Mattingly has not produced ANY 2010 baseball bat models!!! They have absolutely no information on any 2010 model on their web site, no retailer (online or brick and mortar) is selling a 2010 Mattingly bat and their 2009 models are deeply discounted. I’m not sure what’s going on with the Mattingly brand but it can’t be a good sign. It would not surprise me if Mattingly bats become a thing of the past. Since I can’t review models that don’t exist, I’ve resurrected my reviews of their 2009 models to fill some space.
Okay, I’ll start by saying I hate the Yankees and therefore hate Don Mattingly. With that out of the way my review of these bats will be objective.
Mattingly bats main selling point is the V-Grip handle. The handle, somewhat shaped like a V, is designed to help you grip the handle correctly. Meaning your “door knocking knuckles” are aligned when grasping the handle. In my opinion, it’s the equivalent of the youth baseball gloves that have a notch to help kids close the glove better.
The problem is no kid in High School or College is going to be seen holding this bat, as they wouldn’t be seen wearing a glove with a notch in it. Quite frankly, any kid who’s reached puberty doesn’t want to be seen holding a V-Grip bat. It screams that the player is inexperienced and needs a crutch (sorry Donny, I’d say this even if you had played for a team I didn’t hate).
I’ve never seen these bats in the hands of a player at any age, anywhere. The bat reviews are below but my recommendation is to pass on Mattingly bats:
Mattingly Composite Bats
- Beast: one-piece bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. Besides the V-Grip they tout the Xtreme Weave Carbon construction for “maximum power and durability”. Needless to say I do not recommend this bat.
Mattingly Alloy Bats
%IMAGE%
- Ripped: 100% alloy, one piece bat with a stiff handle. Medium grade alloy (MB55Sc alloy) touting the same benefits as the Beast. It’s odd that two bats made out of completely different material have the exact same benefits. I do not recommend this bat.
- V Force: One piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle. This bat is only available in youth models and consists of alloy that’s been around for over 15 years (MB75 alloy). Unless you’re playing T-Ball there are better options.
Visit My Bat Recommendations for recommendations in each category and price range.
How can you possibly say you provide objective reviews when you state “These are the only bats I’ve reviewed that I have not seen, touched or been in the same county as. So, the bat reviews are below but my recommendation is to pass on Mattingly bats” ]
It pretty much makes all of your recommendations a little silly – don’t you think? Fortunately, the baseball marketplace does not agree with you as these bats are being very well received.
Skip Shaw
President – Mattingly Sports
Our teams first base coach brought one out to the field for the guys to try. It was a gift from a bat rep. It lasted 3 batters then it folded in half. The end cap got knicked by the second batter and it folded on the third batter. To be fair, we had a Catalyst do the exact same thing, end cap is compromised and the bat folds on the next hard swing.
My 8 year old son played this past season with a Mattingly 28″ V-Force bat and he was very happy with it. It lasted through an indoor winter ball season along with the regular little league season.
Several other members of his team also adopted his bat and the bat held up strong. We’ve started shopping for his 2011 bat and he is favoring any of the Mattingly models he can get his hands on.
I play in a 30+ adult league and used a 2009 Beast for two full seasons. The bat had good pop and had a good sound to it. Unfortunately it cracked during the last game of this season…but at least the last contact I made with it went for a base hit!
My two middle school aged sons tried this bat out at the store and fell in love. They chipped in and bought it. Both boys are hitting the ball farther than they used to and striking out less because they claim it helps improve the speed of their swing. I don’t think they much care if someone laughs at them about their bat handle after they’re safely on second.