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Discussion: Miken's defective bats

Posted Discussion
Sept. 4
Nutmeg

1 posts
Hello, I am a 65-year-old rookie, a "Punch and Judy" hitter, who was told to buy a Miken Ultra II bat (MK-ULT2B26), so I did -- from Direct Sports, Inc. which offered the bat at $170.00 with no warranty. The bat shattered during my seventh CASSA game (Central Alabama Senior Softball Association)in 95-degree heat. No warranty or not, I just didn't think a $170-bat lifespan was fair (yes, this is one of the exceptions to the rule in the name of integrity), so I appealed to Direct Sports, Inc. I was disappointed that they chose to hide behind their "No Warranty"; however, they referred me to Miken Sports, so I sent them my broken bat for inspection. Their response: "The Ultra II baats are sold as is without a warranty; therefore Miken can not (sic) replace your bat." I don't want to get lost in semantics, but Miken must learn the difference between "cannot" and "will not." The next chapter in my journey for justice includes Corky Pellien, Field Promotions, Miken, who just happened to be peddling Miken gear at a softball tournament on August 20, in Vestavia Hills, Alabama -- and I just happened to have my broken Miken bat in my car. When he saw it and heard my story, he said, "No way!" And then he looked at the bottom of the barrel and showed me that it was stamped with an "M" which, he said, denotes a defective bat -- one that had been rejected by Miken Sports; I asked him how I was supposed to know that; he said that most people don't know what the stamp means; he said that Miken Sports usually gives those bats to players they sponsor. I asked him what Direct Sports (one of Miken's largest retailers, according to Mr. Pellien) was doing selling a defective bat; he had no answer. And then, he asked if he could remove the wrapper (the grip); stamped on the handle underneath it was the production date -- the bat was already two years old when I purchased it! (Per Mr. Pellien, the market shelf-life of Miken Ultra is three months.) He said that he would "make it right" if I faxed him all of my correspondence with both Sports Direct and Miken Sports; I did on August 20. I thought that I had finally found a decent Miken employee; however, don't rush to judgment. When I didn't receive a replacement bat for the defective bat that they sold me through Sports Direct, I called Corky Pellien and got his answering machine, requesting an RSVP ASAP. No RSVP, so I called again and got his answering machine once again, informing him that I deserved the courtesy of a return call; it's a good thing I am not holding my breath! For those who have stayed with me till the end of this story, I think Miken's and Corky's reactions speak volumes. So, BEWARE if you are getting ready to purchase a Miken bat -- they don't stand behind their product -- even if it is defective! And if you happen to see Corky Pellien peddling Miken gear at a softball tournament, tell him that I am still waiting for his return call and that I am disappointed that he failed to honor his "gentlemen's agreement," or better yet, give him a call (512-753-9625) and ask him about my story. By the way, I have pictures if I can find some place to post them. Thanks for listening, Nutmeg (aka, Rick)
Sept. 4
#6
Men's 60
1173 posts
Nutmeg, we have only heard your side of the story.......I have known Corky for over 30 years and he has "always" been a stand up guy.
I have "never" had any problem returning a bat to Corky or Miken, and have several times.
In College Staion I bought the new green ASA FREAK with a warranty with it, he told me if anything happens to it in the eleventh month, return it to him, he has always done right by me and all our players on Tanel360 of Austin................
and to give his cell phone out on this message board is pretty cheezy.IMO !
Sept. 4
Lecak
Men's 60
1026 posts
Nutmeg I have had Ultra II break after 5 swings I think you are going to here story after story about this. If you buy a senior bat that is the price you pay for the extra performance. Bats specifically designed for seniors do not carry a warranty. Somebody should have directed you to a USSSA style bat with a warranty there are numerous ones you could buy for around $150.00 that give you a full warranty. I know you may not want to hear this but you may have to consider this a lesson learned. Good luck get yourself a bat with a 12 month warranty.
Sept. 4
taits
Men's 65
4548 posts
I have bought bats from Corky for myself and friends and have never had a problem with him. He didn't have to inform or educate you on the bat, but he did. Most players are aware of the info under the grip. Serial numbers are also there if not on the taper as well.
I do believe Corky tried or is still trying to make it right but bottom line is Miken controls that and not Corky.
Being able to read the post on feedback for U-2's would tell you they break, and for some players, sooner than someone else.
Find another maker but educate yourself on the bats pop and durability.
If only used in seven games those are costly hits.
Good luck.
Sept. 4
curveball
Men's 65
705 posts
Nutmeg, I rather doubt that the bat you purchased had an "M" melted into the end cap at time of purchase; but, the "M" which is actually a "W" was placed there when you sent your bat in for warranty. They do this with all bats submitted for warranty whether they send it back to the customer or not. I do not believe Miken would allow any dealer to sell defective bats, that does not make any business sense. Bad paint maybe, structual problem, very doubtful!
I have had several UII's replaced without any problem. Found Miken to to more than fair with a "no warranty" bat.
Sept. 4
17Black
Men's 60
414 posts
OK, I read Nutmeg's post and immediately went out to my garage, which is a Miken Graveyard, and also into my batbag with 3 "good" Mikens in it.

