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SKIP TO BAT REVIEWS... SKIP TO 2004 BALL REVIEWS
SO FAR...2004
MY BEST BATS, 2004 Model, SO FAR IN 2004, RANKINGS:
| Rank Order |
Bat |
Sanction NOT Allowed in |
| 1 | Miken Freak 28oz | NSA |
| 2 | Easton Synergy 2 | legal everywhere |
| 3 | PST Max | legal everywhere |
| 4 | Mizuno Crush/Classic | legal everywhere |
| 5 | Demarini Dark | ASA |
| I included the Crush and Classic, as these model have not changed from 2003 to 2004. I didn't include the Easton Synergy 1 as it is only allowed in USSSA and SSAA. I didn't include the Miken Ultra II as it is not legal anywhere. I have not hit the Easton Synergy +, TPS response, or the Demarini Dark at this time. Bats that did not make the list are the Rawlings ACL | ||
Most recent review is for the Demarini Dark 4/7/2004
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A little about my bat reviews...
First, I base my rating on some standard benchmarks. I think most would agree that as long as the Ultra II is legal, that it is the benchmark for distance. I base distance ratings on the Miken being a 10 and everything else coming in somewhere by percentage below that. The remainder of my ratings are a little more opinion. My sweet spot rating is based on my analysis of the ease of finding the sweet spot and the return you get when you find it, not necessarily the size of the sweet spot. As with any bat, that may vary and again, it's just one man's opinion.
I feel the Mizuno line is about what should be considered an average performing bat distance, durability, and value wise. Having swung Mizuno for 2001/2002 and off and on this year, I am very familiar with the line and the nuances of the different models. I have hit multiple weights and many of each over the past several years so my review on the Mizuno is the most objective of all my ratings.
I have recently added a column to further define the power quality rating of the different bats. This rating combines my distance, line drive, and sweet spot ratings with an "ease of swing" rating to form a power rating. IE, where a Miken Ultra II may be a 10 on distance, it is also a very easy swing and anyone can mash the ball. The batter does not have to generate much power to have success with this bat. In contrast, the F2, the Techzilla, and the Easton Connexion line of bats require the batter to generate a significantly higher amount of torque and energy to receive the benefits of the two part technology or to receive the benefit of the trampoline effect of a double wall technology. The power rating for these bats would be lower but it doesn't necessarily mean you can not get the required effects of the bat if you bring it. It may help you determine that, hey, I don't have much bat speed, so I better stick with a bat that does more of the work for me to be safe.
I have also made note in the comments section on each bat regarding how well each bat handled different types of balls. It is very clear that over the past several months of hitting .44/375 balls that have: a) been used b) been warmed by the heat and c) manufactured by different companies, that the composite line of bats tend to handle most of these ball more consistently and react at a superior level.
One final comment. I will occasionally adjust my ratings based on several factors. 1) I may hit an additional bat in that model that performs better or worse, averaging out my score, 2) I may have other bats that make the performance of a particular bat seem slightly better or worse in comparison, 3) I may realize I made a stupid rating and fix it. I will always attempt to list in the list below any changes I have recently made.
I lied, one more final comment, I have a link to Batsbatsbats.com on here for reference purposes. I do not support the ratings on this site as being worth using, however they are there for your reference. If you note the ratings offered on that site, 4 out of 5 reader reviewed bats get mostly 9 and 10's, just doesn't seem possible to me, so take those ratings with a grain of salt.
Check back for updates and additional bats often. We will rate on Distance, Line Drive Power, Durability, Sweet Spot, POWER RATING and Value. These are our opinions based on 100's of swings with various types of balls in various conditions...If you would like to submit your review to me, please e-mail me with your 1-10 ratings on the same categories to leith@lpsi.com.
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2004 Bat Reviews |
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2003 Bat Review Archives |
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BIG BATS FOR 2004
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Easton Synergy 2 (PL8) 3-1-2004
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Demarini
Dark (PL8) 4/7/2004
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| 28 oz balanced |
26 oz balanced |
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| Distance | 9 | Distance | 7.9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Line Drive | 8.85 | Line Drive | 8.25 | ||||||||||||||||
| Durability | 9 | Durability | 6.9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Sweet Spot | 8.7 | Sweet Spot | 8.25 | ||||||||||||||||
| Value | 8.5 | Value | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| POWER RATING | 8.75 | POWER RATING | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| Grip | Thin | Grip | Medium | ||||||||||||||||
| This
is a solid bat. And I mean solid and stiff. The bat hits the
ball well and when you find the sweet spot, it potentially hits the ball
very well. I like the swing balance. The ball travels pretty well, but it
does make you do the work, which
is fine by me. Unlike the first batch Synergy, the Synergy 2
doesn't hit the ball for you. It doesn't add the extra 20-40 feet
to the handle shot, but you will receive a good response from the bat if
you hit it well and on the sweet spot. Durability so far is good, but may be updated at a later
date. Balls hit were both .44/375 and .47/525. I
have given the bat an average value rating due to the fact that the bat still
costs $299 and for that money you can buy more bang for your buck with
the Freak, but the fact that you can use it everywhere is a good thing. As would the PST and the Mizuno
line. Every time I hit with this bat, it grows on me more and
more. I have updated distance rating to a 9 and I will use the S 2
in NSA in 2004.
