Rallytime Sports Bat Bag - 6-24-04

The Hype:

Rally Time Sports Available at $39.95

The Reality:

A big bag that will hold a lot of gear.  The bat sleeve is huge and will hold up to five bats.  I have 4 in mine and it's just right.  Two more in the side pocket.  The valuable pocket is handy and just the right size for wallet, keys, etc.  The cell phone pocket is handy as well.

Bang for the buck:

At a retail of $39.95, it's a great bag.  You won't be disappointed.

Anderson RocketTech - 6-10-04

The Hype:

The Reality:

Great feel and line drive performance.  I love the little knob!!

Distance: 9

Feel: 10

Durability: 10

Bang for the buck:

At a retail of $209, you get the performance and durability you would expect for a bat in this price range.  It's legal everywhere.

Anderson RocketTech Reloaded- 6-10-04

The Hype:

With the recent changes in regulations by ASA, Anderson has decided to split their bat line and go with an ASA approved line and a NON ASA approved line. The current models of RKT and TZL are rated at/under 98MPH BBS and are legal for play in ASA. RocketTech Reloaded and TechZilla Reborn have tested WELL over the allowed 98MPH BBS, which makes them illegal for ASA play, but legal everywhere else**.  Here are the prominent changes they have made to the current RKT and TZL to make them better:

**PLEASE NOTE: Anderson Bat Company chose not to sign the 2004 NSA contract. Deciding not to sign the contract meant that all new bats released in 2004 would not be legal for play in NSA.  When the new NSA contract is signed in July of 2004, Anderson Bat Company will have NSA approval of ALL bats come January 1, 2005.

The Reality:

Great feel and line drive performance.  I love the little knob!!  To me it felt as thought the RT Reloaded was a little more end loaded than the original RocketTech.  As usual, confusion reigns!!  What bat is legal in what association??

Distance: 9

Feel: 10

Durability: 10

Bang for the buck:

At a retail of $219.95, you get the performance and durability you would expect for a bat in this price range.  As is true for the original RT, Anderson may make the best performing non composite bats available today.

Miken Freak - 4-12-04

The Hype:

Slow-pitch softball hitters of all skill levels can find something to love in the new Miken Freak bat, the latest offering from Miken Sports, the leading manufacturer of high performance bats.  Perfect for players that want a long-barrel bat that delivers speed, performance, and an enormous sweet spot, the new Freak bat is designed to make any player hit the ball better.  With an improved barrel design, the Freak is stronger and more durable than any other bat in its class. One-year warranty.

The Reality:

Exactly as advertised.  In my opinion, it's real close to an Ultra II.  The ball flies off the bat and there's no doubt that if you think you hit one, you did!  It's too bad that the NSA and Miken could not work out the contract details.  It's legal in every association except the NSA. 

Distance: 10

Feel: 10

Durability: 10

Bang for the buck:

At a retail of $299.95, it's not an inexpensive bat, but you get the performance and durability you would expect for a bat in this price range.  If you don't play NSA, I can't think of a reason not to have this bat.

DeMarini Dark - 4/12/04

The Hype:

The Reality:

As much as I like the way the Freak feels, the DeMarini Dark feels better.  What an easy bat to swing!!!  The Dark really does perform as well.  Distance is right there with the Freak and I still can't get over how it feels.  You can feel the whip action of the two piece construction.  I really wish that it was legal for ASA play.   

Distance: 10

Feel: 11

Durability: 8

Bang for the buck:

At a retail of $279.95, it's not at the top of the prices of the top performing bats out there, but it's close.  The bat really does perform.  Durability may be an issue.  The bat I reviewed waved up a little, but not bad. 

Mizuno Techfire Crush - 4/12/04

The Hype:

The Reality:

The really like the Crush.  From what I've heard and read about the bat, it needs to be broken in to achieve its full potential.  Right out of the wrapper though, it's not bad.  Line drives were smokin' hot.  Distance was there as well, but not as consistently as the Freak or Dark.  More after it breaks in.

Distance: 8.5

Feel: 9

Durability: 10

Bang for the buck:

At a retail of $199.95, it's in the middle of the road for performance bat pricing. It's legal in every association.  If the bat does break in and begin to have even a little better performance, it's definitely worth the dough.

Easton Synergy 2 - 4/13/04

The Hype:

NEW Synergy 2 design -- meets ALL new 2004 Bat Performance Standards - ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, & ISF.

The Reality:

Screaming line drives.  I thought the bat was a little stiff.  A little ring in the hands.  Time will tell if that will go away as the bat breaks in.  It sounds great and the ball really jumps off the bat.  Distance was less than the Freak, but not by a lot. 

Distance: 9

Feel: 9

Durability: 10

Bang for the buck:

At a retail of $299.95, it's not an inexpensive bat, but this one is legal in all associations.  It's probably the hottest bat that can play everywhere.