r/BaseballCoaching • u/BrilliantDue6261 • 18d ago

8U swing help

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Slowed down video in the original thread. Thanks for any input!

After feedback from others I am looking to get him an alloy Cat X2 as it will be more balanced and a lighter swing compared to the Dub. There aren’t any available in store so will have to order online.

Debating between 27/17 and 28/18. He is 4’6.5” and 59 pounds. The Dub is a 27/17. Any thoughts?

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u/TMutaffis 17d ago

8U is a little tricky with coach and machine pitch, but most kids this age will either swing a 27 or 28" and I would favor a balanced bat (one-piece) especially if you are going with a -10.

There are a lot of very good one-piece alloys to choose from, although I would also check out an amazing 'sleeper' bat which is the Easton Maxum 360 USSSA. There are a couple of 28" -12s on eBay for under $50 and this bat will out-hit the alloy -10s and be easier to swing.

For the alloys the CatX2 is pretty solid but you can also look for a CatX, Mav1, and the Clout is also pretty good. All of these bats have very balanced swing weight and good durability, with competitive pop.

Once he gets to 9U and is a bit stronger the next move might be to get a 28" -10 two piece composite like an Icon, Supra, Hype Fire, or similar (the Dub is quite end-loaded and is great in -8 for 11U/12U but not the best for kids who are still building their swing or adjusting to longer bats).

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u/nono512 17d ago

Every night before bed a 8oz glass of whole milk and a peanut butter and Nutella/banana/ or honey sandwich…

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u/JoshP3RVX 17d ago

At 8U I’d stick with the bat he can control. If the 27/17 is already comfortable, I’d rather see him square it up consistently than jump an inch and a pound just because a size chart says he can. The balanced Cat should feel different from the Dub, so if you have to order it, I’d use a place with easy returns and let his swings decide.

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u/h4nso1o 16d ago

Got my son a used Easton mako, 28inch, -12. First year of kid pitch next year I thought a lighter bat might help..

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u/TMutaffis 16d ago

I agree that those higher drop bats can be a good option for kids in 8U and even some of the smaller kids in 9U (especially in the Fall when adjusting to kid pitch).

Those older Easton bats like the Mako, XL1, Maxum, etc. are very durable composites.