Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 has again proved itself for being the top of the balanced BBCOR bats.
However, it always comes as the most expensive bat but if you do not care about the price then this is the best high-school baseball bat is for you.
Meta 2021 when compared to the previous year model is the exact same thing but with a new paint job.
Then what has changed? The answer of this question is that they have made changes only in 33" variant which was banned.
Read full review for more information about it!
2021 Louisville Slugger Meta
Overall Rating
4.8 out of 5
Overview
Here come the successor of the most loved bat in 2020 and 2019, love of every contact hitter. The very obvious Louisville Slugger Meta, not prime.
People loved the red meta prime in 2019 so much that even after 2 years some of them still call it as Slugger meta prime 2021.
Anyways, without further ado lets start talking about the bat itself.
The Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 offers a massive composite barrel, amazing pop, largest sweet spot, 3FX connection system that reduces vibrations and balanced swing weight.
It is one of the best-balanced bats of the Meta series of Louisville slugger 2021 version. Though it cannot & should not be compared with the banned version.
It is great for contact hitters, who like to swing balanced and composite barrel.
Though, it has a composite barrel it might not come hot out of the wrapper and may need about 200+ hits to completely break-in.
Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 full review
Does it feel good in hand or vibrates when mishit?
When Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 comes in hand it gives an amazing feeling to the hitters but people who have used the 2019 & 2020 versions might also notice that the grip of meta 2020 is somewhat thicker than its ancestors.
Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 is made with a three-piece composite system equipped with the 3FX connection system.
This system has a stiff feel that reduces the vibrations upon contact on mishit balls. They have managed to remove all the vibrations when mishit on the barrel.
How does it Perform?
The performance of Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 is great. They used an EKOTM composite barrel that is specially designed for offering great performance.
It features 3FX connection system that seems to aids in the reduction of vibrations upon contact by increasing the performance of the bat.
Overall performance of this bat is amazing. The Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 offers the best performance to the contact hitters.
How good is its Construction?
The Louisville slugger uses the most advanced technologies like EKO, 3FX connection system, premium GT1™ end cap and premium LS Pro comfort grip.
The BBCOR bat has a huge barrel of 2 5/8 inches barrel diameter with a -3 drop weight ratio and 31/ 32’’ tapered handle.
This bat is built in three-piece construction with a 3FX connection system. The barrel of the bat is made with an EKO composite that enhances the performance of the bat.
It features a premium GT1™ end cap that enhances barrel length and maximizes the swing speed as well due to its lightweight design. The bat has a premium LS Pro comfort grip for the perfect mix of tack and cushion.
The bat is made with a three-piece composite system equipped with the patented 3FXTM CONNECTION SYSTEM.
The 3FXTM connection system provides a stiff feel on contact when paired with a barrel and reduces the vibrations on contact. This leads to a balanced swing for the best combination of speed and power.
Is this bat Durable?
The 2021 version of the Meta series of Louisville Slugger is the best lightweight and balanced bat.
There are hardly any complaints about breaking and cracking.
The 2021 version of the Meta series can be considered more durable than 2019 meta prime because its paint does not chip easily. And is quite same as the 2020 meta.
Is it Value for the money?
The Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 is one of the highly-priced and top-rated BBCOR bats. It uses advanced technologies in all models of different series.
It is one of the balanced and lightweight bats with three-piece construction and perfect for contact hitters of high school players.
This bat has amazing performance and premium construction. All these features of this durable bat are available for almost 500 bucks.
Despite being overpriced, it delivers what they are expected to deliver and fulfill the player's demand.
Overall, it can be considered as value for the money if you can afford it.
Bat Sizing options
2021 version of the Meta series of Louisville Slugger is available in different sizes. This high school bat has the following size options that are very helpful.
- 31’’/ 28oz
- 32’’/ 29oz
- 33’’/ 30oz
- 34’’/ 31oz
The bat is available in different sizes so, choose the best one for you according to your need.
Due to its different sizes, it is suitable for high school players who love to swing a balanced BBCOR bat.
Who is recommended to use this BBCOR bat?
