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Online now: 3 members: Bobby B, Ron Pulli, TABLE SETTER 11; 115 anonymousDiscussion: Mikens NEW 12" Patriot senior bat
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| March 25, 2016 Tri18 352 posts | Mikens NEW 12" Patriot senior bat Miken is announcing their new 12" Senior bat which is named the Patriot. I have been working with them in testing this bat and a variety of prototypes for the past several months. It is a Maxload version which in Miken language means it has a 1/2 ounce end load. It will come in during April and will be immediately available. I will just simply tell you it's among the very top tier of senior bats out there in performance, durability, and sweet spot so if you like a slightly shorter barrel and a fraction more end loaded feel, this ones for you. Even though it's a 12" barrel almost all of it produces great results on impact. I have swung it thousands of times and it's certainly going to be very popular with guys who try it. It's red, white, and blue graphics make it easily recognizable and more importantly take note of this: The bat is made in the USA and is part of a new line of bats from Worth and Miken to honor our country, the military, and it's veterans who have sacrificed for each of us for our freedoms. A portion of proceeds from all of the bats will benefit the Heros Fund which directly supports this amazing effort. More information is on Mikens website about the fund and the new bats will soon appear there as well. This is an opportunity for all of us to support our country through a sport that we all love. Get with me for more information or questions at your convenience. Alan Tanner Team 1 Sports 561-718-7504 |
| March 25, 2016 bond_171513 Men's 55 79 posts | Alan - so this would be the senior version of the Freak12? That bat is one of the best bats I've ever swung. |
| March 26, 2016 Tri18 352 posts | You could say that....The Freak12 now known as the KF30 is certainly up there amongst the best USSSA bats on the market. The Patriot will soon have that distinction as well as soon as the first batch hits the field in April..... AT18 Team 1 Sports Tricoach18@att.net |
| March 27, 2016 fennellwg Men's 60 97 posts | Thanks Alan It would seem that shortening the barrel could make the freak appear more end loaded compared to the ultra black max load. ... In the same manner that Dudley uses for their end loaded Legends. Is there information available regarding MOI or balance points for the new flavors? In your opinion, is there any advantage to shortening the barrel as opposed to just adding weight to the end cap? Regards, Bill |
| March 27, 2016 crusher Men's 75 524 posts | If barrel is shorter this could reduce air resistance during swing therefore increasing bat speed a little bit. The golf club makers sure make a big deal out of a small change in driver head design for a little additional mph of swing. |
| March 27, 2016 Tri18 352 posts | Crusher, Excellent observation as its been my experience that bat speed can actually slightly increase while swinging shorter barrel bats. Additionally, when you consider the end load and increased inertia from this you can add it all up to additional bat speed. As always, select a very top tier bat (which this is) that FEELS comfortable with your personal swing habits and techniques. You will find your most success by doing so. The new Patriot 12" bat is the best short barrel senior bat that I have ever tested and swung regularly and for those guys who like those balance points....you are going to love it too. Alan Tanner Team 1 Sports |
| April 5, 2016 Tri18 352 posts | Hi guys, If you want to see some footage on when I was testing the Patriot go on you tube and put in Alan Tanner softball and you will see listings for 3 prototype bats and you can view a few short videos there. The bats should be out of the factory this month.... AT18 Team 1 Sports |
| April 12, 2016 Tri18 352 posts | I received the first Patriot bat this Friday and my team unwrapped it at Bp at the Ssusa spring Nationals. After a few of us hit it , it was deemed game ready and it was used in several games over the weekend. The good news is that the production model hit and acted just the same as the last prototype that I worked with. Those of you who like a slightly shorter barrel with a tad bit more end load will really like this. Miken tells me they are still on course to have bats produced in the next 2-3 weeks so get ready for another great choice in bats. Call me with any questions at 561-718-7504. Alan Tanner Team 1 Sports |
| April 12, 2016 Perl 212 posts | Tri18 So this bat is better than the Dudley Lightning 12" bat? When you say "best short barrel bat" are you talking durability, performance or both? |
| April 12, 2016 Tri18 352 posts | Perl, When I rate a bat unless I specifically mention one of the three areas by itself that's what I use to measure. All of us as senior players want those three attributes in a bat and the Patriot delivers in each one. As a direct comparison with the Dudley I'll say this: The Patriot has a slight performance edge after break in The Patriot delivers a more consistent hitting area At this point I will give the Dudley the nod in overall durability as the Patriot has not yet established itself in that area. I will say that in testing, the Patriot delivered acceptable levels of durability but let's wait to get a few hundred out on the street to be objective about this part of the equation. The Dudley is certainly a good measuring point as it too is a fine bat. Hope this helps... AT18 Team 1 Sports |
