Bat Decision Time

[TG Coach]

My 15yo (soph) is getting a new bat. He's used an 32/29 EXO the past two years. Before buying a new EXO we're looking at the Omaha and the Omaha Composite.

One consideration for the Omaha costing less is he'll probably grow into a 33/30 next year. The 2009 EXO is $359. The 2008 EXO is $299. The 2009 Omaha is $199. The 2009 Omaha Composite is $299.

Does anyone have experience to compare these bats? I'm not interested in hearing about other bats. We will buy one of these.

[mudvnine]

My 15yo (soph) is getting a new bat. He's used an 32/29 EXO the past two years. Before buying a new EXO we're looking at the Omaha and the Omaha Composite.

One consideration for the Omaha costing less is he'll probably grow into a 33/30 next year. The 2009 EXO is $359. The 2008 EXO is $299. The 2009 Omaha is $199. The 2009 Omaha Composite is $299.

Does anyone have experience to compare these bats? I'm not interested in hearing about other bats. We will buy one of these.

Coach, both of my boys have used the Omaha Scandium's and have just loved them.

My oldest, stumbled upon it in his senior season (2007) when his bat "lost it's pop" (so he said) and started using a teammates older (2005 or 2006 . . . it was red) Omaha and started just blistering the ball. The following season when we were going to replace his "dead" bat, he insisted on the Omaha CB750 even when given the option of all the more expensive bats.

My youngest, was swinging an Easton BCN16 Stealth Composite -10 last year (as a small 12 y/o) and earlier this season with moderate success. Wanting to begin transitioning him into HS next year, I wanted to start moving him towards a -3, but didn't think he was physically ready for it, so opted for an inexpensive, -5 and purchased the Louisville Slugger SL87 TPX Omaha ($140).

He too fell in love with the bat the first time he swung it and started tearing the cover off the ball. Now we had just made some new adjustments to his swing right around the same time the new bat came in the mail, so it may have been some of his improvements, but I gotta tell ya, I'm sure some of it was the bat . . . as crazy as that might seem.

I was never one to believe that there was that big of a difference in bats, but my older son's performance made me start to scratch my head and then when my youngest started pounding the ball as he never really did previously . . . well, let's just say I now believe there is something to it.

I usually don't make recommendations, but I'm a believer in the Omaha Alloys, they are pretty awesome, especially for the price. However, I'm still not sold on the composites, Louisville Sluggers or any other brands; just my personal opinion and observations.

Good luck in your search,
mud

[Ursa Major]

Coach, if he's staying with a 32/29 this year, why are you dumping the EXO? Has it lost its pop? (I thought only the nanocarbon ones did....) What did you think of it? (We've been Easton Stealth users for years, I think largely because Ursa Minor doesn't have strong hands, and so he likes not having to worry about the 'sting' from a one piece bat.)

Anyway, sorry to distract from your thread. Go back to your original programming . . .

[Chris O'Leary]

My 15yo (soph) is getting a new bat. He's used an 32/29 EXO the past two years. Before buying a new EXO we're looking at the Omaha and the Omaha Composite.

One consideration for the Omaha costing less is he'll probably grow into a 33/30 next year. The 2009 EXO is $359. The 2008 EXO is $299. The 2009 Omaha is $199. The 2009 Omaha Composite is $299.

Does anyone have experience to compare these bats? I'm not interested in hearing about other bats. We will buy one of these.

I have had good experiences with the Omaha's.

[Kevkey]

TG
Alloy or composite?
I have heard rumblings on different sites the Omaha composite may be the Louisville Catalyst X-1 renamed now that they introduced the Triton. If so that is probably a good thing because the Catalyst X-1 had a decent reputation. For what it is worth I do believe that composite bats, once broken in, can out perform an alloy bat.
The Exo is the top of the line alloy bat (IMHO).
To me the question is more of when you are going to use the bat.
Living in the Chicago area I have been made painfully aware of how cold weather can shorten the life of a composite bat. During our spring baseball season we rarely get temperatures above 65 degrees. So as much as I love my kids I am not buying an alloy bat for the spring season and a composite bat for summer. Besides, my boys have a much greater impact on performance variability then bat technology.

