2023 Easton Tantrum 2-Piece Balanced USSSA Slowpitch Bat Review
The 2023 Easton Tantrum 2-Piece Balanced is a USSSA slowpitch bat with a 13-inch HDK23 composite barrel and an even swing weight, the contact-hitter counterpart to the loaded Tantrum models.
There's a newer version available. See the 2026 Tantrum 2-Piece Balanced USSSA — the current model → 8.7/10Been 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 balanced 13-inch barrel earns high sweet-spot and swing-weight scores for contact hitters; power lands lower than the loaded version and composite break-in keeps durability mid-pack.
Our Review
The balanced Tantrum answers the loaded version for hitters who prioritize bat speed and barrel control over end-load mass. It uses Easton's HDK23 carbon-fiber barrel in a 13-inch length, creating a long sweet spot, and the two-piece CXN Max connection knocks down vibration for a livelier feel than a stiff one-piece. The even swing weight makes it easier to keep the barrel in the zone and spray line drives to all fields, which suits higher-bat-speed and contact-oriented players. The composite barrel wants a short break-in to reach peak pop. It was offered in 25.5, 26 and 27 oz and is approved for USSSA, NSA and ISA. Hitters chasing maximum distance will prefer the loaded Tantrum, but for control this balanced build is the better fit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long 13-inch HDK23 barrel for a forgiving sweet spot
- Balanced swing weight aids bat speed and control
- Two-piece CXN Max connection smooths contact feel
Cons
- Balanced feel gives up raw power to the loaded Tantrum
- Composite barrel needs a break-in period
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Tantrum 2-Piece Balanced USSSA |
| Model Year | 2023 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite (HDK23 carbon-fiber barrel, CXN Max connection) |
| Model # | ESU3TNTB |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 13" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $299 |
Where to Buy
2023 Easton Tantrum 2-Piece Balanced USSSA Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2023 Easton Tantrum 2-Piece Balanced USSSA a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 8.1/10 (Grade A). The 2023 Easton Tantrum 2-Piece Balanced is a USSSA slowpitch bat with a 13-inch HDK23 composite barrel and an even swing weight, the contact-hitter counterpart to the loaded Tantrum models.
Is the Easton Tantrum 2-Piece Balanced USSSA Slowpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Slowpitch certified by the certifying labs. Certified for USSSA / NSA / ISA slowpitch play.
How much does the 2023 Tantrum 2-Piece Balanced 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: Smash It Sports — 2023 Easton Tantrum 13 2pc Balanced USSSA ESU3TNTB