DD won't transition to better equipment

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May 6, 2015
2,397
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DD, 2007 player, just started travel this year. trying to help her hitting, acquired a used 30/20 LS XENO for a really good price. she used it in hitting practice one day, ball popped off bat much faster, sounded good, so I bought it (was on loan/test drive for one practice). Guy who brokered deal did me a favor. Prolem is, DD does not want to use it. Grip tape wrong, doesn't feel right, etc. Bat is one ounce heavier than what she had been using (Worth eclipse 30/19 composite, handed down from older DD), but real issue is she does not like to change.

same issue with glove, oldeer DD moved up to bigger glove last year, passed down a broken in 12.5 inch to younger DD (she was using 11.5 inch, $15 Walmart special, so broken in it feels like a piece of felt). really time for her to move up to this, but refuses.

basically hates new gear (although she really took to team helmet when she joined this travel team shockingly). I thought she would like this bat, as it is what about half the girls on her new travel team have, and would help her fit in (she is still waiting on her practice shirts, she joined team late).

Help, I know it will help her hitting (I know it will not make huge difference, just looking to add a little more pop when ball leaves her bat), but only if I can get her to use it!
 
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
Take her to Dick's or some other sporting goods store and let her pick out her own lizard skins. This will allow you to replace the grip tape on the new bat and give her a sense of ownership since she made the selection. And this will only cost you about $12.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
If it is a used bat you may want to try installing a new grip - it will make the bat feel new. I would also make her use it for BP. She will get used to the extra ounce in 2-3 weeks then she will not want to go back to her old bat.

Changing a grip yourself is pretty simple and I recommend using golf grip tape underneath the grip.
 
Last edited:
Mar 8, 2016
313
63
I agree with what FP26 says about getting a skin. DD loved her 2014 LS xeno that we bought her used and wouldn't think about using another bat. She broke it playing school ball in the cold last year (cried a river of tears). We had to replace it with a 2016 LS xeno because she was a LS xeno girl. Fast forward to a weekend long hitting slump and HC bringing out a new demanari bat for her to try (luckily he is a dealer and had a demo bat). She hits a triple in her first at bat and then bats 0.571 for the weekend. I now have a nice LS xeno bat to use to hit practice balls. If you can get her to use it once and get a good hit she will stay with it. The glove on the other hand is a tougher deal. I cannot get DD off her original cheap model first base mitt. I have to scour ebay for this particular model. She is on her second one and I have one as back up. I have gotten her 2 nice ones to try but she hates both of them. Predicting what they will like is really tough.
 
May 6, 2015
2,397
113
have no problem changing grip, told her so, but she said she still would prefer her old bat. kid just hates changing to new things (also tries to hold onto clothes and wear them long after she has outgronw them, have to throw stuff out behind her back).

changing grip was first thing I offered, probably just going to go over old grip tape, as she likes this feel (have done this with each of her previous two bats). little bigger diameter (easier to hold), and a little softer.
 
May 6, 2015
2,397
113
I already spent the money (it was used, $60), now trying to make investment make sense. older DD may end up using it, but she plays softball really just for kicks, not as serious, she is into FH (think softball is expensive, try outfitting a goaltender for FH), younger loves softball, and I want her to reach her full potential.
 
Nov 18, 2015
1,585
113
bmakj - FYI - Lizardskins come in two "thicknesses" - if you're going over an old grip, the thicker grip might result in a softer-than-intended grip
 

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