2023 Easton Tantrum Balanced Slowpitch Bat Review
The 2023 Easton Tantrum Balanced is a one-piece HDK23 composite USSSA slowpitch bat with a 13-inch G4S G4orce barrel and an even swing weight aimed at contact hitters.
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 long balanced barrel earns strong sweet-spot, swing-weight and value scores. Power trails loaded bats and the one-piece feel keeps the feel score modest.
Our Review
The Tantrum is Easton's value-forward one-piece slowpitch platform, and the 2023 balanced version targets hitters who want a long barrel without an end load. It runs Easton's G4S G4orce barrel technology in HDK23 carbon fiber, using a triple-region flex and plural-resin design to spread compression across the full 13-inch barrel. The result is a large sweet spot and a bat that comes alive quickly out of the wrapper. The balanced swing weight is the headline here. With mass distributed evenly, the bat stays quick through the zone and is easy to square up, making it a fit for contact and gap hitters. Being a one-piece, the feel is stiff and direct — some hitters love that feedback, while others will notice more sting on off-center contact than a two-piece would give. There's no end load to lean on, so dedicated power hitters will want the loaded Tantrum instead. For its price point, the balanced Tantrum is a lot of barrel and a sensible everyday bat for the contact crowd.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 13-inch G4S G4orce barrel creates a large, variable-compression sweet spot
- Balanced load keeps the one-piece quick and controllable
- HDK23 carbon fiber gives a stiff, connected feel that's hot early
Cons
- One-piece stiffness transmits more sting on mishits than a two-piece
- Balanced build sacrifices end-load carry for big swingers
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Tantrum Balanced |
| Model Year | 2023 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | One-piece composite (G4S G4orce barrel, HDK23 carbon fiber) |
| Model # | ESU3TNTB |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 13" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $279 |
Where to Buy
2023 Easton Tantrum Balanced Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2023 Easton Tantrum Balanced a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 7.7/10 (Grade B). The 2023 Easton Tantrum Balanced is a one-piece HDK23 composite USSSA slowpitch bat with a 13-inch G4S G4orce barrel and an even swing weight aimed at contact hitters.
Is the Easton Tantrum Balanced Slowpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Slowpitch certified by the certifying labs. Certified for USSSA / NSA / ISA slowpitch play.
How much does the 2023 Tantrum Balanced cost?
MSRP is $279. 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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Sources: DirectSports — 2023 Easton Tantrum 13" Balanced USSSA ESU3TNTB · CheapBats — Easton Tantrum slowpitch bats