Bat speed is king at this age. Mass means nothing if you cant get the bat around. The OP's son seems to be on the smaller side. I agree, go 26" or if you're going to go with a 27" get a -12.
I’d go 27/17. There are a couple 28/16s out there too. With a choke up ring that might be an interesting 2 year bat.
I’d make sure it’s a balanced bat and not end loaded at all for his size .
I coach this age group, and having the right bat is very important. This is especially true for a developing hitter or a smaller player.
* **Many of the USA (rec) bats are heavier than advertised.** You might think that you are buying a -10 but in reality, it is a -8, which is way too heavy for most 8U kids.
* **The weight distribution on the bat makes a difference.** I'll give you an example, the -11 Marucci CAT Connect is a two-piece bat and is notably more end-loaded than the -11 Rawlings 5150, to the point where players can hit well with the 5150 and foul off or mishit most balls with the CAT Connect.
* **The good news is that you are playing coach pitch, so if a bat is a little heavy the kids and coach can likely still put balls in play.** With machine pitch (which you might face in all-stars, depending on your player and the area) it is a lot harder since the machine throws faster than a lot of coaches.
Here are a few rec bats that I have seen many kids hit with consistently:
* Easton Speed -10 Alloy (this is a sleeper at <$100, has great pop).
* Rawlings 5150 -11 Alloy (the Rawlings Prodigy is similar and another good value option)
* Rawlings Threat -12 Composite
* Louisville Slugger Omaha (was a -10, newest model is -11)
* Easton Typhoon -12 Alloy
There are a couple of others that are good bats but have durability issues, like the Easton Reflex -12 and Easton Speed Comp. -13. I've also seen some kids hit well with the Marucci CAT USA and F5, although I've heard reports of a lot of those bats coming in heavy so I'd hesitate to get one for a smaller player.
If you are in the USSSA space you have a lot more options since most of those bats actually come in at their advertised drop weight. **The 5150 is still a solid option in USSSA (and a great value), or any of the Marucci CAT bats (7, 8, etc.) are also great in USSSA.**
**One thing to consider might be looking for a used bat if you think he will only get one season out of it**. Like your situation, a lot of 26" and 27" bats were only used for one season or less so you can likely find one without much mileage (kids that age aren't typically wearing the bats out) for a great deal. If you find one of the -10/-11 bats then I'd probably target 26 to start, but for the -12 ones a 27 should be fine. I bet you can find a Typhoon that was barely used for \~$25. If he is playing travel ball (USSSA) then I'd look for a used CAT 7 or CAT 8 in 27" and throw on the choke-up ring, and you can find them for $50 or less if you shop around.
Hope that this helps!
Thanks for the detailed response. So I have noticed the weighting. He currently has a 27/15 Easton maxum ultra (composite). It seems end loaded as you said, and his teammates Marucci 28/18 feels lighter than his 15oz bat.
Was looking at Marucci, but will have to give the 5150 a look as well. Going alloy this time
If you can use USSSA bats definitely check out the Marucci CAT bats. They are balanced and very good bats. The CAT 6-9 are virtually the same. The Marucci website says they have made changes to all of them but my son has hit all of them side-by-side in BP sessions and there is no difference in real world performance. Grab a used model and save a few bucks.
I've owned multiple USA 5150s and they have been really good bats; every kid who used it (it was our team bat last year) hit balls into the outfield. Like many USA bats, you do get feedback on the hands with mis-hits, but I added a thicker grip and that helped.
A family friend has the USSSA 5150 and he has been hitting a ton of extra-base hits in coach pitch. The USSSA one is also a great deal at \~$60 new.
Marucci is excellent in the USSSA space, but I'd say just 'okay' in USA space because of the weight issues (USA bats have thicker barrel walls).
26/16 my son is probably a little shorter and weighs about almost the same and he prefers that over any other bat we have tried. I think like most others are saying bat speed is really important. We are in a machine pitch league and they have to be able to get that bat around to hit consistently.
I think we have literally the same kid. Couple things I have gathered across hitting lessons twice a month for the last year during season….
My son is 4’1. He hovers between 49-52lbs (I know it well because he wrestles). He is 8U machine pitch currently
The bat discussion has been the most painful deal of all time. Ha. I want the cool bats so bad. He is just not big enough.
Here is what I can tell you based on the two hitting guys we bounce between (I live in a large city where baseball is insane even at 8U, if it matters):
Swing the 26” as long as you can.
Any metric you will see for “sizing” your bat for your kid breaks with a kid like this. He will not swing a 27” well unless the drop is insane.
Some coaches will say anything past drop 10 will impact the bat performance. Honestly, I think it’s a maybe but I will tell you mine has done his best hitting with a 26/16 CAT.
Couple things to consider:
Most of our practice work we do includes his usual 26/16, a camwood bat and the usual suspects.
Do I have a 27/17 ready for him? Damn right I do lol. But for now we are taking it season by season. Hopefully fall ball. He has is best pop off his current. We mess with the 27 at times in bp but you can tell the control and power is there with his 26/16 right now.
