A few years ago, Easton's Connexion softball bat shook up the industry. This February, they raised the bar even higher with the introduction of their revolutionary Tri-Shell slow pitch bat. The innovative concept behind the Tri-Shell represents a quantum leap in bat design. Basically, they took a powerball, super-compressed it, and wrapped it in three layer shell of Sc500 Scandium-rubber-Scandium (hence the name). The inner layer is comprised of .06 inch Sc500 (the strongest alloy in softball) lending durability envied by most wrecking balls. The elastic second layer provides a release of energy not seen since Hiroshima. Finishing off this nitroglycerine sandwich is the thinnest outer shell on any bat, .04 inch of polished Scandium giving the Tri-Shell response and liveliness unmatched in any bat in the industry. This design is intended to return energy to the surface of the bat for more power and reduce dings on the outer shell.

In addition to the three-layer shell, the bat features a gigantic sweet spot, a new end load system for truer balance, and a power contour design with a fully polished, anodized finish. It also comes with an ultra-thin 29/32-inch handle with a cushioned, tacky leather grip for better feel and durability.

But enough reading from the side of the box, how does this sucker hit? Mighty darn fine. The grip feels wonderful, the balance is perfect, and contact is smooth and solid with a satisfying ping. You can really feel the transfer of power stay where it should: in the bat, not throbbing in your elbows and wrists. We were getting significantly better, more controlled hits with little or no adjustment period.

The Tri-Shell is available for purchase now and comes in a variety of sizes (34/26, 34/27, 34/28, and 34/30). It rates 1.20 BPF, is ASA certified and runs at about $200. Pick it up, take it in the backyard and make the neighbors nervous.

Can be bought from one of the dealers listed at www.EastonSports.com.