2026 Combat MFG Ruby Richie CR-1 2-Piece (USSSA) Slowpitch Bat Review
Combat MFG adds a Ruby Richie signature model to the SPEC CR1 slowpitch line: a two-piece USSSA build with a 12.75-inch triple-barrel composite barrel, a half-ounce end load, and a mid-flex handle aimed at hitters who want a loaded swing with two-piece comfort.
Been on the market a while — keep an eye out for in-season price drops.
Check today's price →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.
This bat: 12.75-inch triple-barrel composite is among the longer hitting surfaces in the CR1 line
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.
This bat: 0.5 oz end load and CR1 trampoline drive distance without an extreme load
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.
This bat: Two-piece connection plus mid-flex handle damp sting well
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.
This bat: CR1 composite has held up well across the line; too new for long-term data
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).
This bat: $299.99 undercuts the comparable Bradley Jones two-piece by $30
Why this score: Scored against the 2026 Bradley Jones 2-piece (8.2): the longer 12.75-inch barrel earns a slightly higher sweet-spot score, feel and load are comparable, and the lower price lifts value. No measured lab/exit-velo numbers exist yet for this brand-new model, so scores are platform-based first-pass estimates.
Our Review
The Ruby Richie CR-1 brings a new signature name to Combat MFG's SPEC CR1 platform. The core recipe is familiar: triple-barrel composite construction tuned for a consistent trampoline effect, here stretched across a 12.75-inch barrel that gives this bat a noticeably longer hitting surface than the 12-inch Bradley Jones two-piece. The 0.5 oz end load adds momentum without tipping into extreme-load territory, and the mid-flex handle splits the difference between control and whip through the zone. The two-piece connection does its usual job of cutting hand sting on mishits, and Combat's ultra-tacky Clinch Spec grip locks the hands in. Offered in 25, 26, and 27 oz weights and approved for USSSA, ISA, and NSA play, it slots in as the longer-barreled, slightly cheaper alternative to the Bradley Jones two-piece for hitters who want forgiveness with their load.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 12.75-inch barrel gives the CR1 platform a longer, more forgiving hitting surface
- Two-piece build damps vibration while the mid-flex handle keeps some whip
- Moderate 0.5 oz end load suits a wide range of swing types
Cons
- Only three weight options (25-27 oz) at launch
- Brand-new model with no independent performance data yet
Full Specifications
| Brand | Combat MFG |
|---|---|
| Model | Ruby Richie CR-1 2-Piece (USSSA) |
| Model Year | 2026 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite (SPEC CR1 triple-barrel) |
| Model # | CSU6RR3L |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 12.75" |
| Swing Weight | End-load (.5 oz) |
| MSRP | $299 |
Where to Buy
2026 Combat MFG Ruby Richie CR-1 2-Piece (USSSA) Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2026 Combat MFG Ruby Richie CR-1 2-Piece (USSSA) a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 8.2/10 (Grade A). Combat MFG adds a Ruby Richie signature model to the SPEC CR1 slowpitch line: a two-piece USSSA build with a 12.75-inch triple-barrel composite barrel, a half-ounce end load, and a mid-flex handle aimed at hitters who want a loaded swing with two-piece comfort.
Is the Combat MFG Ruby Richie CR-1 2-Piece (USSSA) Slowpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Slowpitch certified by the certifying labs. Certified for USSSA / NSA / ISA slowpitch play.
How much does the 2026 Ruby Richie CR-1 2-Piece (USSSA) cost?
MSRP is $299. 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: Combat MFG — Ruby Richie CR-1 USSSA Slowpitch Bat (CSU6RR3L)