[hitnpeas]

The EXO is a GREAT BAT imho.... It is an aluminum barrel with some composite added to the "grid" portion of the handle, so I guess it you could call it a hybrid. If I were to compare this bat to other -3 aluminums out there, I would have a hard time finding one that was better performing. My oldest nephew has always liked Omaha's. He hit them through LL and into HS with much success. He didn't like the feel of the EXO but he couldn't deny the performance. I purchased an EXO for his two younger brothers and they never touched another model aluminum bat again. THEY LOVE THE EXO's!! I don't have any experience with the Omaha COMP, but I can give you my .02 with regards to the EXO and what I consider the best COMP bat on the market. If I were buying a -3 bat right now, I would buy either a TPX EXO or an EASTON STEALTH COMP IMX (BLUE/WHITE).... From my experiences, these two bats are at the top of the list in their respective categories (Aluminum/Composite) Good luck!!

[Mikjary]

My 15yo (soph) is getting a new bat. He's used an 32/29 EXO the past two years. Before buying a new EXO we're looking at the Omaha and the Omaha Composite.

One consideration for the Omaha costing less is he'll probably grow into a 33/30 next year. The 2009 EXO is $359. The 2008 EXO is $299. The 2009 Omaha is $199. The 2009 Omaha Composite is $299.

Does anyone have experience to compare these bats? I'm not interested in hearing about other bats. We will buy one of these.

TG Coach,
My son is on his 4th 33/30 EXO. He had 2 '07 (white) EXO's. One split open, the other lost pop. Of the 2 '08 (red) EXO's, the first split open/cracked and the other is hitting the cr*p out of the ball. I picked up the last one for $150 on an EB*y auction.
Despite the problems we like the results. Each bat was hit almost everyday, BP and games. Lots of use. For a gamer they will last alot longer.

[bob_r]

I'm glad to hear the positive comments on the Exo. My son just moved up to the big diamond the Exo was his choice (my wallet still hurts), he got a 32/29. He only used it a couple of times as the weather got too cold, but he really likes it.

[kylebee]

The EXO is great. Our HS team has a contract with DeMarini, but hopefully we'll be switching to Easton or (my choice) Combat soon.

[hitnpeas]

The EXO is great. Our HS team has a contract with DeMarini, but hopefully we'll be switching to Easton or (my choice) Combat soon.


Or maybe LS so you can hit the EXO!! How do you like Combat's -3 Baseball Bats? I know their LL baseball bats perform like no other, but I haven't heard many reviews about their -3's. Thanks....

[kylebee]

Or maybe LS so you can hit the EXO!! How do you like Combat's -3 Baseball Bats? I know their LL baseball bats perform like no other, but I haven't heard many reviews about their -3's. Thanks....

They've already ruled LS out.

I love Combat's stuff, and they have a base of operations in Pacific, WA, which is about 45 minutes from Seattle. I went down there and met the regional manager, who swapped out my defective bat for free and gave me another 1 year warranty on top of it. He also sold me a catcher's bag I saw there at cost.

Customer service there was unbelievable and their HS-level bats perform very well. Prior to them, I was an Easton Stealth fan, but had too many problems with their bats and their customer service that I tried out Combat. I am very happy I did.

All that said, LS and the EXO line is very good IMO.

[hitnpeas]

They've already ruled LS out.

I love Combat's stuff, and they have a base of operations in Pacific, WA, which is about 45 minutes from Seattle. I went down there and met the regional manager, who swapped out my defective bat for free and gave me another 1 year warranty on top of it. He also sold me a catcher's bag I saw there at cost.

Customer service there was unbelievable and their HS-level bats perform very well. Prior to them, I was an Easton Stealth fan, but had too many problems with their bats and their customer service that I tried out Combat. I am very happy I did.

All that said, LS and the EXO line is very good IMO.

Yeah, I think I remember having conversation with you about their CS and how good they treat you.... I really like their softball bats/LL baseball bats and it sounds like you are giving praise to their -3's as well. Thanks....

[kylebee]

Yeah, I think I remember having conversation with you about their CS and how good they treat you.... I really like their softball bats/LL baseball bats and it sounds like you are giving praise to their -3's as well. Thanks....

Ah yes, I do remember that post I made. I never did post pictures, unfortunately. I'm happy to report that I've hit over 2000 baseballs off a tee and out of a pitcher's hand with the new bat and have had no problems.

