LOUISVILLE SLUGGER NEXUS REVIEW
AT A GLANCE
The Louisville Slugger Nexus is a light-swinging fastpitch softball bat that helps Youth & Rec League hitters generate good bat swing speed. This two-piece, balanced composite bat in a -12 drop also improves hitters’ ability to adjust their swing plane to align with the ball’s flight path. The Nexus composite design creates a large, forgiving sweet spot that results in more hard hit balls, even when contact is not perfectly squared up. The Louisville Slugger Nexus is a good performing bat that gives young, developing hitters better timing, improved bat control, and a forgiving bat - all of which combine to help Youth & Rec League players to hit more balls hard. Finally, the Nexus can also be a good choice for young or smaller Slap Hitters.
It is a Balanced bat with a -12 drop that helps Youth & Rec League hitters generate good bat swing speed and improve their ability tp adjust swing plane to pitch level
Two-piece composite design results in a large sweet spot; also gives the Nexus a softer feel than one-piece alloy bats
Its two-piece composite construction does a good job reducing and/or eliminating vibration (“stinging hands”)
Best fit for Youth & Rec League hitters who need help generating bat swing speed and improving their bat control.
Could be a good choice for developing Slap Hitters
The Louisville Slugger Nexus is not built to be a heavy power bat. It is designed and built to help younger hitters swing faster, improve bat control, and create better contact more frequently. The Nexus two-piece design works with its composite barrel to add “whip” to a hitter’s swing helping to create her personal top exit velocity. For the right hitter, faster bat swing speed and a bigger sweet spot results in more frequent squared-up contact. This matters more than chasing a heavier bat that sounds more powerful but is harder to handle.
Power & Exit Velocity
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Youth & Rec League hitters who need to generate good bat swing speed and need a lighter swing to better control the bat in the hitting zone. The Louisville Slugger Nexus also benefits developing hitters who frequently hit off-center pitches, enabling them to hit more balls hard. Finally, for older but smaller hitters, the Nexus could be a good choice for Slap Hitters, giving them better control to place the ball.
Swing Weight & Feel
Sweet Spot & Forgiveness
The Louisville Slugger Nexus has a large, forgiving sweet spot that helps young hitters who are still learning to find the center of the barrel. That matters a lot to Youth & Rec League hitters who need a bat that gives them a chance to put more balls in play and build confidence - AND have more FUN!!!
Break-in & Durability
The Louisville Slugger Nexus is a two-piece composite bat that needs approximately 2+ batting practices (about 50-100 swings, rotating the barrel 1/4 turn after every hit). After break-in work, hitters:
Durability of the Louisville Slugger Nexusis is mixed, not catastrophic but worth noting. The frequency of damage increases if the bat is a team bat with heavy usage, particularly in cold weather.
Will have better feel
Who suffer from “stinging hands” will have more confidence and swing more aggressively
Will have a smoother overall hitting experienceo
The Louisville Slugger Nexus is not ideal for Power Hitters who want good exit velocity when they have good contact. They will overpower this light-swinging bat with squared up balls ending up with hits that are weaker than expected. Also, given its durability concerns, the Nexus should not be used by strong hitters or as a team bat.
FINAL VERDICT
The Louisville Slugger Nexus is a good bat for a younger, developing hitter who needs the bat to be easier to swing/control, softer on contact, and more confidence-building than a basic starter bat. If the hitter is still fighting heavier bats, the Nexus makes sense. If the hitter is already strong and can generate good bat swing speed with a heavier bat, this is probably a bat that is too light for her swing. Finally, the Nexus could be a good choice for an older, smaller developing Slap Hitter.
Who Is This Bat For?
Who Should Not Use This Bat?
BOTTOM LINE
Specifications
Construction: Two-piece Composite
Swing Weight: Balanced (Light-swinging)
Length Options: 28”, 29“: 30”, 31”, 32”, 33”
Drop Options: -12
Handle Feel: Composite handle and soft grip
Certifications: NCAA, NHFS, USSSA, USA/ASA
Price vs. Value
At a Price (MSRP) of $249.95 the Louisville Slugger Nexus makes sense only if you fit the hitter profile.
You ARE paying for:
A light-swinging bat that helps Youth & Rec League hitters generate good bat swing speed AND better bat control in the hitting zone
A large, forgiving sweet spot that helps young, developing players hit more balls hard
Good vibration control, reducing/eliminating “stinging hands”
Composite performance that results in harder hits
You ARE NOT paying for:
Direct energy transfer from hitter to the ball
A power bat to drive the ball to the fence
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Stronger hitters will overpower the Nexus’ light-swing resulting in more balls pulled foul and hard hit balls will have less exit velocity, not more.
The Louisville Slugger Nexus is a two-piece, balanced composite bat that swings smooth and easy. This light-swinging bat enables young, developing hitters to maximize their personal bat swing speed and bat control. The two-piece Nexus has a smooth swing and softer feel than a stiffer one-piece bat. For younger hitters, that means less vibration (“stinging hands”) on mis-hits and in cold weather, increasing a young hitter’s confidence and aggressiveness at the plate.
This is one of the better reasons to consider the Louisville Slugger Nexus over other Youth & Rec League fastpitch softball bats.
From The Coach: If you think this is the right fastpitch softball bat for you, JustBats.com is worth checking for current availability, price matching, free shipping, and Loyalty Program benefits. On eligible bats, its optional Bat Assurance Program gives buyers a 30-day trial period for a modest fee. Check current details at JustBats.com, or watch the short one-minute video below.
My final advice:
Use it sparingly in practice (other than break-in period), saving it for games
Don’t use it in weather under 60 degrees
Always check the bat’s Certification standing for the Association, League or Tournaments where you plan to use it
Make certain you understand both Louisville Slugger’s and your selected retailer’s warranties and return policies
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