2018 Easton Ghost X USA Baseball Bat Review
The Ghost X was Easton's premium USA-bat composite for 2018, with a long EXACT carbon barrel and a big sweet spot. It was a top performer on paper, though the USA-standard version drew criticism for an unusual hand feel.
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 Ghost X USA earns strong sweet spot and power for a first-generation USA composite, with a friendly balanced swing. Feel is marked down honestly: the USA version was widely reported to ring the hands in an unusual way for some hitters. Durability is typical for the era and value is good at clearance pricing.
Our Review
When the USABat standard arrived for 2018, the Ghost X was Easton's flagship answer in youth ball: a two-piece, fully composite bat with an EXACT carbon barrel, CONNEXION+ connection and Easton's X-tended barrel design for a long, forgiving sweet spot. In the -10 it swings balanced and light, which made it popular with younger USA-bat hitters moving up. Performance-wise the barrel is genuinely big and the bat is among the better USA composites of its first generation. The honest caveat, well documented by reviewers and hitters at the time, is that the USA version of the Ghost X could ring the hands in an unconventional way and didn't feel right to every hitter — a quirk tied to how composites behaved under the new, lower-performance USA standard. It is still a strong USA composite at clearance pricing, but it is worth trying for feel before committing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long EXACT carbon barrel gives a large sweet spot for a USA bat
- Balanced -10 swing is light and easy for younger hitters
- One of the better USA composites of its first generation
Cons
- USA version drew documented criticism for an unusual hand feel/sting
- Previous-generation composite, since replaced in Easton's lineup
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Ghost X |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Certification | USA Baseball |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite (EXACT carbon barrel, CONNEXION+ connection) |
| Model # | YBB18GX10 |
| Drop | -10 |
| Barrel | 2 5/8" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $349 |
Where to Buy
2018 Easton Ghost X USA Baseball Bat — FAQ
Is the 2018 Easton Ghost X a good USA Baseball bat?
We rate it 7.6/10 (Grade B). The Ghost X was Easton's premium USA-bat composite for 2018, with a long EXACT carbon barrel and a big sweet spot. It was a top performer on paper, though the USA-standard version drew criticism for an unusual hand feel.
What drops does the Ghost X come in?
The 2018 Ghost X USA Baseball comes in -10.
Is the Easton Ghost X USA Baseball-legal?
Yes — it's USA Baseball certified by the WSU Sports Science Lab. USA Baseball (USABat) approved — a wood-like performance standard for youth USA leagues.
How much does the 2018 Ghost X cost?
MSRP is $349. 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.
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