How old of a "new" bat is it okay to purchase?

I have a 9 year old daughter I'm wanting to purchase a newer bat for. Last year she started using a teammate's 2012 Demarini Bustos (30/17) and was getting a LOT more pop than she was using her cheaper, newer alloy bat. That teammate is moving up and so we will need to get a replacement for her. I found a 2016 Anderson Rocketech (at Goodwill, of all places), but she doesn't seem to be getting much pop from it. I was wanting to step up a little since she seemed to have no problem swinging the Bustos, and was thinking of something not too expensive, as I might put down some dough for a CF-XX in a year or two. I was thinking of something like a Demarini Vendetta, but wanted some opinions on a new, discontinued bat that might be a few years old. I have seen some bats such as a Worth Sick 454, Mizuno Nighthawk, and Easton Stealth Flex, but wanted some opinions on if those might be a better option than a new Vendetta.

Thanks!

When they cracked down on bats a few years ago they are pretty much same IMO.

https://www.cheapbats.com/shop/2015...softball-bat-12oz-fp15s3-p-6650-c-286_42.html

https://www.cheapbats.com/shop/2015...ftball-bat-10oz-fp15mk10-p-6645-c-286_42.html

Here's a couple of closeout deals in a couple of different sizes. I couldn't imagine her going from a 30/17 Bustos to a Rocketech? My DD had a 30/21 RT that weighed around 23.5oz.

She may not be getting much pop out of a 2016 Rocketech because they aren't Rocketech's anymore.

If it doesn't have an external sleeve on the barrel, forget about it. When Steven Anderson left Anderson Bat Company their products went down hill.

I would avoid vendetta btw in favor of... Pretty much anything

The rocketech is too big of a jump in weight. They always run an ounce or two heavier than advertised, plus they're a -9 bat. The Bustos is a -13!!!. As a 9/10 yr old, she'll need more bat assistance (flex/trampoline), so try to stay clear of solid 1 piece composite bats until shes stronger. Look for technology like 3 piece bats with a flex handle for example. If you can get a deal on that stealth flex....go for it!
FYI... You should look for a -11 or -12 at this age.

My DD's first "real" bat was a CF4 I got on Ebay, a few years ago. She used it for quite awhile before we replaced it with a CF8 last year. It only cost us about $60 at the time and it was a great bat.

Thanks for the help everyone. I have been looking for a drop weight of -11 or -12 for her. The Anderson Rocketech that I got her was this model, 29/17, not the drop -9 model. So no on the Vendetta, got it. A few of you have suggested Eastons (have they not gone downhill in the past several years? I had heard that???). There is a company on eBay that is moving new in wrapper 2017 Stealth Flex models with no reserve and they've been going for about $90 - $100 each. Maybe I'll move on one of those if possible.

Anybody have any input on the Worth Sick 454's from a year or two ago? Or the Mizuno Nighthawks?

I buy my DD used bats all the time. I get a great deals and if she breaks one, I just buy another. You can find great deals on gently used smaller bats because players outgrown them before they really get them broken in good. You may want to reach out to the parents of some of the girls who are moving up an age group to see if any of their DD's have outgrown their bats and are willing to part with them.

BTW - my DD's favorite bat was an Easton Synergy that was made @ 2007. She loved that bat and would still be using it today if Easton had not voluntarily put it, along with some of their other popular older bats, on the ASA banned bat list.

My DD will consider nothing but Demarini. I've tried. She's got very strong opinions for a 10 year old.

She's 9. Depending on her/your commitment to softball, B-level equipment may be just fine.

If she's above average & wants to get better, then move up a notch & get her the best one you can possibly afford. You'll be able to find her a new '15 or '16 at a discount online, which should get you a couple, three years of good use & a warranty.

Easton Stealth-ish, DeMarini CF-ish, etc.

In fact, I've seen new Stealth -10 Retros moving around e'Bay as low as $99. Old paint job, A+ performance.

James offered some good buying tips for you listed above.

Chris