2013 or 2014 BBCOR Bat

It's just a fresh paint job on the 5150's I believe, save your money and buy last years model...IMO.  My son switched from the 5150 to the CF5 2012 model and last years Easton S1

Is the 5150 the loudest bat ever made?  My  kid picked one up very cheap recently and is using it as a cage bat. I literally have to wear earplugs when he's using it.

Son uses S1 in games and we bought a 2013 5150 for the cage. He hit the 5150 well in the cage so he gave it a try in a HS varsity game last week. 2 for 2 one being a 2 run HR. Its now his game bat. LOL 

And yes its as loud as heck in the cage.

So is the 5150 Velo. Hy son wore his 2012 version out (seriously) and went with the 2013. Still quite affordable and a great bat!

.50 is .50...

Sounds like its gonna be a 2013 5150 but any thoughts on the Rip-It bats?

Also...what makes the Easton MAKO worth $450??? Is really that much better? 

What makes the Mako worth $450 is the fact that consumers choose to pay that even with hundreds of less expensive options. More power to Easton, I'm sure they've lost money trying to launch lots of other products. I would venture to say that the Mako is "better" than many BBCOR bats on the market.  How much better is in the wallet/purse of the beholder.

looks really nice

Am I the only one or have we been brain washed to buy composite bats but the alloy versions are just as good and 1/2 the damn price????

My son likes the Rip-It bats. He wore out a Rip-IT Prototype II bat (2 years of use) and is breaking in a 2013 Rip-It Prototype Air for this season.  With a 30 day no question return policy you can't go wrong.

I think we were brainwashed when the kids were younger, and the comp bats were unquestionably the hottest bats for LL or USSSA play.  But I think the metal BBCORS are just as good or better than the comps.

Just a quick comment.  The Rawlings bats, at least the 5150's have a thicker handle than most bats, but especially thicker than the Easton's.  My son did not hit as well with the 5150, and didn't feel his hands worked as well with the thicker handle.  We purchased a new, but two year old (2012) version of the Easton Comp XL.  Broke it the first time we used it.  Sent it back, and Easton sent us the brand new 2014 $399 Comp XL.  I had no where near that $ in the 2012 version.  Easton's service is awesome!  I would never spend $399 on a bat, but was pleased to get the latest version, and it seems to have good pop.  I always get last years version.  Just saves a ton of money. 

Sons baseball academy recently had a demo day.  Online retailer was there with several bats – all the big names, Rawlings, Rip-It, Easton, DeMarini, etc.  He picked about 12 different 33-30’s, got in the cage, and started hitting – for about 45 mins.  We had no idea what any of the bats cost when he was testing them.  Some he knew immediately he didn’t like and tossed them out.  Got it down to 4 and had a playoff.  The one he finally selected, hands down winner, was the new Louisville Slugger Attack.  Didn’t like the graphics, too busy, but really liked the feel and balance.  To me it sounded very solid.  He currently has the 5150 velo from two years ago – I hate the pingy, loud sound of that bat.  Of course the Attack was the most expensive at $400 retail, although we got a great deal.  It was really nice to have the chance to get in a cage and test each bat.  That was just our experience.  We'll see how it works out this spring.

What were the other 3 finalist??

Easton - Believe XL1, it was yellow

Rip-It - not sure model

Third was another model of Louisville Slugger, not sure model.

As for the thick grip of the 5150s, I regrip my son's 5150 Velos 2-3 times a year with a THIN replacement grip. Works like a charm.

Re-grip sounds good, but the 5150 handle is just bigger in circumference.  Buyer be aware. 

Has anyone actually purchased a 2014 Louisville Slugger bat yet?  We ordered a 2014 Attack last November at a demo day.  When we ordered it they said nothing about delays.  We waited and waited and finally we've been told recently they haven't even started manufacturing the bat yet and it will be at least Feb until we get it.  Sounds strange.  I figured new model bats are available for purchase in the fall.  Maybe I thinking cars.

That sounds like they encountered a design flaw or BBCOR compliance issue.  they are usually pretty good about getting their product out

We have to swing the Louisville bat this year, but the boys dont like its pop.

Last week, I took some hickory wood bats to Dominican Republic and the 15-16 DR boys put on quite a BP session. Those kids really know how to rake and I now have more converts to hickory instead of maple.

Any particular model, or they just don't like LS bats

It was the Attack, they had a bat show and the favorite seemed to be the Rawlings, but our team must use the Louis.

My 2016 was given a brand new Mako about 4 months ago from a dealer to try. He used it for a couple of weeks and decided he liked his 2013 S1 better. Never really discussed the reasons...was afraid he would reconsider and I would have too buy one!

First, I believe that you just can't beat Easton and my son has used the XL1 exclusively since BBCOR standard was implimented. We just bought him another XL1 (2012) version since he had so much success with it, saved $200 not going with this yrs model which most likely hits the same just looks different.

I agree cant beat Easton , S1 and The Mako 

Kid used an Easton S1 33/30 for most last Spring and most of this Fall... Then he started checking out a teammate's Omaha Balanced 33/30 in practice... asked me to get him one... It kicked the S1 out of the bag...

I think each kid has there preferences , my son was totally happy with the S1 since he got the Mako no going back. He used the Omaha just didn't like it.

My son likes the Rawlings 5150

What makes me mad about baseball bats is the conspiricy against dumb baseaball parents. Did you know slow pitch softball bats actually states the amount of end loadedness a bat has? It actually gives the softball bat a number for end load so consumers can compare. While in baseball we get slightly balanced, more balance, somewhat endload compared to bat B. Also softball bats actualy gets the length of the barrel. It states 12" or 12.5" softball bat barrel. Baseball gets extended sweet spot , Longer barrel. .. WTF

Yep my son just made the switch to the 5150. Swung the S1 for year and a half. Swung 5150 in a fall varsity game and hit it out. Hasn't looked back at the S1 since that game.

You should have your son try the Mako

Mako is over the top and dont make a difference. BBCOR is BBCOR

My son uses the 2012 XL1 bat too ! It's got a lot of wear on it but the pop is still there.His HS coach bought a 2013 XL1 bat last season for team use. My son did not like the feel of it.Loves the 2012 model and wants me too look for another one to take to college next year.

Bolts-Coach-PR - i've heard a lot of great things about the Omaha and almost went with it but just stayed with what we knew was a solid bat. My son has been searching for someone who has one so he can try it but no luck yet.