Posted by: Pete M. (houyhnhnmland@yahoo.com) on Wed Mar 30 21:00:43 2005

Thanks for all the input. Just to clear up what the alternatives are, I agree with Jon, there's no way my son could swing a 32/30 wood bat, even at practice, nor would I want him to. I did order a 30/25 wood (Jon, this co guarantees a -5 drop with maple bats.. we'll see), but what I am really trying to determine is the best bat for games (and practice if the 30/25 isn't what it's cracked up to be).
He's 13, 7th grade, plays Babe Ruth 13 Prep, summer usually plays all star. I was leaning twds a 2 3/4 Stealth 31 -9 or Vexxum 2 5/8 -8.5, but I think he might do better with a balanced bat like a Slugger Transition 2 5/8 31 -9, or a Warrior 2 3/4 31 -8.5. He would have better success with a 31 -9 or -8.5 than with a 5 drop, and as far as getting ready for HS -3, that can be done next year. Jon's right, he will need to get balls past the infield this year to keep up his OBP and use his speed, so what's the best bat / size to acheive that...? I agree, I don't want to make it too hard. I'd rather keep up the fun and the motivation, and worry about HS later. (Wouldn't the 31" Warrior 2 3/4 -8.5 be the best for distance for his size/weight? I know the 2 3/4 barrel is larger than HS, but 1 year to adjust should be enough.)

Thanks again

Pete