This bat is legal in all sanctions... |
I will try this bat again if I can get a 28oz. It was too light and had no ass behind it. The handle was too thick for my taste and the bat dents very easily on a 75F day. This bat is not legal in ASA. I am not impressed with this bat but this is a preliminary rating. | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2004
WORTH PST MAX/100MPM 2-16-2004 (PL8/MU)
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2nd
batch - Easton Synergy 1 (PL8) 2-15-2004
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| Max End Load Allowed, 30 oz version | 30 oz, end load version | ||||||||||||||||||
| Distance | 9.2 | Distance | 9.2 | ||||||||||||||||
| Line Drive | 8.75 | Line Drive | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Durability | 9.75 | Durability | 8.75 | ||||||||||||||||
| Sweet Spot | 9 | Sweet Spot | 8.9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Value | 8.75 | Value | 9.5 | ||||||||||||||||
| POWER RATING | 9 | POWER RATING | 8.9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Grip | Thin | Grip | Thin | ||||||||||||||||
| We
hit two different, out of the wrapper, 30oz PST MAX/100MPH this
weekend. Each bat had about 200-300 swings on them by the end of
the weekend. Both held up well, although we did develop one tiny
wave on one bat. Balls used, were used/wet balls that ranged from
.44/375's (which came off very well) to .47/525's, which of course also
came off well. Temps this past week were around 50. I
was impressed with the way the bat handled the lower compression
balls. Admittedly, the cooler temps bring up the compression on
the softer balls and therefore, performance on hot, sticky summer nights
may be reduced.
Being 30oz, the bats had pretty good ass behind them. You could let the bat do a good portion of the work for you, resulting in a 9 power rating. Being someone that usually goes with a 28oz bat, my bat speed was slightly slower, but on pitches that I could sit on there was no problem generating good power and impressive distance. I found the distance to surpass that of the Wicked Composite and to be roughly equal to the Crush and Freak (recent reviews). Of course the PST remains the most costly bat, but with unsurpassed durability, if you only want to own one bat that you know will last and that can be used just about everywhere, the PST Max/100MPH would be a good choice. Worth sponsored teams will be at no disadvantage with this tool, unless of course you are playing ISA! |
I
picked up a 2nd batch Synergy for $130 bucks, so the Value rating on my
version is quite high. I have hit the 1st batch and 2nd batch
Synergy bats side by side and at first blush, there isn't much
comparison, however, I did notice the 2nd batch break in a bit after 100
swings or so. The key with the 30oz version is letting the bat do
some of the work and not over swinging it. Once the timing with
the bat was there, the performance of this model picked up dramatically.
As I gained a comfort level with the swing balance, I was able generate
much more bat speed, which resulted in a more pronounce trampoline
effect. The tramp effect isn't as obvious with the 2nd batch until
you swing it pretty hard, compared to the 1st batch that the ball
explodes off of at any bat speed. The power rating for the 2nd
batch is lower due to this factor. The ease of swing and power rating from the first
batch is only rivaled by the Miken Ultra II, not surprisingly, the
Synergy original is only legal in one sanction (USSSA) much like the
Miken Ultra II is only legal in one sanction (ISA). The 1st batch
is a blast to hit with, but is too hot for today's game. The 2nd batch is a solid, durable
bat, with good pop for strong hitters.
