2018 Easton Fire Flex 2 Loaded USSSA Slowpitch Bat Review
The 2018 Easton Fire Flex 2 Loaded is a two-piece USSSA slowpitch bat with a long 13.5-inch EXACT carbon barrel and an end-loaded swing, the second-generation Fire Flex tuned for hot performance with little break-in.
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 long 13.5-inch barrel earns a strong sweet-spot score and the end load gives solid power; swing weight runs a touch heavy and the older composite plus resale-only availability keep durability and value lower.
Our Review
The Fire Flex 2 was Easton's second take on its Fire Flex barrel technology, dropping the out-of-wrapper compression into the 240 to 250 range versus the 260 to 270 of the original so it would play hot sooner with minimal break-in. The loaded version pairs that 13.5-inch EXACT carbon barrel with an end-loaded swing weight for hitters chasing distance. The long 13.5-inch barrel creates a generous hitting zone, and the two-piece ConneXion+ construction smooths out feedback on contact. It was offered in 26, 27 and 28 oz and carries USSSA, NSA and ISA approval. As a now-discontinued model it represents an era of Fire Flex that many hitters still hunt down, though as an older composite it is worth inspecting for prior use and break-in wear on the secondary market.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long 13.5-inch barrel offers a big hitting zone
- Lower out-of-wrapper compression plays hot with little break-in
- Two-piece ConneXion+ build keeps contact feel smooth
Cons
- Discontinued, so condition varies on the resale market
- Older composite construction trails current barrel tech for durability
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Fire Flex 2 Loaded USSSA |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite (EXACT carbon-fiber Fire Flex barrel, ConneXion+ connection) |
| Model # | SP18FF2L |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 13.5" |
| Swing Weight | End-loaded |
| MSRP | $299 |
Where to Buy
2018 Easton Fire Flex 2 Loaded USSSA Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2018 Easton Fire Flex 2 Loaded USSSA a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 8.2/10 (Grade A). The 2018 Easton Fire Flex 2 Loaded is a two-piece USSSA slowpitch bat with a long 13.5-inch EXACT carbon barrel and an end-loaded swing, the second-generation Fire Flex tuned for hot performance with little break-in.
Is the Easton Fire Flex 2 Loaded USSSA Slowpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Slowpitch certified by the certifying labs. Certified for USSSA / NSA / ISA slowpitch play.
How much does the 2018 Fire Flex 2 Loaded USSSA cost?
MSRP is $299. 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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Sources: JustBats — Easton Fire Flex Loaded USSSA SP18FF2L · LongballBats — 2018 Easton Fire Flex Loaded USSSA SP18FF2L