[TG Coach]

To answer the questions and respond to comments: He's had the EXO for two years and about 150 games and high school practices. Our spring weather can be anywhere from 40-70. I'm sure he's shortened the life of the bat using it in cold weather. He uses wood in BP during the summer and off season. This fall I didn't think the bat sounded the same. I said nothing. My son evetually commented the bat didn't feel the same on contact.

The EXO was purchased on Ebay for a Buy It Now price of $220. It was an unwrapped 06 purchased for the 07 season. In 13U and 7th grade he used an Omaha. Back in LL he used a TPX Laser and an Omaha except the one year he used an F2. So the Louisville Slugger aspect is a comfort level in his head.

In fall ball Louisville Slugger had a tent with a rep at some of the game. My son demo'ed the 08 EXO and said it felt batter. This could be in is head. The rep said the Omaha and the EXO are essentially the same bat made from different material. He said the the EXO should last longer due to the material. He added the difference in the 08 and 09 EXO is price.

My son tried a Stealth one weekend last year. He said it felt good. Then he added when he got fisted with a Steath the ball went nowhere. When he got fisted with the EXO he could still muscle the ball out of the infield. Of course in wood bat this means the hitter is left holding a handle while the pitcher fields the barrel end of the bat.

Funny story about mental approach to a tryout: My son was asked to tryout for a team that already had it's roster in place. The coach said he would add him only if he made that much of an impression. Making the team would have nothing to do with being better than other players. My son grabbed his EXO to hit. I asked him why he didn't want his wood bat. His response: "I'm going to make some noise. Every coach is going to turn and watch." Cocky S*B!

Kev: My daughter used to use a Catalyst. It was a hit softball bat. I heard the LL size Catalyst was very popular. How is the -3 baseball bat?

[Kevkey]

TG
07 EXO still going strong. The only composite in the bat is in the handle so it has held up well in all weather conditions. If I need to replace the bat I would definately look at another EXO (price is finally coming down)
Unfortunately the catalyst was my expensive "lesson". Great bat, kids swore it had a bigger sweet spot - before it cracked. Not blaming the company, 2 idiots throwing batting practice to each other in 30 degree weather was more likely the cause.
I love to hear the kids discuss bat technology, composite vs hybrid vs alloy and stiff handle vs flex arguing about what is best for hitting the ball.
My personal belief is if I could get them to lay off the curve in the dirt we would see a huge improvement in "bat" performance.
As a side note it has been suggested to Santa the Eaton Stealh IMX composite would look good under the tree this year. Not going to happen in this house, but the friends that have the Stealth IMX absolutely love them.

[Ursa Major]

They've got a "coach's buying guide" which has some pretty good information on the 'composite vs. aluminum' debate. That's available here:

http://www.baseballcorner.com/batguide.asp

And, they've got user reviews of most of the popular bats, available here:

http://www.baseballcorner.com/batreviews.asp?typ=a&srt=undefined

Bear in mind that the user reviews are short and often tend to be in the realm of "man o man u gotta get this bat it rocks, dudes" variety.

[new2thesport]

My 15yo (soph) is getting a new bat. He's used an 32/29 EXO the past two years. Before buying a new EXO we're looking at the Omaha and the Omaha Composite.

One consideration for the Omaha costing less is he'll probably grow into a 33/30 next year. The 2009 EXO is $359. The 2008 EXO is $299. The 2009 Omaha is $199. The 2009 Omaha Composite is $299.

Does anyone have experience to compare these bats? I'm not interested in hearing about other bats. We will buy one of these.

Not change the subject on EXO, but if you are interested in the green Catalyst composite bats -3, I swore there was a closeout somewhere where they offered it for 89.99. The -12 ones were 135.99 and I was wondering why the heavier bat (-3) was cheaper.
I visited many websites this past week and picked up a Miken ESD Burn for my son for Christmas for 129.00. It was a sale and closeout. FYI

[wogdoggy]

My 15yo (soph) is getting a new bat. He's used an 32/29 EXO the past two years. Before buying a new EXO we're looking at the Omaha and the Omaha Composite.

One consideration for the Omaha costing less is he'll probably grow into a 33/30 next year. The 2009 EXO is $359. The 2008 EXO is $299. The 2009 Omaha is $199. The 2009 Omaha Composite is $299.

Does anyone have experience to compare these bats? I'm not interested in hearing about other bats. We will buy one of these.

why pay up for 1 years use?
maybe get him the 33 now and let him choke it for awhile..why buy a 32 for 1 year?

