
2021 DeMarini lineup of fastpitch bats is a great one and the new CF is one of their best fastpitch bats. They were once the most popular bats in the world, and they are still right there at the top when it comes to popularity and quality.
Last year’s model was a phenomenal one, but does this new one have enough new features to be considered a much better bat than the 2020 DeMarini CF? Does it do enough to take the crown of the best bat for contact hitters in 2021? Is it suitable for less experienced players?
Let’s find out.
Features and construction
When talking about the features of the new CF, the Paraflex Plus Composite Barrel is surely the most important feature. Since it is intended for contact hitters, the barrel must be responsive and long. And, in those metrics it truly delivers. The barrel is one of the most responsive of all the others on the market, and that is truly a big help for contact hitters.
Another important factor that a contact hitter’s bat must fulfill is it must be lightweight. The new CF does that perfectly. It is a two-piece bat that has a balanced swing weight and is designed with light swings in mind, especially the -11 drop.
The 2021 version of the CF Zen has a new end-cap, named the ReAction end cap. The great technology used in this end-cap adds to the swing speed of the new CF and is made from lighter and stronger materials than the last year’s model, so it won’t lose power.
Let’s finish this part by talking about the connection piece. This is an essential piece that connects the two parts of the two-piece bats. In the DeMarini CF, the connection in use is the 3Fusion Connection. This connection piece gives the CF more energy transfer on proper contact, something which is essential for a contact hitter. It also adds to the control, so you can maximize your performance.
Performance

Speaking about performance, this bat falls in the group of the elite high-performance fastpitch bats for contact hitters. Last year’s model was one of the best and this year there is no difference. There are not a lot of new features on this CF compared to the 2020 CF, but that isn’t a bad thing.
The 2021 DeMarini CF has a ton of pop right out of the wrapper, which we are huge fans of. The CF has a massive sweet spot, and if you are an experienced contact hitter or even a developing one, it will be a huge pleasure to hit with the new DeMarini CF. The feel it has is maybe surpassed only by another bat by DeMarini, the new DeMarini Prism+. If you are a developing player and are currently working on your swing speed, this is the bat that will help you improve it.
Design

DeMarini Cf 2021 -11 Drop
We are huge fans of the design of the new CF. The wave-like shapes on the bat will unquestionably make a great impression the moment you step on the field.

DeMarini Cf 2021 -10 Drop
The two drops have different colorways, as the -10 has a dominant black color, while the -11 has a dominant white color. Wave-shapes on both drops are colored in orange and blue. Both drops are great-looking, but in our opinion, the -11 drop has a “cleaner” look.
Signature Editions
Valerie Arioto 2021 Demarini CF Signature Bat

A specially redesigned DeMarini CF for Valerie Arioto, a silver medalist for the Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A cleanup hitter at those Olympic Games, throughout her career she also played the positions of pitcher and first baseman. She has also won three medals at Pan-American Games, two silver and one gold medal.
This CF has all the same features as the regular 2021 DeMarini CF, except for the colorway. This gorgeous fastpitch bat features a black cheetah pattern with a dominant gold background color.
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Rating and conclusion
Even though we haven’t seen a ton of new features on this CF, it is still one of the bats of choice for contact hitters. Even if you are a developing player, it is still a great choice, especially if you are a fan of light swinging bats, because in that department the DeMarini CF is the undisputed king.
Check out the review of the newly released 2022 DeMarini CF here.