My son will need a new bat this season. He uses a 33"/30 size. Has anyone tried any of the new bats and if so, do you have any suggestions?

Frankly, once you get into the upper-upper end bats, I think it comes down more to personal feel and choice. The "feel" of the bat has a lot to do with the weighting - whether the weight is more balanced or more towards the end of the bat. Here is a very good site (http://www.baseballbatreviewsblog.com/) that explains all the differences in aluminum/composite/hybrid; flex vs. stiff handles; end weighted/balanced; 1 piece vs. 2 piece; etc... along with the changes for this year's models (most of them simply have a different color for 2010). I think you'll find all the information you need about bats at this site, but ultimately how your son thinks it feels to him is the single biggest deciding factor. When you're comparing $350 bats, it's not really as if the exact same swing will produce a 400 foot HR with one and only a 350 ft shot with another. The difference comes in whether your son has a slightly better (quicker) swing with one certain bat because he likes the feel.

Frankly, once you get into the upper-upper end bats, I think it comes down more to personal feel and choice. The "feel" of the bat has a lot to do with the weighting - whether the weight is more balanced or more towards the end of the bat. Here is a very good site (http://www.baseballbatreviewsblog.com/) that explains all the differences in aluminum/composite/hybrid; flex vs. stiff handles; end weighted/balanced; 1 piece vs. 2 piece; etc... along with the changes for this year's models (most of them simply have a different color for 2010). I think you'll find all the information you need about bats at this site, but ultimately how your son thinks it feels to him is the single biggest deciding factor. When you're comparing $350 bats, it's not really as if the exact same swing will produce a 400 foot HR with one and only a 350 ft shot with another. The difference comes in whether your son has a slightly better (quicker) swing with one certain bat because he likes the feel.

 

 

Thanks for the link. :thumb: He'll be a sophmore and he bought an Omaha that he used the last couple of seasons--it was a good one but he needs a new one for this year. I'm more concerned about durability especially given the cool temperatures we have early in the season. He's a bigger kid (6'2" 225) and he seems to like the weight end-loaded. I'll check out the reviews on the site you listed--thanks again.

Something interesting for people to consider when picking a bat. Composite bats have been the rage the past few years. Very expensive, but it allows the manufacturer to move the balance point away from the end and closer to the handle and make it easier and more confortable to swing. What they have found out, however, is that these bats actually increase in performance once they start being used. Bats that received BESR certification initially were exceeding the allowed ratio after having some use. As a result, until they can come up with a different approved testing system, composite bats are banned from collegiate play this year. They are still allowed at the high school level for now. So if you want to get a little extra "pop", go composite and don't hesititate to let your son use it for BP in preseason - the extra use actually benefits the bat's performance going into the season. (BTW, obviously there is a "breaking" point where continued use no longer increases performance and actually starts to shorten the bat's life - of course finding that exact point is pretty much a mystery.)

I always thought feel was everything. The upper echelon of bats are going to have similar results, it's really just about confidence and feel. If you feel like you're going to murder the ball with any particular bat but its 50 dollars cheaper than the bat that your son doesn't like the feel of, absolutely go with the one that feels better. Don't pay too much attention to pricing when they're over 300 bucks because it doesn't necessarily mean that it's a better bat.

Something interesting for people to consider when picking a bat. Composite bats have been the rage the past few years. Very expensive, but it allows the manufacturer to move the balance point away from the end and closer to the handle and make it easier and more confortable to swing. What they have found out, however, is that these bats actually increase in performance once they start being used. Bats that received BESR certification initially were exceeding the allowed ratio after having some use. As a result, until they can come up with a different approved testing system, composite bats are banned from collegiate play this year. They are still allowed at the high school level for now. So if you want to get a little extra "pop", go composite and don't hesititate to let your son use it for BP in preseason - the extra use actually benefits the bat's performance going into the season. (BTW, obviously there is a "breaking" point where continued use no longer increases performance and actually starts to shorten the bat's life - of course finding that exact point is pretty much a mystery.)

 

I assume "composite" means fully composite barrel as opposed to aluminum over composite like most bats?:confused:

I assume "composite" means fully composite barrel as opposed to aluminum over composite like most bats?:confused:

 

I believe hybrid bats - which are composite handle with aluminum barrel - are still allowed. It is the full composite bats - and there are plenty of them out there in the market today - that were being banned.

