When to move to a 34" bat?

[deboy922]

DD just turned 16 and has swung a 33/23 SCN1B for 2 years. She is 5'-8", 120 pounds, and wiry strong. She is now swinging a 33/23 Mako, since the 1B is no longer approved.

For those swinging a 34" bat, when did you make the switch. What are your guys experience with high school and college girls swinging a 34"?

None of the girls on our high school team swing a 34" bat, so it is difficult to try one out. I don't know whether to try a 34" LXT or CF8, as they swing lighter; or to just try working her into a 34" Mako. Or keep riding the 33" Mako...or try a 33/24...whew...decisions, decisions

Thoughts...opinions??? Thanks!

 

[YOCOACH]

You can't go by my DD. She switched to the 34" in second year 12U but that's because she was more than big enough at that age to handle it. You say nobody on your team has one. Does anyone on the team swing a 33/24 to try? At least you'd get to see if the extra weight would drag the swing speed down any.

ETA: Another thought is to find some of the old style lead tape that we used to put on the bottom of golf clubs to heel weight or toe weight them more. Add 2 ounces which will simulate a 34/24 and see what it does to her swing speed. It's a much cheaper option than actually buying another bat even if it's a used one,.

 

[sbmom19]

DD swings a 34/26 and has for almost a year. She is 17 and a big strong girl. Closest size on either of her teams (HS & TB) is a 33/24. DD's batting coach advised her to swing the heaviest, longest bat that she could handle without dropping her hands. She is a power hitter if that helps.

 

[JAD]

Find a used 34" bat on EBay she can try in BP. If she likes it you can look for a permanent replacement. I have a 34" SCN1B I will make you a deal on! LOL

 

[slugger3]

Oldest DD is 5'10" 170lb with an athletic build, and is strong, just changed to 34/24 about one year ago.
She loved how fast she could swing the Xeno 33/23, and hit the heck out of the ball with it.
We borrowed a friends 34/24 to try it out.
She permanently changed to a 34/24 because of the extra barrel length and the fact that with her size/strength she really didn't notice the change.
We also have a 34/25 and a 34/26 Xeno, and she can swing them fluidly. But she likes the speed/feel she gets with the 34/24.
We are going to compare the ball hit distance between the different weight bats as soon as it stops snowing, and the wind chill is not -0...

I've heard/read the DeMarini CF8 swings "lighter" than the Xeno, so maybe their 34/24 would be an easier transition for your DD.

If your DD is 5'8" as is fairly strong for her 120 lb frame, I think it would work. But will she like it?...
One of my younger DDs is 5'8" 150 lbs. And can swing the 34/24 pretty good, but likes the 33/23, so she sticks with that bat.
As posted above...can you borrow before you buy?... Different brands maybe?...
Good luck!

 

[Greenmonsters]

If she's using a 33/23 now and thinking about wanting to try more bat, I'd lean to a 33/24, which probably will result in the same swing speed as 34/24, but provide more pop because of the extra ounce. Once you have sound swing mechanics, swing the longest/heaviest bat you can without sacrificing bat speed is sound advice.

 

[Greenmonsters]

... swing the heaviest, longest bat that she could handle without dropping BAT SPEED....

IMO, this ^^^^^ is better advice

 

[deboy922]

Thanks for all of the replies

What size bats are most popular in college?

Anyone know what size LSU's Bell, Michigan's Romero, or Georgia's Hugo swing?

 

[Greenmonsters]

What size bats are most popular in college?

33" and 34", -10, -9, and -8 drops

 

[redhotcoach]

Whatever she likes! Barry Bonds swung a 33 inch bat. Worked for him.
If your looking at lxt and demarini, 34/24 will be light compared to the scn1b. My 16yr bat brat currently enjoys 33/24 lxt and 33/25 demarini phenix.