2015 Easton – Mako vs. Mako Torq
Easton’s bats are always highly advanced, incredibly constructed and right at the top as far as popularity. Easton is obviously dedicated to creating nothing short of elite performance. Let’s just say the 2015 Easton series of bats aren’t an exception to that. In fact, they’re better! This year’s lineup, however, is dominated by the two big dogs: The returning, improved Mako and the new, green Mako Torq.
What are the differences between the 2015 Easton Mako and the 2015 Easton Mako Torq?
I’m glad you asked! Let’s get to the bottom of it…
First, let’s go through all the things that they have in common, which is quite a bit. They are both simply a work of art, crafted with 100% TCT Thermo Composite Technology. This composite material is the best in the game! It truly maximizes the potential in every phase, especially the sweet spot in the barrel. Both of these bats are also a 2-piece, connected using Easton’s patented CXN ConneXion Technology, which efficiently transfers energy and gives the bat an optimized feel.
For Fastpitch softball only Easton took that even further and made the ZERO CXN ConneXion Technology. This connection was engineered to completely eliminate vibration, hence the ZERO, and give Softball girls the best in performance!
Now… the Mako and the Mako Torq differ in a few ways… one of which that is an industry changing feature that is bound to start a trend!
We’ll start with the grip, with the Mako sporting Easton’s signature performance diamond grip while the Mako Torq has black and white gauze grip. They both give hitters what they need, so that just comes down to a preference. Another difference is the color design as the Mako returns with its orange look, while the Mako Torq has a “Torq” green color that lets everyone know who has the newest, baddest bat in town! The glaring way they differ is Easton incorporated the brand new 360 Torq Handle Technology on the Mako Torq. The bottom of the handle and the grip closest to the knob can actually be rotated!
How does the 360 Torq Handle benefit you? It allows hitters to square up more pitches by allowing the bottom hand to rotate while the bat is going through the hitting zone. This keeps the barrel in the zone longer and ultimately gives the hitter more power, more often! This technology is what makes the Mako Torq priced a little higher than the Mako, rightfully so.
One last difference is the leagues Easton made them to play in…
They both have an edition for Fastpitch Softball and also BBCOR, Big Barrel and Youth baseball. However, only the Mako comes in a Junior Big Barrel for baseball, while the Mako Torq does not.
The verdict? Give me one and i’ll approach the plate with the utmost confidence! It all comes down to, besides the difference in grip type, whether you want to pay a few bucks more for the brand new technology – the Torq handle. Other than that they are almost identical.
You can get both of these 2015 Easton powerhouses, the Mako and the Mako Torq, with a 12 month manufacturer’s warranty and no hassle returns at CheapBats.com.
Batisfaction, guaranteed!
Have a question? Contact us at 1 (800) 589-HITS or shoot us an e-mail anytime!
I am a Dad that works on the fundamentals with my son, but wants to give him all the necessary tools for him to build confidence and do well in the game of baseball.
Is the Torq a fade and straying away from the fundamentals or is revolutionary?
I know only time will tell.
Any other thoughts from other passionate parents?
Hello!
What a great question you have asked and I definitely appreciate you trying to improve your son’s game the right way. That’s what it’s all about!
The Mako Torq from Easton does, in fact, seem to be a true game changer. I don’t see this fading away, but catching on. The rotating handle doesn’t make for bad habits, but instead helps them along for a full and potent swing, even on those tough inside pitches. As you said “necessary tools for him to build confidence”.. well.. that’s exactly what this will do to his follow through. Your son will be able to square up the ball at a higher rate and power through, versus (especially at a young age) stopping mid-swing due to the uncomfortable positions hitters can get in on certain pitches. This can show him how important it is to come at the ball AND come through the ball the proper way.
Aside from the rotating handle and underneath the green/black paint job, the Mako Torq is still essentially a Mako… which is a very good thing. It’s hard to argue against the Mako being bat of the year this past season as they were flying off the shelf no matter what edition it was (Youth, JBB, Youth Big Barrel or BBCOR) and I see no reason why that wouldn’t continue in 2015..
Whether you go Mako or Mako Torq, you’re going to have a great bat in your son’s hands. Also, I wish your son nothing but the best results this year and I hope he enjoys himself!
If you have any more questions feel free to comment back or give one of our bat pros a call at 1 (800) 589-HITS
I had the same question, thanks for the detailed info. seriously considering getting the torq in -3 for my son this year.
The Mako Torq is revolutionary and something to be excited about, but I prefer the regular Mako to work on fundamentals. Both bats, though, really do seem worth the cost.