I believe hybrid bats - which are composite handle with aluminum barrel - are still allowed. It is the full composite bats - and there are plenty of them out there in the market today - that were being banned.

 

The following is from NFHS.ORG talks about the change in testing standards used. I also interperate, that in 2012 all 2 piece bats will be banned. It says that a bat must be a smooth cylinder implement from the top of the cap to the top of the knob.

 

2010 Baseball Rules Changes Include Bat Standards Adjustment

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact: Elliot Hopkins

 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 6, 2009) — The clarification of baseball bat specifications was among four rules adjusted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its annual meeting June 7-9 in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

 

A change to Rule 1-3-2 regarding bat specifications was made in the hope it will clarify bat compliance. The rule, which will be effective January 1, 2012, specifies that the bat should be a “smooth cylinder implement from the top of the cap to the top of the knob.”

 

“The committee was looking to clarify the rule and make the purchase of bats an easier process,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of educational services and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee. “We want to make sure that kids and parents know what is permissible.”

 

The change will also require that all non-wood bats meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, which is the standard used by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Formerly, non-wood bats had to meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) standard.

 

The new rule also states that non-wood bats must be labeled with a rectangular certification mark “a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.” The new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities.

 

“After working with the NCAA and having access to its research, we’ve concluded it’s in our best interest to make this change,” Hopkins said. “BBCOR includes the BESR standard, so we’re actually expanding upon our current standard, which will be more appropriate for our age and skill level.”

Frankly, once you get into the upper-upper end bats, I think it comes down more to personal feel and choice. The "feel" of the bat has a lot to do with the weighting - whether the weight is more balanced or more towards the end of the bat. Here is a very good site (http://www.baseballbatreviewsblog.com/) that explains all the differences in aluminum/composite/hybrid; flex vs. stiff handles; end weighted/balanced; 1 piece vs. 2 piece; etc... along with the changes for this year's models (most of them simply have a different color for 2010). I think you'll find all the information you need about bats at this site, but ultimately how your son thinks it feels to him is the single biggest deciding factor. When you're comparing $350 bats, it's not really as if the exact same swing will produce a 400 foot HR with one and only a 350 ft shot with another. The difference comes in whether your son has a slightly better (quicker) swing with one certain bat because he likes the feel.

 

Something interesting for people to consider when picking a bat. Composite bats have been the rage the past few years. Very expensive, but it allows the manufacturer to move the balance point away from the end and closer to the handle and make it easier and more confortable to swing. What they have found out, however, is that these bats actually increase in performance once they start being used. Bats that received BESR certification initially were exceeding the allowed ratio after having some use. As a result, until they can come up with a different approved testing system, composite bats are banned from collegiate play this year. They are still allowed at the high school level for now. So if you want to get a little extra "pop", go composite and don't hesititate to let your son use it for BP in preseason - the extra use actually benefits the bat's performance going into the season. (BTW, obviously there is a "breaking" point where continued use no longer increases performance and actually starts to shorten the bat's life - of course finding that exact point is pretty much a mystery.)

 

Really good points by cooperstown. First, the feel of the bats can be much different. It is amazing how 3 different 33" x 30 ounce bats can feel so much different. My son found that he liked the feel of the Easton blue Stealth bat the best. It swings much more like the wood bat he uses.

 

The point also about how a certain amount of wear to a composite bat can help. I did not know that until last year. I guess there is an art to determine when the bat is finished. The Stealth has a different sound when the ball comes off of it versus some other bats.

Something interesting for people to consider when picking a bat. Composite bats have been the rage the past few years. Very expensive, but it allows the manufacturer to move the balance point away from the end and closer to the handle and make it easier and more confortable to swing. What they have found out, however, is that these bats actually increase in performance once they start being used. Bats that received BESR certification initially were exceeding the allowed ratio after having some use. As a result, until they can come up with a different approved testing system, composite bats are banned from collegiate play this year. They are still allowed at the high school level for now. So if you want to get a little extra "pop", go composite and don't hesititate to let your son use it for BP in preseason - the extra use actually benefits the bat's performance going into the season. (BTW, obviously there is a "breaking" point where continued use no longer increases performance and actually starts to shorten the bat's life - of course finding that exact point is pretty much a mystery.)

Coop, You are the man, great stuff! I missed reading your posts and look forward to seeing how badly you messed up Ryle's field!:lol::lol: Just kidding, see ya soon!