-12 FS3 to....good transition bat?

[simplyYours]

My daughter is on the smaller side and currently uses a -12 Easton FS3 30/18 (she is a left and slaps sometimes). I want to get her a 31" bat. I have read that -12 is almost too light and I should try to stay around -10, however I have heard that jumping 2 oz is too much of a jump. Thoughts on this? I hear Easton's are heavier so could the -12 feel closer to a demarini -11 or -10? Just looking for suggestions.

 

[quincy]

I think I would stay at 30 and go to a -11.

There are a lot of nice -11 out there.

If she is on the smaller side maybe some of her teammates have some bats she can borrower for a little bit.

 

[aec4444]

My daughter is using the same size bat (Vendetta) and we're trying to transition too. She's 9 (almost 10) playing 2nd year 10u. She's 4'10" 90 lbs, so I am concerned about leaving her at 30, but I'm not sure she's ready for 31/21 yet. I've thought about a CF8 -11 or a 2016 Mako -11. I know the Makos tend to be heavier.

Others have suggested getting her it and choking up/etc, but the best recommendation is to try to demo the bats to see which fits her.

 

[simplyYours]

I guess that's where it gets hard. Not many places to demo around here. But a -11 Mako would be comparable to a -10 Demarini right?

 

[quincy]

Yes

Fastpitch Bats


Recent post with some information:

http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-equipment-product-reviews/25669-2016-makos.html

 

[SquaredUp]

I just bought my 6-year old daughter a 2016 FS3 in 28/16. The out of the wrapper weight was 18.0oz, +2oz, but that tends to be the norm for Easton. The Demarini CF bats are closer to spec. and I may end up trying to catch an old CF on sale in 28/17 configuration. Of note, the CXN ConneXion, where the barrel and the handle connect, the fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired. A gap has developed around the "seal." There's about 200 batted balls off this bat since I received at the first of the month. Maybe this is a one-off issue, but I'm afraid of dirt collecting inside the handle and adding weight. For this is the reason I will be exchanging and/or returning.

 

[Eric F]

Looking at the http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-equipment-product-reviews/20034-bat-weight-database.html, the 30/18 FS3 has been weighed at 19.5 oz. Based on that, I would expect making the transition to a 31/20 that is close to sticker weight would be an easy adjustment. Moving to a 31/21 probably wouldn't be out if the question, either.

 

[aec4444]

Is weight the only factor though? I mean, obviously, it matters.. but if the weight is distributed differently couldn't a bat that has a heavier scale weight have a lighter "swing" weight? Kind of the same concept golf clubs have?

 

[Eric F]

Is weight the only factor though? I mean, obviously, it matters.. but if the weight is distributed differently couldn't a bat that has a heavier scale weight have a lighter "swing" weight? Kind of the same concept golf clubs have?

Absolutely. An end-loaded bat will swing "heavier" than a balanced bat. Conversely, the Demarini Slapper has the balance point shifted slightly towards the handle, and it swings much "lighter" than a typical balanced -10.

Anderson Bat Company has used a "swing weight" approach for years.

These are certainly factors to consider in the process of picking the right bat.

 

[Little Angels Softball]

She is already swinging a -10 with that Easton.

Have her try a DeMarini CF8 Slapper in 31/21. It swings lighter than any other premium -10 on the market and has great pop for when she wants to swing away.