2026 Easton Empire Loaded 1-Piece SSUSA Slowpitch Bat Review
The one-piece version of Greg Connell's signature Empire, this SSUSA senior slowpitch hammer pairs a triple-wall barrel with a high-flex handle for a stiff, powerful load.
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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: A hot triple-wall senior barrel with strong power from the end load. The one-piece feel is stiff and direct; swing-weight friendliness is lower due to the load. Value is steady at the signature price.
Our Review
The 2026 Easton Empire Loaded 1-Piece is Greg Connell's signature SSUSA senior slowpitch bat in a pure one-piece composite build, using a triple-wall barrel and a high-flex 150 handle to deliver a hot, stiff, loaded swing. The one-piece design gives a direct, connected feel that many senior power hitters prefer over a two-piece, with the end load driving the ball deep. It is built for the higher-compression senior game and mashes out of the wrapper. As a premium signature bat it asks a real price, and the heavy, loaded swing is meant for strong senior hitters rather than balanced-swing players.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Triple-wall barrel is hot for senior slowpitch
- End load drives the ball deep
- Stiff, connected one-piece feel
Cons
- Heavy loaded swing suits strong hitters only
- Premium signature pricing
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Empire Loaded 1-Piece SSUSA |
| Model Year | 2026 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | One-piece composite (Triple Wall barrel, 150 high-flex handle) |
| Model # | ESS6EMPC1L |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 12.75" |
| Swing Weight | End-loaded |
| MSRP | $279 |
Where to Buy
2026 Easton Empire Loaded 1-Piece SSUSA Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2026 Easton Empire Loaded 1-Piece SSUSA a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 8.7/10 (Grade A). The one-piece version of Greg Connell's signature Empire, this SSUSA senior slowpitch hammer pairs a triple-wall barrel with a high-flex handle for a stiff, powerful load.
Is the Easton Empire Loaded 1-Piece 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 Loaded 1-Piece 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 Loaded 1-Piece SSUSA (ESS6EMPC1L)