Interesting that questions about a quality bat lead to discussion regarding hitting mechanics.
If the bat was on no importance - we'd all just hand our DD a 2x4. I agree a bat is just a tool, mechanics must come first, but good hitters use good tools. Just as a good auto mechanic prefers good Snap-On wrenches as opposed to some no brand name they picked up at Wally World for $2.99.
I have had several kids just recently show up with an end loaded bat and a balanced bat...after checking their bat speed with each bat we found THEIR mechanics in their hand path was incorrect and the end loaded bats induced more bat drag and caused or contributed to their back elbow and bat to drag because they did not understand how to get the back elbow into the slot properly using a heavier bat. The difference was 4 MPH...so they were swinging the end loaded at 56 and the balanced bat at 60 MPH.
They were able to get the bat into the zone more consistently with the balanced bat and I would say by fall ball they will be back to the end loaded bat without any problems. So if you are swinging down or level on the ball now and using an end loaded bat it may be more difficult to stay in the Big Zone consistanlty.
You are correct about the tools, just because you have Snap On tools does not mean you are a mechanic, just that you have good tools. I was a jet mechanic in the Navy 68 to 72 and assembled and dis assembled jet engines that were worth millions and we used black oxide tools, because of the corrosion requirements we could not use plated tools....they did not look pretty but we good the job done because we knew how to use the tools provided to us by the government.
Go to the ASA and NCAA web sites yourself in regards to bats and the new testing that will take effect I think in October and make your decision however in my opinion the wise thing to do is make sure the person swinging the bat understands how to do it because if or when they reduce the technology, will they still be able to hit with power?
We have a lot of kids that hit home runs without end load or high tech bats so it is not always the bat and ASA, NSA I think and I am not sure have 190 to 200 foot home run dimensions and I think ISF is 220 or 225 feet so how to use the tool will become more important if the ASA and NCAA get their way...just a thought.
