- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Softball Dads (and Moms)--help with a bat for an 11-year-old
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:04 am
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:04 am
So my daughter is a really good athlete, but hadn't played since t-ball until last year when she played on her school's 3rd and 4th grade team. Played 3rd because she was the only one who could throw across the field to 1st. Moved to short on the 5th and 6th grade team this past season, and is currently playing Dixie All-Stars. She hasn't hit a growth spurt yet--she's only 4'6" about 70 pounds, so I got her a crappy Easton Ghost bat for about $50 because I didn't know what size she needed and didn't want to spend a bunch and have her outgrow it within a year. (I also wasn't sure what all was legal for what leagues). But it's got a tiny sweet spot and anything she doesn't barrel up vibrates like hell and hurts her hands.
I know nothing about bats that have come out in the last 25 years. I used a drop 4 Easton C Core Reflex in college and a drop 5 TPX in college. Retired before the whole BBCOR revolution, so I have no idea about all this new tech and what makes a good bat. I was thinking about getting her something between $100-$150. It is shocking to me how many girls have the $400 DeMarini or the $500 Ghost. Not because parents are willing to spend that much--there are always those--but because they're so young that who knows how much they'll grow and when.
And God forbid anybody share their bats. Every girl has to have their own and their own helmets. I didn't even have my own helmet in college. And I had my own practice bat in high school, but used a teammate's Reflex in games. Some of these parents would come down out of the stands and want to fight if somebody used their daughters' bats today. I did see one last year freak out and jump on a coach for using one to hit infield. I might too if I'd have dropped $400 on one. But I never would for a 10-11 year old.
I'd be fine dropping $400 when she's 15 or 16 that she'd be able to use all throughout high school, but not when she just turned 11. But she does need a little upgrade with a barrel that actually rewards a ball being squared up and is a little more forgiving if she doesn't square it up perfectly.
Thoughts? Recommendations? If not specific bats, just specs to look for? Are there some that don't need to be "broken in" and are just as hot right out of the package as they would be after a little usage? I remember our bats always got hotter the more we hit with them. TIA
I know nothing about bats that have come out in the last 25 years. I used a drop 4 Easton C Core Reflex in college and a drop 5 TPX in college. Retired before the whole BBCOR revolution, so I have no idea about all this new tech and what makes a good bat. I was thinking about getting her something between $100-$150. It is shocking to me how many girls have the $400 DeMarini or the $500 Ghost. Not because parents are willing to spend that much--there are always those--but because they're so young that who knows how much they'll grow and when.
And God forbid anybody share their bats. Every girl has to have their own and their own helmets. I didn't even have my own helmet in college. And I had my own practice bat in high school, but used a teammate's Reflex in games. Some of these parents would come down out of the stands and want to fight if somebody used their daughters' bats today. I did see one last year freak out and jump on a coach for using one to hit infield. I might too if I'd have dropped $400 on one. But I never would for a 10-11 year old.
I'd be fine dropping $400 when she's 15 or 16 that she'd be able to use all throughout high school, but not when she just turned 11. But she does need a little upgrade with a barrel that actually rewards a ball being squared up and is a little more forgiving if she doesn't square it up perfectly.
Thoughts? Recommendations? If not specific bats, just specs to look for? Are there some that don't need to be "broken in" and are just as hot right out of the package as they would be after a little usage? I remember our bats always got hotter the more we hit with them. TIA
8
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:11 am to Hot Carl
Look bats matter. I'm guessing she's going to swing about a 28" and i'd try to get her in a -11 if possible.
problem is, if she hits a spurt soon, she'll be progressing quickly thru bat sizes if you get pretty hardcore about what she should be swinging. It's hard to go wrong with a lot of the 2nd hand better known bats.
I'm a fastpitch bat wizard, check facebook market place, ebay etc for used bat deals. Ask questions as needed.
I like 2 piece bats better. But its a preference and kid type of thing.
composite barrels need to be broken in a bit.
Anything alloy barrel will be hot out the wrapper.
eta: problem is she's so small that she's sort of in the range of most the "baby bats" not really big enough for the better bats that only go down to certain lengths if that makes sense.
problem is, if she hits a spurt soon, she'll be progressing quickly thru bat sizes if you get pretty hardcore about what she should be swinging. It's hard to go wrong with a lot of the 2nd hand better known bats.
