Stiff vs Flex Handle

The type of hitter (power or Avg)of course a hitter can be both
a power hitter will value the stiff handle more because of the trampoline effect you described the whip action of the flex handle is more productive with a hitter who is not hitting for or with power. thus the handle helps with the power at contact. it goes without saying that the contact with the ball square and in the sweet spot matters more.

Kaos,
You just accurately described the marketing battle from the last 6-8 years between Easton and Louisville. Easton, with thier two piece bats, has touted handle "flex" with various flex options. Louisville, with Exogrid and Omaha, has touted "stiffer is better" allowing the trampoline effect of the barrel to be maximized. Both performed very well, so there was never a clear-cut winner to the argument. Sorry.

I do think that, similar to golf with shaft flex options, a hitter is well served to sort of match their swing speed to the handle flex of the bat and I believe this is an area where bat technology will continue to evolve. Even the stiff Exogrids have handle flex, though. Lay any bat on the ground and step on it just above the handle - you will see flex. And, yes, an Exogrid has less flex than a regular 2-piece Easton.

THEORETICALLY - Now that BBCOR regs have reduced barrel rebound effect, handle flex should become more of a factor in performance.

Lastly, at the present time, I agree with Donk - consider other factors first.

My guess is that neither bat will make the ball travel one foot farther. Save your money.

Handle flex can change the feel of the bat and the sound when hitting the ball. It won't have any effect on batted ball speed.

In the market for a New bat for my 12 year old son. Like to get thoughts on the Voodoo and the TPX EXO. What are some of the better bats out? This is for his AAU team

Went from Flex to Stiff. So much more pop. Ball is screaming off the bat.

The EXO is stiff handle ...... what is the Voodoo? What are the stiff handle bats out that I should check out or consider?

My son's team uses bbcor Demarini. Voodoo is 'stiff'. Vexxum is 'flex'. He prefers the voodoo. Says almost everyone does. Both bats are two piece- same barrel, with different composite handles.

The much-touted Omahas and 5150s appear to be one piece, all metal. They would be considered 'stiff'.

I found an interesting study about the properties of flex in baseball bats, and another article that continues the discussion.

"The current perception (or myths) of baseball bat handles amongst players and coaches is that power hitters prefer a stiff handle while contact hitters prefer a flex handle design. There is no scientific evidence supporting this preference but it is the accepted belief of the masses. So who’s right? The answer is NOBODY because there is NO conclusive scientific evidence that shows a flex handle bat actually flexes prior to contact."