As the saying goes, it is better to have an experienced barber than a rookie- because we all know how that will end. Founded in 1884, Hillerich & Bradsby Company has over the years produced epic bats that have graced the world of baseball. Before reviewing the Louisville Slugger Omaha 518, what really makes a great bat?
Well, a wonderful bat needs to be durable, you would hate to have one that breaks and dents easily. The material used to make the bat is also important; there are several materials that are used to make a bat – aluminum, composite, wood and hybrid. Always pick one that serves your purpose. Lastly, picking a bat that matches your drop weight can really boost your skills.
Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 Review
The 6-star premium end cap stretches the bat further allowing users to have a maximum reach for the ball. Additionally, it also helps in maintaining weight distribution for a balanced score – 2.3. As it is the case with most Louisville bats, any purchase comes with a 12-month warranty and unlike other companies that have lousy customer service, the Hillerich & Bradsby customer service is quite helpful. Lastly, with this bat you can play in any league – AABC, Dixie youth, little league and pony baseball.
Features and Specification of Louisville Slugger Omaha 518
- It has a drop weight of -10.
- The barrel of the bat is 2 5/8 inches.
- Has impeccable graphics.
- Consistent and durable.
- Affordable price.
- It has a balanced swing weight.
- It is hot out of the wrapper.
- Comes with the new USA stamp, hence approved for play in Dixie league, AABC and many others.
- Comes with a 12-month warranty.
- Comes with a 6-star end cap.
- Construction: One piece Aluminum Bat.
- Built with ST 7U1 plus feature.
- Custom baseball bat grip.
The Louisville bat comes as a drop 10 bat. The higher the negative number the lighter the bat. This means that a drop 3 bat is heavier than a drop 10 bat. Also, the bat is made of one piece of aluminum which means you will make powerful hits and in case of any mishits, you will feel a stinging feeling. Lastly, the bat has a large diameter; 2 5/8 inches and comes with some nice graphics which is a plus.
Verdict – 8.0
As it is the case with most Louisville bats, performance is never an issue. Fitted with st7u1 plus alloy, the Louisville Slugger Omaha bat creates an enormous sweet spot which allows users to make massive hits. It also helps in giving hitters that traditional wooden feeling. The six-star premium end cap extends the barrel’s length and also helps in maintaining a balanced swing weight. The fact that this bat is one-piece construction, you are sure to experience several home runs since the bat has an epic power.
Verdict -7.5
With the sweet spot being enlarged by the barrel diameter and the st7u1 feature, batters are able to make powerful hits, thereby having tons of pop sound. As it is the case with most one-piece construction bats, when you experience a mishit, you will have a stinging sensation. This, however, is limited by the fact that the bat comes equipped with lizard skin to help reduce the sting. The end cap helps in transferring energy back to the barrel which allows you to make massive hits.
Verdict 8.0
The grip should be a priority when picking a bat; this is because you don’t want to swing a bat that would end up giving you blisters. Unlike other bats that you will need to buy a lizard skin separately, the Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 comes with one. This will help enhance your grip. Furthermore, the six-star premium end cap improves grip by holding your palm into place. The grip is generally comfortable.
Verdict -7.5
As mentioned above, durability is key if you need a perfect bat. Made of aluminum, this 2018 version is resilient and can last for longer periods. Additionally, it also comes with a 12-month warranty which is a plus in case you dent or break your bat.
Verdict -8.0
Pros
- Has an impeccable pop sound.
- Performs well, hence building confidence in average players.
- It is affordable.
- Has an even distribution of weight.
- It is has a USA stamp of approval.
Cons
- The bat is quite heavy; which is not as per the advertisement.
- Not as powerful as you would expect.
Before picking a bat, there are several factors to consider they are durability, construction material and drop weight. So what makes Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 stand out? Considered the epitome of baseball bats, the Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 is never short of power. Also, the bat is a drop 10 which means its light and can swing faster. Being a one-piece construction bat, users have the ability to develop their skills while using it.
For instance, in case you have a mishit, you will experience a small amount of sting which is good for your skills. Additionally, the bat is quite durable, this is because it is an aluminum bat and it also has a 12-month warranty. It is noteworthy too that the bat comes with a lizard skin to minimize vibrations while it is also fitted with the st7u1 which gives it the traditional wooden feeling while enlarging the sweet spot. If you are in the market for a bat, why don’t you try the Louisville Slugger Omaha 518 and give us your feedback?
Author: Mike Trout
John Mike Trout is an American Professional Baseball player. He was born California. John Mike is a 2 MLB All-Star. He loves to write about baseball.