2026 Easton Empire Dennis Rulli 2-Piece Loaded 12" SSUSA Slowpitch Bat Review
Dennis Rulli's signature Empire is the short-barrel, two-piece senior option: a 12-inch quick-flex barrel on Easton's CXN MC3+ connection with a Loaded (not Motherload) swing.
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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.
This bat: 12-inch quick-flex barrel is lively but shorter than its siblings.
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: Loaded weighting gives real carry without the Motherload extreme.
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: CXN MC3+ two-piece is the softest feel in the line.
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: Two-piece senior composite with no warranty coverage.
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: Signature-priced, currently discounted.
Why this score: Positioned beside the two-piece Empire Greg Connell Loaded: slightly better feel and swing-weight friendliness, slightly less barrel. No independent lab data exists for senior slowpitch bats; scores are spec- and platform-based.
Our Review
The 2026 Easton Empire Dennis Rulli is the compact, two-piece take on Easton's senior slowpitch line. Where the Connell models run a triple-wall barrel, the Rulli uses Soft-Ply Carbon Quick Flex walls with Easton's Plural Resin System, so the 12-inch barrel is designed to give on contact and rebound through the ball rather than rely on sheer wall count. The CXN MC3+ connection joins it to a 150-flex handle for a smoother two-piece feel, and the Power Boost soft knob rounds out the bottom hand. The weighting is Loaded rather than Motherload, which makes this the most swingable Empire senior bat for hitters who want end weight without the extreme cap mass of the 13-inch Connell. The shorter 12-inch barrel trades some hitting surface for quicker barrel delivery. It is offered in 25, 26 and 27 oz, approved for SSUSA and ISA play, and — like every Empire senior bat — carries no manufacturer warranty. A good fit for the senior hitter who wants a softer two-piece feel and a loaded-but-not-brutal swing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Quick-flex two-piece feel is easier on the hands than the one-piece Empires
- Loaded weighting is more manageable than Motherload
- Compact 12-inch barrel delivers quickly through the zone
Cons
- Shorter barrel than the 12.75 and 13-inch Empires
- No manufacturer warranty
- Not in stock everywhere yet
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Empire Dennis Rulli 2-Piece Loaded 12" SSUSA |
| Model Year | 2026 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite (Soft-Ply Carbon Quick Flex walls, Plural Resin System, CXN MC3+ connection, 150 Handle Flex) |
| Model # | ESS6EDRL |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 12" |
| Swing Weight | Loaded |
| MSRP | $279 |
Where to Buy
2026 Easton Empire Dennis Rulli 2-Piece Loaded 12" SSUSA Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2026 Easton Empire Dennis Rulli 2-Piece Loaded 12" SSUSA a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 8.5/10 (Grade A). Dennis Rulli's signature Empire is the short-barrel, two-piece senior option: a 12-inch quick-flex barrel on Easton's CXN MC3+ connection with a Loaded (not Motherload) swing.
Is the Easton Empire Dennis Rulli 2-Piece Loaded 12" SSUSA Slowpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Slowpitch certified by the certifying labs. Certified for USSSA / NSA / ISA slowpitch play.
How much does the 2026 Empire Dennis Rulli 2-Piece Loaded 12" SSUSA cost?
MSRP is $279. We've seen it for $249.99. 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 — 2026 Easton Empire Dennis Rulli 2-Piece Loaded SSUSA (ESS6EDRL) · Smash It Sports — ESS6EDRL