CF8 Conundrum

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Feb 26, 2018
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My 12U DD will be in the market for a new bat come next year when she moves up to 14U. She's currently swinging a CFX 31/20 which was a WR for her CF8 31/20 that she absolutely loved. I found a CF8 32/21 NIW at a local store, but the price tag still has the original retail price. I know I may be able to get them down, but what is the opinion on here about whether retail price of $349 is fair or should I try to negotiate? I know the CF8 is one of the most sought after bats out there, and to find one NIW is like a unicorn. My DD was really bummed when her original CF8 broke and we had to return it and she was somewhat excited about the prospect of a new CF8. What do you guys think?
 
Dec 11, 2010
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Fuzzy, most sporting goods employees probably don’t know that is a desirable model. I’d emphasize that it’s an older model, you’d rather get the latest and greatest. You might be able to do him a favor for taking it off his hands and he is doing you a solid because your dd needs a new bat and right now you don’t want to spend full retail. If you can stand to look a little sad that you might not be able to afford “the newest and best” for your daughter, well that would be good.

I’d go take the bat off the rack and stand there and admire it in your hands like you really like it. When someone comes over, have a conversation and slowly drop the bread crumbs above and let them decide that dropping the price is their idea. Sometimes it works, sometimes it works really good and sometimes it doesn’t even work a little, lol

Edited to add: if you take your dd with you, (I wouldn’t), she needs to not be interested in the CF8.
 
Last edited:
Apr 16, 2013
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Talk to the manager. I did this years ago at Dick's and she immediately dropped 50 off the price without hesitating. I simply said I could get it cheaper online and BOOM, price dropped.
 
Feb 26, 2018
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I mean with the crazy prices I see on the bay for a NIW CF8, retail is a steal haha, but at the same time full retail on a 3 year old bat is silly. They may know about the bat though. The org she plays for is partnered with a company that owns 6 or 7 training facilities and they have gear shops at these facilities. I just so happened to see it when she was at practice on Sunday. My DD even made a comment that she hit the best with the CF8 (totally in her head). I was planning on having to drop $350 for the 32/21 CF Zen, but now I haven't been able to stop thinking about the CF8. Even if I can get a little bit off, it's a win in my book.
 
Dec 11, 2010
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Heck yes it’s a win!

I’d pay full retail for that bat in your situation but I get a kick out of some real life play acting too. The worst that can happen is you take the walk of shame to to counter and buy it at full price. Any day you get to buy a new bat is a good day though, lol
 

CoreSoftball20

Wilson = Evil Empire
DFP Vendor
Dec 27, 2012
6,215
113
Kunkletown, PA
I was planning on having to drop $350 for the 32/21 CF Zen,

This was a bad plan, no way you need to spend 350 for a Zen. Other plan WW gave you is def feasible and worth it. You will tell right off the bat (no pun intended) if the place knows
the bats value. If they start with, yes, its a few years old and they throw the "BUT" word out...then they will probably follow with the online prices...haha. Then you're retail bound for it.

If they don't watch online prices, they will drop price a little, that's a couple year old bat laying around taking up room and tying up money.
 
Feb 26, 2018
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I didn't want to pay $350 for a Zen, but looks like I won't have to if I can get my wife on board to letting me get her the CF8. If I can get them to come down, which I should, I'll be more than happy to scoop up a NIW returnable CF8 :cool:
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
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So Cal
Here's another thought...Drop way less than $350 on a new Ghost or Mizuno Power Carbon (talk to Core/Todd). My DD loved her CF8, but it has barely seen daylight since she got her Ghost.
 
Feb 26, 2018
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I couldn't do the Ghost since they aren't dual stamped. I was intrigued by the Mizuno after watching some videos and reading the reviews. I'd have to take my DD to Kzoo to demo one though before I made any decision to buy one.
 
Dec 11, 2010
4,713
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CF Zen definitely not worth full retail.

Core can most definitely help you out. But I gotta tell you, getting a good price from him just by texting him isn’t as satisfying as putting on an sporting goods salesman with a Sundance Film Festival quality act.
 

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