Louisville Slugger TPX Catalyst Senior League Baseball Bat: SL12C
Features
-11 Length to Weight Ratio
2 5/8 Inch Barrel Diameter
7/8 Inch Tapered Handle
Free Shipping!
Full Twelve (12) Month Manufacturer's Warranty
Features USSSA 1.15 Stamp
C1C Composite
One-Piece Full Composite Design
Louisville Slugger End Cap
Synthetic Grip
Description
Reviews
Average Ratings Based on 65 Customer Reviews
9UCoach
Pros: This bat has the best length to weight ratio of any "big barrel" bat on the market. It's 100% composite and not a two-piece bonded design which eliminates the braking problem found in the Slugger H2 and others. I bought it (28/17) for my 8 yr old son who's 4'3" and about 55 lbs. He was using an Easton Reflex 28/15 2 1/4" before this. We've used it in one batting cage session and 1 game so far and the difference between the SL12C and the Easton is remarkable. The sound coming off the bat is great and the ball really jumps off. We tried a 2 3/4" 27/17 Composite/alloy bat borrowed from a teammate for comparison, and the Catalyst noticeably outperformed it and it hasn't even been broken in yet! This bat is going to be very hot after about 500 swings.
Cons: Price maybe, but great deal considering performance. Is a new, thin, composite so cracking/durability may be an issue long term, but this is no coach pitch bat so hopefully we get 2-3 years out of it.
DR
Pros: Best bat for 2012. If you are a power hitter or on a travel team for the fall or Spring 2012, please take advantage of this new technology.
Cons: None!
Carmine in Miami
Pros: First composite bat, for a 5'1" tall a 31 inch/20 oz is the perfect solution and a transition to a full adult bat. It is still being broken in, and in my opinion composite outshines metal alloys. Excellent bat for the price.
Cons:
Baseball Crazy
Pros: Skeptical at first b/c -11 seemed too light for big barrel, and worried barrel/sweet spot too small. After my 10U (about 4 ft tall/65 lbs) hit with it, all doubts gone. This bat is solid with lots of pop. No stories here about monster HRs from my smallist 10U player, but the line drives definitely have some nasty top spin on them. He previously used 28/18 Speed II, which was good, but the ball seems to jump off this bat more.
Cons:
Dan
Pros: Quality, highly recommend this bat for 10U+
Cons: none
cool
Pros: this is a good bat
Cons: none
PeeWee Herman
Pros: Ball rockets off the bat! Light! Very cool design
Cons: NONE!!!
10u coach
Pros: Well balanced bat with a lot of pop. Bought this bat, 29/18, to replace last years 29/19 easton omen w/o 1.15 stamp. The -11 really helped eliminating bat drag with evem more pop than the omen. After trying for 1 week, we now have 5 players with this bat. Cant wait to see it after it gets broken in.
Cons: Price, but are getting what you pay for. Most of our kids have also swung the easton S1 and majority like the catalyst better for $100 less
Baseball Dad
Pros: Great bat speed for my 10 yr old AAU player. Huge sweet spot, great grafics. A "HOMERUN" for the $$. Well done Louisville Slugger.
Cons:
KJ
Pros: Son who is 7 1/2 used the Worth Lithium last year and hit the ball well. After about 50 balls in cage today, this bat does not have quite the same pop, but close. If the Catalyst after the "break-in" period does what the experts say it will, I will be very pleased! Pretty good for first 50 balls out of wrapper.
Cons: None yet, waiting till broke-in. I will share thoughts after that.
KIng of Carlsbad
Pros: I ordered the 28/17 version of this bat last week for my 9 year (62 lbs & average height). Too early to comment on the bat itself given the required break in time, but the length/weight ratio seems perfect for my son. Just wanted to state how happy I was with the shipping process. Requested overnight delivery - ordered Thursday afternoon and received Friday afternoon in California. Needed bat with Pony compliant stamp for busy 3 game weekend. Thanks!
Cons: Price but all the good bats with a big drop (-10 or more)are expensive.
cleanup
Pros: this is the most amazing bat ever, at first it was a little heavy but i got used to it and after i got this bat iv'e been hitting more and more balls over the fence with my T-Ball swing and get this bat now.
