Choosing a new bat

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I know this question has come up before. One of the girls was asking about selecting a new bat. I seem to recall there being places in the Cleveland area where one could actually take some swings and get the "feel" of a bat before purchase. Any thoughts? Any constructive advice appreciated...

 

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Any constructive advice appreciated...

Measure twice, cut once.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

 

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Now for a real answer. Go for the biggest, heaviest bat that she can control and swing the quickest. Bat speed and bat control are king.

Some guidance on sizes are all over the internet. Here is one:

http://www.cbssportsstore.com/sm-softball-bat-buyers-guide--bg-222939.html#C

 

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cshilt---you tryin' to give Johnnies some competition??? lol ?;D

I thought HE was the king of the "groaners".

 

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I measure twice and still end up cutting twice! Caveat to original question - Would getting a heavier bat help correct some flaws? Specifically, batter is swinging off of front foot, at least until I tell her about it. Thanks for the constructive - yet softball related - advice.

 

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Key question age of girl and type of hitter ? Older girls can handle the end loaded bats. Why I would fix the swing first., at the younger ages pitchins speed is all over the place. Older pitchers are all fast, but with better control and movement. So I agree with the above posts on the older girls. Bat selection is different for each kid and there are many good choices.

 

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Would getting a heavier bat help correct some flaws? Specifically, batter is swinging off of front foot, at least until I tell her about it.

I'm still looking for a magic bat that will correct mechanical flaws myself. The justification for getting the heaviest bat that one can control is simple physics; if all things are equal (bat head speed, for example) the heavier object will apply more force to the ball when hit. Unfortunately, the trade off in getting a heavier bat is usually bat control.

What you're describing is a lunge (http://www.hittingacademy.com/ohalibrary/picpages/lungepics68and69.cfm). With that, I'd concentrate on getting her to rotate her hips and shoulders better. http://www.hittingacademy.com/ohalibrary/picpages/rotationalcontactexttensionpics95and96.cfm

 

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Dick`$ sporting goods (sorry for the $, the site wont allow the D word) has a chart on their website and at their stores.
Don`t waste your time going to North Olmsted though. Stop there today both at DSG and MC Sports, they had very little selection. I will try Sandusky or Mansfield tomorrow evening.

Just in case you dont know, watch for the DROP on each bat (-10,-11,ect).
That is the difference in bat length and ounces. If you already know this,then forgive me for wasting your time reading this.

Like mentioned above, some bats are end loaded.

 

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Don't bother in Mansfield till the spring. They had plenty then.

 

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Don't bother in Mansfield till the spring. They had plenty then.

Thanks for the tidbit SBFAMILY !

 

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If her team is playing or practicing this winter, I would suggest that she borrow different bats from her teammates and see how she does with it. Also watch for flaws to see if the bat is the correct size and weight. Then you will at least have an idea of brand and size when you are ready to purchase one. I would not be in a hurry to purchase one now, instead try as many and as often as possible, until she and you are comfortable with one that will be right for her. This way there is no pressure from a sales person, and you have much more time to tryout various bats, lengths and weights.



Hope this helps.

 

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Borrowing different bats in practice is a good way to try-out several different feels. Of course, if your DD is like mine, she will always to better with a borrowed bat, then think it is the bat to have until you own one, then claim she is not hitting well because she is not used to the new bat. HA HA HA

 

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LOL---that sounds very familiar Fpitch_dad ?;D

 

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So for high school girls do you prefer balanced or end-loaded bats? Also does anyone have personal preferences? I will be getting one bat for my team this spring and haven't decided what to get.

 

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Is there a big difference from going from a synergy to a catalyst? i have a synergy now but was thinking of getting a catalyst.

 

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So for high school girls do you prefer balanced or end-loaded bats? Also does anyone have personal preferences? I will be getting one bat for my team this spring and haven't decided what to get.

It is really an individual choice. As has been mentioned, an end-loaded bat is better left in the hands of a stronger girl. Not everyone can swing an end-loaded bat with success.

 

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As cshilt stated. We bought balanced Catalyst's for our high school team. Few girls can handle end loaded and those that can you will find out they own one! Most of the college girls go to end loaded.
I watched a 11U try to handle an end loaded bat that Mom bought, good bat but she couldn't swing it correctly.