Marucci CAT X Connect Baseball Bat
The CAT X Connect is a is a two-piece hybrid bat with features aimed at improving player performance through a mix of materials and engineering techniques. Overall, the bat provides a stiffer feel while also reducing vibration, with better energy transfer and reduced sting on mishits. It’s ideal for aggressive hitters—with no dead spots, advanced grips, and an ergonomic knob. Since its launch in 2009, Marucci has grown to stand among the giants of baseball equipment manufacturers thanks to a passionate dedication to quality and performance. By building research partnerships with major league players, Marucci creates products that fulfill players' specific needs and preferences at all levels.
Perfect bat for: Amateur power hitters looking for a mix of reach, power, and vibration reduction in their swings.
Key features include:
- Two-Piece Hybrid Construction: Combines a power-loaded barrel made of AZ105 alloy with a composite handle, ensuring maximum performance and durability with a smooth swing.
- SDX LT Connection: Provides a stiffer feel while reducing vibration, offering better energy transfer and reducing the sting on mishits — ideal for aggressive hitters.
- Power-Loaded Barrel: Engineered to optimize weight distribution, enhancing power potential without sacrificing swing speed.
- Ring-Free Barrel Technology: Eliminates barriers to maximum performance, ensuring no “dead” spots across the barrel’s surface.
- Ergonomically Designed Knob: Promotes comfort and control, complementing the bat’s design to reduce hand fatigue and improve overall handling.
- Micro-Perforated Soft-Touch Grip: Enhances comfort and tack, allowing for better control and reducing the likelihood of slippage during powerful swings.
The Marucci CAT X Connect distinguishes itself with its specialized SDX LT connection that minimizes vibration while maximizing power, tailored specifically for power hitters who value comfort and efficiency. While the DeMarini Voodoo is celebrated for its balanced swing weight and the Easton Ghost X Evolution for its dynamic feel and quick swing speed, the CAT X Connect excels in delivering a powerful, stiff, feedback-friendly experience, marked by a reduction in vibration and an increase in power transfer.
Progression of the Marucci CAT X Connect Baseball Bat:
Here is a list that details the progression of this series, highlighting the main features and advancements with each new model.
2017 - CAT7 & CAT7 CONNECT
- CAT7 and CAT7 Connect are introduced, featuring the upgraded AZ4X alloy for improved performance.
- CAT7 has a one-piece alloy construction, while CAT7 Connect offers a two-piece hybrid design with a carbon composite handle.
- Both models feature an increased sweet spot and an upgraded anti-vibration knob (AV2).
2019 - CAT8, CAT8 CONNECT, CAT COMPOSITE
- CAT8, CAT8 Connect, and CAT Composite are launched.
- The barrels of CAT8 and CAT8 Connect are constructed using the new AZ105 alloy for higher performance at the sweet spot.
- Introduction of SDX EXT connection technology for a stiffer connection and improved energy transfer.
- CAT Composite, a two-piece composite bat, is introduced with SDX EXT and ring-free barrel construction.
2021 - CAT9 and CAT9 Connect
- CAT9 and CAT9 Connect are released with the new AZR alloy for a more responsive microstructure.
- CAT9 features a 2nd Generation AV2 Anti-vibration knob and additional weight below the hands for better control.
- CAT9 Connect introduces the Outer-Locking System (OLS) for an even stiffer connection and virtually zero vibrations.
2023 - CATX, CATX Connect, and CATX Composite
- The CATX, CATX Connect, and CATX Composite represent a significant generational change.
- CATX features AZR Alloy with new barrel profiles and an ergonomic, custom-shaped tapered handle.
- CATX introduces Liquid-Gel anti-vibration technology.
- CATX Connect and CATX Composite maintain the OLS and introduce S-40 composite handle for increased performance and energy transfer.
- Barrel profiles are reshaped for better balance, with a focus on data from the Baseball Performance Lab.
What people are saying (edited for clarity and brevity)
PROS
- It's an end-loaded bat, but it's very easy to swing. You have full control when going through the strike zone, no matter where the ball is over the plate.
- This bat allows you to maximize your swing speed for high ball exit velocities. The sweet spot is huge and covers almost the entire barrel of the bat, making the ball jump off the bat."
- It’s been used for about a month for cage work and early season practice. The ability to consistently barrel or square up on a pitch is better than any bat on the market. The connect version does minimize the vibration.
CONS
- The grip is slippery. Even with batting gloves on it’s hard to hold on to it. Easy fix with a lizard skin grip.
- Bat knob fell off after 1st time using, no pop!
- Used for one game and the knob sticker has come off already.
Certification: BBCOR, USSA
Expert Notes (Tony)
The CATX Connect is a hybrid bat. It's a strong performer. It's top five in the hybrid market. Very easy to swing, very well balanced. There's a good nature to it; it doesn't dent. It's very durable. But it is an end-loaded bat and a two-piece hybrid, so it's more designed for the power hitter and for stronger players.
Pop: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vibration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Balanced or End loaded?