Updated 2/28/2004. This bat seems to grow hotter with each use. After mastering the swing dynamic of the 30oz, the bat really drove the ball well and seemed to loosen up. I increased the power rating and the distance rating, but dropped the durability rating, as it busted on a nice 60+ degree day with good balls |
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| MIKEN
FREAK (PL8) 1-5-2004
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MIZUNO
TECHFIRE CRUSH 2003 (PL8) updated 1/12/2004
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| 28.75oz (s/b a 27oz) Balanced | Balanced | ||||||||||||||||||
| Distance | 9.5 | Distance | 9.2 | ||||||||||||||||
| Line Drive | 8.8 | Line Drive | 8.75 | ||||||||||||||||
| Durability | 9+ | Durability | 7.5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Sweet Spot | 8.8 | Sweet Spot | 8.65 | ||||||||||||||||
| Value | 8.5 | Value | 8.9 | ||||||||||||||||
| POWER RATING | 9.25 | POWER RATING | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Grip | THIN | Grip | Thin | ||||||||||||||||
| The
Freak is approved for ASA / USSSA / ISA. I hit with a 27 oz
Freak on a 65 degree day with .44 and .47 core/low and high compression
balls. All balls traveled well off the bat. The bat I swung
had well over 300 swings in it by the end of the day and held up very
well. Distance off the bat was ABOVE average. The bat
"did some of the work" for you, as does the Ultra II and the
Easton Synergy. The sweet spot isn't as large as the U2, but it is
much larger than that of the new Velocit-E. This will be one of
the more popular bats in 2004 as it is currently listed as legal in
ASA/USSSA/and ISA. The bat is NOT ON NSA'S APPROVED LIST AT THIS
TIME. I have added a + for the 9 rating on durability as I
am well over 450 swings in 50-60 degree weather and the bat is still in
great shape.
I have added a 28 oz to my collection and will further update these ratings when possible, if needed. See my head to head feature comparison between the Freak and the Crush here. |
This
bat is approved in all sanctions. The first
version I hit with was a 27oz that swung much heavier than I would have
hoped or expected. This bat did have 30-40 swing break in period,
something I usually don't deal with on the Mizuno line. After the
bat "popped" where the plastic outside surface seemed to separate
from the c405 aluminum wall, the bat livened up dramatically. Due
to the heavier swing weight, I didn't give the bat the highest ratings
at first, although I did see the potential in the bat on distance.
I was then able to swing a 26oz out of the wrapper and it hit well from
the start. The swing weight was much more smooth with the
26oz. I found the Crush to have a definite break in period.
Updated 12/2003 I have since added an additional 26oz to my collection and this version is the best of the bunch. Very happy with the response and have updated value and power rating. I have set the durability for this bat at 7.5 as I have seen most Crush's amongst my friends and teammates dent rather quickly. The Bonsai aluminum does seem to dent more quickly than the Rage and Classic. |
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| Rawlings
ACL (PL8/BF) 1/19/2004
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Miken
Velocit-E II (PL8) 12/5/2003
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| Balanced | Balanced | ||||||||||||||||||
| Distance | 9 | Distance | 7.5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Line Drive | 8.75 | Line Drive | 7.9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Durability | 1 | Durability | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Sweet Spot | 8.75 | Sweet Spot | 7.5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Value | 1 | Value | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| POWER RATING | 8.75 | POWER RATING | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| Grip | Thin | Grip | Thin | ||||||||||||||||
| IF, and only IF, you were to ask me, Don't buy this bat. There are serious durability issues with this bat. It does have good pop while in one piece, however, the version we hit had less than 80 swings in it before breaking. The player that owned the bat had another version that also lasted less than 80 swings. We did hit it in temps around 60 with good .47 core balls, so the chance for it to break would be higher "pushing the envelope" so to speak on conditions. First, I wouldn't buy this over any Mizuno, Easton, Worth PST/Wicked, or Miken Freak. If you do want to own it, wait for the durability issue to be addressed, and when it is, wait to see that the pop is still there. Too often, as with the TPS Genesis of a couple years back, the fix on durability deadens the bat line. We'll see, but that's my current opinion. | I waited to post my initial thoughts on this bat until it was "broken in" as many have professed this bat needs. I love the balance of the bat, it swings very smoothly and very much like the Ultra II, however, the reward is average at best. Balls hit towards the handle stung, balls towards the end had below average response. Shots off the sweet spot were not bad, but you had to work for power. I wouldn't be opposed to this bat (at least the one I have) being the STANDARD for performance across the country. You earn your power shots, it won't keep you from hitting it over, but it won't do it for you. I'm okay with that, but for today's market place, there are much better bats. I have put well over 300 swings on it and I have increased my durability rating to reflect that | ||||||||||||||||||
