2021 Easton Salvo Balanced (USSSA) Slowpitch Bat Review
The 2021 Easton Salvo Balanced is a two-piece composite USSSA slowpitch bat with a 13.5-inch barrel and a balanced swing weight, built on first-generation Fire Flex barrel technology for hitters who prioritize bat speed and control.
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: Swing weight and feel lead thanks to the balanced build and dampened two-piece joint. Power is solid but trails end-loaded siblings, and the 1.20-BPF-only certification limits current tournament use, holding back the value score.
Our Review
The 2021 Salvo Balanced carries over the first-generation Fire Flex barrel and ConneXion+ two-piece joint, but tunes the mass for a balanced feel rather than the end load found on the Salvo loaded models. Easton uses what it calls Ultra Elongated Fibers in the layup and a balanced Optimized Player Weighting with re-calibrated MOI, the goal being a quick, controllable swing that contact hitters and all-around swingers can stay through. The 13.5-inch barrel gives a long sweet spot, and the two-piece build keeps vibration down on off-center contact. Like the rest of the 2021 Salvo family it is a 1.20 BPF bat certified for USSSA, NSA and ISA under the older standard, so it predates the USSSA 240 NTS requirement and may not be legal in associations that have adopted NTS testing. For a balanced composite power bat in league play it is a sensible pick; verify tournament rules before relying on it there.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Balanced swing weight rewards bat speed and control
- Long 13.5-inch barrel offers a generous sweet spot
- Two-piece ConneXion+ build keeps mishit sting low
Cons
- 1.20 BPF only, predating the USSSA 240 NTS standard
- Balanced profile gives up some carry to dedicated end-loaded bats
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Salvo Balanced (USSSA) |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite (1st-gen Fire Flex barrel, ConneXion+ joint, UEF fibers) |
| Model # | SP21SLB |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 13.5" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $249 |
Where to Buy
2021 Easton Salvo Balanced (USSSA) Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2021 Easton Salvo Balanced (USSSA) a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 7.8/10 (Grade B). The 2021 Easton Salvo Balanced is a two-piece composite USSSA slowpitch bat with a 13.5-inch barrel and a balanced swing weight, built on first-generation Fire Flex barrel technology for hitters who prioritize bat speed and control.
Is the Easton Salvo Balanced (USSSA) Slowpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Slowpitch certified by the certifying labs. Certified for USSSA / NSA / ISA slowpitch play.
How much does the 2021 Salvo Balanced (USSSA) cost?
MSRP is $249. 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 — 2021 Easton Salvo 13.5" Balanced USSSA SP21SLB · SPC Sports — 2021 Easton Salvo Balanced USSSA SP21SLB