DD uses a BarrelMax for both bats any time the temp is under 60* (main bat and cold weather bat for temps under 50*)
Keep bats warm all day during a tournament and for practice.
DD (14) hits off a Sports Tutor Homeplate / All Star simulator as often as possible 100-200 swings each session. Speed / pitch selection is set on random and varies between 50-60 mph (pretty accurate according to pocket radar).
I feel its has been a great help.
Great glove starting out at that age. My DD used one for 2 years before moving to the JVC. We sold the Fortus 2 years ago and it is still in use by the player that bought it.
Fortus
$ 99.00 shipped in the US
Manny
Started using these when I coached 10U (11") and still use the same ones for the backyard cage, DD is now playing 14U. They hold up well, especially for the price. We have at least another 100 12" balls that we use at practice and 100 12" slowpitch (low seam) for the pitching machine and all...