I had some heavy drop bats he tried (-12) with longer length but honestly the feel and what I saw in games and in BP just weren’t there. I think I lot of people that chase length don’t have a 8 yr old that’s barely touching 50lbs.
I feel at this point I would recommend the longest length he can hit a drop 10. Past that things just get weird.
For the camwood bat: I like working with it because it’s a heavy bat that puts the weight on the hands. This is great because it’s heavy to try to build something but its not heavy at the end which would dump his barrel and F up all sorts of things.
My two cents.
Edit: if you are swinging a Maxum Ultra that’s one of the best bats you can deal with right now. My son had the -12 and that was the issue I had. I tried to jump the length and it just didn’t work. The CAT drop 10 was just better overall. I think (opinion) the drop 12 was more the issue with the length than the bat. That bat is fantastic.
You are likely in the same situation I am. Maxum is one of the better non-400 dollar bats but you can’t get the right size yet on some of the others easy yet. Not big enough. Your bat choice is on point. We swapped to the CAT because I grabbed a used from a buddy. But he has swung the drop 10 Maxum and it’s similar to the CAT
Thanks for the detailed response, I really appreciate it. Yeah he currently has the ultra 27/15, but it just doesn’t feel as balanced as the cat bats I have picked up. Will probably just pick up a 26/16 cat9 or catx and sale it when he needs the 27.
The 26 just seems so short haha! But his hits are always opposite field/ late. Needs a little more bat speed and timing.
Thanks again
Yah, if he is late all the more reason to stay put. He needs to build up his strength with that bat. Even adding length will likely cause the barrel to drop even worse for him during his swing.
Have him crowd the plate and work his way up ha. Thats what we do.
The most important part is if your kid can swing it properly, with good speed, power, and bat path.
He should swing the biggest he can. One, because physics… but two, because you should be preparing your kid for next year every year.
The barrel on the 26 inch is so much shorter then the 27 inch. I moved my 6yo up to 27 in during Allstars and he hit great with it. He had the 26 inch cat 9 but now has the omaha 519 27 inch and it has more pop imo.
Everyone is gonna tell you get biggest you can…that’s fine if you want a loopy swing that only plays on coach pitch. Go 26”.
Bat speed is king at this age. Mass means nothing if you cant get the bat around. The OP's son seems to be on the smaller side. I agree, go 26" or if you're going to go with a 27" get a -12.
Yea I have 7u kid that size, he is strong for his size and still have him swinging 25”.
This is the way
USA or USSSA?
Usssa
I’d go 27/17. There are a couple 28/16s out there too. With a choke up ring that might be an interesting 2 year bat. I’d make sure it’s a balanced bat and not end loaded at all for his size .
I coach this age group, and having the right bat is very important. This is especially true for a developing hitter or a smaller player. * **Many of the USA (rec) bats are heavier than advertised.** You might think that you are buying a -10 but in reality, it is a -8, which is way too heavy for most 8U kids. * **The weight distribution on the bat makes a difference.** I'll give you an example, the -11 Marucci CAT Connect is a two-piece bat and is notably more end-loaded than the -11 Rawlings 5150, to the point where players can hit well with the 5150 and foul off or mishit most balls with the CAT Connect. * **The good news is that you are playing coach pitch, so if a bat is a little heavy the kids and coach can likely still put balls in play.** With machine pitch (which you might face in all-stars, depending on your player and the area) it is a lot harder since the machine throws faster than a lot of coaches. Here are a few rec bats that I have seen many kids hit with consistently: * Easton Speed -10 Alloy (this is a sleeper at <$100, has great pop). * Rawlings 5150 -11 Alloy (the Rawlings Prodigy is similar and another good value option) * Rawlings Threat -12 Composite * Louisville Slugger Omaha (was a -10, newest model is -11) * Easton Typhoon -12 Alloy There are a couple of others that are good bats but have durability issues, like the Easton Reflex -12 and Easton Speed Comp. -13. I've also seen some kids hit well with the Marucci CAT USA and F5, although I've heard reports of a lot of those bats coming in heavy so I'd hesitate to get one for a smaller player. If you are in the USSSA space you have a lot more options since most of those bats actually come in at their advertised drop weight. **The 5150 is still a solid option in USSSA (and a great value), or any of the Marucci CAT bats (7, 8, etc.) are also great in USSSA.** **One thing to consider might be looking for a used bat if you think he will only get one season out of it**. Like your situation, a lot of 26" and 27" bats were only used for one season or less so you can likely find one without much mileage (kids that age aren't typically wearing the bats out) for a great deal. If you find one of the -10/-11 bats then I'd probably target 26 to start, but for the -12 ones a 27 should be fine. I bet you can find a Typhoon that was barely used for \~$25. If he is playing travel ball (USSSA) then I'd look for a used CAT 7 or CAT 8 in 27" and throw on the choke-up ring, and you can find them for $50 or less if you shop around. Hope that this helps!
