| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Crazyforbball |
Posted - 05/28/2017 : 21:01:27
What is the word on the street? Best bat for 2017-2018 going to be? Balanced bat -5. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| brball |
Posted - 06/05/2017 : 21:24:19
Best package deal $ wise on at least 3 wood bats... 2 in the bag and 1 in the car! |
| KeithB |
Posted - 06/05/2017 : 09:42:17
MARUCCI CAT 7 |
| Crazyforbball |
Posted - 06/03/2017 : 15:40:00
Thanks for the input! |
| Punishers |
Posted - 06/03/2017 : 13:00:54
quote:
Originally posted by ngaballdad
Curious....does anyone have an opinion on Dirty South bats? I've been seeing them online but I've never seen one in action.
Made by Combat/Easton. Very close to the Combat Maxum models. |
| Punishers |
Posted - 06/03/2017 : 12:58:43
quote:
Originally posted by RamblinWreck93
USA Baseball is coming out with a new bat standard that will be effective 1/1/18. USSSA will not be adopting it. Does anyone know if any of the other tournament organizations are going to adopt the standard?
Here is the link for the announcement:
http://web.usabaseball.com/article.jsp?ymd=20150807&content_id=141742668
Tournaments will stick with USSSA 1.15 BPF. USA bat standard is geared towards league play. |
| ngaballdad |
Posted - 06/03/2017 : 08:06:05
Curious....does anyone have an opinion on Dirty South bats? I've been seeing them online but I've never seen one in action. |
| RamblinWreck93 |
Posted - 06/02/2017 : 23:19:28
USA Baseball is coming out with a new bat standard that will be effective 1/1/18. USSSA will not be adopting it. Does anyone know if any of the other tournament organizations are going to adopt the standard?
Here is the link for the announcement:
http://web.usabaseball.com/article.jsp?ymd=20150807&content_id=141742668
|
| bballguy15 |
Posted - 06/02/2017 : 21:11:29
quote:
Originally posted by Crazyforbball
I agree completely CaCo3 that first and foremost is love of the game. The kid who works his butt off to go to the next level will get there sooner or later (with some exceptions of course) because he is willing to put in the hours... but I agree 100% that the minute the dream is the parent's and not the boy's it's basically over. Seen it over and over with that transition age..fun often trumps baseball. and that's OK!! They will have good years, and not so good years, but those that stick with it have to LOVE it or you're just wasting your $$ imho.
But back to my original topic....any bat that looks to be a standout other than the Zen? Just curious if that's the only game in town expected to deliver (since we are still not hitting wood or BBCOR).
The only other option that I have seen that is close is the 2016 CF 8 (which I have heard is the same bat as the Zen just a different paint job) and the 2017 Easton Mako Beast seem to be the next two closest to the Zen. |
| TaxiMom |
Posted - 06/02/2017 : 17:44:29
quote:
Originally posted by Crazyforbball
But back to my original topic....any bat that looks to be a standout other than the Zen? Just curious if that's the only game in town expected to deliver (since we are still not hitting wood or BBCOR).
As I was told when my son first made the switch to travel ball when I was asking around about bats: it's the Indian, not the arrow. ;)
I never understood why people are searching for the bat with the most "pop" at the younger ages......it doesn't get them ready for real life hitting once the kids switch to BBCOR. It should be the kid doing the work, not the bat. When a kid is 11, why not think long term and teach them to hit well with ANY bat? I mean, who cares if the kid can hit balls to the outfield at 11 if they can't hit one out of the infield once they HAVE to switch to BBCOR? |
| Crazyforbball |
Posted - 06/02/2017 : 14:58:04
I agree completely CaCo3 that first and foremost is love of the game. The kid who works his butt off to go to the next level will get there sooner or later (with some exceptions of course) because he is willing to put in the hours... but I agree 100% that the minute the dream is the parent's and not the boy's it's basically over. Seen it over and over with that transition age..fun often trumps baseball. and that's OK!! They will have good years, and not so good years, but those that stick with it have to LOVE it or you're just wasting your $$ imho.
But back to my original topic....any bat that looks to be a standout other than the Zen? Just curious if that's the only game in town expected to deliver (since we are still not hitting wood or BBCOR). |
| SoxIn7 |
Posted - 06/02/2017 : 14:06:43
My 2 cents on the topic is if you are going to buy a -5, look to buy it used. Most only have one season, or one part of season of use on them and are in great condition. You can get them very cheap from on this board. As to my son's experience, the BBCOR weight change wasn't an issue. The smaller sweet spot and less pop was though. |
| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 06/02/2017 : 07:59:24
quote:
Originally posted by aj94
quote:
Originally posted by Bryzzo
In a week maybe any kid can catch up to the timing needed to hit a stationary ball sitting on a T with a drop 3, but will take many hours of practice to have the timing to make the transition to live pitching (assuming your swing mechanics stay the same with the heavier bat).
