In 2017, the USSSA sent some shockwaves through the youth baseball circuit when it banned several versions of the 2017 CF Zen. This had been one of the hottest new bats on the market and was being utilized by thousands of players across the state and the country. When the USSSA determined via routine audit the certain models of the 2017 CF Zen did meet the 1.15 BPF standard, Demarini offered replacement re-tooled versions, or a voucher for purchase of another Wilson/Louisville Slugger/Demarini product. The 2018 CF Zen debuted in late Summer/early Fall of 2017 and again gained widespread adoption in youth baseball community. In April and May 2018, the USSSA determined several versions of the 2018 CF Zen bat did not meet the 1.15 BPF standard and all versions of the 2018 2-3/4″, -10 CF Zen were banned from USSSA play. Recently, however, this decision has been altered.
Timeline of events
On April 12th, 2018, the USSSA released a statement detailing the provisional banning of the 2018 2-3/4″ CF Zen for only the 31-32″, -10 models. On May 4, 2018, the USSSA released their decision to ban all models of the 2018 2-3/4″ CF Zen. This included all versions 28-32″ in length, 2-3/4″ in barrel diameter, and -10 in length to weight. These bats were placed on a provisional banned list and removed from USSSA play immediately. Demarini subsequently issued a response to this decision, stating that since release of the 2018 CF Zen, the USSSA had made “slight, but significant changes to its testing protocol.” They noted that under this “new testing protocol” certain sizes (31″ and 32″) of the 2018 2-3/4″CF Zen had been provisionally suspended as of April 12th, 2018, and as of May 4th, all models of the 2018 2-3/4″ CF Zen had been banned. Since then, however, the USSSA has partially reversed its initial decision. On May 15th, the USSSA released another statement reversing the ban on only the 29″ and 30″ versions of the -10, 2-3/4″ 2018 CF Zen.
What is actually banned?
This has led to some confusion amongst players and coaches as to what Demarini models are currently banned from play by the USSSA. Currently, the USSSA has banned only the 31 and 32″, 2-3/4″ barrel, -10 2018 CF Zen from play. The ban on the original 2017 -10, 2-3/4″, and -8 2-5/8″ CF Zens remains intact. The retooled versions of these bats are still legal for play in nearly all leagues where greater than 2-5/8″ diameter bats and non-USABats are allowed.
Responses of Tournament Organizations
At that time, we reached out to both Top Gun Sports and NC GameonSports/AAU regarding their decisions for the 2018 CF Zen. We did not get a response from either organization. On May 9th, Triple Crown Sports issued a notice stating they would “allow the use of the 2018 DeMarini CF Zen CBZ 2 ¾” (-10) bat at all TCS tournaments.” Since then, however, the USSSA has partially reversed its initial decision. On May 15th, the USSSA released another statement reversing the ban on only the 29″ and 30″ versions of the -10, 2-3/4″ 2018 CF Zen. Note the -8 versions, and 2-5/8″ versions of the CF Zen are not on the banned list.
***Admin update: As of May 17th, 2018, Top Gun will allow the 2018 2-3/4″ Demarini CF Zen for play***
Where does that leave us?
At this point, it seems reasonable to have a sense of distrust of both Demarini and the USSSA. The CF line has generally been some of the best bats on the market, but these composite bats take a considerable amount of swings/hits to break in. While Demarini did the right thing in offering free exchanges and/or vouchers, replacing bats constantly can be a bit discouraging. Our sense is many will still buy Demarini bats, despite the bans the past two years, because in the end they make excellent bats. More broadly, however, is how these types of situations call into question the entire youth bat market. New and constantly evolving bat standards with non-uniform adoption may necessitate the purchase of multiple bats by individual players. As an example, PerfectGame has switched to the USAbat standard for its national events, but will continue to allow the use of USSSA 1.15 BPF standard bats in its regional and qualifier tournaments. One might, therefore, need two different bats to play in a Super 25 qualifier and the Super 25 championship. As parents and coaches there is little recourse against what appears, at times, to be a push from the manufactures to force the purchase of new bats almost annually. While this type of “planned obsolescence” is well described in technology markets, it has been less prevalent in markets such as youth bats. One can only hope, that over the next several years, organizations are able to adhere to some uniformity that takes into account the families and players who play this wonderful game.