Easton’s Stealth + Comp CNT combines Easton’s Carbon Nanotube Technology – a composite fiber sixteen times stronger than high performance aluminum – and Easton’s ConneXion Technology – a separate barrel and handle permanently bonded by a special elastomer piece that allows for greater flex than is possible with a single piece bat. The Stealth Comp + is a 1.20 BPF bat and is not approved for play in ASA.
Like the Synergy before it, the Stealth Comp CNT uses Easton’s patented “IMX” – Integrated Matrix – technology, which optimizes the relationship between materials, design and the manufacturing process to create the highest performing bat possible. Each step in the development of the composite shell and the separate composite handle is designed to work seamlessly with the next step, creating true synergy: the best material for the design and the best design for the process and the best process for the material translate to a bat that gets the most out of every ingredient.
It features Easton’s patented “Extended Flex” 13-1/2” barrel design which lengthens the sweet spot by increasing the barrel flex towards the handle and end of the bat to allow maximum performance across the entire barrel.
It features Easton’s patented “Opti-Flex” CNT composite handle technology which provides handle flex that measures two times greater than in Easton’s aluminum models.
The barrel and handle are attached using Easton’s patented “ConneXion” technology which acts like a hinge to provide efficient energy transfer from handle to barrel for maximum head whip, a quicker bat and more power through the hitting zone.
The addition of “CNT” – carbon nanotube technology – strengthens composite structures. The weakest areas in a traditional composite bat are the tiny spaces between the fibers that are filled with resin; carbon nanotubes, structures one billionth of a meter in size, are dispersed throughout the resin, making it tougher. Because of their size, surface area, geometry and purity, carbon nanotubes are measurably stronger than continuous carbon fiber. The process of distributing the CNT throughout the resin is made possible by Zynex NanoSolve materials and is exclusive to Easton.
It has a slight end load for more power and has a thin 29/32” handle with a “Pro Tack” cushioned grip.
We hit the 27 oz. version.
The Easton Stealth + Comp CNT was met with much anticipation after our testers had previously fallen in love with the Easton Stealth Comp CNT. The general feeling going in to the sessions was that the Stealth + would add a bunch of distance to a design that most players thought was already hot enough for USSSA play.
It does – sort of. We’ll explain.
We noticed some slight differences between the two bats: the Stealth + had a bit more end load and felt a bit stiffer out of the package. After that they were basically the same, with an impressive sound, easy-to-find sweet spot, and absence of vibration that leads to hand sting.
Performance-wise, however, we noticed that the Stealth + was noticeably better than the Stealth for some hitters, but not so noticeably for others. The difference between the two bats seemed to be greater depending on the ability of the hitter. To us, it seemed younger, smaller, non-power hitter types found both the 100+ mph and 98 mph to be basically the same bat. They were able to use it effectively, but for the difference in performance between the two, most said they would choose the 98-mph version so that they could use it in every sanction. But for the bigger, stronger, more experienced upper level players, the Stealth + added up to 30 feet to fly balls. We had a number of B and above tourney players hit the + and each preferred it over the ASA version, claiming a similar feel with more bat speed and distance.
Those findings are sort of reflected in the scores, which are similar to the Stealth Comp CNT scores – players who found it similar to the ASA model actually scored it lower than that bat because they thought it would give them more distance; players who found it superior to the ASA model scored it higher because it did give them more distance. The resulting averages are the scores above.
The Stealth Comp CNT actually improves on the popular 2006 Synergy Flex CNT by taking that bat’s live 13+ inch barrel and putting it on the Stealth composite handle. So you get all the pop of hitting with the “green” Synergy + plus the added bat speed of a two-piece Stealth. Added bat speed equals added distance.
The sound is similar to the Synergy + Flex CNT, a higher pitched cracking than most other high performance bats. It reinforces to the ears that the ball has been well struck, helping boost confidence.
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