2019 Actual bat performance talk

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Jun 6, 2018
305
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Well coaching a 14u and an 11u travel team bat performance is always at the top of the list since the technology is always changing.

Yesterday the cf zen balanced demarini came in with a 33/23 for 14u and 31/20 for 11u daughters.

After about 125 swings each going from tee to soft toss to live pitching the enthusiasm was definitely there. Each said they felt the bat easily outperformed last years cfx, balls hit off live pitching would concur. Each said the feel was good, very light, no repercussion in the bottom hand.

Based on actual hitting results it seems to outperform the quatro pro that we tested and a girl on our team has had for a few weeks now. The ball definitely jumps off the bat with demarini trampoline effect (more reminiscent of the CF7 and CF8) but not as fast as the Ghost.

So this bat will be the backup bat in the bag for when the Ghost cracks (which is still happening way too often) or we go to our 1 USSSA tournament.

Anyone else have their experiences to offer? Curious to see how the Louisville's look this year as last years were very sluggish and only see girls that are die hard LS users really using them still.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
If the CF Zen isn't as hot as a Ghost, that's another reason not to buy one...in addition to the other reasons.
 
Jun 6, 2018
305
43
If the CF Zen isn't as hot as a Ghost, that's another reason not to buy one...in addition to the other reasons.

Just offering input on the bat and sorry I don't know the other reasons you are referring to?

My daughters input on the bat and what my eyes tell me is that it is not as hot as the Ghost but definitely is the best backup to the Ghost.

My daughters love the Ghost and use it as their primary but the Ghost has two major flaws that can leave your daughter without a bat, it has a terrible durability issue (have witnessed 17 breaks in the last 2 months - high school and tournament play) and the bat does not carry all 5 stamps so unless you only play 1-2 circuits (which most better teams do not in order to face more competition) then you are likely to be in a tournament where the Ghost is outlawed.

Now if Easton gave everyone that bought the Ghost 2 bats and a 5 stamped bat then you would not need a backup bat like you currently do if your daughter is using one.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Just offering input on the bat and sorry I don't know the other reasons you are referring to?

My daughters input on the bat and what my eyes tell me is that it is not as hot as the Ghost but definitely is the best backup to the Ghost.

My daughters love the Ghost and use it as their primary but the Ghost has two major flaws that can leave your daughter without a bat, it has a terrible durability issue (have witnessed 17 breaks in the last 2 months - high school and tournament play) and the bat does not carry all 5 stamps so unless you only play 1-2 circuits (which most better teams do not in order to face more competition) then you are likely to be in a tournament where the Ghost is outlawed.

Now if Easton gave everyone that bought the Ghost 2 bats and a 5 stamped bat then you would not need a backup bat like you currently do if your daughter is using one.

I have an issue with how Wilson handled business related to a small dealer. It was corporate strong-arming to benefit a larger dealer, purely motivated by profit, at the expense of good customer service. Additionally, some of their product development decisions have been steps backwards.

My DD (13yo, playing 14U TB) swings a Ghost, and hits the ball pretty hard. One of her teammates swings a Ghost, and is the most powerful 13yo I've personally been around. 2 other of her teammates use Ghosts. We play against lots of other teams that use Ghosts every week. The ONLY break I know of was a friend's DD (also 13yo) whose Ghost broke within the first couple of months. Her replacement has had zero issues for many months now. I'm not saying your experience and observations aren't genuine. They're just a LONG way from what our experience has been.

My DD carries 3 bats - Ghost, CF8, Miken Freak Black - unless we are playing a USSSA tournament (which aren't very popular in our area), the Ghost is the only bat that leaves the bag. My DD used to love her CF8, and hit very well with it. The Ghost stole her heart.
 
Nov 25, 2016
39
8
I have a 2019 LXT 31/21 arriving tomorrow. I don't think I will have my DD switch bats mid season as she is currently swinging a 30/19. But we may do some tee work just to check it out.

Any thoughts on switching bats in the middle of the season. We have 4 weekends straight of tournaments.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk
 
May 20, 2015
1,095
113
the swings will tell you

DD 1 had been swinging a 31/21......started seeing some miss hits here and there, we've been working with a 32/22 and she squares it up much better, and gets around no problem......her confidence isn't there 100% with it yet, so she still swings the 31/21 at times with the really fast stuff.......another girl on our team is in the same boat, transitioning to a 33/23

DD 2 started pre season/school ball with a 30/20......picked up one of her sisters 31/21 and never looked back

swing both.....see which looks better......there is no formula or chart or right or wrong......her swing will tell you which is best for her right now
 

CoreSoftball20

Wilson = Evil Empire
DFP Vendor
Dec 27, 2012
6,215
113
Kunkletown, PA
I have always kinda thought that if you watch carefully, a kid's performance/swing will tell you when they need to go up without them telling you it.

I also don't like the "chart or book" for this stuff.
 
Jun 6, 2018
305
43
My experience says test and let your DD decide.

My oldest (freshman) needs to go up to a 33 to get better outside plate coverage. She had the drop 11,10,9 easton ghost and chose the drop 9 because it felt the most balanced to her. she used it mid-season of high school varsity and put one off the center field fence her first at bat. Third at bat she swung and missed at a pitch (her first swing and miss in over 12 games) bat went back in the bag and went back to her 32/22.

Unfortunately girls can be very fickle and change on a dime. I have learned you can try to convince them what is best for them but the experience is what makes their decisions.

Hopefully I can get her to pull back out the 33/24 and accept it and move forward with it but at this point I have to let her do it on her own.
 

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