Composite or Alloy 8U??

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Oct 21, 2012
150
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Do y'all think an 8U girl swings hard enough to get the benefit of composite bats? This year from observing, it looks like the Alloy bats have more pop than the composites.

Chad
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
If you're using "safety" balls (i.e. RIF-1), the advantages of a composite bat disappear, especially if the pitching and bat speeds are slow.

That said, I've seen some pretty fast pitching and quick swings from 8yo girls.
 
Feb 7, 2013
3,188
48
I'm not so sure about the theory that composite bats are neutralized by the RIF (reduction in force) safety balls even though I have heard this mentioned before.

Not scientific, but when DD was 8YO I bought her an entry level composite bat, Synge, and she could hit the ball about 15 to 20 feet, noticeably farther with it. She has previously been swinging a cheap, Worth aluminum bat. All things being equal, a composite bat will improve performance no matter what type of softball is being used.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
I'm not so sure about the theory that composite bats are neutralized by the RIF (reduction in force) safety balls even though I have heard this mentioned before.

Not scientific, but when DD was 8YO I bought her an entry level composite bat, Synge, and she could hit the ball about 15 to 20 feet, noticeably farther with it. She has previously been swinging a cheap, Worth aluminum bat. All things being equal, a composite bat will improve performance no matter what type of softball is being used.

Were the two bats the same weight (not sticker, but actual weight)? My DD used a Synge in 8U, too, and seemed to hit the ball farther. I credit her additional length to a 1 ounce drop in weight from her previous bat and increased swing speed. She did comment on less sting in the hands, however.
 
Oct 21, 2012
150
0
We use the 11' leather balls. I bought a cheap Alloy bat just to try from Academy. We'll see tomorrow if this rain moves out.

Chad
 
Apr 23, 2012
5
0
My dd is 8. She swings a 28/17 CF5. With proper mechanics there is a difference. You can probably find a pretty good deal right now. My dd turns 9 in Sept and I let her swing a 29/18 at practice Sunday and she didn't like it. Can't go wrong with the CF5. Just my opinion.
 
Oct 21, 2012
150
0
Today I bought a cheap Easton Aluminum bat for youngest DD, and the ball was going twice as far as the Composite bat she's been using. So, I'm not sure if the Composite bat isn't broke in, or if her swing isn't fast enough to get the benefit of Composite. After about 4 Composite bats for my two DD's, I'm gonna stick with Alloy for a while.

Chad
 

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