Posted by: Jon (jonwilliams@fuse.net) on Tue Jan 25 09:45:14 2005

Hey Louis, I have 3 boys in baseball and we've gone through a number of bats, primarily due to the strength and bat speed of my oldest son. My oldest son is turning 11 next week. He's a big kid, almost 5 ft. tall and weighing around 120. Since he was 8, he's literally broken 4 lightweight aluminum bats. These were high quality bats which we bought brand new each year. For him, the really lightweight bats (12 to 12.5 ounce drop) are not durable enough so we eventually went to bats with a 10 to 11 ounce drop and those have worked better.

My second and third sons are of much thinner builds. My second son is 9 and he weighs only 65 lbs. Though he hasn't actually cracked or broken a lightweight bat (i.e. 12 to 12.5 ounce drop), he dents them pretty easily. Same with my youngest son who is 7 and weighs 45 lbs.

Regarding bat length, my observation is that most kids swing bats that are too long for them. I'd stay short rather than long on bat length. It's much easier for kids to control a shorter bat, even if it weighs the same as a bat one inch longer. My 11 yr. old's 2 1/4 inch barrel bat is 30 inches and weighs 19 ounces. It's a Demarini. We've had absolutely zero denting with that one. It's been fabulous considering my son hits the ball really hard. My 9 yr. old currently uses a 28 inch bat that weighs 17.5 ounces. It's a blue Easton Connexion. It's held up really well too, almost as good as the Demarini.

For your son, I'd go with (approximately) a 28/17 bat or perhaps a 29/18 at most.

We have some big barrel bats now too since my sons have moved to AABC. If you have questions on those email me.

Jon





Hi!
>
> 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
>