Cons: its awesome
AJ
Pros: You will hit far, it has great pop!!! love it
Cons: Nothing!!!!!!!!!!!
Bummed
Pros: Nice bat and helped my son to drive the ball..
Cons: Not legal for Junior's... Even with the USSSA stamp because it is a full-composite bat. I guess that is my fault for not fully reading-up on this years rules :(
808coybl
Pros: Awesome pop. Great sound! Great looks. I bought the 28" 19oz for my 9 yo son. He loves it. He has been hitting bombs and laser shots. Also if you don't like the high pitch sound some metal bats have you will like the sound off of this bat.
Cons: None
combo43
Pros: best bat in the world
Cons: nothing
big lefty
Pros: Son hit first bomb last night. So far he loves this bat.
Cons: haven't noticed any
beast
Pros: its more of a contact bat amd not a bat well known for power.. used one of the kids on my teams ans hit a double and a three run homerun but barely gone about 270 maybe but this is bat for contact not power
Cons:
jdk
Pros: very hot bat
Cons: broke in two months snapped right abouve usssa stamp.. they replaced no problems but still a hassle.
EZ32
Pros: First double header of season. First at bat HR. Second at bat HR then a walk. Game winning double second game. Great pop no sting.
Cons: no way Jose
KP_Colts2011
Pros: Unsure...see cons
Cons: Never really got a chance to test it out - first game, first at bat, the bat cracked and broke in half! Now we are waiting for a new one to be delivered. Will be without a bat for this weekend's tournamnet. Am very concerned whether this will be a repeat problem in the future. Very disappointed.
Competitive Dad
Pros: -11 Says it all. My boy switched from his -13.5 Omaha w/ ease. Pop is great. Noticable increase in distance and ball speed from bat.
Cons: none
kcmizz
Pros: My 80lb 9 yr old is hitting the 30" 19oz. Very comfortable feeling and great pop. He hit a MIKEN 17oz last year. Great length without suffering increased oz.... Great bat for big 8 yr olds and 9-10 yr olds at the 30" 19oz
Cons:
funnyguy
Pros: My son is 10yrs old and 92lbs,he is 11/12 this year the bat has delivered so far!I still want to hear the pop of his composite bat from last year!I noticed even balls not hit in the sweet spot still make it to the outfield!
Cons: Waiting for the break in and that pop!
Bug
Pros: Good pop
Cons: Not durable, our team broke three of the 30/19 in less than a month.
Jaguar_dude
Pros: Bought this for my 10 yr old, he is on the smaller side so need a bat with good weight distribution and good pop. This one fits perfectly! hitting great with it, I definitely see a change in ball speed coming off this bat. Jury is still out on durability but so far so good
Cons: none as of review, been using for two months.
jlit
Pros: good pop.very balanced
Cons: broke in half with 9year old pitching.
batkid99
Pros: supper light and lets you have a great swing.
Cons: i was using my freinds and i hit it write in the middle were the stem hits the barrel and it snaped in half! no joke..... still got to first base
smiles
Pros: nice pop great bat for the price
Cons: none
DW
Pros: cons took away any/all pros
Cons: After less than 3 mos play ours was the 1st of 3 bats to crack in the same weekend of play!!!
like bats
Pros: awsome pop into it
Cons: none
beasttsstdh
Pros: very balanced alot of popcand power hit aout thirty homerns since january
Cons: long time to breakcin
Jammer67
Pros: Nice bat. My son love the graphics. He is ready to get his new bat in the mail.
Cons: Almost made it the whole seasos with out any problems... After 14 games this season this bat had enough and cracked. I have sent it back to Louisville Slugger. They are shiping me a new one.. I hope just in time for the post season tournament
Sharrell
Pros:
Cons: Good bat until it broke after only two months. Using it with 10 year olds. Snapped and spiral fractured at the USSSA sticker. Now trying to start the process if getting it replaced. UGH!!!
CRG
Pros: this bat is bad news i has alot of pop my 7 year old son was useing this bat and everytime he hit the ball it went about 20 feet into grass area in the out field we love this bat and will be buying more
Cons: NONE AT THIS TIME
popo
Pros: Light weight but not much pop
Cons: Not near the bat the old Catalyst were. Broke half way through the season. Will probably get a different make and model
smiles
Pros: Pretty good pop out of the wrapper.