Hello. I’m a ten year old that really knows the fundamentals of baseball,I used the mako torq and it improved my hitting greatly.the mako torq is by far the best bat you can get
Will the MAKO XL be an end loaded bat as was the 2013 XL? My son has the MAKO Youth Big Barrel as well as the 2013 XL and he can consistanly hit the ball over the 225′ Little League fence with the XL, not the MAKO. The MAKO is a 32/22 and the XL is 31/21. Is that one ounce enough to make the difference or is it the bat itself?
Troy,
It’s the bat itself. No matter what size you get… the XL, including the new 2015 Easton XL’s, are made end loaded with more weight added in the barrel to go along with an extended barrel length for extra hitting surface. If your son gets an XL through the zone and makes good contact (which not every youngster can do) it will definitely increase the distances of his hits consistently over the Mako, even if that Mako he has is 1oz heavier. The Mako, unlike the XL, is made balanced and improves bat speed and control (a contact hitter’s preference) but they specifically make these different models to give each kid what they need.
It sounds like your son is more of a XL kind of hitter. More power to him!
Here’s the place to grab what you’re looking for…
http://www.cheapbats.com/shop/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=2015+easton+xl
Thanks for the response Kris. My quandry is now choosing between the MAKO XL and the MAKO Torque. I live in a fairly small city and I have no way to do a demo on those two bats. What are some things I should consider to help me choose the right bat for him? My son turns 12 years old in March, about 118 lbs and 5’2″.
Troy,
While the Torq is an amazing hitting tool and is a good bet to be one of the most popular bats in the coming years, it is still a balanced Mako underneath the surface. Easton just takes the Mako and 1) changes the grip from performance diamond to gauze, 2) adds the 360 Torq rotation on the bottom of the handle and 3) does a different paint job (green instead of white/orange). Just like the Mako, the Torq is balanced with an even weight distribution (not an end load weighting). It does have a nice extended barrel, but you don’t have the extra weight in the barrel that comes along with the XL. If your son can whip an XL through the zone and produce his own bat speed with his own strength, then he has potential to be a very good power hitter. The XL is made for hitters like that. That’s why Easton makes the XL models – to play to the strengths of stronger kids. Again, most kids can’t do that, so the Mako and the Mako Torq are EXCELLENT choices for them. It sounds like your son has an advantage that can be taken advantage of with a bat like the XL.
If your son is in Little League and needs a 2 1/4″ barrel diameter bat.. at 5’2″ and 118 lbs – I’d say the 2015 Mako XL Youth -10oz 31″/21oz would be a great option. You can get that here… http://www.cheapbats.com/shop/2015-easton-mako-youth-baseball-bat-10oz-yb15mkx-p-6639.html
If your son is playing in a Travel Ball league that allows bigger barrels like a 2 5/8″ barrel diameter then I think the 2015 S2 Senior League -10oz 31″/21oz would be a fantastic option with a monster barrel for him to utilize. The S2 is also a power hitters bat. It does have an aluminum Z-core barrel with a ping sound, but it comes with a composite handle (hybrid construction) that limits vibration and still comes with the same CXN piece that the Mako and Mako Torq have to connect the barrel to the handle. You can get that here… http://www.cheapbats.com/shop/2015-easton-senior-league-baseball-bat-10oz-sl15s210-p-6629.html
Again, this is just my opinion from what you have told me, but it’s ultimately up to you. The Torq is an incredible bat and if you decide to go with that then it’s not like you made a “wrong” decision.
I hope I answered your questions! Feel free to comment back!
I just wanted to know if there is a huge difference between the 2014 Mako Big barrel (29/19) and the 2015 Easton MAKO Sr League Baseball Bat: SL15MK10B 29/19? I do what I can to get the tools he needs to be a better baseball player but, if I can save $150 by buying a new one year old bat, I will do that. He is 4’8″ and 95 lbs. Thank-you.
Go with the old bat for sure! The difference is negligible to non-existent on these two specific bats.
I am having a dilemma, My 8 year old is 54″ tall and weighs in at almost 100 lbs. He has a very strong, long swing but tends to hit the ball in more of a contact hitter style as far as ball flight. He currently uses a 29/16 Demarini Voodoo Paradox and honestly hits pretty well but does tend to hit really hard grounders most of the time. I am looking to get a heavier bat in his hands as I have been told that could help keep his hands from rolling over. I am torn between getting a Mako torq 30/20 or the Mako XL 30/20. Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated as I dont want to end up with buyers remorse
Michael,
I’m happy to help!
