter, and the USA Baseball (USABat) certification. With that stamp, this model is approved for play in AABC, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, Dixie Youth, Little League, and Pony baseball. Ready to up your game? Then pick up one of these Omaha 518 baseball bats today with free shipping and a full one (1) year manufacturer's warranty. Don't forget, with our 24/7 customer service, we'll be here for you from click to hit!
Reviews (58)
Average Ratings Based on 58 Customer Reviews
Pros: My son is very small for his age, 40lbs, 42inchs in hieght, plays in CP. I was kinda hesitant about the 27/17 because on the question section of this bat, a Justbat rep said the ture weight was 27/19. Not in my case, ohmaha has good balance and my son has no problem getting it through the strike zone, very good pop, has a bbcor sound on contact. My son has probably taken more than 500 hacks at the cages and has felt no sting. I am very happy with this bat, especially becuase I almost forked over 280.00 for easton ghost hyperlight.
Cons: NONE
Pros: Solid bat. My son hit about all of the USA bats that were at the cage. We even hit the full composite Easton but my son complained about vibration the entire time. He hits this bat really well. The bat has a solid sound and comes at a great price point. I recommend for the first series of bats using the USA standard.
Cons: We cannot tell, but some have complained that it is heavier than advertised. My son is 10 and we got him the 30/ -10.
Pros: Has surprisingly good pop compared to other USA bats. Slightly heavier than a -10 gives a bit of an end loaded feel.
Cons: Definitely not the same pop as USSSA bats. Same hand stinger, bat tape didn't feel like Lizardskin if it was and ended up replacing it with another Lizardskin.
Pros: My 9yr old loved the look as did I. Purchased the 30/20 for him and straight out the box he was smashing the ball. Had a little vibration which he said was from miss hits, said he could tell but vibration wasnt that bad (this is from a 9yr olds mouth). overall he's happy and so am I. Louisville Slugger all the way for us.
Cons: none yet
Pros: Specs: 31lenth 21oz Son says it: -Feels good -balanced -length of the wider barrel towards handle is nice vs tapered -looks nice -Great price for a 4 star bat
Cons: -Not the pop as expected -wish it were composite
Pros: Bought a 20:30. It weighs 21.5 oz (drop 8.5). My son is 5'1" 105 lbs. and is 11 years old. The bat is similar to the 20:30 Rawlings 5150 without the high-pitched aluminum "ping." Feels, acts and sounds much more like a wood bat, so the USA standard appears to be working. The handle is tapered at the knob for a good feel. No need for a knob cuff on this bat.
Cons: Heavier than advertised (8.5 drop), but a good fit considering the USA bat standard changes. Many of the -10 USA bats are heavier than advertised.
Pros: Demo'ed this bat 28/18 and it swung lighter than both Demarini 28/18's we tried. My boy was able to maintain great swing path and was hitting line drives. The Demarini's of same spec were too end loaded and you could see it in his swing. One of the most balanced USA Bats we demo'ed. Can not beat it for the $$.
Cons: None to report.
Pros: the pop off of the bat. The ball comes off of the bat great. My son loves it. Did a lot of rsearch about the new bats. All the easton bats seem dead sounding. know somekids that have them and overpaid. I honestly believe that after a year of feedback these companies will make these bats better next year. no need to spend an arm and a leg on first year bats.
Cons: none yet
Pros: Value and a solid bat for this age of Playing...with a good swing this bat does the job. Like the free shipping and service from Just Bats.
Cons: The grip was described as Lizard Skin when purchasing, but it had a similar grip but wasn't Lizard Skin.
Pros: Good balance, my boy likes the way it swings. Compared to other USA bats, this one is the best, I think in the price range. Ball comes off the bat well but not like the USSSA bats last year. Like the bigger barrel and increased hitting area. Did a lot of research and went to demos, this bat appeared very hard to beat for the money.
Cons: Drop 10 is slightly on the heavy side but all USA bats appear to be that way.