Cons: Bat just got broken in, then someone else on my team hit the ball on the handle and it broke in half.
Mr.Bleachers
Pros: best bat for power hitters
Cons: none
DJ
Pros: This cat has incredible pop. My son is 13 years old 5'4" and 100 lbs. I've never bought a composite bat before so I didn't know what to expect. He hit some of the deepest shots I've ever seen him hit this year. Most convincing though is that 4 other players whose parents spent way more on other bats were using it by the state tournament. At under $200 it was a bargain.
Cons: Scratches easily and all of the other kids want to use it.
orioles baseball 50
Pros: great pop. very light through the zone. great for power hitters.
Cons: had 2 of these bats both have cracked
dcdd
Pros: awesome bat almost hit a hr on 295 fence and im only 12 and also hit 11 homeruns on the year
Cons: cracked once but they gave me a new onw
Lefty Strength
Pros: Good bat. At first didnt think that the -11 would b good on a big barrel but i was proved wrong. Great pop. really good price also
Cons: None. Get this bat
Jack
Pros: good if it doesnt brake in half
Cons: This bat is a waste of money!!! My 10 year son used his for about five games and the bat broke in half. We returned the bat and we got another one. Well during a allstar tournament the bat broke again. The bat was onlt used for a few months and we did not used it in a batting cage.
Anonymous
Pros: this bat has awesome bat speed its so light and long you can get around to the outside pitch. once i got this bat in bp i hit 17 homeruns in a row and the fences are 210 and im 13 its pop is great just an amazing bat all around
Cons: none at all
12U Coach
Pros: Good pop and well balanced
Cons: Not very durable. Second one that has cracked on the handle in 5 months. The last one lasted 3 months.
Slugger
Pros: Bat looks sharp and swings smooth. 10U son drives the ball right out of the box! Using 31/20.
Cons: Slight sting on miss hit.
chris
Pros: Just out of the wrap and took this bat to a one-day tournament. Not even broken in, and out of 5 at bats, 3 doubles and 2 singles. Light enough to generate good bat speed
Cons: None so far.
mrdiesel66
Pros: Great bat. Used by my 10 year old son. He has hit 10 homeruns with this bat.
Cons: This is our second bat. First one broke in 1month.
bangbang
Pros: I hit my 1st HR with this bat, at age 10. It has amazing pop. I hope the 2013 Catalyst is this good!
Cons: Other kids on the team uses it too:(
brebt
Pros: Very nice feel, solid performance, well balanced, would definitely recommend.
Cons: Wish it was made in America.
Ev
Pros: If you hit on sweet spot it goes
Cons: Kinda hand stinger
evan
Pros: good bat if you hit on sweet spot its gone
Cons: 4 a composite bat not as much pop but still a good bat for the price
CoachT
Pros: Great Balance and large sweet spot. I bought this for my son, and he's crushing the ball with it.
Cons: None.
NB
Pros: Good balance, look, and sound. 9 year old son hit the ball well with it. Have only used it for one tournament so I'm hoping it will gain some more pop once broken in more. Very pleased, especially for the price.
Cons: None right now, but only minimal use so far.
CoachT
Pros: Very nice bat for the price. I had been searching for a -11 drop at a reasonable price.
Cons: None.
Jamesito
Pros: My son loved the bat from the first swing. It has a lot of pop to it.
Cons: My son really did not like the grip so I changed it for him.
Crusher2
Pros: Good pop out of the wrapper. My son used this past weekend and hit well with it. I was also surprised to see at least 6 other kids using same bat on other teams. Great price!!
Cons: Paint chipped already after 40 swings.
9UCoach
Pros: Bat has been a good purchase, especially for the price. My son has hit the ball well with it and he really likes the graphics. No complaints.
Cons: None
Hayden the Beast
Pros: Great bat for a big just turned 9 year old power hitter.
Cons:
Cholie
Pros: The bat is very light, great big barrel for a smaller kid. The bat grip is amazing and the balance of the weight to swing ratio is phenomenal. Definitely will recommend.
Cons: None.
Billy
Pros: This bat was hot right out of the box. still breaking in but great so far.