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BAT WARS ARCHIVES 2004 UPDATED ORIGINAL BAT WAR BASED ON SEVERAL ADDITIONAL ROUNDS OF BP WITH THE MIKEN FREAK. THESE WERE MY INITIAL COMMETS: "This weeks feature is my head to head comparison, or bat war if you will, between the Miken Freak and the Mizuno Crush. After hitting these bats head to head, same balls, same weather, same everything, I have to give the nod to the Crush for overall distance, by only a few feet". After hitting with the Freak many more times, I have changed my mind on distance, the bat is very hot, and it didn't take too long to get there. I would have to say I was wrong, the Crush is a very good bat with good distance, a good price, but poor durability, however the Freak, has GROWN ON ME Big Time. At this point, I think the Freak rivals the original Synergy 1, first batch for distance. I give the nod to the Freak for size of sweet spot, by a slight edge. Durability, I have to give to the Freak, but I don't have long range history on either, but I have seen the Freak hit 300+ balls in cool weather with no damage, while a well used Crush, much like the Fury will dent rather easily, and soon there after, crack. My power rating at this point is a 9 for both bats. Updated, I have increased the power rating for the freak to a 9.25 , there is an ease of swing with a good Crush and with the Freak. I have now hit with two new Freaks and each performed at the same level. (both 27oz). The value rating edge goes to the Crush, just for the cost and the results. If the Freak holds up for a long duration, I may re-think that, or if you can pick one up in the low $200's. I don't think you can go wrong with either of these bats, HOWEVER, BIG HOWEVER, the Crush is still legal in NSA while the Freak has not been approved. In addition, I have hit with a Crush that I would rate as a Dud, so be careful in relying completely on my analysis. My rating of the Crush has improved with each of the Three I have used/owned. |
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| 2002/2003
BAT REVIEWS
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I wavered a bit on the 3rd place choice for Distance and therefore I called it a tie. I find the most of the Mizuno's to be comparable on distance. Many find the PST much better than Mizuno, just hasn't been my experience to date, although I did hit a PST MAX that would be a clear out performer of the Mizuno line, but I didn't get to hit with it enough to say for sure. My power rating winners are the same as the Distance Winners for 2003. The affordability of the Mizuno Techfire ($179) and the quality of the bat result in my giving it the award for the best value. I included one $230+ bat in the 3rd place spot with the Worth Wicked, as I have had very good results and pretty good durability at a price point well below the $299 mark of the Easton and Miken. The Crush and Fury are second in my book, again for the results, but 2nd due to the extra cost $199.
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| TPS
GEN 1X 2003 (PL8) 8/29/2003
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WORTH
WICKED COMPOSITE 2003 (PL8) 8/7/2003
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| End load | Mostly Balanced 26 oz version | ||||||||||||||||||
| Distance | 8.5 | Distance | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Line Drive | 8.25 | Line Drive | 8.5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Durability | 8.9 | Durability | 8.9 | ||||||||||||||||
| Sweet Spot | 8.25 | Sweet Spot | 8.75 | ||||||||||||||||
| Value | 8.75 | Value | 8.75 | ||||||||||||||||
| POWER RATING | 8.25 | POWER RATING | 8.75 | ||||||||||||||||
| Grip | thin | Grip | Thin | ||||||||||||||||
| I like the bat for an aluminum bat. The handle is very thin and the bat I swung was a 27oz model. Balls used to test the bat were both .47 and .44 versions. .47 high compression balls flew off the bat as is expected with most double walls. My rating if just hitting high compression balls for distance would be an 8.75/9, but because most areas, sanctions, tournaments are going to lower compression balls, the distance is no better than average. | My initial thoughts on
the bat are positive. I did like the response from
hitting the sweet spot, which I found on most swings. I found the distance to
be acceptable and the line drive power to be good as well.
UPDATED 1/5/2004. My Wicked is officially "broken in". The bat swings very light compared to my 27oz PST and my recent tests have resulted in improved distance performance. I have become more accustomed to the swing balance and would be happy to use this bat if on a Worth sponsored team. I would still generally prefer to swing Mizuno and Miken products at this time. I have been more and more impressed with the durability. A team mate of mine has 2 Wicked's with 500 plus swings on them (one over 1000). I did pull this bat out for the last swing of the 2004 SSAA C winter worlds for the game winning HR. I must have some faith in it... |
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| Miken Velocit-E Max load 2001/02 (PL8) | |||
| Max Load | |||
| Distance | 9.0 | ||
| Line Drive | 8.5 | ||
| Durability | 2 | ||
| Sweet Spot | 8 | ||
| Value | 8.5 | ||
| POWER RATING | 8.5 | ||
| Grip | Medium | ||
| First 10 swings were great, good distance, smooth swing. Next 5 swings, bat broke. New bat came in, got about 10 swings, then it broke. Piece of sh*& if you ask me. | |||
Other bat review links for you reference...
Local Players and other National Review Sites
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