2017 DeMarini Voodoo Balanced BBCOR Bat Review
The first balanced Voodoo, the 2017 model paired an X14 alloy barrel with a composite handle for a hybrid that swung lighter than the end-loaded Voodoos before it. Performance was real; DeMarini's durability and warranty record are the lasting concern.
There's a newer version available. See the 2019 Voodoo Balanced — the current model → 7.8/10Been 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: On performance the 2017 Voodoo Balanced is a solid hybrid BBCOR: a hot X14 alloy barrel, a balanced fast swing, and good two-piece feel. It comes down on durability and value because DeMarini bats of this era carry a documented record of breakage and stingy warranty service, so a more reliable alternative is the safer long-term buy.
Our Review
The 2017 DeMarini Voodoo Balanced marked a turning point for the line: after years of end-loaded Voodoos, this was the first balanced version, built as a two-piece hybrid with an X14 alloy barrel and a D-Fusion 2.0 composite handle. The alloy barrel is hot out of the wrapper with a stiff, lively feel, while the composite handle and two-piece connection add barrel flex for a trampoline effect, and the balanced swing makes it noticeably faster and easier to control than the heavier Voodoos that came before. On pure performance it was a competitive hybrid BBCOR. Our reservation is the long game: DeMarini bats of this period have a well-documented record of durability problems and a warranty process that frustrates buyers, both of which matter over a full season. A hitter who wants this balanced hybrid profile is better protected with a preferred-brand alternative that stands behind its product.
Also worth a look: Victus Vandal — A balanced, fast-swinging hybrid BBCOR with an alloy barrel and composite end — the same speed-first profile as the Voodoo Balanced — from a preferred brand with a stronger durability and support record..
Insider Note
On a visit to DeMarini's factory in Oregon, I saw 4–5 pallets of broken bats waiting on warranty returns — and was told that's a normal day. Durability has always been the knock on DeMarini, and it's a big reason we steer hitters to brands that stand behind their product.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- X14 alloy barrel is hot out of the wrapper with a stiff, lively feel
- Two-piece hybrid build adds barrel flex for a trampoline effect
- Balanced swing is faster and more controllable than past Voodoos
Cons
- DeMarini bats of this era carry a documented durability and warranty knock
- Hybrid feedback on bad mishits is busier than a full composite
Full Specifications
| Brand | DeMarini |
|---|---|
| Model | Voodoo Balanced |
| Model Year | 2017 |
| Certification | BBCOR |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | Two-piece hybrid (X14 alloy barrel, D-Fusion 2.0 composite handle) |
| Model # | WTDXVBC |
| Drop | -3 |
| Barrel | 2 5/8" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | — |
Where to Buy
2017 DeMarini Voodoo Balanced BBCOR Bat — FAQ
Is the 2017 DeMarini Voodoo Balanced a good BBCOR bat?
We rate it 7.7/10 (Grade B). The first balanced Voodoo, the 2017 model paired an X14 alloy barrel with a composite handle for a hybrid that swung lighter than the end-loaded Voodoos before it. Performance was real; DeMarini's durability and warranty record are the lasting concern.
What drops does the Voodoo Balanced come in?
The 2017 Voodoo Balanced BBCOR comes in -3.
Is the DeMarini Voodoo Balanced BBCOR-legal?
Yes — it's BBCOR certified by the WSU Sports Science Lab. Certified to the BBCOR .50 standard — the barrel is regulated to perform like wood, so it’s legal for high school and college.
New to buying bats? Read our bat sizing guide, certifications explained, or browse all guides.
You May Also Like
