Senior bats

[jhitman]

Did you see SSUSA's new rule? Bats must have SSUSA 1.21 bpf. That means ASA and USSSA bats illegal in that association.
My Nightmares are also illegal now since it says Senior Softball World Championship.

Thanks Bruce. I did not see this. I will be on alert before I make a senior bat purchase.

 

[96packers]

Wig Popper! Nice el once broke in it's a beast

Also check out the Onyx's... Orange, Grey are super el!

 

[ogWarlock78]

I like "end loaded" bats but the Wig Popper way too much for me. Swings like a sledgehammer to me.

 

[blakcherry329]

Ok, sooooooo, I didn't realize that this is an alloy bat, Like a Steel. It swings and hits like a Steel, for sure. I hit at Lefty's in Clifton, NJ. 70/85mph baseballs(dimpled). 3 rounds at each speed. It didn't take long to get used to the end-load(probably because I practice with that Torpedo with a mid-weight so it swings about 50oz or so). It feels nice in the cages. I played a DH on Sunday, got 6abs. Bat has nice pop with the clinchers. I hit like crap, but the bat felt nice. Not the bat's fault. lol
Definitely going to be my go to for practice and my winter pickup games. I put it on par with the Steels, so far. IF you are looking for a bp bat and you like a max end-load, I definitely recommend this for $50.

 

[ogWarlock78]

I didn't realize that this is an alloy bat, Like a Steel.

the $49 2023 Helmer Hitman 44 on that "jungle site"? Per Easton website, it is "Two Piece COMP / COMP"

 

[blakcherry329]

It doesn't sound like a composite bat, especially because of it being a multi-wall bat. The description on Amazon is aluminum. It definitely sounds and feels like a Steel, not like the usual Easton multiwall composites that sound like the OG ASA Z-1000s.

 

[ogWarlock78]

Those "technical details" at the bottom of amazon ads are always "suspect". It's "click click click" as fast as you can to fill in blanks by the person listing the item by that time.
From the rawlings-easton website;

easton.rawlings.com/product/SP23BHSL.html

scroll to bottom and note ......
Construction 2-Piece Composite

Someone did ask the question if it was composite. but amazon in their infinite wisdom, doesn't let you see Q&As unless you search for a key word, like "composite"

One person who wrote a review did mention the sound and said it changed at about 200 hits

n/c

 

[ogWarlock78]

a little bit ago I posted question on the amazon ad asking the material and have already received 3 replies, including one from the seller, stating it is indeed composite.

 

[jkwoody22]

It’s composite, I unwrapped mine and hit 100 44’s and classic ms off a tee in my garage today and it had a lot of loud cracks sounds, doesn’t sound like a steel, but I will say your spot on about it feeling like a steel, endload is massive, most I ever swung, I regripped it to verify it has a composite handle, btw the worst grip ever to remove, the triple wall barrel does have me intrigued, maybe why such a huge endload, I’m sure it doesn’t have any gap tech like an asa since it is designed for 44 senior balls, I want to cut one open to see inside lol, the ss felt small, out towards the end in the “to” area, that’s where I got the most crack sounds, every well else it did have a different sound, softish pillowy sound from time to time, probably just the balls or lack of sweet spot, I did hit a couple of 52’s and got that same kind of sound even on the sweet spot, it was hard for me to swing, I had to adjust my swing because of the endload, it’s a log and I will give it a ton of bp hits to see if it opens up more, it very much reminds me of bats 10 years ago where you have to put in the work to make them game ready, I’m used to these newer asa bats hot out of the wrapper,

 

[jkwoody22]

From Eastons website

 

[blakcherry329]

