https://www.vspdirect.com/softball/welcome?utm_source=softball&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=partners

 
SIGN IN:   Password     »Sign up

Message board   »Message Board home    »Sign-in or register to get started

Online now: 4 members: Born to run, Jeremy11, TABLE SETTER 11, ju25; 93 anonymous
Change topic:
Posted Discussion
Sept. 1, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
r
Hey Alan, just a couple of questions... Are you getting any other negative feedback that what I have read on this site about the Ambush... and does USASS let you sell on this site?
Sept. 1, 2012
Eurskine
Men's 50
185 posts
Alan,This is Eurskine,coach of the MONARCHS out of Atlanta.The 28oz i received is great.We left the wrapper on 3 of the first 4 swings was out of the park.I only have about 25 swings on it as of yet,but i feel it improving on every swing.I have no negative comments ,i am a Miken man,but this one has possibilities to stay in my bat bag.I ordered one for one of the guys i play with and he likes the performance as well.It produces a different sound...Is their a wall on the inside of the first wall? It really has a great Spring board effect.Thanks for your help.
Sept. 1, 2012
Fabe
Men's 65
456 posts
Just wanted to share the customer service with AL is unmatched! You've done it right my Bruddah now enjoy the fruit of it! Aloha, Fabe
Sept. 2, 2012
leftyfalcon
Men's 65
158 posts
Alan my 27fl really opened up yesterday. Best senior bat in my bag. Will be useing the ambush in dalton.
Joe Lefty Falcon 60's aaa
team tag 17.
Sept. 2, 2012
ChiPrimeMarty
Men's 60
104 posts
Alan,
At the Northern Championships in Lansing last weekend Corky was there with his truck and a variety of bats for sale including Combats ... but no Ambush. When I asked him why not, he said the Ambush was manufactured identical to the Centenarian and that all it had was a different paint job and a very successful marketing campaign to sell it as a new product.

I'm not saying who's right and who's wrong here ... I'm just repeating what was told to me by an individual whom many Senior players regard as an authority on bats. If Corky is merely misinformed, there should be a way to provide him with the facts. If someone is deliberately lying, that would be an inexcusable betrayal of trust with Senior player customers.

I'm not trying to stir up a hornet's nest here; I'm hoping it's a misunderstanding that will be resolved amicably.
Sept. 2, 2012
softball4b
Men's 70
1248 posts
Truth be told, what difference does it make. If you swing X Brand and like it, then more power to you. I posted previously that a review of the USPTO website indicates there is no new patents or trademarks filed regarding this bat. Again, so what. Perception is reality, if it swings better for you painted gray than black, good for you. Rebrabding happens all of the time.

If my wife watches a Hugh Jackman movie and it works out good for me. Then I am not going to change her perspective.

I have no dawg in this fight. I swing Reebiok.
Sept. 2, 2012
17Black
Men's 60
414 posts
Tri18, I still don't have enough swings on mine to make a good evaluation.

I am facing knee surgery in a couple weeks,(hope a scope)& hope to be back to play in Mid October.

Since my last Miken balanced UII broke, I have an arsenal accumulated in my Bat Bag with Miken Max Load, Reeboks balanced and end load and now the Ambush, as well as my ASA Easton Bat for a non-composite league that ended a couple weeks ago.

In SSUSA Tournament last weekend in Michigan, I stupidly was in the line up as DH (should not have played due to injury probably) and just could not get comfortable with any bat.

I did get some practice swings in with 44/375's and the Ambush before seeding games on Friday and the ball seemed to be coming off well. Hit two bloop singles over the infield, but that was more due to pain in my striding leg, not the bat. I think my next 11/12 at bats in the tournament I tried every bat in the bag, which also didn't help because they all feel different.

