When you think about Louisville Slugger’s lineup of fastpitch bats, chances are that the first bat that will come to mind is the LXT, and rightfully so. It’s their most popular fastpitch bat and the one that has been upgraded year over year.

But, for the new season, Louisville Slugger has introduced a brand new model called the Meta, which shares the same name as their popular baseball bat.

Do Meta’s features make it a much better bat than the LXT? And is the slightly higher price of the new Meta justified?

Let’s jump into the comparison and find out.

Louisville Slugger LXT vs Meta Fastpitch

Short Overview

Louisville Slugger LXT

Designed to be used by all types of players, but primarily contact hitters, the evenly-balanced LXT is back with a brand new colorway. The distinctive sound that all LXT models have is also here on the new model, along with supreme speed.

Louisville Slugger Meta

Brand new model on the fastpitch bat scene, Louisville Slugger Meta is engineered to be used by the best of the best. With a slightly end-loaded balance, swings on the Meta are “comfortable” and powerful.

Construction & Features

While both of these bats have a two-piece composite barrel, several features make them quite different. Swing-wise, probably the biggest difference between these two is the swing balance; the LXT is an evenly-balanced bat, while the Meta has a little weight added to the barrel’s end.

Now, let’s get into more detail about the features of these amazing bats.

Louisville Slugger LXT

The 2022 Louisville Slugger LXT has a PBG Technology Speed Composite Barrel, a lightweight barrel that is designed for maximum speed, something that contact hitters will certainly appreciate. The connection piece and the end-cap are same as the last year’s model.

VCX2 Vibration Connection Piece is one of the finest in the game, and it restrains vibrations that you can feel on mishits. The end-cap of the LXT makes the performance that much better, and that is the popular COPA Performance End Cap.

While not a lot of things have changed with the new model, it is still one of the best fastpitch bats that you can get, and those who prefer speed and control will undoubtedly enjoy hitting with the new LXT.

Louisville Slugger Meta

As the new model in the Louisville Slugger’s lineup of fastpitch bats, you expect that the Meta brings a ton of amazing features to the table, and it certainly does.

The interesting regarding the construction of the Louisville Slugger Meta is its gapped wall design, and the MASH Composite Barrel that the Meta has is designed to perform with it seamlessly.

The VTX Connection System is developed to give the handle and the barrel more separate movement, which removes a ton of vibrations and gives the player a better feel. Something very interesting regarding Meta’s end-cap is its transparent design. But, more importantly, is its impact on the bat’s performance, and it is big, primarily in improving the swing speed and control.

Performance

Louisville Slugger LXT

While the new LXT comes in drops -11, -10, -9, and -8, it is a recommendation for contact hitters because of its lightweight barrel and balanced swing weight primarily drops -11 and -10. While the bat needs some time to fully break it in, the pop that you will get is amazing. So, there are no surprises that LXT is regularly considered one of the best bats.

Power 92
Pop 97
Sound 95
Sweet Spot Hits 97
Durability 93

There is one thing that is similar between these two bats, and that is the sound. Both of these produce fantastic sound when you perfectly connect, and while they are not exactly the same, there are similarities.

Louisville Slugger Meta

Louisville Slugger Meta Fastpitch Bat 2022

The Meta is a bat that will be much more appealing to stronger and experienced players. It competes with the likes of Rawlings Mantra and Easton Ghost, considered the best bat for power hitters. While it doesn’t have that heavy swing weight, stronger players will definitely enjoy the pop it has.

Power 93
Pop 96
Sound 95
Sweet Spot Hits 97
Durability 95

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Conclusion

While you can’t go wrong with these, because they are some of the best bats on the market, it certainly comes down to your playing style. Do you prefer an evenly balanced bat or a slightly end-loaded bat?

And, the price can also make a difference, because the Meta is slightly more expensive than the LXT. However, both of these bats are well worth every penny.