2026 Easton Thing Loaded (USSSA) Slowpitch Bat Review
A two-piece USSSA slowpitch bat pairing Easton's 232 Technology variable-compression composite barrel with an ultra-stiff alloy handle for a fast, hard-finishing swing.
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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: First-pass: scored from the 2023 Thing (8.0), the last version we covered — same 232 composite barrel, same alloy-handle concept. The ultra-stiff alloy handle is where the Thing diverges from an all-composite two-piece: more direct, more hand feedback, hence a lower feel score.
Our Review
The 2026 Easton Thing Loaded is a two-piece USSSA slowpitch bat that pairs a composite barrel with an alloy handle for a fast, hard-finishing swing. The 12" barrel is built on Easton's 232 Technology — a 5-flex design using a plural resin system to create variable compression zones across the barrel for a bigger effective sweet spot and explosive pop. The ultra-stiff, lighter alloy handle helps hitters whip the barrel through the zone faster, while Loaded Optimized Player Weighting shifts extra mass toward the end cap for momentum and carry through contact. It's finished in black, offered in 25, 26, and 27 oz, and approved for USSSA, ISA, and NSA play. Newly added to the CheapBats catalog — independent testing hasn't caught up to this release yet, so treat this as a sourced first look rather than a scored review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 232 Technology 5-flex barrel widens the effective sweet spot
- Ultra-stiff alloy handle helps whip the barrel through the zone
- Loaded Optimized Player Weighting adds momentum through contact
Cons
- End-loaded swing favors hitters who already generate good bat speed
- Alloy handle trades some comfort for stiffness versus a composite handle
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Thing Loaded (USSSA) |
| Model Year | 2026 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | Two-piece (232 Technology composite barrel, ultra-stiff alloy handle) |
| Model # | ESU6THGL |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 12" |
| Swing Weight | End-Load (Loaded Optimized Player Weighting) |
| MSRP | $329 |
Where to Buy
2026 Easton Thing Loaded (USSSA) Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2026 Easton Thing Loaded (USSSA) a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 8.0/10 (Grade A). A two-piece USSSA slowpitch bat pairing Easton's 232 Technology variable-compression composite barrel with an ultra-stiff alloy handle for a fast, hard-finishing swing.
Is the Easton Thing Loaded (USSSA) Slowpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Slowpitch certified by the certifying labs. Certified for USSSA / NSA / ISA slowpitch play.
How much does the 2026 Thing Loaded (USSSA) cost?
MSRP is $329. We've seen it for $300. 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: CheapBats — 2026 Easton Thing Loaded USSSA (ESU6THGL) product page