I don't know why I've kept several of my destroyed Miken's but I have seven of them out there, all shattered to different degrees. (Black Ultra II's and the Red end loaded Ultra II)

Where exactly is the "M" supposed to be stamped??? I have a feeling two of my previous Miken's which didn't last more than a couple/few weeks were not worthy of sale???

I bought the last one off the shelf at our local sports store about two years ago, that had an exposed seem on it, but the guy at the store said the bat is fine and that's just a paint issue. I hit a few homers the first week with the bat assuming it was fine, but it went "poof" another week or two later in warm weather. I didn't bother taking it back due to the no warranty gig.

I play in a weeknight league that allows Miken's, but plays with a dead ball to help avoid injuries in the infield-----pretty much only the guys who should be hitting HR's hit HR's in our league---so not many bats break in our league unless the temps get cooler.

But when we go to a tournament with the harder, liver balls that SSUSA and SPA use, you can just feel the jump off the bats and know the Miken's have limited time left in them. Their bound to crack.

Weird thing is our best home run hitter got a used Miken that is "several years old" at a chinese auction, and he hits a lot of home runs, and has tremendous bat speed. He's been using that bat for over three years and it had to the 3-4 years old when he got it, and there is NOTHING wrong with it AT ALL---he still hits 375-400 foot homers and screaming line drives and plays in several tournaments a year too.-------I've been through 5 new Mikens in the same time frame with three more in the bag.



Sept. 4
samg

35 posts
I too purchased a Miken UII at teh beginning of the year. As I live in Ohio and this year it seemed to stay cool until we got into mid June, I did not use the bat, but used my Combat or Mutant. When I did get the opportunity to use the bat I saw what all of the hoopla was about with the pop it has. I swung the bat only in ideal conditions, rotated it every swing and had about 175 hits on it. Then the next hit it cracked. You could definitely hear the distinct sound difference when it broke. This was the week before Nationals in Michigan so I was kinda heartbroken. I did see when I bought the bat it was a no warranty and I do understand what it means, but it is sad that you pay that kind of money for an item and it only lasts for about three months. I guess rental on one if someone asked to use it would be around $100 per month or about $20 per swing? I am fortunate that God allows me the ability to still play ball and have a job that allowed me to make the purchase without taking out a mortgage on my house, of course the wife would have left if that did occur.
:-) I still think that Miken should look at it and make it good when you have individuals that do everything in their ability to maintain the bat in good condition. I forgot to mention I do not throw or roll my bat on the ground when running to 1st base after hitting. There shoudl be no erason the bat only lasted for 175 hits, that is $2 per hit with it. I did buy another bat in Michigan from the rep and did have a discussion with him about it. I sent the bat back but as of this date all I know is they say it is a non warraned bat. So looks like I am one of the less fortunate guys that did not get it replaced? It is an expensive lesson and since I am a youngster at this level, it will take a couple of more expensive hits before I get the message, swing a different bat!
Sept. 4
surf88
Men's 65
1000 posts
Nutmeg and all interested parties. I also know Corky and I know the corporations. I'm sure Corky tried to get them to honor a replacement and it will most probably happen. I have learned that one must have patience in the replacement process. The corporations are looking at bottom lines and the reps are trying to do right by senior players who buy our products.The products are sometimes flawed and the reps are doing their best to provide customer service. It is sometimes frustrating on all parties.

Good luck with a positive out come and if possible, be patient a bit longer.
Ed Andrews
Surf88
Sept. 4
saddlebrookrick

52 posts
Most mikens I've had lasted 200+ swings,my last new one purchased was a bal.28oz and it lasted approx.60-80 hits and thats not ok with me, miken needs better quality control or they will loose alot of customers.
Sept. 4
Sunshine1949
Men's 65
58 posts
I have heard all the durability issues with Miken, why is everybody putting up with this.. for an extra 10 feet!!!
I have Combat Centanarin with 700 hits and it hammers it. I will mishit mine and blow it by any infielder and hit it 330' so why put up with the durabilty issues.

Bottom line if you want to pay for the minimal extra performance....do it and stop the complanimg.

There are options but as long players don't make the Miken's and Reebock's of the world accountable for durability.. why would they
modify their action. REVENUE DRIVES DECISIONS, MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION AND THAT WILL FORCE THEM TO DO THE SAME.

