When looking for your 2015 Louisville Slugger Fastpitch Bat you see two great models, the LXT and the Xeno. Both are popular and in a similar price range. So… how exactly do they differ? How are they similar? Let’s dive right in!
First, let’s talk about what they have in common. Since they are both made by Louisville Slugger for fastpitch softball they naturally will share some features. First of all, the LXT and the Xeno are both made with a balanced swing weight. This even distribution of the weight throughout the bat allows for a controlled swing with increased bat speed. Louisville Slugger constructs these bats with a 100% composite design, allowing the bats to be layered with graphite fibers for increased strength and durability. This composite design especially comes in handy in the barrel, giving you high-performance where it’s needed most.
Both bats are also created with the S1iD technology on their side, which is the process of inserting high-tech discs inside the barrel walls to give these Sluggers more barrel flex and a more forgiving sweet spot. Lastly, they both come with a ⅞” handle, the LS end cap, a standard knob and meet the 1.20 BPF standards. All Louisville Slugger fastpitch softball bats are approved for play by USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA and ISF play.
Second…what are the differences between the LXT and the Xeno?
The glaring difference is the way they are connected.
The 2015 LXT Fastpitch Softball Bat is a 3-piece bat connected using the Tru3 technology. This Tru3 is the piece that connects the barrel to one side and the handle to the other, not allowing them to touch. This is going to eliminate any vibration and sting to the hands because the Tru3 piece is going to absorb all of it. Also the LXT is available in a drop -8, -9 and -10 length to weight ratio. The LXT does not offer a drop -11.
The 2015 Xeno Fastpitch Softball Bat is a 2-piece bat that connects the barrel and the handle together using the iST technology. This connection is incredibly sturdy giving the bat a solid feel while limiting, but not eliminating, vibration to the hands. So, you will get a little bit of feedback in your hands, but not like you would with a 1-piece traditional bat. Also the Xeno is available in a drop -8, -9, -10 and -11 length to weight ratio.
The verdict? Well…that’s your call to make. They both are made with incredible technology and materials as we went over in detail. It just comes down to your preferences on the connection. If you want vibration to your hands eliminated and don’t mind spending a few bucks more – get the 3-piece LXT. If you like a little feedback in your hands and/or want to save a few bucks – get the 2-piece Xeno. Also if you want a drop -11 bat then you would go with the Xeno, because the LXT does not offer that particular length to weight ratio.
You won’t be disappointed either way… but just to ease your mind they both come with a 12 month manufacturer’s warranty. Available with no hassle returns at CheapBats.com. “Batisfaction”, guaranteed and free shipping for orders over $50.
Have a question about Fastpitch Bats? Contact us at 1 (800) 589-HITS or shoot us an e-mail anytime.
Our 16U darling daughter went from Dimarini CF5 and CF7 to the 2015 Xeno the first of July. She isn’t hitting any further, but she says it is easier on her hands. This works out well for when they are hitting off the machine (old game balls).
All in all, she is happy with it and recommends it. Her team mates have tried it and a couple use it instead of their Makos and CFs. Nice price for a nice bat.
The Xeno really does play soft, giving girls a really smooth feeling bat while the barrel still has nice pop to it. The Xeno is probably the most popular fastpitch softball bat in the game right now, with the LXT, CF8, and the Mako not far behind. You really can’t go wrong with any of those bats.
In my opinion, having both of these bats, the LXT is a better bat. I like the way it swings better, and personally it seems to me to have a better pop.
The LXT is a great bat. It’s more expensive for a reason, as the 3-piece design really takes the performance to the next level. However, a lot of people prefer the Xeno. It’s good that Louisville Slugger, along with other brands, make multiple bats so each player can find that bat that works best for them. Thanks for the feedback, Alyssa!