With a limited run of 3000, this bat is a fitting tribute to the man who started it all, Ray DeMarini.
Appearance
DeMarini once again has gone outside the box to bring us an awesome looking bat. The graphics on the RD 28 are top notch, and though it does have a flavor of a former bat (PST), it holds it’s own against any and all bats on the market. The “Sailor Jerry” style tattoo art makes the bat unique in a sea of bats with typical splash art around the name. Kudos again to the DeMarini Graphics Department.
Weight
The scale weight of the RD 28 is pretty much right on par with the sticker. I’ve only seen ones being a tenth off in either direction. The bat is end loaded and has a similar feel to the Juggernaut OTC, but with just a touch more load. On a 28 oz bat the balance point is at 21 inches.
Feel
This is one of the best feeling bats that I’ve ever swung. It has a good amount of flex without feeling like a whip through the zone. It doesn’t feel heavy in the hands like some end loaded bats, and feels good in the hands. The knob is a little much for my taste, but that can be relieved with retaping.
Performance
I didn’t expect a lot out of this bat with the ASA bat restriction that is now in place. I was expecting a “Toned Down Juggernaut” with a different paint job. This is not the case. The ball comes off the RD 28 quick and with a nice solid feel. You can hit the ball outside the sweet spot and still get a good amount of power. There will be some issues if you mishit to the very top of the bat, but that is to be expected. All in all the DeMarini RD 28 is hot and hits very well. The swing and feel combined with the pop of the bat makes it a gamer. From the first swing to a couple hundred in, it has exceeded my expectations.
Overall: 4.5 out of 5
This was not the bat that I was planning on buying; as I originally had a Miken in mind. It was honestly the bat’s looks that motivated me to give it a shot. To my surprise, after just a few chops head to head against the Miken, it was very evident which bat I would prefer. The RD 28 bat has just enough flex so that it doesn’t feel like you’re swinging a lead pipe and is stiff enough to not whip with a high swing speed. The pop is great and you can really feel the ball leave the bat. This will be my gamer for some time.
This could be that bat for you if:
You are a higher level ASA player who likes to swing a flexible bat.
Maybe not if:
You like the feel of a stiff bat or just prefer a one piece bat.
Where can I get mine?
If this bat sounds like just what you’re looking for, Hit! Run! Score! offers Free Shipping on their Demarini RD 28.
GREAT bat! right out of wrapper first poke hit a 300′ line drive jack! Great feel, It might look different than most bats but.. not the reason u should be getting a certain bat! The performance is.. And this bat deff pulles thru balls for An ASA bat! Awsome product!
What Miken were you considering buying against the RD28?
IVE BEEN TRYING 2 FIND THIS BAT!!! POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION SO I CAN BUY IT
Hi Sal,
The ASA version is sold out almost everywhere. I don’t know of any stores who still have it in stock. You can find the USSSA version at http://www.hitrunscore.com/wtdxrdu-demarini-rd28-softball-bat.html.
The Miken that I was comparing the RD28 to was the ASA Recoil. While it is a great bat with a lot of pop and durability, the stiffness of the bat didn’t feel as good in my hands as the RD28. I’ve since put over 2,ooo hits on the RD28 and it is awesome. The distance and pop are second to few and the feel of the bat is smooth and with the endload it comes around with a very fluid feel. Great bat, unfortunately it has become very hard to find because of the limited numbers. Look for the J2 Fly Swatter Edition in the future for another Hot Demarini at HRS!