I'm a fastpitch bat wizard, check facebook market place, ebay etc for used bat deals. Ask questions as needed.
I like 2 piece bats better. But its a preference and kid type of thing.
composite barrels need to be broken in a bit.
Anything alloy barrel will be hot out the wrapper.
eta: problem is she's so small that she's sort of in the range of most the "baby bats" not really big enough for the better bats that only go down to certain lengths if that makes sense.
This post was edited on 6/20/24 at 11:23 am
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:34 am to Chad504boy
she may can swing a 29 -11. that can maybe last her a year or 2. I'd say for sure 30" is too big for her now.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:38 am to Hot Carl
Get on some fastpitch groups on Facebook in your area. Also check marketplace. The same people that pay $400-500 for the new bat every year will offload the year-old one for $200.
Source: I have both a HS softball and HS baseball player.
Source: I have both a HS softball and HS baseball player.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:42 am to RoscoeHarper
Check out Sideline Swap site on the web...that age group is out-growing bats constantly and you can get a light used good quality bat for about 1/2 the price of a new bat retail.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:42 am to Hot Carl
I just bought a Louisville LXT 32 -10 for my step daughter. She is 12 and about 5 foot. She swings it well. Her hitting coach recommended a 33". Don't sell your self short on size. They will learn to swing a bigger bat and you wont have to drop $400 every year as she grows.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:50 am to Hot Carl
My daughter just turned 10 and is about 4’5” or 4’6”. For the past 2 years (both 10 U class C tournament ball) my daughter has swung a used Marrucci Echo 28” Drop 11 bat and swung it well.
If your daughter is a little bigger and a little stronger the 29” Drop 11 may be fine and you can always have her choke up as she gets stronger using it.
Look on eBay, sideline swap, just bats, Facebook, etc for used hats in good condition and you can get bats at reasonable prices. When we bought that echo it was used and we paid <$120 for it off eBay.
If your daughter is a little bigger and a little stronger the 29” Drop 11 may be fine and you can always have her choke up as she gets stronger using it.
Look on eBay, sideline swap, just bats, Facebook, etc for used hats in good condition and you can get bats at reasonable prices. When we bought that echo it was used and we paid <$120 for it off eBay.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:53 am to Oilfieldbiology
sign her up for travel cheer and skip overpaying for a bat
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:55 am to Oilfieldbiology
just to help op,
marucci makes the echo. Echo is the one piece alloy bat. it's a fine bat but its one piece and can sting a bit on mishits
echo connects are the 2 piece composites. Break in period but little more upside with power and bigger sweet spots.
Old models are red and black and newer models are the white and golds.
My daughter around 11 had red and black echo connect. Hated bat at first but it got better with time and turned out to be a decent bat. Not the best but that's up to your price point.
marucci makes the echo. Echo is the one piece alloy bat. it's a fine bat but its one piece and can sting a bit on mishits
echo connects are the 2 piece composites. Break in period but little more upside with power and bigger sweet spots.
Old models are red and black and newer models are the white and golds.
My daughter around 11 had red and black echo connect. Hated bat at first but it got better with time and turned out to be a decent bat. Not the best but that's up to your price point.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 11:59 am to Chad504boy
My daughter had the old red and black ones and you’re right, if she miss hit the ball it stung. It also has an odd sound, like the bat was breaking each time she hit, but as she kept practicing with hit she got much better with it.
I agree it’s not a top of the line bat, but for what we were doing and looking to spend, it was perfect.
I think the biggest point of my post was not to recommend that particular bat, but that his daughter should easily swing a 28 -11 and probably a little bigger and that there are deals to be found online.
I agree it’s not a top of the line bat, but for what we were doing and looking to spend, it was perfect.
I think the biggest point of my post was not to recommend that particular bat, but that his daughter should easily swing a 28 -11 and probably a little bigger and that there are deals to be found online.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 12:02 pm to Oilfieldbiology
Another random tip.
I always sell my bats on ebay or sideline swap when i'm done with them. Keep your bat boxes when you purchase bats!!!
I always sell my bats on ebay or sideline swap when i'm done with them. Keep your bat boxes when you purchase bats!!!
