| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| jska |
Posted - 05/13/2008 : 10:33:11
Can anyone give me some information on minus 8 to 8.5 bats?
I've heard good things about the EXO, Rawlings Plasma but what have you heard? Any other bats out there that people like?
What about the red composite DeMarini? I see it's now on sale everywhere ...is that because it was a poor bat or is it just because DeMarini has come out with a new black one to take it's place?
My son currently has a 31 inch Catalyst -10 and hits great with it, but, he'll be 13 next season and I think I should take him down to -8 or maybe even -5. Any thoughts on whether to go -8 or -5? He's 5'4" and weighs 130.
Feel free to comment any thoughts on bats...stiff handle, flex handle all comments would be appreciated.
Thanks! |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Phlwllms |
Posted - 06/11/2008 : 12:49:42
I've seen very very few 13 year olds that can swing a -3 with any decency. Are they making the kids throw from 60 ft. too?....sounds like your middle school is trying to ruin batting swings, and if the're making 13 year old throw from 60..ruin arms too....or is your son a "young" 8th grader? If this is a 7th grade team it's nuts...My son played for Cherokee's 8th grade feeder team 2 seasons ago and they were allowed to use -5,in fact, in tournaments we played in Tennessee they even allowed up to a -10...It was an middle school 8th grade tournament..
My son will be 14 in january 09 5'8" 135 and swings a 32/29. Most use lighter bats in middle school and requirements go to -5 next year. 54/80 in middle school games. He has pitched from 60 in some games during league play this spring and likes it. Kept up with 14 YOs he played with.
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| SportsDad |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 23:56:46
I've seen very very few 13 year olds that can swing a -3 with any decency. Are they making the kids throw from 60 ft. too?....sounds like your middle school is trying to ruin batting swings, and if the're making 13 year old throw from 60..ruin arms too....or is your son a "young" 8th grader? If this is a 7th grade team it's nuts...My son played for Cherokee's 8th grade feeder team 2 seasons ago and they were allowed to use -5,in fact, in tournaments we played in Tennessee they even allowed up to a -10...It was an middle school 8th grade tournament.. |
| Phlwllms |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 17:02:41
At my son's middle school games, the bat were looked at by the umpires before each game. They had to be -3. It might be silly and I think that's why they are going to -5. Even so, my son (13YO) still swings a -3 in competition with a rather good batting average. |
| Mike Corbin |
Posted - 05/24/2008 : 04:09:00
I can only hope that is the case with the coach. Otherwise, it would be silly for some of the middle school boys I know to even attempt to swing a -3 in competition. |
| greglomax |
Posted - 05/23/2008 : 12:28:59
I thought we concluded 6 months ago or so that there was not any rules requirements that mandated middle school players use -3. That it was coaches requirements only which were driving this. |
| Mike Corbin |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 22:40:09
We have already cracked 2 of the new green Catalyst bats this season. They replaced them both with the new Triton. The Triton has a lot of pop at this point. Hopefully they will hold up. My oldest son (Junior in HS) swings an EXO and loves it. He tried the Easton (Orange) and just didn't like the feel.
I really like the Demarini bats. They seem to have a good deal of pop as well and are more durable than most of the others I have seen.
I have not seen a Worth or Rawlings bat that was not dented up.
Since when did they start making MS players swing a -3? If that is really the case that is STUPID!!! It was a max of -8 when we played a couple of years ago.
Oh well there is my 2 cents. |
| SportsDad |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 13:00:43
Get him the lightest bat THAT HE LIKES for the age group he's in..Jay's son has always liked Louisville Slugger bats...they work for him...my son has always liked Easton bats..they work for him...Look at the SEC tournament on TV you see a lot of Worth Bats being used ( I hate em, but some kids like them)...also agree with Jay that a lot of kids use bats that are just too big/long...My son 5-9 142 and he uses a 31/28...although he's switching this year to a 32/29 HIS Preferance...I always laugh at the "he can't cover the outside of the plate" with a X length he needs that additional inch...hmmm have him stand in inch closer to the plate!!!!like Jay said...the longer the bat, the more difficult it is to control...This discussion seems to pop up every three months and from everything I've seen through 10 years of "bat discussion" is the BEST bat for your son, is the ONE he likes!! |
| greglomax |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 10:51:14
I agree with Jay. I have not seen anything to lead me to believe there is any improvement in the new black and yellow Exo. I did see a little performance difference between the white and red, but don't see it with the new one. Save the extra money for something else.
