2015 Bats - Easton vs Xeno 32/22

[CoachPat]

I'm looking at getting my 11yo DD a composite bat for the first time. She, unfortunately, will not have the opportunity to try any bats before buying because there are no demo stations around here.

I've realize that a good hitter makes a good bat and that personal preference is a big part of this.

However, if you could get a Easton 2015 FP15MK10 MAKO CXN ZERO -10 Fastpitch Softball Bat for $130 or a Louisville Xeno Fastpitch -10oz (2015) for $199 which way would you go?

She was able to hit the 2016 Easton Mako Torq at an Easton Hit Lab (8-9 balls soft tossed) and she loved it (never hit composite though) and they said her swing speed was 46-49MPH.

If it matters she's 5'4 93lbs.

Appreciate any input.

Thanks,
P

 

[masterblaster22]

Both good bats. Mako might run slightly heavy, as will the Xeno but not by much. We were using a 2014 Mako, and bought a '15 Mako but we switched to the Louisville LXT line this past summer. At $130 though the Mako is a steal.

 

[strawman]

My daughter loves her Mako. Another girl on our team loves her Mako. Another girl on our team loves her Xeno. Another girl on our team loves her LXT. See what I'm getting at?

That being said, if she liked the Torq, she'll most likely like the Mako. It's the same bat, less the rotating handle.

A 31/21 Mako's actual weight will likely be just a shade above 23oz.

 

[Little Angels Softball]

The Mako will be slightly heavier than the Xeno, but not by much. Both will hit as well as she does.

 

[Eric F]

Also, for your daughter's size I think a 31/21 might be a better fit.

I respectfully disagree. At 5'-4", a 31" bat will be too short, and at 11yo, she is probably still growing. For comparison, on my DD's 12U team, every girl over 5'-2" is swinging a 32 (we don't have any big enough to swing a 33...yet).

Both will hit as well as she does.

This ^^^

 

[strawman]

I respectfully disagree. At 5'-4", a 31" bat will be too short, and at 11yo, she is probably still growing. For comparison, on my DD's 12U team, every girl over 5'-2" is swinging a 32 (we don't have any big enough to swing a 33...yet).

Absolutely, I agree. I mis-read the original post. #readingishard

 

[newsoftballdad]

my dd is 5' 3" @ 130 pounds. Swings a 33/23. Moved up about a year ago and never looked back. Most girls these days are stronger than we give them credit for and can swing a bigger bat. JMHO

 

[Little Angels Softball]

I'd look at a 32" bat for her, as well. She's not heavy and she's young, but at 5'4" she is going to want that extra length. Heck, my girls are just 13 and half of 'em swing 33s and probably a few more should.

 

[crystlemc]

My kid is a Xeno junky. Hated every Easton she ever tried to swing. She currently has 2 of the 2012 Xeno 33/23 in her bag, and a 33/23 2014 Xeno in there for cold weather. The 2012's are her babies and all her bats have names. She will loan out the 2014, and the 2012 Miken Freak to anyone, but they will be pulling back a nub if they try to touch one of the 2012 Xenos.

 

[mudrunner]

Xeno's seem to be the most popular bats around here for whatever reason. DD thought it felt a little end loaded so she got a LXT. If you shop around you should be able to pick up a 2015 Xeno for cheaper than that though.