2020 DeMarini Glitch USSSA Bat Review
The 2020 DeMarini Glitch is a CF Zen released after USSSA tightened its bat-testing standard — and in our own field testing that year it came in 3 to 5 mph cooler in exit speed than the older, hotter Zens the new test reined in.
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: At its core the Glitch is still a CF Zen, with the familiar two-piece composite feel, a balanced swing, and low sting — but in our 2020 field testing it came in 3 to 5 mph cooler in exit speed than the older, hotter Zens after USSSA tightened its testing standard, which is a real performance hit in travel ball. Durability and value remain the bigger concerns: the CF composite line is notoriously crack-prone and DeMarini backs it with only a one-year limited warranty. For travel-ball families it's hard to recommend over a cooler-running but more dependable option from another brand.
Our Review
With USSSA tightening its bat-testing standard in 2020, DeMarini's once-dominant Zen advantage narrowed. We field-tested the Glitch that year, and it came in 3 to 5 mph cooler in exit speed than the older Zens — it's still a CF Zen at heart, with the familiar two-piece composite feel and balanced swing, just not as hot. The one upside: a cooler bat usually breaks less, so it may hold up better than the Zen line's notoriously fragile reputation.
Also worth a look: Marucci CAT 9 Composite — A USSSA -10 two-piece composite with a big, lively barrel and balanced swing — the same composite feel as the Glitch, but from a brand with a much stronger documented durability and warranty record..
Insider Note
On a visit to DeMarini's factory in Oregon, I saw 4–5 pallets of broken bats waiting on warranty returns — and was told that's a normal day. Durability has always been the knock on DeMarini, and it's a big reason we steer hitters to brands that stand behind their product.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Still a CF Zen at heart with familiar two-piece composite feel
- Reduced performance may translate to improved durability
Cons
- Came in 3 to 5 mph cooler on exit speed than older CF Zens in our 2020 field testing
- Lost the dominant edge DeMarini once enjoyed under the old USSSA test
- CF Zen lineup remains notoriously fragile
Full Specifications
| Brand | DeMarini |
|---|---|
| Model | Glitch |
| Model Year | 2020 |
| Certification | USSSA |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite |
| Model # | WTDXCBZ-LE |
| Drop | -10 |
| Barrel | 2 3/4" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | — |
Where to Buy
2020 DeMarini Glitch USSSA Bat — FAQ
Is the 2020 DeMarini Glitch a good USSSA bat?
We rate it 6.8/10 (Grade C). The 2020 DeMarini Glitch is a CF Zen released after USSSA tightened its bat-testing standard — and in our own field testing that year it came in 3 to 5 mph cooler in exit speed than the older, hotter Zens the new test reined in.
What drops does the Glitch come in?
The 2020 Glitch USSSA comes in -10.
Is the DeMarini Glitch 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.
New to buying bats? Read our bat sizing guide, certifications explained, or browse all guides.
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