The Ambush is starting to break in. My Ohio team "might" be down in your neck of the woods in Jacksonville in November or maybe even Myrtle Beach end of October? I'll have better review then, when back to healthy too and getting some good swings on it after surgery.
Sept. 2, 2012
ChiPrimeMarty
Men's 60
104 posts
Alan, just to be clear:
My intent is not to post "unfactual information" ... my intent is to get the facts straight. Perhaps you or Mike can talk to Corky and provide him with the facts, because he has the ear of a lot of players at tournaments.
Sept. 2, 2012
miken44
90 posts
tri18 the ambush is as good as advertised i have about 150swings on mine and the ball flies another guy on our team has about 60 swings and the sound is starting to change we are going out this week to hit so he can get ready for dalton we were in lansing like i said before the ball they used was not great so nothing was flying with any bat 17 black who can stroke the ball but was hurt never got to really swing like he can but i will stay with the ambush it is the real deal
Sept. 2, 2012
bkb555
301 posts
I hit the Ambush side by side with my Melee and my Utrip 454 and it is not even close...this bat was just brought out today and the ball was flying....I only hope it doesnt fly TOO good (ala original Ultra)......the sweet spot IS bigger no doubt about it and the pop is incredible......should be a very popular bat in the next few tourneys that I play
Sept. 2, 2012
BruceinGa
Men's 70
3233 posts
Sorry to hijack the thread, but talking about the Melee, I bought one yesterday from Anaconda for $29.95!
Sept. 2, 2012
HJ
Men's 70
481 posts
Bruce, which Melee. I have not seen anything like that on a Melee senior legend. I have recently seen some strange looking bats with the Melee nameplate.
Sept. 2, 2012
ffdonnie
Men's 60
137 posts
Ok Bruce you have my attention. How did this happen?
Sept. 2, 2012
tg69
393 posts
Bruce,good luck with that cheap bat.They wouldnt stand by their warranty because I bought mine at such a low price,$58.00 I believe. But $29.95 is about what they are worth.IMO.GO REEBOK
Sept. 2, 2012
HJ
Men's 70
481 posts
The bat is a 2010 model and does not have the word melee on it. It is:

Reebok 782320 Dictator Plus Slowpitch Softball Bat

It shows it approved by 3 senior associations.
Might be worth the price.
Sept. 3, 2012
Lefty
Men's 75
721 posts
Checked on the Reebok and it's the ASA NSA 2011.
Sept. 3, 2012
BruceinGa
Men's 70
3233 posts
HJ and tg69, it's blue with Melee on it. Here's the info on it:
Reebok J15829 2010 Melee Slowpitch Softball Bat (USSSA Approved)

I never said it was a Legend. Too many call the senior bat a Melee. More correctly it should be called the Legend or Melee Legend.
I've had a Dictator ASA bat and it was very good. I used it for two years and then sold it.
I just bought this one for bp.

Btw, I see that now Anaconda has stated that it is a non-warranty bat (price is up to $49). The website didn't state that with mine.
I foresee problems if/when I return it for a replacement.

Again, sorry for the hijack.
Sept. 3, 2012
BruceinGa
Men's 70
3233 posts
I just checked my receipt and it does state Dictator Plus. They probably had the wrong pic posted.

It doesn't really matter to me, each swing with the cheap bat means less swings with my MM Combats!
Sept. 3, 2012
surf88
Men's 65
1000 posts
Regarding Melee, The Reebok brand has a number of Melee models including the Melee Legend (senior), the Melee (ASA/USSSA) and lesser quality bats. Let me share with you that Reebok does not recognize internet sales for warranty replacements.

Fabe: Alan does a very good job but he is not the only quality rep in the industry and there are many seniors who will attest to the customer care they receive from me and others. No disrespect to Alan in any way but facts are facts.
All the best,
Ed Andrews
Sun Reebok Rep
(970) 729-3145
ed@ewandrews.com
Sept. 3, 2012
36
12 posts
Up to 525 hits on Combat ambush 27oz el. To date still not breaking in. Several players used with no success. Considering rolling bat to break in.
Sept. 3, 2012
taits
Men's 65
4548 posts
Am honestly thinking an age\batter relationship for that. It took me longer than normal with this one as opposed to others that were done half the time a few years ago. At 70, just perhaps a consideration.
You basically swing a 28 using a 27el in my book.
Check bat for the stress marks. Make sure they are on it up down and around the barrel. I'm still lacking them in a few parts but, but happy with where it is and distance I get now, should only get better
jmo
Sept. 3, 2012
Fabe
Men's 65
456 posts
Surf dig your name...actually my favorite pastime! Never sid AL was the only good PR person, just that I had a couple good experiences wih him. Play hard n stay safe...Aloha, Fabe
Sept. 3, 2012
Super V 10
Men's 55
72 posts
looking for an ambush, will trade some new mikens for one