While the Mako XL -10 is the power hitter bat for a kid his size, it seems to me that we need to get him swinging the bat more efficiently and lifting the ball off the ground so he’s not an easy out. You said he’s “rolling over” on the ball and that’s EXACTLY what the Mako Torq was designed to eliminate.
The Mako XL would be a better fit than the bat he’s currently using, but the Torq seems like it would be the best option in this scenario. Also, not to worry, the Torq still has a good amount of power and pop to it. You can purchase it right here http://www.cheapbats.com/shop/2015-easton-mako-torq-youth-baseball-bat-10oz-yb15mkt-p-6637.html
I hope I helped answer your question!
Kris
CheapBats.com
Thank you for the prompt and informative reply. I think it has really made my mind up as to which way I will go. My only other question I guess would be, Will this bat force my son to choke up on the handle if his hands are not as wide as the torq handle? I know it doesnt seem like a big deal, but he has never felt comfortable choking up so he in turn has never choked up. I would just hate to change something in his swing as far as hand placement. I guess most of it is actually just a little reluctance to spending this much money on a youth bat LOL
Michael,
Your son shouldn’t have to choke up much, if at all. The black part that rotates is small and made to fit the bottom hand of a little league player (in this model). So that shouldn’t be an issue. As far as the financial part of it, I completely understand what you’re saying. The Torq is a great bat, but since it’s new… it’s expensive. Only you can make that decision, obviously.
Thanks a ton. I hope that he does well with it. Thank you for all the information. It has been hugely helpful. Im sure that the Torq will be a great bat in my sons hands!
You’re very welcome! I’m sure your son will be one happy kid with his new bat!
Kris
CheapBats.com
Is there a big difference between the Mako 2014 and the Mako 2015. Interested in purchasing for my 10 yr old son. If I can save a few dollars along the way if there isn’t a significant difference in the models that would be great. I’ve read a lot of great reviews of the 2014 model but not much on the 2015. 1 reviewer of the 2015 said it was barrel heavy as compared to the 2014 which is evenly weighted. Is that correct?
Ally,
They both have big sweet spots & both are balanced. One is not more “barrel heavy” than the other. There seems to be even less vibration with the 2015 Mako compared to the 2014 Mako, but it was barely an issue to begin with. They both are basically the same exact bat with a different paint job. In your position, I’d save a few bucks and grab the 2014.
My son is 12U next season and is pretty much your prototypical contact hitter, the last 2 years he has led his AA/AAA travel team in batting average (.450 area) and doubles, he is also that kid who rarely strikes out. He has a little power but contact is his strength. He is wanting the Mako torque bat for next season. Last season he used the 31/21 Mako 2 3/4 barrel. He is just above average on size at 5’2 and 95 pounds, but well above average on bat speed. I pretty much feel if we are going to the Mako Torque we need to go the 31/23 because hate to go down in length. He has grown 4 inches over the past year, do you think the Torque at this length weight is a good fit for him? Keep in mind he will always have the 31/21 in the bag if needed.
Andy,
The 31″ is a perfect length for him – so great job there. Note that the Mako Torq Senior League -8oz in the 31″/23oz has a 2 5/8″ barrel diameter, but it’s good that he get used to a slightly smaller barrel sooner rather than later as eventually when he gets to high school he will only be allowed to use the 2 5/8″. Also, the 31″/23oz can be something he can use for 1-2 years. Since it’s a bit heavier you will notice his hits going a little further than before as he’ll have more mass connecting with the ball. It’s just a matter of him practicing with it and getting used to getting a little heavier of a bat through the zone on time. It’s something every baseball player has to do from time to time to adjust. He should be just fine with it 🙂
My son is 9 and 54 inches and 68lbs he has a CF6 right now 30/19 and he has used the mako 2014 but didn’t get it because it kept stinging and hurting his hands the CF6 was much more comfortable but now he wants the mako torq. I do not wanna spend the money if the difference in bats are not worth it. He is a base hitter not a home run hitter. He has a pretty compact swing we have been working on and is moving to the highest division our LL offers. Will the 30/20 be to big and or heavy for him to swing? please help me out as it would b a last min. surprise gift for xmas…. Thank you
Dean,
30″ length is perfect for him and will continue to be perfect for him until he grows to around 65″ and/or 80+ lbs.
As far as the weight, it just depends on his strength. If he’s a contact hitter it’s all about bat speed and having great bat control so you wouldn’t want him to lose that by getting a -10 over a -11. However, if he can handle the -10, then you’ll notice his hits going further and at a higher speed. So that’s a plus. It may take a couple weeks to get used to it or he may love it right away. Another plus is that he can grow into the bat.
