2017 Easton MAKO Beast BBCOR Bat Review
The final and longest MAKO. The 2017 MAKO Beast extended the barrel roughly an inch and a half over the standard MAKO while keeping the TCT sweet spot and balanced swing the line was famous for.
Been on the market a while — keep an eye out for in-season price drops.
Check today's price →The Score
How we score ↗How big and forgiving the barrel is — based on barrel length, construction (one- vs two-piece, alloy vs composite), and how it plays on balls hit off the center. A primary driver of the overall score.
Raw exit velocity and distance. We use measured numbers from freely available independent testing when they exist; otherwise construction and consensus, judged against the certification’s performance ceiling. A primary driver of the overall score.
Comfort and feedback on contact — vibration dampening from the knob/connection, the sting of a stiff one-piece vs a smooth two-piece, and the sound off the barrel. A primary driver of the overall score.
How well it holds up and how the company stands behind it — documented cracking/denting reports, cold-weather behavior, and the brand’s real warranty record. Good to know, but weighted lightly in the score.
Our take on price-for-performance — the overall package weighed against its cost and what comparable bats run. Shown for context; it is NOT factored into the overall score (price changes too often and is personal).
Why this score: The MAKO Beast scores at the top on sweet spot, swing weight, and feel thanks to its extended TCT barrel and smooth two-piece build. Value dips from the steep launch price, and durability reflects the break-in and used-only reality of a composite this old.
Our Review
The MAKO Beast was the send-off for Easton's most beloved composite line before the Ghost X took over. Its headline change was a longer barrel, about an inch and a half over the standard MAKO, stretching an already huge TCT Thermo Composite sweet spot even further. ConneXion two-piece construction keeps the feel smooth and sting-free, and the swing stays balanced and quick, which is why contact and gap hitters gravitated to it. Like any full composite it wants break-in, and it is a used-only bat now, so check the barrel for cracks. For a hitter who loved the MAKO feel and wanted the biggest possible barrel, the Beast was the peak of the line.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Longest barrel in the MAKO line with an enormous sweet spot
- Balanced, quick swing that rewards bat speed
- Smooth ConneXion feel with very little sting
Cons
- Full composite needs break-in to reach peak pop
- Premium launch price; now a used-only buy
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | MAKO Beast |
| Model Year | 2017 |
| Certification | BBCOR |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite (TCT Thermo Composite barrel and handle, extended barrel, 2-PC ConneXion technology) |
| Model # | BB17MK |
| Drop | -3 |
| Barrel | 2 5/8" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $449 |
Where to Buy
2017 Easton MAKO Beast BBCOR Bat — FAQ
Is the 2017 Easton MAKO Beast a good BBCOR bat?
We rate it 8.4/10 (Grade A). The final and longest MAKO. The 2017 MAKO Beast extended the barrel roughly an inch and a half over the standard MAKO while keeping the TCT sweet spot and balanced swing the line was famous for.
What drops does the MAKO Beast come in?
The 2017 MAKO Beast BBCOR comes in -3.
Is the Easton MAKO Beast BBCOR-legal?
Yes — it's BBCOR certified by the WSU Sports Science Lab. Certified to the BBCOR .50 standard — the barrel is regulated to perform like wood, so it’s legal for high school and college.
How much does the 2017 MAKO Beast cost?
MSRP is $449. We list the lowest price across CheapBats and Amazon on this page.
New to buying bats? Read our bat sizing guide, certifications explained, or browse all guides.
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