2023 Easton Encore Hybrid BBCOR Bat Review
Easton's alloy-composite mash-up. The Encore pairs a ringless R5 alloy barrel filled with Thermo Composite Technology to a stiff carbon handle, aiming for a big, hot sweet spot with a composite-dampened feel.
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 hybrid barrel delivers a big, hot sweet spot and solid power with no break-in, and the stiff handle plus soft knob give a clean, dampened feel. It scores lower on swing weight due to the slight end load and lower on durability because thin-walled composite-filled hybrid barrels carry more breakage risk; value is fair now that it has dropped below launch pricing.
Our Review
The Encore Hybrid is Easton trying to get the best of both materials: an R5 alloy barrel thinned out and internally reinforced with composite for a larger, livelier sweet spot, married to a stiff carbon handle through the PureLynk connection. The result is a hot barrel with no break-in and a Power Boost soft knob that takes the edge off mishits. It carries a slight end load, so it leans toward stronger hitters, and a few owners have flagged durability questions, which is common for thin-walled hybrid barrels. As a one-and-done alloy feel with composite smoothing, it is a legitimate option, especially now that it sits below its launch price.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Composite-filled R5 alloy barrel is hot immediately with no break-in
- Stiff carbon handle plus soft knob blends a lively barrel with dampened feel
- Big sweet spot for a hybrid, with a slight end load that helps power hitters
Cons
- Slight end load makes it less ideal for pure contact or speed hitters
- Some owners report durability concerns typical of thin-walled hybrid barrels
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Encore Hybrid |
| Model Year | 2023 |
| Certification | BBCOR |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | Two-piece hybrid (ringless R5 alloy barrel with Thermo Composite Technology / Pro-Stiff carbon handle, PureLynk CXN) |
| Model # | BB23EN |
| Drop | -3 |
| Barrel | 2 5/8" |
| Swing Weight | Slight end-load |
| MSRP | $349 |
Where to Buy
2023 Easton Encore Hybrid BBCOR Bat — FAQ
Is the 2023 Easton Encore Hybrid a good BBCOR bat?
We rate it 7.8/10 (Grade B). Easton's alloy-composite mash-up. The Encore pairs a ringless R5 alloy barrel filled with Thermo Composite Technology to a stiff carbon handle, aiming for a big, hot sweet spot with a composite-dampened feel.
What drops does the Encore Hybrid come in?
The 2023 Encore Hybrid BBCOR comes in -3.
Is the Easton Encore Hybrid 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 2023 Encore Hybrid cost?
MSRP is $349. 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: Easton - 2023 Encore Hybrid BBCOR (official) · JustBats - Easton Encore Hybrid BBCOR (BB23EN)