It is one of the most expensive bats although it has a premium construction and amazing performance. Those who want a balanced feel will prefer this.
Those who have a budget issue are not recommended to buy this 2021 version of Louisville Slugger Meta. This bat is highly-priced and not suits the pocket of low budget players.
It is not recommended for power hitters as it is lightweight. Due to its lightweight construction, it is suitable for contact hitters.
Players, who want balanced and lightweight bat, prefer smooth smashes and no vibrations with a high budget must go for it.
- Prefer a balanced and lightweight bat
- Having No budget issues
- Want a smooth smashes
- Does not want vibrations with a stiffer feel
- Perfect for contact hitters
- Prefer huge barrels
Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 Recommendations
BBCOR Meta Recommendations
Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 is not exactly the same as 2020 but still they best possible option for unbanned yet Best BBCOR bat or Best High school bat of this year.
It is recommended to players who have no budget issues,Likes smooth smashes, Vibration free feel, along with a stiffer feel, Prefer bats with bigger barrel with huge sweet spot and light swings
Slugger Meta 2021 vs 2020 Meta
VS
The 2020 version of Louisville slugger Meta was the most popular and highly rated BBCOR bat previous year. The bat had a huge sweet spot, great sounds and smooth smash on impact.
Louisville slugger used the most advanced technologies in the 2020 version. It has an EKO composite barrel with a 3FX connection system, premium LS Pro Comfort grip and premium RTX end cap with a three-piece design.
On comparing it to the 2021 version there is hardly any difference between these two versions except the 33” bat which was banned.
Even after making some changes to the barrel in the 33-inch meta, it is still the best legal option that they could have made.
There is no major difference between the performance and the feel of the bat. There is slightly a difference of features and color. The 2020 version has RTX end cape while the 2021 version has a GT1TM end cap. Almost all features of the 2021 version are the same as the 2020 version.
Other Versions
For me this was the most amazing bat made for high-school players.
And then NCAA banned the 33" variant and things completely changed.
But I would appreciate Slugger for the way they returned the bats.
Meta Prime - 2019
Despite of facing criticism because of its price, this bat has gained enormous popularity due to its amazing performance.
In 2019 it was featured in our list of Best BBCOR Bats.
918 Prime - 2018
918 Prime used to provide very smoother hits.
It was 3rd iteration of their high end two piece composite bats.
It got really very good reviews in BBCOR but not in USSSA.
Similar Bats to Compare
If you want a great bat that has very similar performance to the LS meta yet with a lower price segment then Demarini CF is a great alternative and is also featured in our list of Best High School bats.
DeMarini being one of the top manufacturers of BBCOR approved baseball bats always makes way to the top 5 in every list, every year.
Even this year, I would like to call it the best alternative to the Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 and is even cheaper than that.
If I would have to choose a balanced, composite high-school bat then this would be my choice.
It is also featured in our most performing BBCOR bats.
Despite being a one piece bat, it still attracts the contact hitters and power hitters both.
The DeMarini Voodoo one is so hot out of the wrapper, very stiff and outperformed all the bats in Baseball Bat Bros test.
If a one piece is not your thing only then you may ignore it
Easton Maxum Ultra is really a great or should I say the best baseball bat Easton has right now.
And it can give a hard competition to any BBCOR bat this year but as usual Easton bats gets underrated again.
This is also a byproduct of Easton overhyping the new Green B5 Pro which is no way better than Easton Maxum Ultra.
Other Slugger Meta Bats
2021 Meta PWR (Meta Power) review
The Meta PWR is made especially for the power hitters as it has a heavier swing weight. But the barrel of this one is made with composite, which most of the power hitters might not like. The price of this bat is same as the balanced meta 2021.
The all new Meta PWR Limited Edition has been launched for early birds.
You may click the image to check if it is still available or got out of stock?
Final Verdict
If you are planning to buy a baseball bat and you do not have a budget issue than Louisville Slugger Meta 2021 is the best option for you no need to think just go for it.
The 2021 meta bat has an amazing performance and premium construction.
It is the latest version of the Meta series and it is good than previous versions and has many other features that go in its favor.