Introduction
The Marucci CAT 9 Connect is one of the latest offerings in Marucci’s popular CAT series of bats. According to Marucci, the CAT 9 Connect is built for the average sized youth baseball player and combines an alloy barrel with a composite handle to create an end-loaded swing weight.
Marucci designed this bat to provide a balanced swing weight and smooth feel on contact. It features Marucci’s AV2 Anti-Vibration knob which helps reduce negative feedback and sting. The one-piece AZ105 alloy barrel aims to offer a responsive sweet spot and excellent pop.
Construction
The CAT9 Connect is made with a two-piece construction, combining a carbon composite handle and an aluminum alloy barrel. Marucci uses a layered composite design in the handle, made up of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar. This helps reduce negative vibration and sting while optimizing the bat’s feel and performance (CAT9 and CAT9 Connect Tech – Marucci). The barrel is crafted from Marucci’s AZR alloy, an ultra-responsive metal that undergoes thermal treatment and strengthening to maximize pop and durability (CAT9 Connect – Marucci).
Weight Distribution
The CAT 9 Connect has an optimized weight distribution for maximum swing speed and control. According to Headbangers Sports, the CAT 9 Connect has a balanced swing weight with the center of gravity focused around the hands for faster swings (source). The balanced swing weight is achieved through Marucci’s AV2 Anti-Vibration knob which redistributes weight to the end of the barrel and counterbalances the handle.
Reviewers at Bat Digest found the swing weight of the CAT 9 Connect to feel slightly end-loaded compared to the original CAT 9. However, they note that it still has a very balanced feel and smooth swing (source). The end-load comes from the larger barrel size which shifts the center of gravity slightly toward the end cap. But the handle and AV2 knob help centralize the swing weight.
Barrel Size
The CAT 9 Connect features a 2 3/4 inch barrel diameter. This is the maximum allowable barrel size for high school and collegiate play. The larger barrel size increases the bat’s sweet spot and provides more forgiveness on mishits compared to bats with smaller barrels.
The barrel length on the CAT 9 Connect measures 14 inches. Marucci optimized the barrel design to have a longer sweet spot while maintaining a balanced swing weight.
According to player reviews on Amazon, the CAT 9 Connect’s extended sweet spot provides great performance even when you don’t square up on the ball perfectly. The combination of the maximum allowable barrel diameter and optimized barrel length gives it one of the largest sweet spots out of any BBCOR or USSSA certified bat on the market.
Handle
The CAT9 Connect features Marucci’s patented Tapered Knob Technology handle designed for more control and comfort (https://maruccisports.com/metal-bats/cat9-connect/). The handle has a tapered shape, thinner at the knob end and gradually thickening up into the barrel for a more ergonomic grip. Marucci states this tapered contour helps reduce negative feedback and sting while providing a smooth feel on contact (https://maruccisports.com/cat9-connect-technology/).
The CAT9 Connect’s grip is made from an anti-vibration carbon composite material designed to reduce sting and absorb shock. Marucci says this carbon composite grip improves comfort and control throughout the swing (https://thestrike.zone/product/31-marucci-cat9-connect-senior-league-10-2/). The grip has a tacky feel but doesn’t get too sticky, providing a secure hold even with sweaty hands.
Performance
The CAT 9 Connect is designed to provide maximum power and optimized swing speed. According to Marucci, it features a “strengthened and thermally treated alloy barrel” that increases performance while maintaining durability (https://maruccisports.com/metal-bats/cat9-connect/). This AZR alloy barrel aims to offer a light-weight but powerful sweet spot that boosts exit speeds.
In terms of swing speed, the CAT 9 Connect’s two-piece hybrid design helps increase balance and control through the zone. The carbon composite handle is engineered to reduce vibration and sting, allowing hitters to swing faster without losing feel or control of the bat (https://www.batdigest.com/baseball-bat-reviews/2021-marucci-cat-9-connect-review/). Players note the bat has a stiff feel on contact that transfers power effectively.
While optimized for power, the CAT 9 Connect does offer enough balance and control for consistent contact. The end-loaded swing weight provides momentum through the zone while the composite handle reduces negative feedback.
Durability
The Marucci CAT 9 Connect is known for its durability and strength thanks to the combination of composite and alloy materials. The barrel is made out of Marucci’s AZ105 alloy, which is aircraft-grade aluminum that can withstand high impacts without denting or cracking (Marucci CAT 9 Composite Review). The handle is made from carbon fiber composite, which provides stiffness to reduce vibrations on contact.
Reviews from players have noted the CAT 9 Connect holds up well even after extensive use. The alloy barrel seems to dent less than previous CAT composite models like the CAT 8 and maintain pop longer (Marucci CAT 9 Composite Review). The connection between the alloy and composite also remains intact better than some hybrid models where the materials separate over time.
Overall, Marucci has delivered excellent durability in the CAT 9 Connect, especially in the alloy barrel. It can withstand the rigors of everyday play and continue performing at a high level.
Price
The CAT 9 Connect is at the higher end for pricing with an average retail price around $350 (source: https://maruccisports.com/metal-bats/cat9-connect/). This puts it on par with other high-end, premium BBCOR bats like the Marucci CAT 9, which also retails around $350 (source: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/f/marucci-cat9-series-baseball-bats). More budget-friendly BBCOR options are available in the $200-300 range, so the CAT 9 Connect sits at the top end of pricing.
The price reflects the use of premium materials like AZ105 alloy and advanced construction techniques designed to optimize performance and durability. While not cheap, players are paying for an elite, high-quality bat.
Player Feedback
The CAT 9 Connect has received largely positive reviews from players who have used it. Many praise the bat’s balanced swing weight and versatility to be used as both a contact and power hitter’s bat. According to Bat Digest, players report the CAT 9 Connect “feels unbelievable right out of the wrapper” and has great pop even for contact hitters looking for more power.
Several reviews mention the bat has a “smooth” swing and feel due to its balanced design. While some note it may not be as end-loaded as other power hitter bats, players say they can still drive the ball with the CAT 9 Connect. The hybrid connection piece also gets positive marks for feeling “stiff” yet having enough flex for good bat control and whip.
In terms of durability, most reviews indicate the bat holds up well even after extensive use. The CAT 9 barrel is considered very durable, and the connection piece does not show signs of breaking. Players report the bat continues performing at a high level even after months or a full season of games.
Overall, feedback from players who have swung the Marucci CAT 9 Connect is very positive. They praise its balanced feel, pop, and durability. It’s considered a versatile bat that can work for a variety of hitters looking for a blend of power and bat control.
Conclusion
In summary, the review of the CAT 9 Connect’s construction, design features, performance, and player feedback indicates that this bat has a balanced swing weight. The two-piece alloy and composite construction distributes weight evenly between the handle and barrel. The standard 2 5/8″ barrel diameter and balanced end load provide a balanced swing. Durability and power are comparable to other balanced bats on the market. While some players note it feels slightly end-loaded, the general consensus based on reviews is that the CAT 9 Connect lives up to its billing as a balanced swing bat.