Bat recommendations

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Apr 28, 2016
81
8
13 YO DD has grown 4 inches in the last year, and it is time (past time, really) to invest in a new bat. She currently swings a Combat 30" -11.

She is 5'4" 105 pounds

She isn't a power hitter, but tends to reach if she makes contact bc she has good speed. Her hitting coach is talking about teaching her to slap.

Any recommendations?
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
It's definitely time for a new bat.

My DD (12yo, 5'-4", 120+lbs) is currently swinging a 33/23 Demarini CF8. She's pretty strong, and hits for good power. She has recently transitioned from a 32/32 Miken Freak Black, which she still uses when she feel like she needs a little bit of extra quickness.

The "right" bat is largely about personal preference. For your DD, I would guess that a 32/21, 32/32, or 33/32 might be the "right" one.
 
Jun 11, 2012
741
63
I agree that bat size is personal preference

My DD is an inch taller but about the same weight and swings a 33/23 Xeno. She's a few years older though. She has always swung a heavier bat than most kids her size
 
Apr 28, 2016
81
8
Thanks! Any thoughts on balanced versus end-loaded versus hand-loaded/slapper bat? I'm thinking end-loaded might not be the way to go--she tends to start her swing late. . .which she is working on, but I'm afraid she would have trouble getting an end-loaded bat around. Those are my thoughts, but I'm open to being convinced otherwise.

We are going to let her swing some this weekend, but it would be nice to have a starting point.
 
Apr 26, 2015
704
43
My DD is quite a bit smaller - 5'1" and 80 lbs but she is strong. She swings a 31/21 LXT (very evenly balanced). We are getting ready to start transitioning her to a 32/22. She has a 31/21 slapper bat (heavier towards the hands) and tried it for a while but decided she much prefers her LXT even when slapping.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
End-loaded bats generally do best with more powerful hitters due to an increased "swing weight" due to the shifted balance point. Based on your description of your DD, I would stick with a balanced model. I know a couple of girls who use a Slapper very successfully, but generally speaking, a balanced bat is a better all-around choice.
 
May 22, 2015
410
28
Illinois
For reference my DD is 13, and about 5' 100 lbs. She swings a 32/22. I would say get a balanced bat, especially if she may start slapping some. She has a Demarini slapper and an LXT, and really likes them both. I am out of the bat buying market for a while at this point, but if I were shopping today I would be looking pretty hard at a Quatro.
 
May 16, 2016
1,024
113
Illinois
It's definitely time for a new bat.

My DD (12yo, 5'-4", 120+lbs) is currently swinging a 33/23 Demarini CF8. She's pretty strong, and hits for good power. She has recently transitioned from a 32/32 Miken Freak Black, which she still uses when she feel like she needs a little bit of extra quickness.

The "right" bat is largely about personal preference. For your DD, I would guess that a 32/21, 32/32, or 33/32 might be the "right" one.

I think there is a couple of typo's in that statement. I would imagine he meant -10 in all those bats listed.
 

CoreSoftball20

Wilson = Evil Empire
DFP Vendor
Dec 27, 2012
6,215
113
Kunkletown, PA
I really hate the "book" for what kids should be swinging. The best bat for the kid is the one that fits her best, not what someone says
she should be swinging. I have worked that mentality for years.

I do agree...30/19 def is too small for your daughter and probably has been. Best way to get an idea, I you have a place by you that
has many diff weights for you to feel. Also, maybe she has some friends that have some bigger bats for her to try out. Then you
have a good idea and go from there. I would try a 32/22 in my opinion and work from there. I can maybe help you out price wise on certain bats
if you need it.

If you don't have a place by you, I wish I could help ya out with a few demos to try out weight wise, but Im not in that
position anymore thanks to Wilson.
 
Last edited:
Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
My DD is 15, 5'0" tall and weighs 115 lbs. She's using a 33/23 LXT which I absolutely knew would be too much for her until she borrowed one in HS practice. She hit 6 out of our 206' HS field that day......Guess what I had to buy??

Sandrahd, it sounds like a 32/22 is where your DD needs to be, or at least start there.
 

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