2018 Easton Ghost X USSSA Bat Review
The Ghost X was Easton's flagship travel-ball composite for 2018 and the bat that made the line a household name. Its EXACT carbon barrel and CONNEXION+ connection deliver a long barrel, a big sweet spot and a balanced, easy swing.
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 earns strong sweet spot and power marks on the strength of its long EXACT carbon barrel, and feel is excellent thanks to the CONNEXION+ connection. The balanced -10 swing is friendly for younger hitters. Durability is good for a composite of its era but not class-leading, and value is high at today's clearance prices.
Our Review
For the 2018 season the Ghost X stood at the top of Easton's USSSA lineup and went head to head with the DeMarini CF Zen and the early Meta-era composites. The barrel is built from Easton's EXACT advanced carbon and paired to the handle through the CONNEXION+ two-piece system, which dampens vibration and keeps the bat feeling smooth through contact. Easton's X-tended barrel design gives it one of the longer barrel profiles of its generation, so the sweet spot is large and forgiving for a -10 travel bat. In the drop 10 it swings balanced and gets through the zone cleanly, which made it a favorite of contact and gap hitters moving up to a 2 3/4 barrel. It has since been replaced in Easton's top spot by the ADV Hype and Hype Fire, but as a previous-generation composite it is still a genuinely good travel stick and a strong value at clearance pricing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long EXACT carbon barrel gives a large, forgiving sweet spot
- CONNEXION+ two-piece connection keeps feel smooth and dampens sting
- Balanced -10 swing is easy to control for younger travel hitters
Cons
- Previous-generation design since replaced by ADV Hype and Hype Fire
- Premium composites of this era benefit from a break-in period before peak pop
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Ghost X |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Certification | USSSA |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite (EXACT carbon barrel, CONNEXION+ connection) |
| Model # | SL18GX10 |
| Drop | -10 |
| Barrel | 2 3/4" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $349 |
Where to Buy
2018 Easton Ghost X USSSA Bat — FAQ
Is the 2018 Easton Ghost X a good USSSA bat?
We rate it 8.4/10 (Grade A). The Ghost X was Easton's flagship travel-ball composite for 2018 and the bat that made the line a household name. Its EXACT carbon barrel and CONNEXION+ connection deliver a long barrel, a big sweet spot and a balanced, easy swing.
What drops does the Ghost X come in?
The 2018 Ghost X USSSA comes in -10.
Is the Easton Ghost X USSSA-legal?
Yes — it's USSSA certified by the NTS lab. USSSA 1.15 BPF approved — the “hotter” travel-ball standard, legal for USSSA play.
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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