2025 Bat Shootout: Easton Ghost Advanced vs. DeMarini CF
If there’s one question I get asked by parents more than any other, it’s this: “Coach, should we buy the Ghost or the CF?”
Ten years ago, the answer was simple. Today, with the 2025 lineups dropped, it’s a lot more complicated. Both Easton and DeMarini have poured millions into R&D to solve their biggest weaknesses. Easton has chased durability, and DeMarini has chased “pop.”
I’ve spent the last two weeks in the cage with our varsity squad putting the 2025 Easton Ghost Advanced and the 2025 DeMarini CF through about 500 swings. We looked at exit velocity, mishit forgiveness, and the dreaded “hand sting.”
Here is my honest, unfiltered breakdown.
The Contender: 2025 Easton Ghost Advanced
The “Hot Out of the Wrapper” King
The Tech: Easton hasn’t reinvented the wheel here; they just refined it. The 2025 Advanced features their Double Barrel 2 construction. The idea is simple: the inner barrel provides the structural integrity, allowing the outer barrel to be extremely flexible (low compression). This creates that trampoline effect Easton is famous for.
The Feel: The first thing my power hitters noticed was the sound. It has that distinctive “crack” rather than a “ping.” The swing weight feels slightly end-loaded compared to the DeMarini. It’s not a sledgehammer, but you can feel the barrel head through the zone.
The Pros:
- Exit Velocity: On flushed hits, the Ghost Advanced consistently averaged 2-3 mph higher exit velos than the CF.
- Zero Break-In: It is ready to hit home runs the second you peel the plastic off.
- Vibration Control: The “ConneXion Evolution” joint does a great job of killing vibration on mishits.
The Cons:
- Durability Anxiety: While the new “Sonic Comp Max” material is tougher than the 2022 models, I still tell parents: do not use this bat in cold weather (below 60°F). It is a performance race car; treat it like one.
[Check Price: 2025 Easton Ghost Advanced at Dick’s Sporting Goods]
The Contender: 2025 DeMarini CF
The Queen of Consistency
The Tech: The DeMarini CF series has always been about one thing: Bat Control. The 2025 model uses their Paraflex Plus Composite. Unlike the double-wall system of the Ghost, this is a massive sweet-spot design focused on consistency.
The Feel: Balanced. Incredibly balanced. My leadoff hitters and slappers prefer this bat almost 100% of the time. You feel like you have total control over the barrel head. If the Ghost feels like swinging a hammer, the CF feels like swinging a surgical instrument.
The Pros:
- Forgiveness: This is the biggest selling point. If you jam yourself or hit it off the end cap, the CF somehow still muscles the ball into the shallow outfield. The sweet spot is enormous.
- Durability: In my experience, the CF tends to outlast the Ghost by a season or two.
- Swing Speed: Because it’s so balanced, younger players often generate faster bat speed with the CF, which can actually result in harder hits for them than with the heavier Ghost.
The Cons:
- Break-In Time: It takes about 50-100 swings to really “open up” the composite fibers. Don’t judge it on the first swing.
[Check Price: 2025 DeMarini CF at JustBats.com]
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
I hate giving “it depends” answers, but in this case, the player’s style dictates the gear.
Buy the Easton Ghost Advanced IF:
- You are a power hitter (3rd, 4th, or 5th in the lineup).
- You want maximum exit velocity and don’t mind replacing your bat every 12-18 months.
- You play mostly in warm weather tournaments.
Buy the DeMarini CF IF:
- You are a contact hitter or slapper (top of the lineup).
- You value bat speed and control over raw power.
- You want a bat that is forgiving on mishits and will last through high school ball.
My Personal Pick for 2025: If I had to buy one bat for the team bag? I’m buying the DeMarini CF. The consistency wins games. But if I’m trying to win a Home Run Derby? Give me the Ghost.
[Shop All Fastpitch Bats at Dick’s Sporting Goods]