It’s composite, I unwrapped mine and hit 100 44’s and classic ms off a tee in my garage today and it had a lot of loud cracks sounds, doesn’t sound like a steel, but I will say your spot on about it feeling like a steel, endload is massive, most I ever swung, I regripped it to verify it has a composite handle, btw the worst grip ever to remove, the triple wall barrel does have me intrigued, maybe why such a huge endload, I’m sure it doesn’t have any gap tech like an asa since it is designed for 44 senior balls, I want to cut one open to see inside lol, the ss felt small, out towards the end in the “to” area, that’s where I got the most crack sounds, every well else it did have a different sound, softish pillowy sound from time to time, probably just the balls or lack of sweet spot, I did hit a couple of 52’s and got that same kind of sound even on the sweet spot, it was hard for me to swing, I had to adjust my swing because of the endload, it’s a log and I will give it a ton of bp hits to see if it opens up more, it very much reminds me of bats 10 years ago where you have to put in the work to make them game ready, I’m used to these newer asa bats hot out of the wrapper,

I thought it was a comp, but my friend pointed out the description on Amazon(which I didn't think to check, cuz why would I, but I digress). I also thought it was kinda strange that Easton would make a Senior metal bat. I was a little disappointed, glad that's not the case. I didn't need another bat, but $50 was too good to pass up. Having said that, I wouldn't have bought it if it was aluminum.
I haven't hit anything but dimpled cage baseballs and F12 Clinchers, so it may take a bit for the sound to change. Maybe I was expecting more of a crack sounds, since it's an Easton multiwall design? IDK. I've put about 100 swings on it with cage baseballs, it'll probably take about another 2-300 to make a difference. This will be my bp bat from now on. I'm intrigued about the sound now. lol

 

[ilyk2win]

Is this the bat I keep hearing about "West Coast" senior players buying and then shaving?

 

[blakcherry329]

Seems like a prime candidate given the price

 

[ogWarlock78]

seems nowadays "endload" has no consistent meaning. Back in the day, a Reebok, Adidas or Combat "endloaded" bat would balance fairly constantly at about 21" out from the knob, which is what I prefer (no digital scales needed, just balance on your finger, eyeball and measure).
The recent bats getting all the press seem to go way past this. If you can get the barrel around, fine, but I can't. (I swing 27oz endloaded Adidas that balance at 21")
A friend who bought this Helmer says it measures a tad greater than 22", which would feel like a total sledgehammer to me.
IF I was going to get one of these, I think I would drop down an oz and add weight to the knob to balance it out a tad (some knob cuffs are 0.8 oz alone)
And while I'm on the "endload" rant.....saying a bat has 1/4oz, 1/2oz or full oz endload is like the camshaft ads in the 70s that claimed the camshaft was a 1/4 race, 1/2 race or full race cam. It doesn't tell the story w/o the numbers ......it's marketeering. How a bat feels in your hands, is all about the actual balance point.

 

[BruceinGa]

the description on Amazon

I believe the description also said a year's warranty!

 

[blakcherry329]

I believe the description also said a year's warranty!

Now it's $79.95. lol

 

[blakcherry329]

Put another hundred swings on it. It feels great in the cages cuz I'm swinging a 50oz weight to get loose. In a game it still swings like a sledgehammer and I don't really put good cuts together until the second game, so far.
I do like the feel as a bp bat. I don't swing balanced bats unless they're over 28oz, so it's all good.
Haven't really felt the bat "change" yet, but it feels nice.

 

[blakcherry329]

Another hundred or so cuts. I really like the feel of the bat now. Should be opening up now. I don't notice a significant change in sound, but there is a bit of a difference.
Feels good in games, still haven't hit too many solid ones, but that's a me problem. LOL
Next time I'll post a video...you've been warned. lol

 

[dunno]

Does anyone have experience with or comments toward the performance and longevity of this bat?
They are finally being discounted. Also would like opinions of the green 13" Melee2 max.

 

[BruceinGa]

I have put down my Suncoast Reload and now use my Easton Hitman 44.
I did break my first one in Las Vegas last Tuesday during bp. I did bring a backup so I didn't miss a beat.
The first one probably had 8-900 swings.
Moving forward I plan to hold down swings in bp.

