I have my opinion on the issue but most would claim I was biased (Even though I did voice my opinion to the powers that be...) so it's probably not in my best interest to comment BUT...
One thing I will say and will defend to the end is DT. There's no need for the name calling and throwing insults. The man is doing his job. We all have bosses, you do, I do, he does. He's doing what the company felt needed to be done. Many of you claim Worth has great customer service, prior to me being with Louisville I used Worth quite often and you're correct...the customer service was awesome. Guess what, DT helped make Worth what it is today! He helped put them on top. If you doubt that, there's an army of people that will tell you DT is one of, if not THE best at what he does in the softball industry. Disagree with the company and their decision, fine but don't attack him because of it. His posts are being informational and to the point. He knew what he was up against when he posted this, the last thing anyone wants is an internet battle. Noone ever really wins.
Forget it, I am commenting...
Is it the IDEAL solution to the problem? Nope. I don't think it is. I even told DT that I didn't feel it was BUT the warranty program was being used and abused so thoroughly it was basically being used as an upgrade program on bats that Louisville clearenced out at WAY below the normal selling point. (Meaning they barely broke even on the models and they were supposed to be sold as NO WARRANTY!) Let's be realistic here, when was the last time the Catalysts were selling for $150 or so retail? It's been WAY over a year since that was even remotely the case. People were buying these up at $75 to $100 each and snapping them intentionally to get a Z2K, every person freaking out on this thread KNOWS for a fact players do things like this all the time. It's more common than we even want to admit. I almost think manufacturers should do 1 of 2 things. Go back to NO WARRANTY bats and lower the price point OR make ALL bat purchases TWO bats of equal models. Basically an instant warranty when purchased from an authorized retailer. Then there is no UPGRADE abuse or complaining because they didn't get the model they deserve etc.
My take...
Very few of the ones effected were really using a red Catalyst as a gamer. We also know that's true. The fact they spent $80-$140 (Depending on when you purchased it...) and as long as it was a purchased with a valid receipt from a authorized retailer you might have to wait but they are offering you a BRAND NEW MODEL Sonic+ WITH A FREAKING WARRANTY INCLUDED! That $80-$140 just flipped you potentially 3 bats because of the added full year warranty with the suffering of a WAIT but an extra bat with warranty included makes up for that in my opinion. Now as far as the Warrior offer or even the discount off a purchase at retail pricing goes, that was NOT something I was fond of at all. Scratch that off the table. I am not a decision maker though, I just offer my opinion and advice from a softball consumers view. But either way if you really look into it, you are waiting which I know sucks...I have been there before BUT what you're getting back in return makes it worth it. Once again, how many of you complaining NEED those Cattys RIGHT this instant because the Catty was your gamer? They are giving you a returnable brand new 2015 model yet to be released bat for the inconvenience. If that doesn't seem fair, I don't understand fair. This isn't costing you anything extra? Is it? You're not being hosed a bat? Are you? No, you just have to wait to get a similar model but because of the wait they are including a full warranty. Seems like a decent compromise. What I think most people are upset about is the fact the "WARRIOR" offer and discount off of retail pricing was insulting to some of you. I actually completely get why you might feel that way. My guess is if it would have been posted only offering the Sonic+ scenario and fully explaining WHY that was the route we were taking and how Louisville was going to make it right by customers...everybody would be fine with it. They aren't trying to screw anybody, to the contrary...we all know fake receipts/upgrading etc most the time it's the bat companies getting screwed. Nobody that made a legit purchase will be eff'd over. I am confident in that...
There is NO PERFECT solution to this problem, mistakes were made on several levels. Just like the BAD BATCH Z-2000's and Louisville Slugger bit the bullet and did what they needed to do to keep everyone they could happy. I love the reissue Z-2's but I would rather take a Sonic+ with warranty over a No Return Z-2 anyway. Wouldn't you? In this case, the sins of MANY ruined it for MANY. It was not just a few guys, it isn't ideal but if you really break it down you're still being taken care of. Just my 2 cents, probably not even worth half that though. Lol.
Let the crucifying begin...