Dave
superv10@msn.com
Sept. 5, 2012
36
12 posts
The ambush bat continues to be a bug in my side. Players now have put 725 hits on bat and bat is still not broken in and does not come close to to Miken or Centenarian. Bat is durable but no spider veins and bat is being hit by approximately20 players from major plus down for player comarison in size and power. Will continue to use as batting practice bat until it breaks in but not achoice of the players who are helping to break in and are now taking limited swings. Using 375/44 core balls with no humidity to change flight of ball.
Sept. 5, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
I talked to Combat themselves and they said the Ambush is the Centenarian shell with different tappers but same materials glass and resins! When we have swung them it took 160 swings to get them to clack which was a hot bat..
Sept. 5, 2012
CAPT D5
120 posts
The ambush and the combat centenarian appear, side by side, to have exactly the same taper. Unless they are refering to the inside taper. So far my ambush hasn't seemed to out hit my old centenarian. At least the ambush hasn't broken yet. Overall, I like the bat so far.
Sept. 5, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
Well I talk to Rob at Combat and it's the same shell... just a few minor tweaks according to Rob... FYI if Combat thought this was the greatest thing since slice bread, they would be selling them themselves! FYI
Sept. 5, 2012
taits
Men's 65
4548 posts
Swing,
Not necessarily. Anaconda had at least one bat made for themselves Original grey BI, Softball sales had Nakona make a very good glove for themselves and there were others what sold the limited items we use. Balls are also stamped for assn's. I've still got Legend Centerfire 2's from this one and a few other assns.
They pretty much get the money and don't have to wait for the orders.
Sept. 5, 2012
AndyC
9 posts
I bought an ambush and I like it
Sept. 5, 2012
leftyfalcon
Men's 65
158 posts
The Ambush 27fl that I have doesn't swing like any combat in my bag and I have them all. That's just me and my swing. I think it's a little different.
Sept. 6, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
AndyC and LeftyFalcon, most important thing about a bat is that the user likes it... I just wrote what facts I found out on my own about the bat... The Combat guy Rob just said that the only thing different was the tapper all walls of the bat and the engineering of the bat are the Centenarian design and shell, no difference. So, if this bat feels different then a Stock Centenarian to you,and you like it. It's a win for you.. Just don't think this will be putting distance on any of our other bats we already swing!
Sept. 6, 2012
bkb555
301 posts
we have a black centanarian and an ambush and there is NO comparison..the ambush destroys the cent by a long shot......they may look , feel, swing the same but distance is the ultimate yard stick...no contest.....as for the poster with 700+ swings on the bat, you seem to have a dud,or the other bats are really really hot and make the ambush seem "normal"....I would try a different one and see if there is a difference
Sept. 6, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
Ok how far are we talking BKB I had a black Cent that I liked.. it broke after winter worlds last year... it hit out there with my Reebok... couldn't tell you which went further.. now it's a bold statement to say a bat detroys another... you can line of the Miken rebook Cent combats blue yellow and the worth and the pickle AKA Demarini and they will all be within a 10 foot area of each other when nutted! So what are you saying about the Ambush? how much farther are you hitting them? I know RJ says he has a dud so far, I'm just curious about what you are saying?
Sept. 6, 2012
Pull My Finger
81 posts
Lets not get too carried away about the distance these Ambush bats hit the ball.

They are all still Senior Softball bats....
with the same tested and approved 1.21 stamp as found on all other senior bats.

These are slow pitch softball bats and NOT MAGIC WANDS!

If the Ambush is like most other Combat Senior Bats, it will interesting to see how long it takes for the end caps get loose or come off.



