Forget about -3 bats for now. The -10 BB Catalyst bat is an excellent bat and the one to get in the -10 range. -5 bats are great if you can swing them with good bat speed - I recommend the -5 Vexxum, the green/silver -5 Easton stealth, the -5 Miken Burn... But right now your son isn't ready for a -5. For his next bat he could go for something in between like a -9 or -8 . Do not get the "lighter" (-8.5) versions of the Exo or F3 - a waste of money as they have small sweet spots. The -3 versions of those bats are great just not the lighter versions. Look for a 2007 version of a bat to save money. In the -8 to -9 range I like the one piece "stiff" bats like the TPX dynasty, Eastons like the Havoc (or even their old 888 were excellent). the -8.5 Vexxum is good and with a good swing and good bat speed the ball flys off (great for gap hitters). Hope this helps.