Cons: non yet
outlaws3
Pros: This bat has amazing pop! With the minus 11 and this years minus 12 it allow the chance to hit the ball on the outside corners of the plate without giving up bat speed because the bat is too heavy. I have owned and played with all the top bats on the market (5+) but this one has the best pop.
Cons: If you are on a competitive travel team playing 60 + games a season this bat may not last. I buys these bats for the amazing pop but also understand it is a one season bat. Keep your receipt.
incognito
Pros: Has lots of pop.
Cons: Broke twice in same spot.
g-man
Pros: The bat has pop right out of the wrapper.
Cons: None right now.
N8
Pros: Luckily Just bats has great customer service and is helping us resolve the issue!
Cons: Bat snapped in half at the handle in less than a month! May be to light of a bat for the length
Questions and Answers
Have a question about the Louisville Slugger TPX Catalyst Senior League Baseball Bat: SL12C? Ask our team of experts and they will respond within 24 hours.
Hi my son is 8 yrs old and playing on a 10u travel team. I wanted to know if this would be a good bat for him, he needs more bat speed. i was thinking of the the 29"/18oz. He's using a 28"/20oz old tpx. he is 49" tall and 49 lbs what size do you think is good for him. Thank you for your time. J-LUV
Which bat would you say is better? This one or Triton II nbg
How does the Catalyst compare to the Exo grid and the Easton Omen? I don't know which one to try1 Machine
Will this bat crack when facing 11, 12 year old pitchers? Matt
My son is a small kid. 4'4" and 70lbs and plays for a 9U travel team. Last year he used the lithium and had decent results. 380 avg. He's a contact hitter and I was thinking about this bat for him. His bat speed is already good and with the -11 on this bat i think he might get some more power. Thoughts? joel
Can you get a catalyst in 2 3/4" minus 10 or 11? USSSA approved? Dominator
Hello, my son used a TPX GEN X last year and was very happy with the performance. I know this is different because of the stamp but I am curious if the bats are made with the same material and if the performance would be similar? CHM
Does this bat have a good sized sweetspot ry
Would you suggest using this bat is cold weather? We have always used allow bats and have been told the composite bats don't perform well in the cold and are easily damaged when cold. BigDaddy
Do you have this bat in a 27/16? Dad
How does this bat compare to the Demarini Vendetta? Blueclaws32
Is this bat approved for Pony League play? Mike
Which is better a this one piece composite or a half and half? Bill
Will this bat be legal to use in 2013 and 2014? Chris
How does this compare to the Marucci Black for a 10U 65 lbs contact hitter? los
Would this bat be good for a 9u that is 5" 106 lbs that when makes contact, crushes the ball. But, he is often late on pitches. I was hoping the bigger barrel and lighter bat would help him get around quicker. Dozier
HI my son is 8 yrs old he is swinging a TPX omaha 28in 18oz -10 bat and its alittle heavy should i go with the catalyst 28 17 -11 or a 27in 17 oz bat? Thank You john
My 10-year-old is a lightweight travel baseball player who really wants a big barrel (that meets the USSSA 1.15 criteria). Is this a good bat for him? At roughly 5 feet, 70 pounds, what is the ideal length/weight of the bat? And what are the pros AND cons of a big barrel that is -12 compared to a 2 1/4 bat with the same weight diff? Thanks! omahajo
My 8 year old has been using a 29"(-12) 2 1/4" bat but wants a 2 5/8" for travel ball this spring. His coach recommends finding a 29"(-12), though I'm weary of the Triton pricewise and the Omaha on the other end looks to be too heavy. Seems the Catalyst would be a good compromise, would there be a big difference between -11 and -12? He is 4'7" but skinny/60 lbs. Thanks. SCS
Is this BBCOR certified? baseball
My son is 9 (4'6', 75lbs) and plays for a 9u travel team. I need to get him a new bat because the league now requires the USSSA stamp. He has been using a 27in, 17oz easton. He tried a 28in, 18 oz yesterday at batting practice but felt it was to heavy. He is a contact hitter with not a lot of "pop". I was considering this bat at the 28in, 17oz (I like the -11). What do you think, any suggestions. Dave
