2018 EASTON ghost x -8 youth bat
SUMMARY: The 2018 Easton Ghost X -8 drop comes with all the same technological features as the Ghost X -10 drop with a slight variation in weight distribution. Similar to older Easton models like the 2016 Mako XL and the 2017 Mako Beast XL, the Ghost X -8 drop utilizes an end loaded swing weight to slightly increase power potential. Like the Ghost X -10 drop, the Ghost X -8 drop is equipped with many newly developed Easton technologies and a large 2 5/8 barrel. The Ghost X youth bat was developed to deliver maximum performance and an ultra-natural feel. The Ghost X features a 2 piece fully composite youth design that debuts Easton’s EXACT carbon composite material with a reengineered CONNEXION Technology. This combination from Easton called the “Dynamic Feel System” provides youth hitters with optimum performance by encompassing an enlarged sweet spot, widened hitting surface, substantial durability, and an unparalleled resistance to shock vibration. The 2 5/8 barrel utilizes Easton’s new X-tended barrel design making the Ghost X the longest composite bat in USA Baseball. Lastly, the EXACT carbon handle comes pre-wrapped with Easton’s 1.4mm HYPERSKIN grip distributing supreme comfort for both contact and power hitters.
OUR RESULTS: In order to help gauge the effectiveness of the 2018 Ghost X -8 drop, we had to reserve this bat for those volunteer hitters who were big enough to handle swinging a bat with this small of a drop. To compare, we had these same players swing the Ghost X -10 drop and determine the difference (if any) between utilizing a -10 or a -8. After approximately 250 swings, below is our official review of the 2018 Easton Ghost X -8 Drop:
POP: Much like all the 2018 youth USA bats, do not expect the Easton Ghost X -8 drop to have the same power potential as the Mako of past years. During our evaluation portion that concentrated on analyzing pop, the Ghost X -8 drop displayed consistent pop but lacked the distance that some youth players might be accustomed to (as expected). While 2018 Ghost X -8 drop comes with an end loaded swing weight vs. the Ghost X -10 drop which encompasses a balanced swing weight, we anticipated the -8 drop possessing a bit more potential for pop. To our surprise, the majority of our volunteers claimed they felt no difference in power using either bat nor did our staff notice/document much of a variance in pop between the two models. Despite a lack of real distance in pop, the entire series of 2018 Easton Ghost X USA youth bats packed a bigger punch then most other 2018 composite bats.
Official score: 8 / 10
VIBRATION CONTROL: The Ghost X -8 helps us protect our youth hitters from vibrations to the hands that can sometimes occur when swinging a youth baseball bat. The scoring of this category is solely based 100% upon the feedback from our youth hitters. As expected, some of the our volunteers noted feeling some stinging especially the beginning round of hitters who were first to break in the 2018 Easton Ghost X -8 drop. Overall, this USA youth bat does a great job of reflecting vibrations.
Official Score: 9 / 10
GRIP & COMFORT: Much like the previous category, the scoring of this category is solely based 100% upon the feedback from our youth hitters. Of all the volunteer youth hitters who swung the 2018 Ghost X -8, no one reported any major issues with feeling an uncomfortable grip clutching the handle however, the drop -10 was preferred in terms of grip and comfort than the -8 drop. A few hitters stated that the -10 drop was a bit easier to swing through the strike zone given its balanced swing weight.
OFFICIAL SCORE: 8 / 10
DURABILITY: Our 2018 Easton Ghost X -8 sustained a lot of punishment during our bat evaluation. After officially undergoing over 250 swings at the mound, this youth USA baseball bat displayed some handling marks and scratches but nothing that would impair performance or eligibility like dents, or cracks. We would like to believe that the bat held up quite well so we ranked the durability accordingly.
Official Score: 9 / 10
OVERALL EXPERIENCE: Overall, the 2018 Easton Ghost X -8 Drop provided consistent pop, durability, and comfort. This is a great bat for youth players of a larger size. We didn’t have any youth volunteer hitter who had a negative experience swinging this USA youth bat. Although the power from previous Easton composite bats will not be found in the 2018 editions, the Easton Ghost X -8 drop is a great bat for youth baseball players of a bigger variety regardless of skill level.