Pros: The bat has a lot more pop than all of the more popular USA bats in this price range. I'm not sure why Dick's doesn't carry LS because they are much better quality than most of the other stuff they do carry. This bat looks much different from all of the others on my sons team, which he prefers. I've thrown BP to him a few times with this new bat and haven't heard him complain about vibration at all, which is amazing. He isn't the greatest hitter, not bad just not great, but this bat has a much larger sweet spot which he appreciates.
Cons: I actually wanted to get my son the Solo but they were on backorder at the time. i'm glad i didnt though, because this bat is great...and it was less expensive.
Pros: My 10 yo son uses the 30 in (drop 10). He likes it so far. Surprisingly, it has decent pop for the new USA standard. It's a good, inexpensive bat vs. the more expensive Easton Ghost or Beast.
Cons: None so far. He hasn't had the bat long enough to test the durability.
Pros: One trip to the cage and the kid is in love with it. Started hitting with his 30" 2017 model to get the back in the swing of things and then switch over to the 2018, 31". There was a noticeable difference in the sound of the bat and it seemed like it hit harder than the previous model. Anyway, kid loves it so we are happy. He is 5'4" and 140 pounds, no slouch by any means for those that want reference.
Cons: Non at this time. Time will tell.
Pros: reasonable price for first year of USA bats, look, feel, LS is a good company. My son's USSSA bat is a -10 31/21. I read the reviews of the new USA bats weighing more, so I bought the 30/20 of this bat. Actual weight is about 21.6 oz., so I gave up length to compensate for the weight.
Cons: what you would expect going from USSSA to USA
Pros: Price
Cons: My 12 year old son used this bat one time. During that short time he might have contacted 10 baseballs. The bat bent severely and there were also 3 dents in the barrel. We are sending it back for a replacement, though I would rather have a refund as I no longer trust this bat to perform.
Pros: For $100, probably the best bat out there. Feels like a true -10 as opposed to others that rate as a -10 but feel like a -8. Good pop, but not as great as the more expensive $200 - $250 bats which could be expected. Overall, for the USA stamped bats for 2018, one of the better bats for little leaguers.
Cons: None really... Not quite as hot as more expensive bats.
Pros: Great pop Great over all feel Great price I coach all my sons baseball teams and I'm a stickler to get them the best gear. I was going to get the 618 solo, but they were not in stock. Im glad I didnt buy the solo.This bat has just as much pop as the $250 bats. Best value!!
Cons: nothing
Pros: My 7U son has had this bat for two weeks now and it seems to have more pop than any of the USABats my son has used. He's used the Easton Ghost-X, Rawlings 5150, AxeBat Element and the Omaha definitely topped each one of these bats in terms of the trampoline effect off the bat.
Cons: None so far.
Pros: Since the new usa bat standard started this year i have purchased 2 bats from usabats. I dont have complaints about either of them. First I purchased the Demarini voodoo 2 piece for 250.00. It is a great bat but the problem was that i bought it to heavy bc this new usa bats are weighting more than the listed weight. So then i decided to buy a cheaper bat just to last until my son could comfortably use the other one. Well let me tell you this Omaha Louisville slugger 518 did not disappoint, and btw it was only 99.00! For the price this bat could not be any better. We bought it just 1oz lighter than the other bat and you wont believe the diff. First day on the field my son hit the ball farther than he every has. Great feel no vibration or sting. Has great pop and sound! My son and this bat def go hand in hand. btw my son just turned 9 and weights 70lbs and is 4'5. we got the drop 10 28in 18oz and it couldnt be a better fit. oh yea did i mention he hit his 1st homer the 2nd game of season
Cons: NONE
Pros: Bought my son a 28" Ghost X. He was getting hits but no pop. Bought the 27" LS 518. A better size for him and seems to have more pop than the Ghost X. With the new rule changes, composite bats don't give much of an advantage. Should have saved the money and bought the 518.
Cons: Some epoxy got loose inside the bat. Now there is a slight rattling sound in the bat. Doesn't effect performance but annoying. Didn't have this issue with any other bats we've owned.