It is a big change from drop 10 to drop 3. Obviously she hasn't tried to hit a round ball with a round bat traveling at 70-80+ mph. It's not an easy thing to do as evidenced by the number of kids who bail on baseball once they get to BBCOR.
This is fact.
Maybe COCA's son is on a double A team or something then yeah it may be easy because they are pitching 60 mph or so still at HS age, similiar to most rec leagues.
LOL, okay guys if you want to convince yourselves that all kids must transition with multiple bats there obviously isn't anything I can say to stop you....the fact that drop 5 and 8 are fairly new marketing concepts also doesn't seem to affect your choice.
I think 60mph pitching would probably work very well against him though! Fast pitching he can hit, slow pitching is a problem, lol! |
| aj94 |
Posted - 06/01/2017 : 14:15:14
quote:
Originally posted by Bryzzo
In a week maybe any kid can catch up to the timing needed to hit a stationary ball sitting on a T with a drop 3, but will take many hours of practice to have the timing to make the transition to live pitching (assuming your swing mechanics stay the same with the heavier bat).
It is a big change from drop 10 to drop 3. Obviously she hasn't tried to hit a round ball with a round bat traveling at 70-80+ mph. It's not an easy thing to do as evidenced by the number of kids who bail on baseball once they get to BBCOR.
This is fact.
Maybe COCA's son is on a double A team or something then yeah it may be easy because they are pitching 60 mph or so still at HS age, similiar to most rec leagues. |
| aj94 |
Posted - 06/01/2017 : 14:12:22
quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
quote:
Originally posted by Bryzzo
In a week maybe any kid can catch up to the timing needed to hit a stationary ball sitting on a T with a drop 3, but will take many hours of practice to have the timing to make the transition to live pitching (assuming your swing mechanics stay the same with the heavier bat).
It is a big change from drop 10 to drop 3. Obviously she hasn't tried to hit a round ball with a round bat traveling at 70-80+ mph. It's not an easy thing to do as evidenced by the number of kids who bail on baseball once they get to BBCOR.
My son played 14u twice, and then JV. I didn't see a problem with most kids transitioning to BBCOR from a drop 10. Not the 6'0 tall kid and not the 5'0 tall kid, I will say that both these kids had strength. If you have an athletic kid 1 week is all it will take IF he was hitting well with the drop 10. If you have a kid who doesn't like to be outside and run and workout then yes you might have a problem.
Kids don't quit baseball because of BBCOR. BBCOR happens around the 8th/9th grade for kids, they bail on baseball because they develop a life and for most baseball isn't in it. They are into computers, girls, hanging out with friends. They don't want to stay in on a Saturday night because they have to be at the ballpark at 7am on Sunday. Baseball is a HUGE commitment and many kids don't see the point. For those that DO see the point and love baseball AND are willing to sacrifice part of their childhood for it they will play in high school and they will play in college if they want to.
Kids don't quit baseball because of BBCOR or because they can't hit a curve ball, or because they are "burnt out". Those are urban myths and excuses parents use to explain why their son, whom they have invested thousands of dollars in his MLB future, is quitting baseball. Baseball is a sport you have to love to play, love to watch, and love to train for. If you don't truly love it you will not play much past 14u.
Not sure what level ball your son plays, did he play on a legit team as a starter? Did he make the team at a legit HS? If your son is on the pine or on one of those teams that go 0-3 every tourney then yeah that's easy. If he is on a legit team as a starter or at a HS with a legit team then it's not an easy transition to BBCOR or wood and that's just common knowledge. |
| ngaballdad |
Posted - 06/01/2017 : 12:31:08
My son unexpectedly made his middle school team as a 6th grader.He went straight from 10U and his 28-18 bat to swinging the BBCOR -3. He struggled mightily getting the heavier bat around. We were unprepared for the transition to come so soon, although I'm certain he'll be much stronger next spring and will have much less trouble. |
| Bryzzo |
Posted - 06/01/2017 : 11:23:27
My point was the difficulty in being successful at baseball goes up when you have to swing a BBCOR bat as opposed to a -10 bat, and this is ONE FACTOR in why kids don't want to play anymore. There are other easier sports to play that don't take as much hard work as baseball to be successful. All the other factors you list also contribute, but if the game gets more difficult (which it should) than that is also a factor. I actually think -10 bats should not be used probably after 10u, and everyone should swing something more realistic much earlier.
