cold, long springs and composites

[mark12]

Looking to make our first "real" bat purchase. So far we have been given bats from friends. My son wants one for his birthday. He will be turning 11 in Aug...he is 5 foot and 115 lbs. We live where the spring is long and cold. I am looking at DeMarini F3 but the composite scares me in cold weather. The Voodoo is only composite on the handle with aluminum barrel...would this be better or are same issues still present? Should I go all aluminum?

How about getting an F3 for summer and a Nitro (7050 Alloy) for cold weather? If I get the same 31/21 would that be okay? Is the Nitro decent for a winter/spring bat?

Thanks for the knowledge.

[tom2p]

Voodoo and F3 share similar construction - carbon/composite handle and an alloy barrel. F3 does have a double wall alloy barrel though.
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The F3 (and F2 before it) have a good track record as far as reliability is concerned. I would still consider using a less expensive bat in cold weather however.
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btw - I am assuming you are considering the -10 Voodoo (and not the -13 Voodoo). The -10 Voodoo and F3 may swing differently - even though both are -10. The F2 and F3 often weighed more than advertised - and swing even 'heavier' due to the end/perimiter weighted design. ( The Voodoo -10 may not be end/perimeter weighted ... ?). Obviously, the Voodoo -13 (and the earlier versions with less drop - -11.5) will swing differently than the F3. (Forget the -13 Voodoo).
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Ditto with the 31.21 Nitro - will swing very differently compared to a 31/21 F3 - Nitro will swing much lighter. Nitro still might not be a bad option though.
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This is not to turn you off the F3 - especially in the 31/21 size. This was one of my fav bats in the 31" size. Not for every kid, but a great bat (for the approp kid). The CF3 may also be another option - CF3 has -11 drop.
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btw - I mentioned the early Voodoo above - -11.5 version from a few years ago. This bat may be an good option - and may be ideal (depending on the kid). This bat was a fav with many kids. There is currently a NOS 31-19.5 (-11.5) Voodoo on ebay (actually seller has 3) - with a decent BIN price ($ 69.99) and includes 'Make an Offer' (great price - considering bat was $180 in 2007).
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btw2 - don't rule out a 30" bat - especially if you are considering a DeMarini double wall bat. 30" bat is an ideal size for many accomplished 11 yr old batters. Kid can then step up to a 31" bat the next season.
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[tigerdan]

We live in the Northwest. Most of our games in the spring are played in 45-55 degree weather. My kid has swung Combat B1's for two years. The absolute best thing I have gotten him besides a good bat is a Pyro-Flite bat warmer. Besides keeping the bat at a good temperature, it also keeps the bat from getting banged around in his bag. I have actually seen many more aluminum bats crack and break in the cold than composite.
30" is also a good size for 11 and many 12 year olds. My kids 30-20 B1 kinda ended up as the bat of choice for our top three hitters and had 28 homeruns in League.

[mcp]

The '09 -10 Voodoo is a double wall bat (its basically the same bat as the F3). It is VERY end weighted. VERY good bat though, as was the F3.

My son has a '07 Voodoo 31/19.5 that he loves - and I bought it for that exact reason, to use in the colder weather. He also has a 31/20 CF3 Black...uses that only when the weather isn't cold. I am thinking of trying a B1 next year....my son hit with one of his teammates one time this season and loved it...unfortunately it broke that same night and they sent him back a 32" B2...stating they were "out of stock" on B1's. It swung VERY light for a 31/21...now he wants one, LOL

My personal preference is to have a couple bats....one to use in the cold, and another for the warmer temps. As much as these bats cost, my goal is to try to make them last for more than 1 season.

[mark12]

Thanks to all for the input. I think I will be getting the 2007 Voodoo. It sounds like a good bat and a good price. Reviews that I found are great.

But now I just saw a 2009 Voodoo Black (31/21) for $100...I wish there was some way to demo these! I've taken my son to local sports store to swing all kinds of lengths and weights but who knows... I'm sure he'd do fine with either choice.

[tom2p]

F2, F3, CF3, CF4 - double wall barrel. The remaining DeMarini youth bats - single wall barrel.
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( Almost positive - this was the case the last time I looked ).
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Correction: -10 Voodoo - also double wall barrel.

[tom2p]

The 2007 Voodoo is a very good bat. No doubt would be near or at the top of my oldest kids list of LL (2 1/4) bats - he hit very well with a 2007 Voodoo. And $60-70 for a NOS 2007 Voodoo is a *great* deal.
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[mcp]

mark, the 09 voodoo -10 is a double wall and very end weighted. Have him try one first before buying it. I actually got one in 31/21 for my son and he didn't like the way it felt at all, so we sent it back. It feels REALLY heavy compared to the single wall bats. GREAT bat though, one of the kids on our team uses one and pounds the daylights out of the ball. He his one 280 the other day (12yo) with it. Tom is correct, those bats mentioned are double wall bats....along with the -10 voodoo. The -13 '09 & '10 voodoo is a single wall bat.

You shouldn't be disappointed with the 07 if you get one. My son went 5-7 this past weekend with his :)

[tom2p]

Just checked out the -10 Voodoo .... yes - double wall barrel ! And not surprised the feel is similar to a F2 or F3.
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[tom2p]

mark12 - 'cold weather bat' ......
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One bat I would recommend to 'compliment' the 2007 Voodoo is the LS TPX Omaha XS Scandium - in a similar size. Especially the 2004 (YB404) and 2005 (YB405) versions - they were -12 drop (31-19). The 2003 (YB303) and 2006 (YB406) versions were -12.5 drop. Great bat to acquire used or NOS - and ideal for a 'cold weather bat' - early spring and/or whenever.
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