Does this bat meet the new USSSA Baseball bat requirements. Is it a qualified BBCORE bat? Pati
Hello, my son plays travel ball. he is in an 11U team. He is 5'1" and 120 pounds. Does this is a good bat for him or I should consider the worth 2013 that you have? What size I should get for him? Xavi
How does the TPX Catalyst compare to the Easton S-3? I know that the Catalyst is fully composite and the S-3 is metal alloy. I'm looking for the bat with the most pop and durability. Thanks. Brad
Just bought this bat for my 12u son. Just wondering other than cage time, what maybe can we do to break this bat in? chuck
Does this bat have a stamp saying it is approved for pony league play? Don
Is this bat balanced or end loaded? JB
My son is a 10yr old power hitter. He used 29"/20oz Miken Torch and 30"/18oz TPX Omaha XT Stiff last year. He is 5ft tall and 100lbs. Will Catalyst provide the pop like his Miken and the durability of his TPX XT Stiff? Would you recommend 30" or 31"? Thank you! GIG
Does this bat say approved for Pony League play? Rich
My son plays 11U tournament ball. He is 4'11 and 83lbs, last year he used 28"/18oz he is looking at the 30"/19oz for the 2012 year. What do you think. ccoaltrain
Is this bat legal for Dizzy Dean? Hood
Is this bat all composite and how many hits does it take to break in? Jforce
Being a composite bat, will this bat be legal for Senior League in 2013? I have heard rumors that the new bat rules effective January 1, 2012 will soon change again and rumor has it that composite bats will be banned because once broken in, they will no longer meet the 1.15 BPF regulation. Is there any truth to this? Russ
Is the USSSA 1.15 BPF stamp on this bat protected in any way? ie. under the finished coat. Padre
My son is anxious to start breaking in his new bat. How will the bat be affected if he uses it on his Hit Away? aal
Is this a good bat to get for a coach pitch 8u team? monty
Why is this bat $100 less than the Z-1000? Brian
What is the lowest temperature this bat can safely be used in? Bob
Is this bat approved for Junior League baseball 2012? EcllseanIs
How many swings do you think it will take to break in this bat ? cabaseball
This bat is not BBCOR labeled? zolt
We need a bat that has IPF stamp or USSSA. Is this bat legal for this year? funny guy
Is it OK to use this bat in a batting cage with cage balls and not real baseballs? Coach
Is this bat approved for 11U USSSA? Thanks. Redbone
is this bat approved for Junior league play? Wyatt
My son has been using the Prodigy (29/19) SLP102 with great results. Is batting over .600 in USSSA, AAU ball in central Florida with his first home run in our last tournament. Was looking for a bat for next season and keep coming back to this bat. He is 4'8" and 70 pounds. Would you suggest the Catalyst 30/19 or go back with the Legit? Looking for good pop and balance. Great bat speed and contact type hitter that drives the ball. Please suggest other bats you feel would fit the bill. Have also been looking at the Vertex. 9U FL Coach
Does this bat come in any of your bat packs? Txdad35
Z1000 vs Catalyst vs Triton senior league bats. Z1000 has the disks inserted in the barrel to not allow the bat to over perform. The Triton and Catalyst do not. Does that mean the Triton and the Catalyst will out perform the Z1000? Also since the Triton is made of more durable composite than the Catalyst, the Catalyst would be the hottest of the 3? 9u florida coach
Why is the 27/16 no longer avaliable? kowbilly
Will you be getting any more 30/19 bats? 9U Florida Coach
Is this bat legal for Babe Ruth? Babe Ruth to be
Do you have a 31" 19 oz in stock? bmansuperstar
Is a 18.5oz to heavy for 10U? jewels
Do you anticipate any availability for 29" 18oz? JJ
Can you use this bat in 13U AAU in MA? "E"
Can you comment on the durability of this bat compared to the Combat B3 SL1? 10U guy
Do you think the 31 20 would be too big for my son? He is about 4' 6" and 70 lbs. He is currently using a 30 18 vendetta but would like to switch to a full composite big barrel. I'm worried about the length. Erin
When do you restock the 30" 19oz bat? playin ball
Any chance that the 28" 17 oz. option of this bat will be available again this fall? 8u Coach
When will there be a new stamp? Senior League
Is this bat better than the 2013 Louisville Slugger TPX catalyst: sl13c Senior League? Samurai234