Sept. 6, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
I'm still waiting for an answer?
Sept. 9, 2012
bkb555
301 posts
OK OK OK.....swing, so you want ogt know how far it crushes the competition????...we just finished the northeast senior tourney in Syracuse and we had guys who hit balls out of the park who never SNIFFED the warning track before.......I told you we broke out the bat right out of the wrapper a week ago and my first swing off the END of the bat went out of the 300 foot fence...the fences in the tourney we just played were 315 to 320 qnd they were wayyy over that mark....I kept saying to the guys, these bats remind me of the very first Ultras (which I used once and put down because it was so sick)...I really would not doubtr if this bat makes it into next season...sorry guys but this thing is hot hot hot...maybe too hot as I stated earlier.....guys will be snatching them up left and right but for how long, who is too say..so Swing to answer your question......I would say 30-40 extra feet is not an understatement for distance and real power hitters will get more
Sept. 9, 2012
bkb555
301 posts
OK OK OK.....swing, so you want ogt know how far it crushes the competition????...we just finished the northeast senior tourney in Syracuse and we had guys who hit balls out of the park who never SNIFFED the warning track before.......I told you we broke out the bat right out of the wrapper a week ago and my first swing off the END of the bat went out of the 300 foot fence...the fences in the tourney we just played were 315 to 320 qnd they were wayyy over that mark....I kept saying to the guys, these bats remind me of the very first Ultras (which I used once and put down because it was so sick)...I really would not doubtr if this bat makes it into next season...sorry guys but this thing is hot hot hot...maybe too hot as I stated earlier.....guys will be snatching them up left and right but for how long, who is too say..so Swing to answer your question......I would say 30-40 extra feet is not an understatement for distance and real power hitters will get more
Sept. 9, 2012
?
121 posts
bkb555

If what your describing is true.

Perhaps that particular bat you have is a freak of the batch.

Or,if there are many numerous reports of such out of the ordinary performance from that make and model bat, than don't be surprised if that bat gets retested.

And possibly like the Titanium and original Ultra, it could get banned.

TIME WILL TELL!






Sept. 10, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
? you must have a super hot bat.. played against the Ambush this week end and it was not doing anything different then the other combats out there... BTW we were swinging our Demarini's and hitting the ball as far or farther than anyone in the Tourney. FYI
Sept. 10, 2012
crusher
Men's 75
524 posts
Some say the Ambush is a re-painted Centenarian, all I can say is --
IF SO it is a great bat....
I have about 90 swings on my Cent with about (sadly) 25 actual strikes in the sweet spot area.
When you hit the Spot the ball goes as far as any bat I have used, the only thing is the sound, it does not sound like it is cracking, you can feel the trampoline but not much of a sound.
If the Ambush is hotter then the Cent, I can not see how
it is legal. Just my opinion.
Sept. 10, 2012
CRUSADERVB
Men's 70
275 posts
WELL, EITHER I GOT A DUD OR I SUCK. THE AMBUSH HITS THE SAME AS A BLUE MM & THE YELLOW MM. GRANTED, I ONLY HAVE 100 SWINGS ON IT. SO FAR NOTHING SPECIAL.
Sept. 10, 2012
sftblfinatic50
Men's 50
5 posts
Tri18 can I contact you on the price and weights available on the Ambush. Plus were can I go to see any info on it? Greg
Sept. 10, 2012
36
12 posts
My ambush 28oz el is FINALLY starting to break in after a long weeks use by several players major and major+ caliber. We now have put 1025 hits on bat; however, there are still dead spotson bat. The end cap has not been a problem nor is durability. There are still no spider veins on bat like the Centenarian. Bat does not have the pop for distance as the Ultra II or other combats. No one in area has a Amush; therefore, will compare in next tourney or at Las Vegas Nationals. Player profile: Major + Won 2 Major + nationals in 2011 6'3" 265 lbs
Sept. 10, 2012
miken44
90 posts
guys all that i will say is the ambush that i have 28 oz bal and yhr one my friend has 28 oz el is hitting bombs 360 to 375 feet rock 375/44 i now have 175 swings on it and really enjoy hitting it
Sept. 10, 2012
olie04
Men's 50
48 posts
After 900 + swings on my 27 oz end load Ambush, I have experienced nothing better than results from any Usssa bat I have used. This bat is not going to somehow magically reach a desired number of swings and Suddenly become "hot". I have used Miken Ultra two right out of the wrapper and had much better success hitting the ball harder and further. This bat does not impress me at all. This is my opinion and apparently several others from what I have read on the topic. I hope when I go to the worlds in Vegas, opposing teams will be using the Ambush. This bat is durable and will be my warm up/batting practice bat. However game day will continue too be Miken. Olie #4, Team Demolition
Sept. 10, 2012
?
121 posts
W O W !!!!!

