The bats that are used for tournament play at 14U (15U and older will follow the HS bat guideline)and younger, referred to as senior league or big barrel bats will not change anywhere near as much as the change for the HS bats. The only absolute change is that for USSSA promoted events at the 14U and younger ages will be required to have the USSSA BPF 1.15 stamp. At this moment no other tournament companies have stated that they will follow this USSSA mandate. This can of course change, but at this moment the bats that have been used this past season in all non USSSA tournaments will still be usable in those non USSSA events in 2012.
Other than that there will still be almost the same bats available as previous years. You will see -10, -9, -8, and -5 bats in both 2 5/8" and 2 3/4" barrels available (Louisville Slugger is releasing -11 and -12 senior league bats but no one is sure if they will hold up and they are very expensive). Of course even though not necessary for most tournaments played in this area, I would recommend only buying a new bat that has the USSSA stamp.
Price ranges will also be in the same range as before. The highest priced bats will be the full composites, they will still retail around $300, hybrid (metal head,composite handle) bats will be a little bit less in the $250 range, and there will be several full metal options in the $150-$200 range.
Here below are some of the questions and points that have come up since this change has been made:
*Are composites bats going to be banned? The answer is no. There are already several senior league bats from Demarini and Louisville Slugger and now even Easton that have been approved and have the USSSA stamp
*Most likely however, you will not see many composite bats being used as in years past. As with HS bats it is expected that parents will stay away from composite bats because of the cost and the fear of rule change
*The -8 market will be interesting as it has been dominated by composite bats over the past few years. Demarini will continue to make the composite (this year it will be the CF5) but it appears that Combat will discontinue the composite senior league bats.
*Can I use my current bat next year? In non USSSA events yes, unless of course they change their rules. In USSSA events no. The USSSA has stated that there will not be any "grandfathered" bats all bats will require the stamp
*If your team is not planning to play in any USSSA tournaments, you should be able to buy 2011 bats at very substantial discounts. **Do not buy older bats at anywhere near full price**
Again if you have any questions please reach out anytime, and please buy your bats from local merchants not internet companies.
Ronald
P= 678-903-0024
e= ronald@elitesportseastcobb.com
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The Deal With Bats Part 2 Tournaments/Senior Lg
Posted - 07/06/2011 : 21:46:48
