2027 Easton Rival Slowpitch Bat Review
The 2027 Rival moves up to ALX100, the alloy Easton uses well into its baseball line, in a loaded 34" slowpitch build sold in one-ounce steps (26, 27, 28oz).
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: First-pass score, clearly labeled: no independent exit-velocity data yet for the 2027 edition. Carried from the 2024 Rival (ESD4RVL): same ALX100 loaded one-piece build. Sub-$175 non-wood ceiling applies.
Our Review
The Rival is the middle of Easton's 2027 slowpitch alloy trio, and the first one that uses ALX100 rather than the entry ALX75. That matters more than the naming suggests: ALX100 is the alloy in Easton's mid-tier baseball bats, and in a 12" slowpitch barrel it produces a livelier, more forgiving response than the Hammer or Rebel. The loaded balance point and the 34"/26, 34"/27 and 34"/28oz sizing target the league player who knows exactly what swing weight they want. It carries the full sanctioning slate, so it plays in USA/ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA and WBSC leagues. We scored the 2024 Rival (ESD4RVL) at 6.3 and the 2027 description points to the same construction with new graphics, so that score carries as a first pass. It is a good $120 alloy; it is not a composite, and a hitter chasing distance should budget for one.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ALX100 is a real step up from the ALX75 in the Hammer and Rebel — livelier barrel, wider usable area
- Three 34" weights in one-ounce steps let a hitter dial in swing weight precisely
- One-piece alloy: ready out of the wrapper, cold-weather proof
Cons
- Still a single-wall alloy; composite bats at $200+ hit noticeably harder
- 34" only — no 33" option
- Sold out at CheapBats at the time of writing
Full Specifications
| Brand | Easton |
|---|---|
| Model | Rival |
| Model Year | 2027 |
| Certification | Slowpitch |
| Sport | Softball |
| Construction | One-piece ALX100 alloy, 12" barrel, end-loaded |
| Model # | ESD7RVL |
| Drop | — |
| Barrel | 2 1/4" |
| Swing Weight | End-loaded |
| MSRP | $119 |
Where to Buy
2027 Easton Rival Slowpitch Bat — FAQ
Is the 2027 Easton Rival a good Slowpitch bat?
We rate it 6.3/10 (Grade C). The 2027 Rival moves up to ALX100, the alloy Easton uses well into its baseball line, in a loaded 34" slowpitch build sold in one-ounce steps (26, 27, 28oz).
Is the Easton Rival Slowpitch-legal?
Yes — it's Slowpitch certified by the certifying labs. Certified for USSSA / NSA / ISA slowpitch play.
How much does the 2027 Rival cost?
MSRP is $119. 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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