Help on getting bats for a 9 yr

[bigal]

1) What are some places to purchase decent high end bats at reasonable prices? (note that I'm in Canada).

2) We're allowed to use any bat provided its metal. Most teams use Big barrels.

3) Bats rules do get a little relaxed so there are some teams that use composite bats and no one calls them out.

4) Trying to get a bat for him to use next year. He's currently using a 27/17 lithium prodigy and its starting to be a little too light for him.

Any suggestions?

thanks,
Al

[dazed and confused]

First find the correct size bat for your 9 year-old, my son is an average size 9 and he uses a 29/19. If big barrel are legal to use in your league look for those models. Pick the manufacturer you want, Combat, Easton, are a couple good ones. I usually pick from last years models to get a good price. Google the model number you picked and than see who has the best price.

[tom2p]

Not too familiar with the use of big barrel bats at that age - and also not to enamored with it. Most average size 9 yr olds will not develop good/great bat speed with a big barrel bat (of the appropriate length) due to the weight.
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A typical LL bat for a 9 yr old - LL 2 1/4" - is 29-17 or so. Good all around bat size - for an average 9 yr old and will allow for good bat speed and a quick swing for a/the few pitchers they will face that throw hard.
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One option for a 29" aluminum big barrel bat - search ebay for a NOS or used-in-great-condition LS TPX Omaha XS Scandium (29-20.5 or whatever). I have seen these bats listed/sell for under $50 - some for under $20. These bats perform very well and are reliable.
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note - Sunday 8-16 - used 29" big barrel LS TPX Omaha XS Scandium on ebay for $10. Auction ends 8-20. Appears to be a 2003 version - silver - model SL303. I prefer the 2004 (blue) and 2005 (orange) versions - and there are some other versions (green) - but this bat appears to be in good shape and would be well worth $10 (plus shipping). At a minimum, it would probably be a great bat to use in the cage.
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