You can get some great deals on Makos right now. ..that's be my 1st choice for newer bats, followed by CF5 or CF8
This question has no right answer. It's like asking what is the best car, best beer, most attractive woman in the world. Its clear to me that the "best" or most popular bats have a geographical component to them. In Houston, the Xeno is the bat that everyone likes. I've heard HS girls and some dads talk about how "hot" the 2012 version was compared to the 2013 version. My friends in California swear by the Mako.
My feelings are that all the premium bats from the major bat companies are virtually identical. All of the women in the College World Series swung the school bats provided to them by Easton/Louisville etc. Some of the bats were 3 years old. Some of the bats were almost brand new. Assuming all the bats are in compliance with the 1.20 stamp, I suspect robot testing would reveal a variation of 1-3 feet on a 200 foot fly ball.
The last 3 bats that I have bought my daughter have been used. I like the $150+ savings and the fact that they are already broken in. I've never had a problem with cracking a bat. She's outgrown the 3 bats before they've been broken. Her current bat is a 2013 Xeno that has been rock solid for her.
Golf drivers are another product that has been technologically capped like softball bats. I read a fascinating article that the golf manufacturers have been studying sound and color as determinative factors for buying drivers.
I missed winning a Torq by $8.00 on the bay that went NIW for 158.00. I didn't even want it but the price was so low LOL. I saw a used Mako for 95.00where is a good place for me to find one of these good deals?
thanks for the info.