[LAball]

why pay up for 1 years use?
maybe get him the 33 now and let him choke it for awhile..why buy a 32 for 1 year?

Its still 1 static ounce heavier and even more heavy swing weight wise.

[randy]

TG,
One company you might think about concerning your plan to move up a size is Kelley. They have a deal where you buy a bat for $323, and with in a year you can trade it in for a brand new bat in a different size. Expenve I know, but you are basically buying two different bats.
They are really well-balanced. Starting to see quite a few around the Dallas area. My son wants one, but I just can't afford it on a teachers salary, so I bought an H2 off ebay for about 150.

PS-their customer service is top-notch.

[Bryton]

Just got my son the new 09 EXO. After using a Stealth for 2 years, he was amazed at the difference between the 2 bats and how they hit. He loves the new EXO, and I must say the ball jumps off that bat. Appears to be a super bat. Just thought I'd add that about our EXO experience.

The bonus to the new EXO. Regular price was around $300. I got it for $150 on ebay, with the receipt, and still wrapped. I think I got real lucky. Right place right time.

[Ursa Major]

Bryton, was that a -3 bat or something with a bigger drop?

Oh, and a word to the wise about Ebay bat discounts -- don't tell your local baseball specialty shop retailer about these purchases. They have huge problems with employees sneaking those bats out of the back of the store and selling 'em to Ebay sellers. Unless you're getting a factory second, it just doesn't make sense for some of these prices to exist unless someone in the distribution chain isn't actually paying for the bat. (And you thought those electronic theft prevention devices were aimed at you?)

[Bryton]

URSA, no it is not a drop 3 (even though he has one that we practice with). I was looking for a drop 5 and the EXO had the one I was looking for. I got him the 31/26. The only bad thing about this is that he will only be able to use it for this year. It is strictly his game bat. We practice with wood, and like stated above, also with the drop 3 he has working on getting him used to the heavier bat for when he gets into highschool. The EXO is a great bat.

With that said. I have no reason to tell any one of the million local specialty shops in the area, especially when I got it for the price I did. And plus, where I got it from was all the way across the country from me. The ironic thing is. My friend on the team told me about this perticular "ebayer" that was selling the bats. Again when I received the bat it had the receipt taped to the bat, and showed the price paid. My friend and I both were trying to figure out how he was making any money if he had the receipt, sent it to us both for the price we paid for it. Pretty much 50% off. Hell, I don't really care. I got an amazing bat for an amazing price :)

[wogdoggy]

Its still 1 static ounce heavier and even more heavy swing weight wise.

i know but from what i read he already has a minus 3 looking for another minus 3? why not just use the old one till hes a 33 ?

[hitnpeas]

URSA, no it is not a drop 3 (even though he has one that we practice with). I was looking for a drop 5 and the EXO had the one I was looking for. I got him the 31/26. The only bad thing about this is that he will only be able to use it for this year. It is strictly his game bat. We practice with wood, and like stated above, also with the drop 3 he has working on getting him used to the heavier bat for when he gets into highschool. The EXO is a great bat.

With that said. I have no reason to tell any one of the million local specialty shops in the area, especially when I got it for the price I did. And plus, where I got it from was all the way across the country from me. The ironic thing is. My friend on the team told me about this perticular "ebayer" that was selling the bats. Again when I received the bat it had the receipt taped to the bat, and showed the price paid. My friend and I both were trying to figure out how he was making any money if he had the receipt, sent it to us both for the price we paid for it. Pretty much 50% off. Hell, I don't really care. I got an amazing bat for an amazing price :)


Not to say it happened, but don't be surprised if the receipt is a FAKE. That is something that many of the big bat companies were seeing a lot of. FYI....

[RiotMac]

I played last year with an 08 Exo and loved it. Best bat I have ever hit. Great pop all season... about 30 games. I only used it in games. I use wood for BP. Late in the season I took a ball in on the hands and it dented in one of the exogrid diamonds. I sent it back to LS and they replaced it with a brand new 2009 model! I haven't hit the 2009 yet.

I would suggest getting a 2008 to save some cash.

[Bryton]

Not to say it happened, but don't be surprised if the receipt is a FAKE. That is something that many of the big bat companies were seeing a lot of. FYI....


Yeah, not really worried about whether the receipt is fake or not. That is not my problem. I just know I got a great deal, on a great bat.