We get it that your kid is great and you may have witnessed him and others not having any issue going from a -10 to BBCOR, but I believe these instances are rare. I don't think you have ever coached a team of kids with varying talent levels, sizes, and strengths or you would understand why some struggle with BBCOR bats because of swing mechanics or just lack of size and strength or both. There are probably some kids that struggle, get discouraged, and give up the game, for any combination of reasons, and if they would have stuck with it through puberty and getting bigger and stronger they might have had more success. Just one reason why baseball struggles to compete with other sports. |
| bfriendly |
Posted - 06/01/2017 : 10:36:19
quote:
Originally posted by Bryzzo
In a week maybe any kid can catch up to the timing needed to hit a stationary ball sitting on a T with a drop 3, but will take many hours of practice to have the timing to make the transition to live pitching (assuming your swing mechanics stay the same with the heavier bat).
It is a big change from drop 10 to drop 3. Obviously she hasn't tried to hit a round ball with a round bat traveling at 70-80+ mph. It's not an easy thing to do as evidenced by the number of kids who bail on baseball once they get to BBCOR.
We did the transition thing and he'll get a BBCOR this summer for 14u next year; the transition has worked well for us. But as for blaming BBCOR bats for kids "Bailing" when they have to use them, I totally Disagree. The kids are Bailing when their level of, or baseball pinnacle has been reached. Some kids actually play passed that as they should have quit long ago
The bat has Nothing to do with it IMHO. If they truly wanted to continue their baseball playing career, they would work hard and make it happen. They would hit the ball with ANY bat they had to swing. |
| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 06/01/2017 : 08:50:02
quote:
Originally posted by Bryzzo
In a week maybe any kid can catch up to the timing needed to hit a stationary ball sitting on a T with a drop 3, but will take many hours of practice to have the timing to make the transition to live pitching (assuming your swing mechanics stay the same with the heavier bat).
It is a big change from drop 10 to drop 3. Obviously she hasn't tried to hit a round ball with a round bat traveling at 70-80+ mph. It's not an easy thing to do as evidenced by the number of kids who bail on baseball once they get to BBCOR.
My son played 14u twice, and then JV. I didn't see a problem with most kids transitioning to BBCOR from a drop 10. Not the 6'0 tall kid and not the 5'0 tall kid, I will say that both these kids had strength. If you have an athletic kid 1 week is all it will take IF he was hitting well with the drop 10. If you have a kid who doesn't like to be outside and run and workout then yes you might have a problem.
Kids don't quit baseball because of BBCOR. BBCOR happens around the 8th/9th grade for kids, they bail on baseball because they develop a life and for most baseball isn't in it. They are into computers, girls, hanging out with friends. They don't want to stay in on a Saturday night because they have to be at the ballpark at 7am on Sunday. Baseball is a HUGE commitment and many kids don't see the point. For those that DO see the point and love baseball AND are willing to sacrifice part of their childhood for it they will play in high school and they will play in college if they want to.
Kids don't quit baseball because of BBCOR or because they can't hit a curve ball, or because they are "burnt out". Those are urban myths and excuses parents use to explain why their son, whom they have invested thousands of dollars in his MLB future, is quitting baseball. Baseball is a sport you have to love to play, love to watch, and love to train for. If you don't truly love it you will not play much past 14u. |
| Bryzzo |
Posted - 05/31/2017 : 15:36:34
In a week maybe any kid can catch up to the timing needed to hit a stationary ball sitting on a T with a drop 3, but will take many hours of practice to have the timing to make the transition to live pitching (assuming your swing mechanics stay the same with the heavier bat).
It is a big change from drop 10 to drop 3. Obviously she hasn't tried to hit a round ball with a round bat traveling at 70-80+ mph. It's not an easy thing to do as evidenced by the number of kids who bail on baseball once they get to BBCOR. |
| Punishers |
Posted - 05/31/2017 : 15:22:02
Everyone makes good point to this. It's not like kids are swinging wood from day one like back in my day. Since kids are a lot weaker these days the transition is a must. It still takes months to go from a drop 10 to a drop 3 to correct the timing. I think wood bat tournaments tell the truth about a swing. |
| aj94 |
Posted - 05/31/2017 : 12:02:09
quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
quote:
Originally posted by Punishers
Timing is the key. Never the weight. Can't swing a -10 to the same point in time as a -8, -5, or -3. Timing affects point of contact.
People have seem to forgot the bat rule: Swing the heaviest bat possible. Instead people are looking for light as a feather bats. When those same kids will fail if playing a wood bat tourney where to drop is -6 to -2.
Also the retooled cf zens are thuds and they are over their stated wight.
Timing...exactly. After a week any kid can catch up to the timing needed to swing a drop 3 if he can swing a drop 10 well. But some parents feel compelled to buy a drop 5 and a drop 8, oh well, I guess if you have the money to burn go for it but it is not necessary for your kid, that's all I'm saying.
You think anyone can just swing a drop 3 in a week's time with "timing" huh? You may want to go out and watch a few BBCOR and wood bat games to test that theory and you will see that's far from true.
