2024 Easton Alpha Balanced (USSSA) Slowpitch Bat Review
The 2024 Easton Alpha Balanced is a two-piece composite USSSA slowpitch bat with a 13-inch 232-Technology barrel and balanced swing weight, certified to the 240 NTS standard for hitters who want speed and control.
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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: Swing weight, value and feel lead thanks to the balanced two-piece build and current 240 NTS certification. Power trails the loaded Alpha and the pricier Resmondo/Tantrum lines.
Our Review
The 2024 Alpha Balanced is Easton's mid-tier two-piece slowpitch bat, sitting below the Resmondo and Tantrum lines but sharing the family's 232 Technology barrel, a plural-resin system designed to vary compression across the hitting zone for a larger effective sweet spot. The balanced swing weight and 13-inch barrel are tuned for bat speed and control rather than maximum carry, making this a friendly option for contact hitters and all-around swingers. A CXN MC+ connection joins barrel and handle to cut vibration and smooth out the feel on mishits. Importantly, the Alpha is certified to the newer USSSA 240 NTS standard along with NSA and ISA, so it stays legal as associations tighten compression testing. As a composite it benefits from a short break-in before reaching peak pop. For the money it is a reasonable all-around USSSA bat, though power hitters will want a loaded or end-loaded model.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 232 Technology barrel offers a broad, forgiving sweet spot
- Balanced swing weight is easy to control and quick through the zone
- Certified to the newer USSSA 240 NTS standard plus NSA and ISA
Cons
- Balanced profile gives up carry to loaded models
- Requires a short break-in to reach full pop
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Alpha Balanced (USSSA) |
| Model Year | 2024 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite (232 Technology barrel, CXN MC+ joint) |
| Model # | ESU3ALB |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 13" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $249 |
Where to Buy
2024 Easton Alpha Balanced (USSSA) Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2024 Easton Alpha Balanced (USSSA) a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 7.8/10 (Grade B). The 2024 Easton Alpha Balanced is a two-piece composite USSSA slowpitch bat with a 13-inch 232-Technology barrel and balanced swing weight, certified to the 240 NTS standard for hitters who want speed and control.
Is the Easton Alpha Balanced (USSSA) Slowpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Slowpitch certified by the certifying labs. Certified for USSSA / NSA / ISA slowpitch play.
How much does the 2024 Alpha Balanced (USSSA) cost?
MSRP is $249. We've seen it for $200. 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: CheapBats — 2024 Easton Alpha Balanced USSSA ESU3ALB · Smash It Sports — 2024 Easton Alpha USSSA ESU3ALB