2026 Easton Empire Greg Connell 2-Piece Loaded Slowpitch Bat Review
The 2026 Easton Empire Greg Connell 2-Piece is a loaded 12.75-inch SSUSA Senior slowpitch bat with a high-flex handle and CXN MC3+ connection, built for senior big-barrel power.
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: Power and feel lead thanks to the loaded barrel and CXN MC3+ dampening; the loaded swing weight and premium price hold back swing-weight and value scores.
Our Review
Easton's Empire line targets senior slowpitch, and the 2026 Greg Connell 2-Piece is a loaded SSUSA model with a 12.75-inch barrel. It pairs a Plural Resin System barrel and Soft-Ply Carbon Quick Flex walls with a high-flex 150 handle, joined by Easton's CXN MC3+ connection that absorbs vibration and aims to eliminate sting on mishits. The result is a senior bat engineered for explosive pop with a smooth, dampened feel. The optimized loaded swing weight stacks momentum behind the 12.75-inch barrel for senior hitters who want extra drive, while the Power Boost Soft Knob keeps the bottom hand comfortable through the swing. Easton says it is ready out of the wrapper and peaks after about 100-200 swings. It is approved for SSUSA Senior and ISA play and is offered in 25.5, 26, 27, and 28 oz. As Greg Connell's signature senior model, it is positioned as a premium SSUSA option.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Loaded 12.75-inch barrel delivers strong senior big-barrel power
- CXN MC3+ two-piece connection absorbs vibration for a smooth feel
- Ready out of the wrapper with a short break-in window
Cons
- Premium price for a single-cert senior bat
- Loaded swing weight is less forgiving for control-first hitters
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Empire Greg Connell 2-Piece Loaded |
| Model Year | 2026 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | Two-piece composite (Plural Resin System, Soft-Ply Carbon Quick Flex walls, CXN MC3+ connection) |
| Model # | ESS6EMPGCL |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 12.75" |
| Swing Weight | End-loaded |
| MSRP | $349 |
Where to Buy
2026 Easton Empire Greg Connell 2-Piece Loaded Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2026 Easton Empire Greg Connell 2-Piece Loaded a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 8.4/10 (Grade A). The 2026 Easton Empire Greg Connell 2-Piece is a loaded 12.75-inch SSUSA Senior slowpitch bat with a high-flex handle and CXN MC3+ connection, built for senior big-barrel power.
Is the Easton Empire Greg Connell 2-Piece Loaded Slowpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Slowpitch certified by the certifying labs. Certified for USSSA / NSA / ISA slowpitch play.
How much does the 2026 Empire Greg Connell 2-Piece Loaded 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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Sources: CheapBats — 2026 Easton Empire Loaded SSUSA 2-Piece 12.75" ESS6EMPGCL · Direct Sports — 2026 Easton Empire Greg Connell 2-Piece SSUSA ESS6EMPGCL