2018 Easton Beast X Speed BBCOR Bat Review
Easton's value one-piece alloy for 2018. The Beast X Speed pairs an extended ATAC alloy barrel with a balanced swing and a low price, making it a dependable, no-break-in option.
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: The Beast X Speed scores highest on value and durability: a dependable one-piece alloy that is hot immediately at a low price. Feel and sweet spot are a step down because the stiff single-piece build stings more on mishits than a two-piece bat.
Our Review
The Beast X Speed is the budget-friendly, get-on-the-field alloy of the Beast X family. Its one-piece ATAC alloy build delivers a stiff, traditional feel and is hot the moment you unwrap it, with no break-in to wait out. Easton's X-tended barrel design stretches the sweet spot for a long aluminum barrel, and the balanced swing weight keeps it quick for contact hitters and players stepping up to the -3. You give up the dampened feel of a two-piece, so mishits will sting more than on a hybrid or composite, but for the money it is one of the more durable, dependable alloy bats of its year.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hot out of the wrapper with zero break-in
- Long ATAC alloy barrel with a balanced, quick swing
- Strong value at a low price point
Cons
- One-piece alloy transmits more sting on mishits
- Lacks the sweet-spot size of premium composites
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Beast X Speed |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Certification | BBCOR |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | One-piece aluminum (ATAC alloy extended barrel with Z-Core technology) |
| Model # | BB18BXS |
| Drop | -3 |
| Barrel | 2 5/8" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $199 |
Where to Buy
2018 Easton Beast X Speed BBCOR Bat — FAQ
Is the 2018 Easton Beast X Speed a good BBCOR bat?
We rate it 7.4/10 (Grade B). Easton's value one-piece alloy for 2018. The Beast X Speed pairs an extended ATAC alloy barrel with a balanced swing and a low price, making it a dependable, no-break-in option.
What drops does the Beast X Speed come in?
The 2018 Beast X Speed BBCOR comes in -3.
Is the Easton Beast X Speed 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.
How much does the 2018 Beast X Speed cost?
MSRP is $199. 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.