Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sat Jan 22 10:34:55 2005

>>> So I just bought the video and I am waiting for it... but I want to buy my son a nice bat.. Below is a description of a bat that is supposed to be the best bat on the market... I want to invest in a good bat... Can you give me any advice about this particular bat? It talks about a "whip" action which may go against the "rotational" mechanics (I think). Well the bat whips but that does not mean the player does. Anyhow I want to buy this bat but I have not seen your video yet and wonder if the two will not work well together. My son is 8 yrs old and has been playing since he was 3yrs old. Everyone in our local league says he has the best swing they have ever seen in a 8 year old...

Or could you suggest a good bat that works with the "program" or does it even matter? And how do I know what size to get him? He uses a 29" right now; should I increase to 30"? Go shorter?
Need some advice.

Thanks,
Louis G.

Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4"
Sizes:
28"/17 oz.
29"/18 oz.
30"/19 oz.
31"/20 oz.
32"/21 oz.

Description:
The best bat in the game today for 3 reasons:
1. Sc888 Triple 8 alloy is the strongest and toughest in the game for maximum barrel performance

2. Unique Opti-Flex composite handle technology provides maximum handle flex - 3.5 times greater than aluminum in the case of the LST1

3. Patented ConneXion technology acts like a hinge to provide the most efficient energy transfer from handle to barrel. The result: Maximum bat head "whip" for a quicker bat and more power through the hitting zone.

-New streamlined ConneXion piece for even greater flex
-Ultra-lightweight -11 length-to-weight ratio
-Monster Barrel design - longer barrel for larger sweet spot and more contact
-Total-Peen, anodized finish
-Ultra-thin 29/32" handle with Pro-Tack cushioned grip <<<

Hi Louis

Thank you for the purchase of the video. I am not sure whether you are asking a question or promoting a product. However, you should keep in mind that the bat your son works with has a large impact of the swing mechanics he develops. Once ingrained, swing mechanics is difficult to change. It takes a lot of time and hard work to change muscle memory programs.

With that in mind, below is a post from the Archives for your consideration.

Jack Mankin
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Re: Bat
Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com on Fri Jan 7 11:58:17 2005

>>> Jack
I have always been a power hitter, using a heavy bat. I think your approach to hitting is right on. I'm now 65 playing slow pitch softball, using the same weight bat. My bat speed is not what it was 20 years ago. What is the physics behind using a heavy bat, I make my own wood bats, with slower bat speed and using a lighter bat with increase bat speed???

A second ?. I use a 36/36 some times a 36/38. what is the physics behind a long bat 36" or a short bat say 30"-32". Also I'm told that I should use a Alum. bat like other people. What is the physics behind wood - Alum???
wes
ps this is the best site that I have found on the web. Thank's <<<

Hi Wes

The basic formula for the amount of energy impacted to the baseball at contact is f=ma or f=mvv. This means that for a constant bat velocity, doubling the mass of the bat will double the impact force. However, doubling the velocity will cause the impact force to be four times greater. Therefore it appears that increasing bat velocity is more important than increasing bat weight.

This is true to a point. A batter swinging a lighter bat can generate greater bat speed, which equates to hitting the ball with more force. However, decreasing bat weights reach a point of diminishing returns where lowering the bat weight does not result in a corresponding increase in bat speed. The bat feels easier to swing but the bat does not have the substance to drive the ball with any real authority.

I understand that ultra light bats allow smaller players with less efficient mechanics to compete at an earlier age. My problem is the swing mechanics these young hitters develop using the ultra light bats. Professor Adair has calculated that a 35 oz. wood bat with a velocity of 75 mph can hit a ball about 400ft. He also calculates that it takes about 3 torque horsepower to swing the bat of which the arms can only contribute about 1/3 hp. Therefore, it is the larger muscles in the legs and torso that supply most of the energy – not the arms

The bottom line is this, the lighter the bat, the less the larger muscles are required in the swing. With a –11 bat, a batter can attain decent game bat speed with mechanics that rely mainly on the arms. My concern is, once a batter has developed these mechanics, what happens when the batter must use a regulation size bat (-3 or heavier) which require the efficient use of the larger muscles in the legs and torso.

Note: Wes, the walls of an aluminum bat has more of a “trampoline” effect at contact than a wood bat.

Jack Mankin