Guys, looking for opinions especially from those that have or do use the Dudley Lightning. Started using the DL last year 34/27 balanced, really like the bat. My question is this -- is their that much difference between the 2016 model and the new 2017 DL 2.0 model? Debating on whether it's worth purchasing the 2017 model over the 2016 model. I've also noticed online that the price difference between the two bats is roughly about $60.00. Any other bat options/suggestions for me -- i'm typically a line drive hitter with an occasional home run here and there.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fGVdj-NGnz8
This is what Dave had to say.
I guess you'll still need to decide if it's worth $60.
I really doubt you will be missing out by selecting the original over version 2
IIMO
bill
I've been told by several that they are the same bat. A teammate says no but I still believe they are. I have one 2017 and have had several 2015/6's.
Have hit with both bats and the 16 model lasted over 1500 swings. I bought the 17 model the end of last December and it broke in 3 weeks with less than 500 swings on it before it cracked . not a good experience, both hit the ball good and saw little difference in performance, just the durability.
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I also hit the 15/16 Dudley Lightning and it cracked after a full year or use. I hit every weekend when not playing so I'd estimate I had 2000+ swings on it. I purchased another one in 16... 34/27 balanced. Its still in my bag and going strong. I also have the Melee 2 34/26 EL as well as 2 of the Melee 12 34/26 EL. The Melee 12 hits so well I grabbed a 2nd one after hitting BP with it. Good luck with whatever you choose to swing!
As someone typed last year about bats, with the extra perceived gain in distance each years new bats provide, guys who have been at this game years should be hitting them over 600'.
My four year old Reebok Melee just cracked last week. By last years model, pump some iron, and you'll gain bat speed and distance that way.
i have the 2015/16 and 2017 bats. The most notable difference IMO is the 2017 has less of the tacky grip. Performance wise they seem very close to me however one of the guys I hit BP with (and he can murder it) thinks the older model is more lively.
Dave, the seniorsoftballbatreviews.com, guy thinks the newer model has more pop.
Go figure
So who are you suppose to believe? I am confused. I myself have hit both bats and I really can't tell too much difference between the two. But I do not believe that they would just put a paint job on them... But you never know....
Hail Ragna!
Hail... I think it all comes down to preference and how a bat feels when swinging it. I can say without a doubt that the best senior bat I have ever hit is the Melee 12 26oz EL. The ball absolutely jumps off the barrel but you have to be comfortable with a 12" barrel... since the sweet spot is smaller. I loved it so much that I bought a 2nd one a week after buying and hitting the 1st.
Good Luck!
