Marucci CAT series has always been top of the list when it comes to durability.
Even though, it does not gets so much hype as DeMarini The Goods recieved this year.
But we still think that Marucci CAT 9 Connect is as good as The Goods or might be even better when it comes to price comparison.
Marucci CAT 9 Connect -3
Overall Rating
4.7 out of 5
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Overview
Cat 9 Connect is the best product that Marucci has produced yet. In BBCOR, Cat 9 Connect is an end-loaded bat with two-piece construction.
It is manufactured for ultimate power. It has carbon composite handle material with AZR alloy material for the barrel. This bat has a big barrel, light swing, amazing grip and great performance.
The outer locking system provides no vibrations on contact, great pop and sturdy, durable and comes with one year warranty.
It is perfect for the power hitters and the Marucci offers an affordable price when compared o other brands. It is the best alternative to goods.
Marucci CAT 9 Connect full review
Does it feel good in hand or vibrates when mishit?
Marucci cat 9 connect has a new AZR alloy that offers a more responsive microstructure for a better feel.
It gives an amazing feeling to the hitters while handy because it has an amazing grip.
The outer locking system connects the alloy barrel and composite handle. It dismisses all the vibrations on contact for a stronger and smoother swing.
How does it Perform?
When it comes to performance, ring-free construction plays an important role.
The Marucci Cat 9 Connect has a ring-free barrel construction. This allows for extra barrel flex and increases the performance of the bat.
The Marucci is using the Longitudinal Groove System. The system increases flexibility and performance. AZR alloy also aids in the performance of the bat.
How good is its Construction?
The Marucci uses a three-stage thermal treatment process for an alloy barrel. They named this alloy barrel AZR alloy. Marucci has created its very personal approach to processing its AZR alloy.
AZR alloy gives a more responsive microstructure for a higher feel, more forgiveness and extra performance at the same time as maintaining its conventional CAT collection power.
It is two-piece construction end-loaded bats. The diameter of the barrel is 2 5/8 inches with a -3 drop weight ratio. Marucci is using LGS (Longitudinal Groove System) across the thickest part of the barrel wall. It reduces weight and increases flexibility and overall performance.
The bat also has a ring-free barrel construction which allows for more barrel flex and also increases performance. It has a two-piece hybrid design that combines a carbon composite handle with the AZR alloy barrel designed for power.
It also features the outer locking system which connects alloy barrel and composite handle. The connection makes it stiff and decreases the vibration extensively.
Moreover, by imparting outstanding power while hitting. It gives a smoother experience at the identical time.
The bat has a micro-perforated soft-touch grip and multi-variable wall design. This grip has an extra tact which improves feel and control.
Is it Durable Enough?
When it comes to durability, Marucci Cat 9 connect appears on top of the list. Cat bats are always durable and do not even rattle at all.
The Marucci Cat 9 connect bat has amazing pop, great grip and the pinnacle of all it is durable.
Is this bat a Value for the money?
The bat has an amazing grip, great pop and many other features that are worthy of the price.
It is an end-loaded bat specially designed by using advanced techniques. Marucci uses its approach for the barrel of the bat.
This end-loaded bat is available on market under $400. By comparing this price to other brands that are making end-loaded bat this is available at a budget-friendly rate.
As mentioned above, the bat has many features and advanced technologies. So, the bat value for the money.
Bat Sizing options
The Marucci Cat 9 Connect is available in the market in different sizes for the players. Following are some size options that will helpful for you
- 30’’ / 27oz
- 31’’ / 28oz
- 32’’ / 29oz
- 33’’ / 30oz
- 33.5’’ / 30.5oz
- 34’’ / 31oz
Above mentioned sizes are available for Marucci Cat 9 connect. So, power hitters have an option for bat sizing. The hitters will select one that is the perfectly right size for them.
Who is recommended to use this BBCOR bat?
It is not recommended for players who are contact hitters. Contact hitters prefer lightweight bat and Cat 9 connect is not a lightweight bat. It is an end-loaded bat that is perfect for power hitters.
However, it is best-suited for those who want a heavyweight bat. It is especially for those who want an alternative of DeMarini The Goods.
Moreover, it is recommended for bigger teens those who want sturdy bats. Also, for those who do not have a high budget. Specifically it is for:
- Perfect for hitters who want a smoother feel.
- Perfect for the power hitters.
- Those who prefer heavyweight bats.
- Who does not need a hype to choose a bat for them.
Marucci CAT 9 Connect Vs Marucci Cat 8 Connect
VS
The precious version named Marucci Cat 8 Connect is available in two different colors.
The barrel diameter of these bats is the same just like cat 9 connect.
Cat 8 connect is a two-piece hybrid bat. It features a power-loaded barrel built with AZ105 aluminum alloy. The AZ105 alloy has more strength.
The 2019 version had the patented SDX EXT connection. The connection increased the stiffness by maintaining the transfer of energy to the ball.
This also reduced all the vibrations that result in maximum power and minimum sting.
The difference between the current and the previous version is that the CAT 9 Connect version has a longitudinal groove system that lacks in the previous year model.
Similar Bats to Compare
If you have a limited budget and don’t want to spend that hefty amount yet want a decent high school baseball bat then Quatro Pro or Demarini CF Zen can be a good alternative. So these are the closest competitors of Slugger Meta 2020.
2021 The Goods
Like we already repeated many times throughout this review that DeMarini The Goods is the closest competitor to the CAT 9 Connect or vice verca.
But if you still think that 2021 Marucci CAT 9 Connect is not your thing and you like the DeMarini bats and their after sale service then this one is just for you.
This BBCOR bat made its way to our list of Best BBCOR Bats of the year.
2021 Slugger Meta PWR
Despite of receiving so much criticism for being a composite end-loaded bat from some of the bat critics, The Slugger Meta PWR has always pleased its player from its performance.
After getting completely broken-in it can perform similar to any of the Aluminum barrel end-loaded bat out there.
Marucci CAT 8 Connect
You can still get the similar performance from the previous year model but we think you should go for the latest one.
In Marucci CAT 8 Connect series, The CAT 8 Connect Black was very popular because of its color and performance.
Final Verdict
Marucci is devoted to quality and committed to offering the players at every level with the tools they need and want to be successful.
The Marucci Cat 9 Connect is the best option for power hitters. It is an end-loaded bat with an alloy construction.
It is smooth, great pop and pinnacle of all it is long-lasting. It is available in the market at a quite affordable price than other brands.
Cat bats are always durable and do not rattle at all. So, it is a vital choice for the power hitter to go for this end-loaded baseball bat.