Bat recomendations

Back to my favorite subject!...

Find the cheapest bat your son is comfortable with....(that may be a Z-core) As Ed mentioned a .250 hitter hitter with his current bat will probably be a .250 hitter with new fancy bat (after the initial psychological high wears off).

Ask JT what the kids on his new travel team think of his son's old purple TPX....

Durability is a big factor in my mind... Why did we ever go to metal in the first place? With bats costing $200-$300 a piece and only lasting a season I think we have to re-think Wood bats... (I just bought 3 for under $50 combined... including tax) ( At that price I can get a dozen for less than the new Bat costs)

Anyway, I personally have seen (between Travel and rec ball) over the last 3 years, the majority of the TPX / Air Attacks (Loiusville Products) dent, Crack or lose its pop within about 6 months of heavy use.... This includes a new Omaha that was purchased in March of 99. (However most have been replaced within a week by the dealer or Louisville)

I've seen C-cores (LRXxxxx, 2 1/4 and 2 3/4 barrels) last 3 years and still kicking... Not seen any fiber problems... I personally have not seen any problems with Z-cores but the kids/parents treat them like Gold not allowing others to use them and limiting any Cage use...

My son has used Z-core, C-core, TPX, Air Attack (I) and he (and my pocketbok) prefer the C-core Big barrel (Cosmetic blem for $89) over the other $200 bats he has used... (His manager forced him to use a Z-core early in season - 15 games - didn't see much of a difference... only 3 Hrs) ( He started using the C-core 10 games ago - and has hit 10 HRs since...) (New technology obviously is what counts.... ;^} )

I also recommend using a wood bat for the majority of practice swings... I have had several professional coaches also recommend this... My son has only cracked one this year thus far.... so our Wood bat costs have been $70 and we still have two that haven''t even been used...

Just MHO....