The History of the DeMarini CF

Learn about the history of the DeMarini CF baseball bat from experts at JustBats. 

Disclaimer: This post was written by the team at JustBats. JustBats is a baseball bat and softball bat retailer located in Kansas City, Missouri. They offer a full array of all the most popular bats on the diamond, along with a knowledgeable staff of Bat Experts to help guide you through the bat-buying process.

The DeMarini CF has become an iconic symbol in the world of baseball and softball. Its sleek design, exceptional performance, and unwavering popularity have made it a go-to bat choice for players of all levels. In this article, the Bat Experts at JustBats dive into the captivating history of the DeMarini CF, tracing its origins, exploring its innovations, and highlighting its lasting impact.

Origins and Early Innovations

The story of the DeMarini CF begins with the founding of DeMarini Sports, a company committed to revolutionizing baseball equipment. The company was founded by Ray DeMarini in 1989. Ray, a talented and passionate slowpitch softball player, had a deep understanding of the game and what hitters wanted from their bats. Ray then set out to start his own company and create innovative, high-quality bats that would enhance players' performance on the field. The goal? Push the boundaries of bat technology and offer players a competitive edge.

DeMarini’s first composite bat was the "Doublewall" bat, which was released in 1993. The Doublewall featured a unique design with two layers of composite material surrounding an aluminum barrel. Layering composite materials over an alloy barrel allowed for an increase in the trampoline effect and improved performance. Players quickly took notice, and DeMarini became a name to know among the top bat manufacturers in the sport.

Fast forward a few years, and DeMarini revolutionized the world of fastpitch softball and baseball by introducing groundbreaking composite innovations. With an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, DeMarini transformed the game and elevated players' performance to new heights. In fastpitch, they introduced the first-ever multi-wall composite bats, combining unmatched power with an incredible sweet spot. These bats provided players with unprecedented pop and increased bat speed, resulting in longer hits and more home runs. In baseball, DeMarini pioneered the use of composite materials in bats, offering players an optimal blend of power and balance. Its composite bats delivered superior trampoline effects and minimized vibrations, enabling batters to achieve higher exit velocities and increased distance on their hits. DeMarini's relentless pursuit of innovation has forever changed the landscape of bats, empowering athletes to reach their full potential and redefine the limits of the game.

For DeMarini, CF, or Continuous Fiber Composite Technology, first made its way into Fastpitch Softball in 2007 as a multi-piece hybrid bat. The barrel was long, the sweet spot seemingly never-ending, and the swing felt natural. It checked all of the boxes that hitters look for in a bat. The proof of the bats' popularity was highlighted by the Arizona State Fastpitch team swinging the CF en route to capturing the 2008 NCAA Championship. Following the success of the fastpitch softball version of the CF, DeMarini announced they would be launching a baseball version during the following season.

In 2008, DeMarini released the first DeMarini CF baseball bat. Boasting a red and black colorway, the CF3 is still considered one of the most explosive bats in baseball history.

To give you an idea of how well this bat was received, here are a couple of bat reviews provided at JustBats:

• “Amazing! Best Demarini product ever. Has the pop of a fungo. The bat is overall the best bat I've ever hit. Great job, DeMarini!”
• “Great bat! Great pop, good control through the zone, and great looks! One of DeMarini's top bats.”
• “This bat has more pop in it than any other bat I have ever used.”

Needless to say, the impact of the DeMarini CF was just getting started.

Evolution and Advancements

Over the years, the DeMarini CF underwent continuous evolution and refinement with launches of  the CF4, CF5, and beyond.

As composite bats continued to grow in popularity, DeMarini shifted its focus with the CF towards a fully composite construction, leading to the introduction of the CF Zen. The CF Zen series further balanced the barrel, making the swing weight lighter and more controllable for hitters. Typically, taking weight out of the barrel of a bat will decrease the performance of the barrel. However, the exact opposite occurred. The CF Zen was hitting the ball with higher exit velocities, and players were addicted.

• “This is the best bat ever made. Crazy pop, great feel when you swing, little to no vibration, and has crazy durability.’
• “Made for dropping bombs. The ball explodes off of the barrel. Can’t imagine a better bat.”
• “This is the best bat on the market. INSANE pop!” 
• With the upgrades, the DeMarini CF series has maintained its status as one of the most popular and highly regarded bat lines in the industry, sought after by players at all levels of the game.

The Green CF Zen

Arguably the hottest bat in baseball history, the green CF Zen is still talked about to this day, and with good reason. The barrel was ultra-hot, the swing weight was nearly perfect, and the bright neon green instantly stood out in batter’s boxes all across the country. Oh, and did we mention the barrel was ultra-hot? Nearly ten years later, we still receive calls from parents asking if they can buy the green CF Zen from us. It was a legendary bat that continues to be supplanted right in the middle of the G.O.A.T bat conversation.

The DeMarini CF Mashup

In recent years, the DeMarini CF Mashup bats are a revolutionary line of baseball bats that have taken the sports world by storm. These bats are built to mash and combine the best features of previous DeMarini CF models to create a truly exceptional and high-performing piece of equipment. With an innovative blend of technology, the CF Mashup bats offer players unparalleled power, speed, and control. The best part? The CF Mashup combines graphics from previous models to create a unique, limited-edition design.

The bats also feature a responsive and lightweight construction, allowing for lightning-fast swing speeds without sacrificing durability. The combination of a balanced weight distribution and an optimized barrel design results in explosive hits and increased performance on the field. Whether you're a professional athlete or a recreational player, the DeMarini CF Mashup bats are sure to elevate your game to new heights.

Impact and Legacy

The impact of the DeMarini CF extends beyond individual achievements. Its influence on the baseball equipment industry cannot be overstated. The CF series has set new standards for bat technology and design, inspiring other manufacturers to innovate and push boundaries. The legacy of the DeMarini CF is further amplified by its enduring popularity. Almost two decades since its inception, the CF has consistently remained a player/coach/parent favorite, standing the test of time and cementing its place in the annals of baseball history.

In conclusion, the history of the DeMarini CF is a testament to the power of innovation and the pursuit of excellence. From its humble beginnings to its present-day dominance, the CF has captured the hearts of players and enthusiasts alike. Its revolutionary features, exceptional performance, and enduring legacy make it an iconic symbol in the realm of baseball bats and fastpitch bats. As we look ahead, it is fascinating to ponder the future advancements that await the DeMarini CF as it continues to shape the future of baseball equipment and inspire generations of players to reach for greatness.

For all the latest updates on DeMarini baseball bats like the CF, follow @demarini on Instagram and TikTok. For product announcements from JustBats, follow @JustBats on Instagram.