TALK ABOUT MIXED REVIEWS....

I am more confused now than before!:-(

Guess I'll just wait and see...:-)
Sept. 10, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
I know that you will get two bats from any factory same weight and size and they will perform differently for some reason... I know that I liked my Centenarian before it broke last year and it had some pop... The way I feel about all these senior bats is that they are all within a few feet of each other when broken in and durability is the biggest issue along with personal preferance. I am sure the new paint is a big difference in the spidering! I noticed that on Our Demarini's too, that they are not spidering either and they are pretty hot right now!

at the end of the day if you get a bat with a warranty and for around 200 dollars you're not going to be cheated.. My friend has been using his ambush and he has so so pop and he hit three out with his ambush and one opposite field this last weekend. So, obviously he has a good one. He can do that with any other senior bat, but he likes combats so the bat suits him. We hit all the bats in practice twice a week and for the most part find that all these bats have different qualities that you have to find out what you prefer.. but from a true distant point of view they all do about the same when broken in!
Sept. 10, 2012
CAPT D5
120 posts
Does the ambush have a warranty. If it does, then of course, buy it, if you are a hard hitter. I wasn't aware of the warranty. Twice I read it mentioned. If a warranty, how long. Without a warranty the bat seems average hitting for me. With a warranty, I will take average distance.
Sept. 10, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
I thought I heard that but might be mistaken...
Sept. 10, 2012
CAPT D5
120 posts
So, no warranty, but if durability holds up its good for hard hitters. Thanks
Sept. 11, 2012
?
121 posts
I just got the Ambush bat.
For some reason the bat felt heavier that the 27 oz. FL. that it is supposed to be.

So I weighed the bat on a post office scale.
The bat is still in the original wrapper and weighs 28.6 oz.
I would think this is out of tolerance for a bat that's labeled 27 oz.

Has anybody else noticed or is this just a mislabeled bat?
Sept. 13, 2012
John27
Men's 50
37 posts
Tri18-My Ambush is performing great after about 60 swings. Hits every bit as well as my Reebok or Miken. No complaints.
Thanks!
Sept. 13, 2012
CRUSADERVB
Men's 70
275 posts
WE JUST HAD BP WITH 44/375 TRUMPS, THE AMBUSH IS NOW BROKEN IN. IT IS AS GOOD IF NOT BETTER THAN THE MELEE. BOTH OF MINE HAVE ABOUT 200 SWINGS ON THEM, EVERYONE WAS IMPRESSED SWINGING IT.
Sept. 13, 2012
twins25
20 posts
Crusadervb from your hispanic brother in SoCalif.pretty sure you did'nt want to open for discussion your statement on the Ambush being a dud or that you suck,since I played against you back in the Lily Air days mid 1980's you already know what I think of your playing abilities.Congrats on the HOF-se you when I see you.
Sept. 13, 2012
CRUSADERVB
Men's 70
275 posts
MR. GALVAN, I STILL REMEMBER DOUBLE DIPPING CAPITAL WITH YOU AND MR. WOODROOF TO WIN SALT LAKE.......IF YOU WERE A BIT OLDER YOU COULD PLAY WITH OUR NEW 65 TEAM IN NOVEMBER.......OH SORRY THERE'S A WIEGHT LIMIT!!! OK....BRING IT ON...HERE WE GO......
IT IS A GOOD BAT THO....
Sept. 13, 2012
Q19
Men's 65
81 posts
First swing with my 27 oz. balanced at the SAC Complex last night was a HR. So far, 5 swings and 5 hits! Doesn't FEEL different than any other of my other SENIOR (Black & White Centenarians, Senior Gear, REEBOK Melee EL or BAL, & gray MIKEN Ultra II) bats. Let's just hope the AMBUSH can last a whole season with my 5'10" 190 lb. body swinging it!
Sept. 13, 2012
Cruzer951
9 posts
Hello Gentlemen...
I've be swinging a UII for a couple of years now.... I'm thinking about purchasing the Combat Ambush to replace my UII. I'm 6'1" @ 255lbs and hit my share of hrs (1 per 6 at bats) per tournament.
Any feedback would be appreciated?
Sept. 14, 2012
36
12 posts
Now up to 1150 hits on my Ambush 280z el. Bat in SOME areas is breaking in -- others not. Last 3" of bat are dead making it a 10" barrel. Still dead areas in middle of bat evidenced by sound and ball flight off bat. Starting to get spider veins but only on a 3" section of bat and about 6' long. Ball does not come off this area any better than other live area on bat. Bat continues to hold up but still only a batting practice bat. White Combat and Centenarian still better.