Posted on 6/20/24 at 12:07 pm to Chad504boy
quote:
I like 2 piece bats better. But its a preference and kid type of thing.
composite barrels need to be broken in a bit.
Anything alloy barrel will be hot out the wrapper.
Thank, Chad. This is the kind of info I need. Whey do you prefer a 2 piece?
quote:
I'm guessing she's going to swing about a 28" and i'd try to get her in a -11 if possible.
That Ghost is a 29 -11 that she chokes up on just a bit. So a 28 is probably perfect for her now.
quote:
problem is, if she hits a spurt soon, she'll be progressing quickly thru bat sizes if you get pretty
Exactly. I'd be surprised if she didn't grow into a 29 by next year. She doesn't have to choke up right now. But it's the beyond that where I don't know what to expect as far as her growth. I'm not trying to buy a new bat every year. But she needs something to swing in the off-season, too.
I appreciate your help.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 12:07 pm to Chad504boy
quote:
Look bats matter. I'm guessing she's going to swing about a 28" and i'd try to get her in a -11 if possible.
28 is way too small for an 11 year old in my experience
I would think a 30-11 is probably the average size for that age, even if she is a little undersized.
OP, avoid the <$150 new bats, as they are basically overpriced junk. A good used bat is your best bet.
The real easton ghost bats are far and away the most popular, but also if you're buying used, they are the most susceptible to short lifes.
A demarini CF series bat is probably the best overall bat for a novice-intermediate player.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 12:10 pm to Croacka
quote:
28 is way too small for an 11 year old in my experience
maybe but 4'6 and 70ish lbs is very undersized for most 11 yr olds.
I'd stick with the 29 -11 and let her grow into that bat size.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 12:11 pm to Hot Carl
quote:
Whey do you prefer a 2 piece?
composite barrels get hotter and typically will perform better. 2 piece connections allow for a bit more barrel flex during swing and create more pop. 2 piece connections take away stings on mishits.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 12:12 pm to Chad504boy
quote:
LS Xeno
Much better bat, but she'd need to go to 29 -11. Xeno's are one of the most durable bats that exists.
IMO, the Xeno is the most versatile too. It just a well balanced bat good for hitting, slapping, bunting, slugging, drills, cold weather, hot weather.. The more it's used, the sweeter it gets. Technology doesn't change much on this one so if you can find an older one, it's just as good if not better.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 12:45 pm to Chad504boy
quote:
just to help op,
marucci makes the echo. Echo is the one piece alloy bat. it's a fine bat but its one piece and can sting a bit on mishits
I ordered her the echo diamond (29/17) a few days ago, which I guess is obviously a step down from the connect. Academy had them on sale for $99 and there weren't many 29s in stock online (none in the store), so I jumped on it. It's supposed to come in tonight, but I wasn't gonna let her use it until I got advice from you guys. So what I gather is that it's a decent bat, probably the right size for her now, and doesn't need breaking in. (They play in a district tourney this weekend and only have to finish in the top 2 of 3 teams to qualify for state next weekend. Apparently the coaches are pretty confident they do that, because they've already got a block of rooms for next weekend). So I wanted something she could use immediately.
Is $100 bucks a decent enough deal for that bat? I don't have time to shop around 3rd party places for this year, but certainly will before next season. I just wanted her to have something that would actually reward hitting the sweet spot the next couple of weeks and that she could continue to use practicing in the off-season. Anyhoo, I appreciate all the help and welcome any more advice.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 12:51 pm to Hot Carl
it's a decent short term bat, light swinging so it won't be too much bat for time being which is good. (that's the worst thing to do is have too much bat)
BUT
you can always sell it later for a few bucks return.
AND
you better start saving $ now for her better long term bat. Get with me when you're close. You let me know what you're looking for and i have a couple connections.
BUT
you can always sell it later for a few bucks return.
AND
you better start saving $ now for her better long term bat. Get with me when you're close. You let me know what you're looking for and i have a couple connections.