[hitnpeas]

Yeah, not really worried about whether the receipt is fake or not. That is not my problem. I just know I got a great deal, on a great bat.

You did indeed get a nice deal, just saying that if you ever need a warranty replacement, it is something to consider. You may have purchased a NO-RETURN bat even though it came with a receipt. Hopefully it won't matter and the bat will last for a long time!!

[TG Coach]

After further review we're going to buy the 08 Exo. It's the same bat as the 09. The only cheaper choice is the Omaha. I figure why mess with sucess over $100. The decision has been about finances. It's been about sensibility.

If it turns out he's ready for a 33/30 by summer ball, it will be an expensive year for buying bats. I don't want to buy a bat for him to grow into. It's important to have the right bat in the moment.

For those of you with younger kids here's the dilemna with bats/equipment at my son's age. He was 5'4", 115 in 14U ball. He was 5'11", 140 playing 16U as a fifteen year old this past summer. Just a few months later he's 6'0", 157. He's not done growing according to the pediatrician. His sister is 5'10".

[Mikjary]

After further review we're going to buy the 08 Exo. It's the same bat as the 09. The only cheaper choice is the Omaha. I figure why mess with sucess over $100. The decision has been about finances. It's been about sensibility.

If it turns out he's ready for a 33/30 by summer ball, it will be an expensive year for buying bats. I don't want to buy a bat for him to grow into. It's important to have the right bat in the moment.

For those of you with younger kids here's the dilemna with bats/equipment at my son's age. He was 5'4", 115 in 14U ball. He was 5'11", 140 playing 16U as a fifteen year old this past summer. Just a few months later he's 6'0", 157. He's not done growing according to the pediatrician. His sister is 5'10".

TG,
When my son was a sophomore(5'10", 140) he swung a 33/30 metal and wood. Batted .477. He's a senior this year(6'1", 165) and he takes BP sometimes with my 35/32 wood bat. I think your son can handle a 33/30.

[TG Coach]

TG,
When my son was a sophomore(5'10", 140) he swung a 33/30 metal and wood. Batted .477. He's a senior this year(6'1", 165) and he takes BP sometimes with my 35/32 wood bat. I think your son can handle a 33/30.

I think he can handle a 33/30, too. He used one against slower pitching in travel last summer. We discussed buying a 33/30. He decided to start the year with a 32/29. A lot of hitting is about what feels right in your mind.

[Mikjary]

If you buy an '08 EXO you can sell it on ebay and get a pretty good resale value. That'll lessen the next bite out of your wallet!

[randy]

Did you guys use a -5 bat with your kids to transition, or go straight to -3? My son is 5'5 and about 105, He is 13 in 7th grade. He currently is in a 30-22, and I am considering getting him a used -5(if I can find one0 to use in cage work. Here in Tx, he won't have to be in -3 til HS-no middle school ball here. Thanks.

[Bryton]

Randy, I just got my son the 09 EXO and it is a -5. He has been using a wood in the off season, and I also got him a -3 to practice with to get him used to it for high school even though he still has over a year till high school ball. He swings the -3 pretty good, but I got the -5 just for this season for him. I would atleast try and get him a -5 and get him away from the -8 to let him het used to the added weight. He shouldn't have a problem adjusting.

[randy]

They are not eay to find in a price range I can handle.

[TG Coach]

Did you guys use a -5 bat with your kids to transition, or go straight to -3? My son is 5'5 and about 105, He is 13 in 7th grade. He currently is in a 30-22, and I am considering getting him a used -5(if I can find one0 to use in cage work. Here in Tx, he won't have to be in -3 til HS-no middle school ball here. Thanks.

In 13U fall ball (the fall after LL and still twelve years old) my son was 5'0", 95 and used a 31/28. He hit a lot of hard grounders. I could see his swing was a little off due to the weight. In the spring at 5'2", 110 he was fine. As a 5'4", 120 14U player he swung a 32/29. Starting at age ten he swung a 29/26 wood bat in BP.

[Kevkey]

From TG
"I think he can handle a 33/30, too. He used one against slower pitching in travel last summer. We discussed buying a 33/30. He decided to start the year with a 32/29. A lot of hitting is about what feels right in your mind."

One of the bigger boys on our team (6 ft close to 200) still is swinging his 32/29 because "the bat just feels right and I trust it".
His swing is very quick and he can handle the outside pitches.
Bats, I fear, are another case where size does not necessarily matter.