My kids swing wood bats almost exclusively outside of games. I usually have the wood bat weighted closer to their next bat but a bit shorter. Shortening the lever on an end loaded bat makes it a bit more manageable and the extra weight builds a lot of strength. Having to barrel balls with a wood bat makes it almost an after thought when you pick up a metal bat when the barrel is much easier to control and much bigger. My 10 year old (4'10" and 70ish lbs) swings a 31, -8 bonesaber hybrid and a 30, -5 wood bat in a maple 243 turn. Besides making them stronger, it is way cheaper than breaking metal bats, which he has done in a cage. We can also hit weighted balls and get feedback from those without breaking 2 piece bats. I get that older guys might not want to go between bats when they are proving something, but I think a wood bat is the best tool in a young kids bag if it is used correctly. We even swing wood bats in games if there is a blowout. Just something to keep it fun/exciting for the kids. I see 12 year old kids still swinging -10 bats and it blows my mind.
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My kids swing wood bats almost exclusively outside of games. I usually have the wood bat weighted closer to their next bat but a bit shorter. Shortening the lever on an end loaded bat makes it a bit more manageable and the extra weight builds a lot of strength. Having to barrel balls with a wood bat makes it almost an after thought when you pick up a metal bat when the barrel is much easier to control and much bigger. My 10 year old (4'10" and 70ish lbs) swings a 31, -8 bonesaber hybrid and a 30, -5 wood bat in a maple 243 turn. Besides making them stronger, it is way cheaper than breaking metal bats, which he has done in a cage. We can also hit weighted balls and get feedback from those without breaking 2 piece bats. I get that older guys might not want to go between bats when they are proving something, but I think a wood bat is the best tool in a young kids bag if it is used correctly. We even swing wood bats in games if there is a blowout. Just something to keep it fun/exciting for the kids. I see 12 year old kids still swinging -10 bats and it blows my mind.