But carry on, hitting bombs with a drop ten 2 3/4 but put a BBCOR or wood in his hand he won't hit one pass in the infield trust. |
| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 05/31/2017 : 11:41:03
Let me put this another way....who here has enjoyed watching their kid play in a wooden bat tourney at any point in time from 9u-14u? Did Jr. hit the ball? Your kid likely swung a drop 3 bat, and made contact, congrats!
7 ounces is 0.4375 pounds. It's not 2 miles vs 5 miles it's an extra three layers of lizard skin tape. Don't fall for the con. |
| ABC_Baseball |
Posted - 05/31/2017 : 11:12:54
quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
quote:
Originally posted by ABC_Baseball
quote:
Originally posted by aj94
quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
I don't understand the concept of the drop 5 bat. If a kid is on the bigger side move him up to BBCOR, if he's on the average to smaller side leave him at the drop 10 that is allowed. Drop 5 and drop 8 bats are just money makers for the bat manufacturers especially since they are only good for a year or two.
So you think a kid can go from a drop 10 to a BBCOR no problem huh? When BBCOR time comes many won't be able to swing them, they better make that transition to -8 and -5.
Drop 5 and 8 are good transition bats. My kid used a drop -10 at 10u for the entire season. 11u was a -8 and at 12u a drop -5. 13u will be when he starts to swing a BBCOR -3. The gradual progression has worked out well so far.
I think it's an industry ploy to make you THINK that is what your kid has to do...slowly progressing down makes perfect sense...but if you can't afford it or think it's hogwash go for the drop 10 to drop 3...your kid will be fine in a week!
It's just about timing! And this "he can't swing it" that's just silly. Think about it, your kid can't pick up a piece of wood or metal that weights 30 ounces and swing it all the way around? REALLY?
YES, it takes longer to swing a heavier bat around, but it isn't that they can't do it, it's just new. Personally I don't know why you are messing up your kids swing 4 different times with -10, -8, -5, -3....etc. I know a 5'1 10th grader who can rake
By the way all of you very concerned parents have you weighed your kids bats? Those of you having your kids swinging the drop 5 are more likely swinging a drop 3 anyway, one manufacturer in particular is notorious for having bats 1-2 ounces heavier than advertised.
Is there some "head game" factor to it? Yes, but I think there is an element of truth to it. I don't think anyone believes that hitting a baseball is easy. Everything is age appropriate, these kids are not hitting 95 mph fastballs, but they have seen plenty of 70 mph + at 12u. A "fraction" of a second or inch makes a big difference in the result. For baseball players a routine, confidence and comfort/familiarity all play a part. I just personally would not make the adjustment from one drop to another and expect good results with little to no work or practice.
I would think the bigger the difference in weight, the more time you would need to adjust. I'm not saying it's going to take 2 months. The off season between age groups is the perfect time. My kid has grown in height and needs a different length bat at 11, 12, and 13. I might as well change the drop too. I spent $57 on a outgoing model -8 and $67 on an outgoing model -5. Both were cheap Easton full aluminum bats. He didn't use the -8 because he felt he was ready for the -5. He had been using a -8 for the previous year and even the added ounce due to a length change, the -5 he could handle. That $67 bat has been more durable than any $350 or $200 model bat he has used.
I'm a logical person. I wouldn't go out and run 2 miles today and then try and do 5 tomorrow. I wouldn't start out doing 25 push ups today and then do 50 tomorrow. I would build up, gradually over time. Get good at one distance/rep, then move up once the body is comfortable. That's just me. I know with bat's we are talking ounces, but when we are talking about hitting objects moving really fast, those ounces make a big difference.
As always, do what you feel works best for your kid. |
| CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 05/31/2017 : 07:26:36
quote:
Originally posted by Punishers
Timing is the key. Never the weight. Can't swing a -10 to the same point in time as a -8, -5, or -3. Timing affects point of contact.
People have seem to forgot the bat rule: Swing the heaviest bat possible. Instead people are looking for light as a feather bats. When those same kids will fail if playing a wood bat tourney where to drop is -6 to -2.
Also the retooled cf zens are thuds and they are over their stated wight.
Timing...exactly. After a week any kid can catch up to the timing needed to swing a drop 3 if he can swing a drop 10 well. But some parents feel compelled to buy a drop 5 and a drop 8, oh well, I guess if you have the money to burn go for it but it is not necessary for your kid, that's all I'm saying. |
| Punishers |
Posted - 05/30/2017 : 18:20:33
Timing is the key. Never the weight. Can't swing a -10 to the same point in time as a -8, -5, or -3. Timing affects point of contact.
People have seem to forgot the bat rule: Swing the heaviest bat possible. Instead people are looking for light as a feather bats. When those same kids will fail if playing a wood bat tourney where to drop is -6 to -2.
Also the retooled cf zens are thuds and they are over their stated wight. |
