Which bat and why

Looking to upgrade DD's bat for next season (12u). Which of the following would you get and why?

Used but in good shape CF3
2011 Xeno
2012 CF5

Have her go swing them and if possible demo them . We had a local shop with demo Xeno's and Catalysts but had to search out another player who had a CF4 to try out . DD liked the CF4 but broke it over the winter at indoor practices which Demarini replaced with a CF5 .

Girls can be fickle about bats and everything from a paint job to what her favorite player swings can make up their minds . That being said you probably couldn't really go wrong with either of your choices so long as your DD likes the way it swings .

Based on the updated bat list the Xeno probably will not make the cut of approved bats. The newest CF5 might not either.

I am a big fan of the Xeno bats. I am a fan of Louisvilles products and services period.

What updated bat list?

PGSAKen said:

Based on the updated bat list the Xeno probably will not make the cut of approved bats. The newest CF5 might not either.

I am a big fan of the Xeno bats. I am a fan of Louisvilles products and services period.

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Please elaborate when you get a chance. I'm looking at the 2013 Cf5 for my DD.

If you are looking for a 2013, the XENO is supposed to be redesigned,
more durable and bigger sweetspot

PGSAKen said:

Based on the updated bat list the Xeno probably will not make the cut of approved bats. The newest CF5 might not either.

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Anyone have any insight on what this is about?

I know USSA is going to require a 2012 stamp so older bats will not be legal, but ASA/NSA are not changing their bat requirements as far as I am aware and I do not know of a new approved bat list banning the Xeno or CF5.

The new list comes out in Nov after their annual meeting.(ASA) Not sure when ussa does their thing. There is always rumors of banned bats this time of year. As long as the Xeno and cf5 stays within the new exit standards They should survive. But you will have to wait until Nov for sure.

Tim

Being the new standard is 98 and the CF5 and Xeno are 104-108.........

Couple that with Xeno admiting they are redesigning the bat entirely as we speak and the 2012 models are already on clearance.

The companies know thier bats are not going to make the cut.

PGSAKen said:

Being the new standard is 98 and the CF5 and Xeno are 104-108.........

Couple that with Xeno admiting they are redesigning the bat entirely as we speak and the 2012 models are already on clearance.

The companies know thier bats are not going to make the cut.

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It's always a good idea to question and identify your sources and check the "facts" before passing on fallacies as gospel.

First, the "new" BBS (batted ball speed) standard is not new and in fact has not been a relevant certification criteria since 2008. Second, the BBS standard was replaced by the ABI (accelerated break in) protocol in which composite bats were required to never exceed performance criteria (e.g., BBF 1.2) at any time during testing from new out of wrapper until bat failure. Third, the 2012 CF5 and Xeno both were certified to meet the current ABI standard. Fourth, top end pre-ABI composites easily outperform post ABI-composites - considering that the CF5 is ABI certified and that it doesn't approach the performance of Demarini's best pre-ABI fastpitch bat, the Phoneix, there's no way the CF5 gets anywhere near 104-108 mph. And lastly, as I understand it, Louisville Slugger's re-design of the Xeno is intended principally to address a durability issue.

IMO, you're seeing good clearance prices on many NIW 2012 bats because most don't have the USSSA 2012 stamp that will be required for USSSA competition after the end of next summer (c. Aug 1 or so).