Fred FontzThe Axe Avenge Pro Hybrid is a 3-piece hybrid model that features an alloy barrel and a composite handle. It has almost no negative feedback at all. It offers solid pop, is incredibly comfortable and has an enormous sweet spot.
A key note here is that if you’re looking online, you’ll find two different models of the Avenge Pro Hybrid. The standard model and the Power Handle. They’re the same bat with a slight adjustment to the knob/handle.
Our verdict on the 2022 Axe Avenge Pro Hybrid BBCOR 4.64
Overall, we’re probably a bit higher on the Axe Avenge Pro Hybrid than most, but we are huge fans of the axe handle. This is a high-quality bat that provides great pop, is incredibly comfortable in a hitter’s hands, and has a huge sweet spot.
Currently, this is our third favorite BBCOR bat on the market this year. That being said, it’s almost impossible to tell. So, it may come down to whether you prefer the standard knob of The Goods or the new-age knob found on the Axe.
Build 4.6
We’ve been big fans of the axe handle for years now. We love the natural fee of swinging the handle. Axe updated the Avenge models with a new shock suspension technology that cuts down on the vibration of a bad hit. The MX8+ power alloy is designed for strength and durability.
The Avenge Pro Hybrid is well-balanced. Its hyperwhip end-cap is designed to maintain a lightweight feel while its variable wall construction and power alloy barrel offer great pop. Overall, we’re very happy with the build.
Comfort 4.9
The shock suspension technology is fantastic. We mentioned how well it works in our review of the Avenge Pro Composite bat.
Adding in a composite handle means that this is one of the most comfortable bats on the market. These two pieces of technology almost completely eliminate any negative feedback.
Durability 5.0
Axe has developed a reputation for providing great durability. The MX8+ power alloy is designed to stand up to a full season of competition. The variable wall construction maintains durability without losing any power.
Pop 4.2
The Avenge Pro Composite really lacked in power. The Avenge Pro Hybrid takes a significant step forward in that department. Somehow, the alloy barrel makes a huge difference.
In trying to compare the pop, we found that this was a bit lower than The Goods but was close. If we’re ranking models, this probably has similar pop to the Easton ADV Hype.
Take note that Axe offers a standard model and a Power Handle. The Power Handle is just a modified knob but it seems to boost the power in this bat a bit. With the power handle, we’d rank this at about a 4.6.
Pricing 4.5
This is an outstanding bat and it’s priced reasonably compared to the competition. At $400, it’s the same price as The Goods. Given how close these bats are in performance and our overall rankings, we really can’t complain about that.
Compared to other BBCOR bats
The 2022 Axe Avenge Pro Hybrid is an outstanding bat, but we like to do our due diligence. Below, we’ve listed three other bats that are comparable.
Avenge Pro Hybrid vs. Avenge Pro Composite
Naturally, the first comparison is two bats made by the same company. These are literally the same bat except for the materials that are used. In this case, the materials used make a significant difference.
Many players said that the composite model just doesn’t have any power behind it. That’s the driving force behind our preference for the Hybrid.
The Hybrid takes what the composite model does well (balance, axe handle, minimal negative feedback) and does it better. It also adds power to a hitter’s swing.
In addition, the hybrid model is about $50 cheaper. They’re both great bats, but the Hybrid model wins easily.
Check out our 2022 Axe Avenge Pro Composite BBCOR bat review
Avenge Pro Hybrid vs. DeMarini The Goods
Just to be sure we’re clear, this comparison is The Goods two-piece hybrid model, not The Goods One-Piece.
The hybrid model is the only bat on the market that we’d prefer over the Avenge Pro Hybrid. Both are great bats, but we find that The Goods offers slightly more pop. The Avenge Pro takes the lead in comfort.
Ultimately, this is an incredibly difficult choice that could come down to preference. Do you want pop or comfort? Do you want a standard round knob or are you comfortable with the axe handle?
All of those things being equal, we’d probably recommend The Goods by the smallest of margins.
Check out our 2022 DeMarini The Goods BBCOR bat review
Avenge Pro Hybrid vs. True Temper HZRDUS
The True Temper HZRDUS is another model that we prefer more than our competitors. It’s a great one-piece hybrid model.
The HZRDUS is known for providing pop and having a solid sweet spot. It’s also $50 cheaper than the Axe Avenge Pro.
Overall, we think the Avenge Pro is significantly more comfortable and is worth the price. So we’d prefer to have the Avenge Pro.
Check out our True Temper HZRDUS BBCOR bat review
Who is the 2022 Axe Avenge Pro Hybrid BBCOR best suited for?
The axe handle of the Avenge Pro was designed to improve bat speed and comfort. Because of this, it’s a great option for players who still want pop in their bat but could use some help with bat speed and getting the barrel through the zone.
That design was also made to combat hamate injuries. The ergonomic design of the handle and knob is ideal for anyone who has broken their hand or wrist. It’s a huge factor in considering this bat.
- Great pop.
- Light swing-weight.
- Axe handle.
- Reasonable pricing.
- Almost no vibration at all.
- It may take time to adjust to the axe handle.
- Some players felt there was a bit of a ‘break in period’.
Conclusion
We absolutely love this bat. It checks off everything on our list. It feels great in a hitter’s hands, it has pop, it’s fairly reasonably priced, and it’s durable.
A number of players that we’ve talked to are concerned with switching over to the axe model, but we can assure you that once you adjust to the axe handle, you’ll never go back.
