Composites and cages

[OCTravelCoach]

here's the solution -- don't hit off machines. Mike Candrea & staff never use machines for National Team or Arizona. they do soft toss or medium toss behind a screen and t-work.

[SkidMarks]

This is a good question...I have been under the impression that a composite bat is 'seasoned' or at it's best potential for 'pop' after around 500-600 hits. I used to think that a bat, like many other things, was best right out of the wrapper and everything went down hill from there, hence the use of 'cage' bats and the like. I guess if you do subscribe to the theory that bats are at their peak after a certain amount of hits (or rolling), when do they actually lose pop, assuming that they don't just break?

SM

[3Bsnag]

It depends on the batter and how often they play. I wish I knew the number of hits, but ours were on feel and ball distance. For me(was a 14U size female), they would last @ 1 1/2 years at one night a week and weekends, but we didn't take batting practice nearly as often as these girls do. Husband (6'1, 205) replaced his every January and August, but played at least 3 nights a week and every weekend. Of course, that doesn't include teammates use. As we transitioned into beer league, I just got DH's hand-me-downs.

And I do definitely believe there is a break in period for the bats we have owned.

[Empire United]

Well I have purchased several bats with 3 DD's that play. I always buy last years model tosave a little dough. During batting pratice my DD's use several different bats. Off the tee & in the cages they use the 07 Catalyst. A heavier bat that is weighted more on the barrel. Live pitching they use the 06 & 07 Synergy. This is their game bat. A much more evenly weighted bat that promotes a better swing. We do the basketball thing also. I have a old Easton Reflex that they use. A very durable & light bat. But makes them push a lightly weighted bat through a basketball.