First off, where should you buy a bat?  Modell's Sports Authority?  We suggest shopping online or at your local batting cage.  There are plenty of wholesale Baseball Equipment Companies that sell online.  Why not pick up last year's model?  I'll bet it performs the same but may just have a different paint scheme.  DiMarini Bats,  Louisville Slugger Bats, Easton Bats, Worth Bats all make bats that perform equally well. 

How to choose a bat?

While there are plenty of young kids working at Modell's and Sports Authority that will have you hold the bat out straight for 10 seconds or see if the length is just below the hip - the truth is there is NO truth to those methods.  We recommend the players use their friends' bats and decide what 'feels' the best.  That is after all the best way to tell.  A bat that is too big is just as bad as a bat that is too small - both effect the swing negatively.  Worth Bat Co. has devised a formula based on the players age and height.  Is it exact, no but it is a starting point. 

We don't feel there is a need to spend $400 on the latest Louisville Slugger TPX Bat, Easton Zcore or DiMarini Double Barrel Baseball Bat for younger players.  All bats have an a BESR (Bat Exit Speed Ratio) and all have strict guidelines how fast a ball can 'exit the bat when hit'  We also recommend getting a blemished bat from a wholesaler - these bats are brand new except for maybe a scratch or a small paint smudge and can't be sold at full price.  Once your son or daughter is a bit older then you can go all out and get the best bat available.  Most 8 year olds don't have the physical strength yet to generate enough bat speed to notice a difference in power whether they have a $400 bat or a less expensive one. 

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