Thanks for the detailed response. So I have noticed the weighting. He currently has a 27/15 Easton maxum ultra (composite). It seems end loaded as you said, and his teammates Marucci 28/18 feels lighter than his 15oz bat. Was looking at Marucci, but will have to give the 5150 a look as well. Going alloy this time
If you can use USSSA bats definitely check out the Marucci CAT bats. They are balanced and very good bats. The CAT 6-9 are virtually the same. The Marucci website says they have made changes to all of them but my son has hit all of them side-by-side in BP sessions and there is no difference in real world performance. Grab a used model and save a few bucks.
I've owned multiple USA 5150s and they have been really good bats; every kid who used it (it was our team bat last year) hit balls into the outfield. Like many USA bats, you do get feedback on the hands with mis-hits, but I added a thicker grip and that helped. A family friend has the USSSA 5150 and he has been hitting a ton of extra-base hits in coach pitch. The USSSA one is also a great deal at \~$60 new. Marucci is excellent in the USSSA space, but I'd say just 'okay' in USA space because of the weight issues (USA bats have thicker barrel walls).
My 8u son is slightly taller and heavier and swings 26/16. He prefers it to anything bigger.
26/16 my son is probably a little shorter and weighs about almost the same and he prefers that over any other bat we have tried. I think like most others are saying bat speed is really important. We are in a machine pitch league and they have to be able to get that bat around to hit consistently.
I think we have literally the same kid. Couple things I have gathered across hitting lessons twice a month for the last year during season…. My son is 4’1. He hovers between 49-52lbs (I know it well because he wrestles). He is 8U machine pitch currently The bat discussion has been the most painful deal of all time. Ha. I want the cool bats so bad. He is just not big enough. Here is what I can tell you based on the two hitting guys we bounce between (I live in a large city where baseball is insane even at 8U, if it matters): Swing the 26” as long as you can. Any metric you will see for “sizing” your bat for your kid breaks with a kid like this. He will not swing a 27” well unless the drop is insane. Some coaches will say anything past drop 10 will impact the bat performance. Honestly, I think it’s a maybe but I will tell you mine has done his best hitting with a 26/16 CAT. Couple things to consider: Most of our practice work we do includes his usual 26/16, a camwood bat and the usual suspects. Do I have a 27/17 ready for him? Damn right I do lol. But for now we are taking it season by season. Hopefully fall ball. He has is best pop off his current. We mess with the 27 at times in bp but you can tell the control and power is there with his 26/16 right now. I had some heavy drop bats he tried (-12) with longer length but honestly the feel and what I saw in games and in BP just weren’t there. I think I lot of people that chase length don’t have a 8 yr old that’s barely touching 50lbs. I feel at this point I would recommend the longest length he can hit a drop 10. Past that things just get weird. For the camwood bat: I like working with it because it’s a heavy bat that puts the weight on the hands. This is great because it’s heavy to try to build something but its not heavy at the end which would dump his barrel and F up all sorts of things. My two cents. Edit: if you are swinging a Maxum Ultra that’s one of the best bats you can deal with right now. My son had the -12 and that was the issue I had. I tried to jump the length and it just didn’t work. The CAT drop 10 was just better overall. I think (opinion) the drop 12 was more the issue with the length than the bat. That bat is fantastic. You are likely in the same situation I am. Maxum is one of the better non-400 dollar bats but you can’t get the right size yet on some of the others easy yet. Not big enough. Your bat choice is on point. We swapped to the CAT because I grabbed a used from a buddy. But he has swung the drop 10 Maxum and it’s similar to the CAT
Thanks for the detailed response, I really appreciate it. Yeah he currently has the ultra 27/15, but it just doesn’t feel as balanced as the cat bats I have picked up. Will probably just pick up a 26/16 cat9 or catx and sale it when he needs the 27. The 26 just seems so short haha! But his hits are always opposite field/ late. Needs a little more bat speed and timing. Thanks again
Yah, if he is late all the more reason to stay put. He needs to build up his strength with that bat. Even adding length will likely cause the barrel to drop even worse for him during his swing. Have him crowd the plate and work his way up ha. Thats what we do.
Something he can swing properly...period. Look for a -12 or even -13. No need to swing a -10. Who cares about the mass if there is no velocity.
Either will work. Won't be much of a difference.
Biggest one he can swing. Most my son’s 8u team is using 28 -10 or 29 -10.
Bat speed > mass at this age. Get the proper size and don't go too big. That will only hurt your player.
Age?
Just turned 8
26/16 it probably weighs closer to 17oz.
The most important part is if your kid can swing it properly, with good speed, power, and bat path. He should swing the biggest he can. One, because physics… but two, because you should be preparing your kid for next year every year.
The barrel on the 26 inch is so much shorter then the 27 inch. I moved my 6yo up to 27 in during Allstars and he hit great with it. He had the 26 inch cat 9 but now has the omaha 519 27 inch and it has more pop imo.