Fred FontzNovember 26, 2021
The 2022 LS Meta is an outstanding three-piece all-composite BBCOR bat. It offers a surprisingly stiff feel for composite model.
We really like the bat. It doesn’t quite reach the heyday of the ’19 and 2’20 models. It’s a bat designed for top of the order hitters; it’s not known as a true power hitters’ model.
Every year we struggle balance pricing in our scoring system. Pricing can play a significant role in the review of the bat. If you eliminate pricing from the equation, the score goes from 4.4 to 4.5.
With that in mind, the Meta is one of the best BBCOR bats on the market. It takes the best qualities of a composite bat and balances it with a stiff connection point to give it the feel of a one-piece model.
Build 4.9
The Meta is built from EKO Composite material which Louisville claims to be “aerospace-grade carbon fiber”.
The bat is built with several layers of carbon sacked on top of each other. This offers premier lightweight performance.
Comfort 4.8
Louisville has developed a reputation for some of the best bat grips in the game. The Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip provides great tack and added cushion for hitters to swing with confidence and comfort.
Even with a few hundred swings, testers found that the bat didn’t cause any discomfort or blisters.
The bat is very forgiving on mishits. Players tell us that they don’t get much negative feedback at all.
Durability 5.0
Having space-grade carbon makes for great durability. Stacking the bat with multiple layers ensures that the bat can hold up over time.
We have no doubt that this bat will last through an entire season for you.
Pop 3.5
The 2022 Meta isn’t designed for elite power, it’s designed for elite contact and bat control.
It won’t take any power away from you, but the Meta doesn’t generate much power for you either.
It’s worth noting, there are two models this year. The Meta is designed for contact and bat control. The Meta PWR is a bit more end-loaded which makes it a better option for power hitters.
The Meta PWR has a pop around a 4.2.
Pricing 4.0
The Meta competes with the best contact bats on the market. While we’re impressed with the quality and performance of the LS Meta, it’s hard to justify the price tag. There is only bat (the Marucci CAT9 Composite) that costs more.
With that in mind, we can’t give the 2022 Meta a great score on pricing.
Compared to other BBCOR bats
Here are a few other BBCOR models that you should consider before making your choice.
LS Meta vs. CAT9 Composite Pastime
The most comparable bat is probably the CAT9 Composite Pastime. It’s a great two-piece, all-composite bat that is slightly end-loaded. The build is fairly comparable.
The CAT9 is the only bat that is more expensive than the Meta. Because of how stiff the Meta feels and the fact that you can opt for the Meta or the Meta PWR, we’d definitely recommend the LS Meta over the CAT9.
Check out our Marucci CAT9 Composite Pastime BBCOR bat review
LS Meta vs. DeMarini Zoa
The Zoa is a great bat. It has a light swing weight and a stiff connection just like the Meta does. It’s designed to maximize swing speed.
The Zoa is priced at $500 just like the Meta, but we significantly prefer the Meta. If we’re being honest, it’s really not that close.
Check out our 2022 DeMarini Zoa BBCOR bat review
LS Meta vs. Easton ADV Hype
The Easton ADV Hype is a great option if you’re looking for a BBCOR bat for contact hitters. It’s an outstanding bat.
It’s rumored to use the old TCT composite technology from when the Easton Mako was dominating the market. It’s a two-piece composite bat that is designed with bat control in mind.
While the ADV Hype is a quality model, we’d take consistently the Meta instead.
Check out our 2022 Easton ADV Hype BBCOR bat review
The answer to the questions depends on which model you decide to purchase. The Meta is designed for top of the line up hitters who are going to make contact and put the ball in play. It’s a great model for bat control.
The Meta PWR is better for power hitters. It still offers bat control and quality contact, but it’s a bit more end-loaded to allow for better power transfer.
- Large sweet spot.
- Great bat control.
- Comfortable grip.
- Designed for contact.
- One of the most expensive bats on the market.
Conclusion
We struggle to recommend a bat that costs $500 because we realize how cost prohibitive that is.
If you’re willing to spend that much, this model won’t disappoint. It’s an incredible BBCOR bat for contact hitters.