2019 Marucci CAT8 USSSA Bat Review
The CAT8 is the bat that built Marucci's travel-ball following. Its AZ105 alloy barrel, ring-free multi-wall design and AV2 knob deliver a balanced, forgiving swing that still holds up as a value pick years later.
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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 CAT8 earns high durability and value marks: AZ105 alloy is tough and long-lived, and closeout pricing is excellent. The balanced swing and AV2 knob give it good feel and control. Power scores lower because newer AZR-barreled CAT models have since raised the bar, but as a budget one-piece it is still a sound choice.
Our Review
Before the CAT9 and CATX, the CAT8 was the bat everyone in travel ball compared against, and it earned that status honestly. The barrel is AZ105, the strongest aluminum Marucci uses, which lets the company run thinner walls for a higher response rate without sacrificing durability. The ring-free, multi-variable wall spreads performance across the barrel for a wide sweet spot, and the AV2 knob keeps the hands comfortable on mishits. In the -10 it swings balanced and remains very easy to control, which is why it stayed popular long after newer models arrived. The AZR-barreled CATs that followed do edge it on top-end pop, but as a deeply discounted one-piece alloy with proven durability, the CAT8 is still a smart value for a developing hitter.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- AZ105 alloy — Marucci's strongest — allows thin walls, big response and long life
- Ring-free multi-variable wall gives a wide, forgiving sweet spot
- Patented AV2 anti-vibration knob reduces sting for a smooth one-piece feel
Cons
- An older design that newer AZR-barreled CAT models have since surpassed on pop
- Balanced build gives up carry to end-loaded power bats
Full Specifications
| Brand | Marucci |
|---|---|
| Model | CAT8 |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Certification | USSSA |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | One-piece AZ105 alloy (ring-free, multi-variable wall) |
| Model # | MSBC810 |
| Drop | -8 / -10 |
| Barrel | 2 3/4" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $199 |
Where to Buy
2019 Marucci CAT8 USSSA Bat — FAQ
Is the 2019 Marucci CAT8 a good USSSA bat?
We rate it 7.9/10 (Grade B). The CAT8 is the bat that built Marucci's travel-ball following. Its AZ105 alloy barrel, ring-free multi-wall design and AV2 knob deliver a balanced, forgiving swing that still holds up as a value pick years later.
What drops does the CAT8 come in?
The 2019 CAT8 USSSA comes in -8 / -10.
Is the Marucci CAT8 USSSA-legal?
Yes — it's USSSA certified by the NTS lab. USSSA 1.15 BPF approved — the “hotter” travel-ball standard, legal for USSSA play.
How much does the 2019 CAT8 cost?
MSRP is $199. We've seen it for $110. 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: Marucci Sports — CAT8 (official) · JustBats — Marucci CAT8 -10 USSSA (MSBC810)