| April 12, 2016 Tri18 352 posts | Perl, I should have mentioned my 3 measuring sticks: Performance Durability Sweet spot Thanks, AT18 |
| April 13, 2016 Hail Ragna! Men's 55 40 posts | So let me understand Tri18, did you help with the designing of this bat? How many swings did you get on the bat that you worked on? If you are helping with the testing, what feedback do you have on durability? So we are supposed to buy the bat and wait and see if it is durable? That doesn't make any sence.If you are working on designing these bats I would think that you should know it's breaking point. Tell me why I should buy this bat and hope that it lasts. Just trying to figure out what bat I should buy. I am looking for a good end loaded bat. The Dudley's are the best bat out there but they swing light for me... I am looking for a 27 oz. bat with a big end load. Thanks in advance. Hail Ragna! |
| April 13, 2016 Tri18 352 posts | Hail, Fair questions so let me explain further... I try to put out factual information so players can make the best choice on a bat that fits them and their needs. I did not design the construction of this bat, the engineers at Miken did that. I did have input on feel, balance points, flex, performance, durability, and sweet spot on the various prototypes that I swung along the way to selecting the finished product. I have very good feed back on durability as its a very big concern or mine since it's a big concern of most senior players. The Patriot showed very good marks in durability on the last versions that we tested and ultimately selected for production. When combined with its outstanding performance and sweet spot it will be among top tier levels of any senior bat. The reason I gave the Dudley a slightly higher mark is that their 12" bat has shown to be exceptional in durability and they have hundreds out in the hands of a players of a variety of skill levels. Because of a proven track record such as this, I feel "street credibility" should be considered when rating bats. I believe the Patriot will achieve this as well once I get my shipment in and start getting them out to players. Based on what you stated you were looking for in a bat I think the Patriot will fit you well and you will be very happy with it. Alan Tanner Team 1 Sports |
| April 13, 2016 the wood Men's 65 1123 posts | HR, unless the Patriot has a 1 oz (or greater end load) it isn't likely to be the bat you're seeking. If you really want a heavier feel, I'd look into the Big Cat, Rocket Launcher or Nightmare (as Bruce stated). We hit a Miken Max Load demo (26 oz, 1/2 oz end load) and it felt really good even with 1,300+ swings. We bought a 27 oz Max Load production model and it didn't feel the same at all. Part of the problem was/is the defined weight of the end load (1/2 oz). The greater the bat weight, the less impact the 1/2 oz end load makes. Sold it and bought 26 oz Big Cat (1 full oz end load) and it's a great bat. It has 600+ swings on it and still going strong. I haven't seen nor hit a Patriot but if it's of the same basic blue print as the Max Load (with shorter barrel) I'll seriously doubt that it will be enough for you. I have no dog in the fight as I don't sell bats nor am I compensated for my input... I do not have money at risk other than when I buy a bat I don't like. BW |
| April 13, 2016 B94 Men's 50 138 posts | OK though I haven't had an opportunity to swing the Patriot yet I'm going to chime in on this. My understanding is that the Patriot is a 12" version of the new Ultra 2 Black series that previously released the Big Cat and the Maxload - 2 bats which have shown to have good durability so it's safe to assume that Miken's new Patriot 12" will follow in these footsteps but I agree with Alan the Dudley 12" has a proven level of "Street Cred" for durability something that the Patriot will have to prove itself. As far as weighting goes I'm going to disagree slightly with wood as I think the 1/2oz endload in the Patriot will be more substantial in the swing weight than the Maxload simply based of the shorter barrel. The overall mass of the bat is pushed towards the endcap which will generate a more endloaded feeling bat with the same endload when comparing it to the Ultra 2 Black Maxload. That said if this bat swings anything like the Freak 12 that the younger USSSA guy are going crazy over I have no doubt it will be a winner for Miken. Once I get one in my hands I will feel I have the ability to give a more informed review of the bat but for now these are my thoughts... |
| April 13, 2016 crusher Men's 75 524 posts | H.R. I always used 30oz balanced and they seemed to do the job. Then in Vegas last year I used a 27 or 28 Big Cat. I found I deprived myself of all the benefits of the end-load. I would recommend seeing if you can get/borrow a Big Cat giving it several controlled swings in BP. You should be able to really get the feel of an end loaded bat doing this. I play 70+ and found this bat has a smooth easy swing with great results. C |
| April 16, 2016 Lefty Men's 75 721 posts | Want be long before my Patriot arrives. Love the 12"EL bats. |
| April 16, 2016 Tri18 352 posts | Spoke with Miken yesterday and the first batch should be shipping to me in about 7-10 days.... AT18 Team 1 Sports |