Pros: SON USED THIS IN PONY LEAGUE. NOT SO MANY BOMBS BUT LOTS OF LINE DRIVES INTO GAPS. WAS HITTING NEARLY .550 WHEN THE BAT KNOB BROKE OFF. SEASON WINDING DOWN AND NOW HAVE TO SCRAMBLE TO FIND A REPLACEMENT. COMPLETED LS WARRANTY FORMS AND HAVE TO RETURN BAT. PROBABLY GET A CREDIT OR SOMETHING.
Cons: DURABILITY. NEVER GOT DENTED BUT KNOW UNEXPECTEDLY BROKE OFF.
Pros: Balanced Good for power hitters Good POP (not USSSA pop but great for USA) like better than GHOST X durable, made it through the year with several kids using, mostly power hitters and has held up well
Cons: little heavy but kids get used to it
Pros: For the money it was good. 100 bucks to play just three tournaments. My son likes the tapered handle and feel of the bat. Would by again if we are forced to use USA bat std.
Cons: Zero pop. Hardly any pop to any of the USA bats. We played three tourneys and not many hard hits. Nothing to do with the actual bats it is all to do with this crappy usa bat std that everyone except U trip and BPA has adopted. Would love to sink them all to the ocean. These heavy bats affect swing mechanics and get kids in bad habits. Used in 8U travel and All stars.
Pros: Better pop than any bat tried under $100 - rivals more expensive bats. If you used to use a LS bat - would stick with this. It feels great in my 12 y.o. hands and inspires confidence. Actually a good looking bat, like the color scheme better than the red and black of years past.
Cons: Not so much a con, but as with all of these USA bats - balls that are smashed don't trampoline like they used to last year,
Questions and Answers (61)
Have a question about the 2018 Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 -10 USA Baseball Bat: WTLUBO518B10? Ask our team of experts and they will respond within 24 hours.
About the Brand

In 1842, J. Frederick Hillerich emigrated with his family from Baden-Baden, Germany to the United States. Eight years before, the 1834 Book of Sports had made its debut as the nation's first publication covering baseball. But when he arrived in Baltimore, J. Frederick Hillerich would never have dreamed of the future impact his family would have on America's favorite pastime.
After a short while, the Hillerichs moved to Louisville, where J. Fred started a woodworking shop in 1856. Two of his sons, Adam and John Andrew "Bud" were born in the United States and would later join their father in his business. By 1864 "J.F. Hillerich, Job Turning" was in operation and filled orders for businesses by custom-turning everything from balusters to bedposts.
The firm thrived, and by 1875 the little woodworking shop employed about 20 people. In 1880 Bud Hillerich, who was an amateur baseball player, became an apprentice in his father's shop. Young Bud made his own baseball bats along with bats for several of his teammates.
The debate over the origins of the first bat continues to generate controversy among baseball enthusiasts, but the younger Hillerich was most certainly involved in getting his father's business involved with what would become the company's signature item. According to company legend, the first bat was turned by Bud for Pete "The Old Gladiator" Browning in 1884. Browning was a star on Louisville's professional American Association team - the Eclipse. On a spring afternoon Bud, then seventeen, witnessed Browning break his favorite bat. Bud offered to make a bat for his hero, and Browning accepted. After the young wood shop apprentice lathed a quality stick from white ash, according to the story, Browning got three hits with it in the next game.
Louisville Slugger gloves are worn by more pitchers in Major League Baseball than any other glove.
Bat Properties
Approved For | USA Bat |
---|---|
Barrel Diameter | 2 5/8" |
Baseball Bats | Youth Big Barrel Youth |
Bat Type | Baseball |
Color | Black Grey |
Deals | Personalization Eligible Closeout Bats Deal Of The Day |
Length to Weight Ratio | -10 |
Material | Aluminum |
Price | $0 - $99.99 $100 - $199.99 |
Series | Omaha |
Vendor | Louisville Slugger |
Year | 2018 |
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