Sept. 14, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
36 what kind of hitter are you? 1150 hits on a senior bat is way to much for still breaking in, but if your bat is still dead maybe you should let someone break it in for you or send it back.

I have a friend with one and he hit an opposite field HR with the ambush and if he could do that with the ambush the Ambush is a good bat!
Sept. 14, 2012
36
12 posts
swing for the fences. I allow all players of any skill to use bat for bp. I have approximately 500 swings on the bat. The other players who are using the bat range from major plus to recreational but u don't have to be a rocket scientist to see if the jumps off bat or players with pop are struggling. Still waiting to compare it with another Ambush.
Sept. 15, 2012
leftyfalcon
Men's 65
158 posts
36 It took around 330 swings a bp to get mine hitting like my other senior bats. Now I believe it took 330 hits because my ball were soft not hard and I am getting a little older. My 27fl is game ready. At the moment it is equal to my other senior bats. Saying that I do think it hits real hard line drives and will hit over a 300 foot fence. 36 you just might have a bad bat if your ambush is not webbing. Mine has 2 different type of webbings.
Sept. 15, 2012
Bubble Gum
122 posts
leftyfalcon

Please do me a favor and "weigh" that 27oz Fl. and give the result.

Thank you.



Sept. 15, 2012
swing for the fences
Men's 50
1224 posts
36 I hope you bat come around for you. My friend Mike loves his so far, but he came into SS swinging a old Grey one that has a few thousand swings on it and is hot!
Sept. 15, 2012
36
12 posts
Bubble Gum I think I incorrectly stated my Ambush 27 was a 27oz el> Senior moment Bat is a 28 oz. el. Weighed it at the postal service and bat weighs 28.3 oz. I am surprized the spidering is taking so long. I can understand the last 3" of bat being deader as that is not the middle of the bat where most hits are.
Sept. 15, 2012
34Animo
15 posts
Ambush i looking for 28oz balanced Tri18 send me price info rhouston@samuelstrapping.com
Sign-in to reply or add to a discussion or post your own message and start a new discussion. If you don't have a message board account, please register for a free nickname. It will only take a moment.
Senior Softball-USA
Email: info@SeniorSoftball.com
Phone: (916) 326-5303
Fax: (916) 326-5304
9823 Old Winery Place, Suite 12
Sacramento, CA 95827
Senior Softball-USA is dedicated to informing and uniting the Senior Softball Players of America and the World. Senior Softball-USA sanctions tournaments and championships, registers players, writes the rulebook, publishes Senior Softball-USA News, hosts international softball tours and promotes Senior Softball throughout the world. More than 1.5 million men and women over 40 play Senior Softball in the United States today. »SSUSA History  »Privacy policy

Follow us on Facebook

Partners