My 8yr old son 4'5" 70lbs is currently using a reflex 30" 2 1/4 barrel 17oz bat. He is hitting decent with this but would like to get an upgrade since everyone else is using big barrel bats on his team. Am wondering if going to 29" length is ok in this bat to keep the jump in weight down and to also be more in line with other kids his age and also inline with the "Bat Coach" recommendations on this site. kth142
Legal for middle school baseball? Chris
Is the Louisville Slugger TPX Catalyst: SL12C Senior League baseball bat as good as the other Catalysts? nation
My son is 10 years old, 4'10" and 90 pounds. What would be the recommended bat size and weight? kcsaler
Sorry several questions. I purchased two TPX Catalyst for my boys (8 and 10). Is it true you should not use the composite bats in batting cages? Explain the "break in" period to me (length of time, number of hits). Do you recommend a tuff sleeve or similar product for use during practice to extend bat life ? Will that effect the break ii? Thanks Wendy
My son is 9yrs, 4'9", 90lbs plays select ball. Is currently playing with a 28" 18oz 2"3/4" Omaha.. which would you recommend (Omaha or Catalyst) and what size? Santa
The description says that this bat is legal for use in 2012. Will it be legal in 2013? Colzie
I am torn between the 2013 Easton S1: SL13S110 Senior League bat or the TPX Catalyst. My 8U son is used to a 29" 17oz. bat, but Easton does not make a bat it that series with those dimensions. Is the Catalyst fairly comparable? Thanks for your help! Ken Ken
Do you offer this in a 28"? Erika
How would you compare this bat to the Easton S3? Just want to know difference in performance and balance. My son plays on 9 year old travel that plays about 60 games. MK
Is this legal in Babe Ruth for 2013? The rules state that a composite barrel bat needs to be marked BBCOR .50 Dave
Is this bat USSSA certified? me
My son is 95 lbs. and 49" tall. Would this be a good bat for him? Jake
Can this bat lose its pop? Richard
Does this bat still come with warranty even though it's last year's model? bobby o
I am 5' 1" and 93 pounds. Is a 31" 20 oz. good for me? Johnny
Is this bat approved for Babe Ruth? mcr234483298539852
About the Brand
In 1842, J. Frederick Hillerich emigrated with his family from Baden-Baden, Germany to the United States. Eight years before, the 1834 Book of Sports had made its debut as the nation's first publication covering baseball. But when he arrived in Baltimore, J. Frederick Hillerich would never have dreamed of the future impact his family would have on America's favorite pastime.
After a short while, the Hillerichs moved to Louisville, where J. Fred started a woodworking shop in 1856. Two of his sons, Adam and John Andrew "Bud" were born in the United States and would later join their father in his business. By 1864 "J.F. Hillerich, Job Turning" was in operation and filled orders for businesses by custom-turning everything from balusters to bedposts.
The firm thrived, and by 1875 the little woodworking shop employed about 20 people. In 1880 Bud Hillerich, who was an amateur baseball player, became an apprentice in his father's shop. Young Bud made his own baseball bats along with bats for several of his teammates.
The debate over the origins of the first bat continues to generate controversy among baseball enthusiasts, but the younger Hillerich was most certainly involved in getting his father's business involved with what would become the company's signature item. According to company legend, the first bat was turned by Bud for Pete "The Old Gladiator" Browning in 1884. Browning was a star on Louisville's professional American Association team - the Eclipse. On a spring afternoon Bud, then seventeen, witnessed Browning break his favorite bat. Bud offered to make a bat for his hero, and Browning accepted. After the young wood shop apprentice lathed a quality stick from white ash, according to the story, Browning got three hits with it in the next game.
Louisville Slugger gloves are worn by more pitchers in Major League Baseball than any other glove.
Bat Properties
Approved For | USSSA |
---|---|
Barrel Diameter | 2 5/8 |
Baseball Bats | Youth |
Bat Type | Baseball |
Deals | Closeout Bats Bundle and Save |
Length to Weight Ratio | -11 |
Material | Composite |
Vendor | Louisville Slugger |
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