Posted on 6/20/24 at 1:02 pm to Hot Carl
Looks like I was wrong on the Diamond. All the Echos appear to be Diamonds. But the one I got was a Diamond Alloy -12. There are -11s and -10s that are more expensive because they're composites/2-pieces. They're also more than twice as expensive. This is what Just Bats says about the one I got:
2 1/4 Inch Barrel Diameter
Drop 12 Length-To-Weight Ratio
Balanced Swing Feel
One-Piece, All-Alloy Fastpitch Bat
Features USSSA 1.20, USA Softball (ASA), ISA, NSA & WBSC Certifications
Colorway: White | Gold
Multi-Variable Wall Design - Expanded Sweet Spot, Thinner Barrel Walls & More Forgiving Feel On Miss-Hits
Ring-Free Barrel Construction - Increased Flex, More Performance & No Dead Spots
Liquid-Gel Dampening Knob - Patent Pending Technology That Holds A Precise Amount Of Liquid-Gel In The Knob to Absorb Vibrations, Creating A Smooth And Solid Feel
Micro-Perforated Soft-Touch Grip With Extra Tack Improves Feel And Control
Marucci Echo DMND Alloy -12 Fastpitch Softball Bat: MFPEAD12
Designed with the beginning softball player in mind, the Marucci Echo DMND Alloy -12 is an ideal option for learning the fundamentals of the game!
Bat Benefits
With its super balanced feel and lightweight build, Marucci has designed this Echo DMND Alloy -12 specifically for younger players that are just starting their softball journey!
The Echo DMND Alloy -12 bat is engineered to provide the softest, most forgiving feel on miss-hits. The Multi-Variable Wall design features a ringless barrel with thinner walls and an expanded sweet spot, creating a more flexible barrel with more performance to maximize your swing. In addition, Marucci will equip the Echo DMND Alloy -12 with a Liquid-Gel Dampening Knob, their latest anti-vibration technology, which situates a precise amount of clear liquid gel into the knob to dissipate vibrations and sting.
I guess that's good enough for now. But I have no problem returning this thing if y'all don't think it's the right bat/price point. She's not expecting it, and would be fine using the shitty Ghost she has. I've just seen her piss on line drives that barely got over the SS's head and into the OF. Part of that is her small stature, but she's pretty twitchy and strong for her size. Really fast and by far the best arm on the team. She's strong enough to where it should go a little farther if she barrels one up.
2 1/4 Inch Barrel Diameter
Drop 12 Length-To-Weight Ratio
Balanced Swing Feel
One-Piece, All-Alloy Fastpitch Bat
Features USSSA 1.20, USA Softball (ASA), ISA, NSA & WBSC Certifications
Colorway: White | Gold
Multi-Variable Wall Design - Expanded Sweet Spot, Thinner Barrel Walls & More Forgiving Feel On Miss-Hits
Ring-Free Barrel Construction - Increased Flex, More Performance & No Dead Spots
Liquid-Gel Dampening Knob - Patent Pending Technology That Holds A Precise Amount Of Liquid-Gel In The Knob to Absorb Vibrations, Creating A Smooth And Solid Feel
Micro-Perforated Soft-Touch Grip With Extra Tack Improves Feel And Control
Marucci Echo DMND Alloy -12 Fastpitch Softball Bat: MFPEAD12
Designed with the beginning softball player in mind, the Marucci Echo DMND Alloy -12 is an ideal option for learning the fundamentals of the game!
Bat Benefits
With its super balanced feel and lightweight build, Marucci has designed this Echo DMND Alloy -12 specifically for younger players that are just starting their softball journey!
The Echo DMND Alloy -12 bat is engineered to provide the softest, most forgiving feel on miss-hits. The Multi-Variable Wall design features a ringless barrel with thinner walls and an expanded sweet spot, creating a more flexible barrel with more performance to maximize your swing. In addition, Marucci will equip the Echo DMND Alloy -12 with a Liquid-Gel Dampening Knob, their latest anti-vibration technology, which situates a precise amount of clear liquid gel into the knob to dissipate vibrations and sting.
I guess that's good enough for now. But I have no problem returning this thing if y'all don't think it's the right bat/price point. She's not expecting it, and would be fine using the shitty Ghost she has. I've just seen her piss on line drives that barely got over the SS's head and into the OF. Part of that is her small stature, but she's pretty twitchy and strong for her size. Really fast and by far the best arm on the team. She's strong enough to where it should go a little farther if she barrels one up.
Page 1 of 3
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News