The Mako Torq is expensive but it’s the new, hot ticket item. It is very similar to the ’14 Mako with some minor performance improvements, a different paint job and of course the NEW Torq Handle that rotates. You can check it out more by clicking the link below:
Mako Torq -10oz http://www.cheapbats.com/shop/2015-easton-mako-torq-youth-baseball-bat-10oz-yb15mkt-p-6637.html
I hit with the white mako and I tried my other friends mako torq and I liked the white mako better
My son is 5 yrs old playing up. He’s a contact/power hitter and benefits from a heavier bat. He is currently using a team mates Mako 29/18 and handles the bat well. We are trying to decide which bat to purchase for him, Mako, Mako XL or the Torqu. He is about 4′ tall and weighs 46lbs. We are just looking for the best option for him, the area we live in we can’t try them out it seems as though the stores really only carry the regular Mako in stock.
Thank you- Ashley
Ashley,
The -11oz 29″/18oz Mako Youth Baseball Bat he’s swinging is a great option for him & the perfect bat length for his height. The Mako Torq & Mako XL are made as a -10oz (known as a “drop 10″), so it would only come in a 29″/19oz if you stayed in the 29” bat length category. They’re all very similar. The Mako is balanced, the Mako Torq is virtually the Mako with a different paint job and the rotating handle, & lastly the Mako XL is the same as the regular Mako but with a longer barrel length (longer sweet spot). Without trying them out, I would say if he’s liking his friends Mako then just go with that.
As of today, CheapBats.com has some INSANE deals on all 3 of those bats, so check it out!
Hi I’m 11 years old and about 65 pounds. I have a mako and it works well but I have been hearing that the mako xl is better I was wondering if I should get it.
The Mako XL is built exactly the same as the Mako as far as materials, it’s just crafted with a longer barrel length and a bigger sweet spot. The weighting will be more end-loaded, whereas the regular Mako is balanced. It just depends on what kind of hitter you are and what feels good when you swing it. If you’re doing well with the Mako then I would say if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Good luck, James!
Hi. I’m interested in purchasing a mako bat or mako torq for my daughter but need a little help on deciding on which size. She is 5’4, 108lbs, and a muscular girl for her size and age right now and will only be using the bat for all stars little league this year. Then the bat will not be used again till next year. Could you please recommend a size that would be best for these 2 years? Also would like to know if the torq will affect her bunting?
A 31″ bat length would the recommended for a 5’4″, 108lb player. She’s almost to the border where a 32″ would be recommended, but she’s not quite there yet. However, the bat length can vary based on each particular player’s strength and if they’re a contact hitter, power hitter, etc. Is your daughter playing regular little league or is she in a fastpitch softball league? The little league baseball Mako Torq we are sold out on the 31″/21oz, but the fastpitch softball Mako Torq we have a 31″/21oz in stock. Also, no bat should effect her bunting whatsoever.
Hey there, I am just wanting to know the differences between the 2014 Mako baseball bat and the 2014 Mako fastpitch bat? Both 31 20’s with 2 1/4 in barrels.
Neil,
The Mako baseball bat is made for baseball and has the 1.15 BPF stamp, while the Mako fastpitch bat is made for softball and has the 1.20 BPF stamp.
So, basically it’s just a .05 difference in bpf? Is there any other factors that separate the baseball and softball models?
Yes, the bats are made and approved based on a certain restriction that allows the ball to come off the barrel with a regulated exit speed. Nonetheless, if you have a kid that plays baseball, he cannot legally use the fastpitch bat. If you have a kid that plays fastpitch softball, you wouldn’t want them to use the baseball bat. I hope that all makes sense.
My son is 8 years old and about 65 pounds. He has been swinging a 2015 Mako bat and likes it but I was wondering if the Mako XL would be a better option since he isn’t a great hitter yet and longer sweet spot might be better? Also what size would be best for him?
Ebonie,
It’s not realistic to recommend a size unless you’re in person and you can see swing speed, how they handle the length/weight of the bat, etc. For his weight – most likely – a 28″ would be close to where he should be. Also, which bat to get all depends on what he plays – little league, pony, travel ball, etc – so I can’t recommend any specific bat. I will say that all of the Makos are awesome, so just find out what he is comfortable with (or maybe what his coach recommends) and go from there.
Does the mako troq give you a slower momentum because of the movement of the grip.
James, No. The Mako Torq simply just helps your bottom hand rotate into the palm up/palm down position as you progress through your swing. It helps you not roll over on the ball and allows you to explode through the ball more efficiently.