As you may know, last years’ bats with a BESR sticker on it are all illegal now. I definitely would not throw them away. Instead I would greatly abuse them in the cages this winter and avoid dents in your new shiny ones! This year’s bats must all have the BBCOR stamp on them to be used legally. These bats actually came out last year, but they greatly under performed the 2012 models that are coming out now. If you saw any of the 2011 College World Series, you know what I mean. The bats were dead and no one is buying those (other than to use them for practice). 2012 bats are the only way to go as they are a significant improvement from the first BBCOR models.
So, what type of 2012 BBCOR should you get for your son? It really depends on cost, how he takes care of his bat (does he let 5 other players take BP with it – a really bad decision in my opinion) and how it feels as he swings and hits baseballs. The costs listed are really what you will pay. The outlets have very little wiggle room in discounting the bats. You can search on the Internet (including E-Bay) and have a tough time getting better prices. However, I would definitely look and comparison shop on line first. It never hurts to shop. There are 3 materials that bats come in:
Aluminum Alloy – Usually are a bit cheaper than composite cousins. They are in the $200 - $300 range. They do not out perform composite bats, but they are more durable in Spokane when we don’t get to 60 degrees till May sometimes!!! That may be an important aspect in your decision making process. Bats made with Scandium alloy are especially popular. The Akadema, Demarini, and Rawlings bats are very popular. My best bet picks for metal alloy bats are:
|
Akadema
|
Apocalypse
|
250
|
|
|
|
Demarini
|
M2M
|
250
|
|
Easton
|
S3/XL3
|
200
|
|
Louisville Slugger
|
Exogrid2
|
280
|
|
Rawlings
|
5150
|
200
|
Composite Bats – They will outperform a metal bat. They will cost you more money. They may break in cold weather. The warranty clearly says not to be used under 60 degrees. I guess these folks don’t know what a Spokane spring is like. If I bought one of these for my son, would not let any other boy touch it. Just sayin’. At the high school level, is a $400 bat going to out perform a $300 or $250 bat. I can’t promise you that. If I had the skill of Ted Williams, I could hit .300 with a broom stick!! Nevertheless, here are my best bets:
|
Demarini
|
CF5
|
400
|
 |
 |
|
Easton
|
S1/XL1
|
400
|
|
Louisville Slugger
|
Z-1000
|
370
|
Half and Half bats – These have a composite handle and a metal barrel. These are very popular and the kids have used them a lot here at University. As you can see below, they are also market favorites. They perform well (until the handles break …… cold weather + composite may cause problems). But, the players like them and say they “feel” better. They are a bit cheaper than the all-composites. The Demarini Voodoo has been a very popular bat as you may know. Here are my best bets:
|
Demarini
|
Voodoo
|
300
|
 |
|
Demarini
|
Vexxum
|
250
|
|
Easton
|
S2/XL2
|
300
|
|
Easton
|
Surge
|
250
|
|
Nike
|
Aero MC2
|
300
|
|
Rawlings
|
Machine
|
300
|
|
Reebok
|
Vector O
|
320
|
Well, there you have it. There are other bats on the market. Anderson, COMbat, Mattingly, Marucci, etc. So, please take some time and do some research to make the best decision for your son. Its obviously not a cheap investment. Now that you are totally confused, just make sure that it says BBCOR on it, it is a 2012 and your son likes the way it feels. I do not get any kickbacks from the bat companies for giving you this information (wish I did), nor will I take any responsibility if your son has buyers’ remorse. LOL