I also agree with coach321 in his statement about asking his instructor if he is going to one. My son's hitting instructor was the first to mention it and kept on me about moving him to the -5. My son is 5'8" 130 and alternates between a 32" exo and a 32" -5 dynasty. |
| Phlwllms |
Posted - 05/22/2008 : 10:17:29
If your son plays middle school, the requirement is -3. I do believe that it will change to -5 for next year. My son is 13, 5'8", 135 and swings a 32/29. He used the same last fall when 12. He's no homerun hitter but does hit to the outfield. I agree to use another player's bat during a game to judge the extra weight. I also agree that a jump from -10 to -5 might not work but the earlier the better to get used to the heavier bats. |
| coach321 |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 16:44:07
I think a lot depends on the kid. My son is 12, he's 5'5" and 160 pounds and he's swinging a -5 EXO. His is a 32/27. Currently he leads our team with 10 homeruns with his farthest shot being in the 280 foot range.
Next time you have batting practice, see if he can try using a teammates bat.
If he's taking lessons from an ex-pro, ask the pro if he's ready for a heavier bat. |
| Jay Andrews |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 16:22:43
One other item you asked about...go with the 2008 Exo vs. 2009. There is absolutely no difference in the bat technology, just the bat color. There are places like Kesslers and online companies like Justbats.com that are closing out their 2008 bat lines and you can save $70-$100 over the 2009 price. |
| Jay Andrews |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 16:18:37
The school grade of your son should also play into your decision process. If he is going into 7th grade a -8 or -8.5 is still a good call. When he gets into 8th grade you need to transition him to a -5 for him to get used to the heavier bat. Once he reaches high school grades 9-12, he will have to use a -3 bat.
As far as bat length at 5'4" and 130lbs the 31" is the absolute maximum I would have him swing. That may end up being too long, especially if you are going to a heavier bat. My 5'11" and 155lb 15 year old swings a 32" bat. Length does no good if one cannot control the bat.
Finally, as far as type, my son has used various Louisville Slugger bats for many years and would not swing anything else. He presently has an Exogrid 32/29. |
| jska |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 15:16:59
Thanks. Any thoughts on whether it makes sense to find a 2008 EXO vs. the 2009? Are they any different other than paint job?
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| tfb |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 12:02:19
If your son likes the Catalyst -10 go with a Catalyst -8. My son hit over .400 with the -10 last year (age 12) and is hitting over .400 with the -8 this year (age 13). We used the -10 extensively - in games and practice - it easily had over 7,000 hits (lots of batting practice)and I expect the same from the -8.
One of his teammates got a -8 Plasma last MONTH and the barrel is already seriously dented. |
| greglomax |
Posted - 05/21/2008 : 08:55:05
I can't believe no one has replied for almost a week. Sorry for letting you down jska.
To me (which should surprise no one) the Exo is the best in that range. I do see a lot of good hits with the Plasma as well. I believe the durability is a lot less on the plasma than the Exo, though.
From where you son is right now (using a -10) I am not sure I would try to jump all the way to a -5. The -8/-8.5 range is probably a lot better transition. If you can find a -5 on sale somewhere and pay $100 or less for it, it might be a good investment for him to start using in the cage and batting practice some to start getting used to it. Jonquill Sporting Goods in Smyrna typically has some and they will bargain with you.
I like Demarini bats as well. I have not gotten a good sense about the red one yet.
I am a "Stiff Handle" proponent so I tend to gravitate more toward the Louisville Slugger bats.
Hope this helps or at least stimulates some questions. |
