Louisville Slugger recently introduced the most expensive baseball bat ever sold at retail. Is the $50 premium over the already pricey $449 Prime 919 BBCOR worth it? Is the Meta Prime BBCOR better than the Prime 919 BBCOR?
The answer is no. It is different, but not better.
Both bats destroy the ball. Let’s get that out of the way. There is a good chance you’re here because you already know the Prime 919 is good.
So, what is the difference between the Prime and Meta Prime?
Stiffer
The Meta Prime has a stiffer feel than the Prime 919 BBCOR. This is 100% a preference thing. While I could tell the difference when I swung them one after another, the difference was not big enough that I could argue for one either way.
Sound
The Meta Prime is louder than the 2019 Prime BBCOR. The Meta sounds more like a metal bat (even though it is composite). The Prime 919 sounds like a composite bat.
Balanced
The Meta Prime is slightly more balanced. This, like the stiff feel, are 100% preference. I like smaller barrels and end loaded bats. Some people prefer a balanced feel. More end load means more power, but when facing a really fast pitcher the balanced swing weight facilitates quicker action to the ball.
Larger Barrel Profile (barely)
The Meta Prime has a slightly larger barrel profile. Again, totally a preference thing. I personally prefer the smaller barrel profile of the Prime 919. Whatever your preference is, you’re not wrong. The Meta Prime barrel reminds me of the new Easton ADV BBCOR barrel.
Similarities
The two bats are actually very similar at the core. They both hit the ball very well. Both are super expensive. Both are composite. No sting or vibration from either stick. I personally squared the ball up better with the Prime 919, but if you like balanced bats, spend the extra $50. Either way, you are looking at two of the best 2019 BBCOR bats on the field. Ultimately, the regular old Prime 919 BBCOR is what I would choose.
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How do you compare the 2019 Meta Prime to the 2020 Meta. I know Lousville Sugger says they are the same other than the paint job, but why are People paying 1k for a new 2019 and $500++ for used 2019s instead of getting the new 2020 model?
Both are good bats, but in no way worth the price tag when you can get a Victus Vandal BBCOR or a Cat 8 or an Easton ADV BBCOR that perform just as well or better, at a much more reasonable price. To answer your question, the red one is much hotter in our testing. We think maybe Louisville Slugger had to tone the blue one down to conform to the BBCOR limits.
Thank you
my son swing the 2017 Prime 917 now and was looking for a more balanced bat.. you have any thoughts on if the 2019 Meta Prime is more balanced than the 2015 Prime 917? His buddy gave him a 2017 Prime 915 and he likes the feel/balance etc..
Unfortunately, we don’t have a 2015 Prime on hand to compare to the 2019 Meta.