 

[swingnmiss]

I used to chase Lightning Legends because they were insane. Bought my first one for $160....Turned around and bought another immediately. Then I bought my next one at $220........Then next one at $280......Then next one at $340........ Then I saw they were going for $400+ and I said, "**** that bull****........" Now I swing Mele's. To me they are the best combination of performance and durability. I mean, almost all of the senior bats are fun to swing, but not all of them are durable. Suncoast is the way to go for me.

 

[BruceinGa]

I went with Suncoast for a year or so. I first went with the End load Diamond. Next was the End load Melee 3 then the Reload. The Diamond had too much flex in the handle, the Melee 3 just didn't seem to have the distance that I was looking for. The Reload seemed to fit the bill.
Then I got to thinking (oh no), all of these seem to have too soft a barrel. I made a few calls to guys that I respect that have knowledge how bats are made. Both thought I should try a stiffer barrel. LS has one as does Miken. The problem is both only make a 27oz in the end load model.
About this time I began buying the Easton Hitman44. I bought 4. I soon after sold one. That left me three 28oz.
While hitting off the tee I began seeing the Easton outdistancing the Suncoast. I switched to it two tournaments ago but broke it. I haven't hit this many home runs in 10 years!
I'm on my second now.

 

[swingnmiss]

I currently swing the Mele 13" endload as my gamer and get great distance out of is. I also have the End Load Diamond, but like you.......Don' really care for the handle flex. I mean, I hit if fine, but the feel isn't there. I had a Mele 4 Endload but broke it about 2 weeks ago. It was also a great bat. Got some really good distance out of it and I liked the feel. I also have a second year Lightning (blue/red). The distance and durability seem fine, but I just never use it. After Christmas, I'll look at getting whatever the newer Mele will be.

 

[2oldShoe]

Does anyone have experience with or comments toward the performance and longevity of this bat?
They are finally being discounted. Also would like opinions of the green 13" Melee2 max.


View attachment 74227

I just ordered one and will hopefully do some BP on it Friday if temperatures are warm enough...did you ever get one? If so, what are your thoughts

 

[dunno]

Am breaking in a red niw 26.5oz melee2 max el 12" about 300 tee and bp hits getting there showing promise.
Concerned about longevity as a Suncoast player said his experience with this bat was it broke early but he's in his 40's? and uses harder balls than our 375/44's.

Bought a used green 26oz melee2 max el 13" and its got good pop. Not as great as atf 26oz Adidas melee2 el 13".
Will be happy if the red bat catches up with these 2.

Now sold on Suncoasts, yesterday snagged a niw 27oz melee3 el 12" and niw melee2 max el 13" in 27oz.

Seeking a critique of the melee3 12" el as well.
The youtube video reviews mostly show abnormal hitters with fresh bats and no follow up history.

 

[BruceinGa]

I enjoy looking for discounted bats. I swing heavy endloaded bats, as heavy as 30oz but now days most bat companies heaviest bats are 27, 28 or 28.5.
I have heard of the Dudley Doom, first as a utrip model but now I find three or four model SSUSA approved 1.21 Dooms.
I'm especially interested in the 2oz Maxload. I just bought 2 for $99 a piece.
Has anyone tried these?

 

[BruceinGa]

My bad, the maxload is a Utrip model.
I guess I now have a bat for our utrip league and bp. Depending on how good they are I might use them for ISSSA.

 

[2oldShoe]

My bad, the maxload is a Utrip model.
I guess I now have a bat for our utrip league and bp. Depending on how good they are I might use them for ISSSA.

This 2oz end load is on Spalding.com in a 28oz if you are looking and curious. I do not have any experience with Dudley Doom's.

 

[BruceinGa]

I saw that. That's what confused me.
Do you think Spaulding.com is legitimate?

 

[UncleMosk]

Yes legit site. For 99 bucks just don't BP these. Game only.