Signed
Sick and Tired of the whinning.
Sept. 4
mad dog
Men's 65
4191 posts
i also know corky pretty well,and if he said he would try to get it replaced,he is trying.

sunshine i'm with you,i have been swinging combats since october 2006,and haven't looked back,i have broke 2 in that time,one had well over a 1000 swings on it,and the other was around 300 tho,it was the red 10" barrel one,not sure if that made a difference or not.i have 4 combats(2 yellow,2 gray) right now and they have been hit in all kinds of weather with no problems.i did go buy a reebok tho,as the demo i tried was hot and felt good.so far i have had no prol with it and i'm close to 300 swings with it.
Sept. 6
neck10

714 posts
i dont know what happened with your bat but I have heard the new ultra 2 are hit and miss a couple of guys on our team have had bats break with less than 100 hits but they know that going in. they stilll have the most pop & if you know going in that the bat has no warrenty if it breaks on the first swing o well get another one it will most likely last longer, I buy the ultra 2's with the asa stamps on them off the internet for around $200.00 t0 $250.00 they seem to last a lot longer but I have so many of them I dont know what has how many hit's on it .I guess its better than going to the casino at least you know you are going to get some use out of your monie's.I have did buisness with corky I think he is a stand up kind of guy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sept. 6
saddlebrookrick

52 posts
I have owned approx. 10 u2's and now 1 reebok and I must say for me the reebok has been all around the best. I will try the new core when it comes out,but for now I'll buy no new mikens.
Sept. 6
#19
Men's 70
302 posts
nutmeg ... What part of "no warranty" don't you understand???
Sept. 6
Gary19
Men's 50
2609 posts
Not getting a warranty is the price you pay for buying a special bat.
Sept. 6
CRUSADERVB
Men's 70
275 posts
IT'S JUST A CRAP SHOOT WITH ALL THE SENIOR BATS. I CALL THE ULTRA'S DISPOSIBLE BATS, HAVEN'T USED THEM IN 3 YEARS. I BROKE 2 REEBOK MELEE'S IN DENVER OVER THE WEEKEND, THAT'S MY 3RD ONE THIS YEAR. I'M NOW GOING BACK TO MY YELLOW COMBATS AND BLUE COMBATS, THEY SEEM TO LAST THE LONGEST.
Sept. 6
mad dog
Men's 65
4191 posts
crusadervb,yep i have been using combats since they came out(fall of 2006)and haven't turned back.i have broke one(over 1000 swings) and had one break early (red 10" barrel,in approx 300 swings).i will say i did by a reebok and it is holding up so far,250-300 swings and still looking good.i will never go back to miken tho......
Sept. 6
NYTX
Men's 65
55 posts
I'm shocked to read about several people who have actually had warranty replacements from Miken. I play on a 50 Major team and I know we have probably broken 75 Miken Ultra 2's the last 2-3 years and NO ONE has ever got a replacement from Miken. We were all told many times it comes with no warranty. We see Corky all the time at tournaments and he knows we have purchased, and broke, his bats. 90% of the guys have switched to the Reeboks this year and many of us have had broken bats relaced with new ones from Reebok in the last 3-4 months. It's my opinon that the Reebok does not last any longer than a Miken, but the fact that they will replace them makes all the difference in the world. I agree with CRUSADERVB in that the Combats last the longest. We have a few of those amongst our guys and they have had no issues.
Sept. 7
doker
Men's 60
185 posts
THEY ALL BREAK!!! JUST USE ANOTHER BAT WHEN YOU ARE PRACTICING...AND SAVE THE BEST FOR THE TOURNEYS!!!!...I TOO HAVE GONE THRU A NUMBER OF U2'S AND ALSO SOME COMBATS....BUT THE ULTRA IS MUCH BETTER THAN THE REST FOR ME!!! AGAIN I ONLY USE MINE IN TOURNEYS.....HEY CORKY..I NEED A 28/ULTRA BLACK...ARE U GONNA BE IN THE AREA ANYTIME SOON?...WE PLAY IN CHRIS VILLAREAL'S TOURNEY ON SAT 17SEP AT KRIEG IN AUSTIN.....doker
Sept. 7
saddlebrookrick

52 posts
I always put 50-100 breakin practice hits on a new bat,it is then a game only bat for which I then hope to get at least another 100 hits which would be for me an average of 5 at bats per game-so 20 games of use at least.My last 2 new ultra's-1 red and 1 black cracked very quickly. The red after 150swings and the black after approx. 80swings. I know miken can and should make a better bat even if it would have alittle less pop. I have a combat that I haven't broken in yet and when my reebok breaks I will switch to it.
Sept. 9
Webbie25
Men's 70
2414 posts
Crusader-you crush the ball, the poor bats don't have a chance. LOL I'm on my 3rd U2 this year and 7th in 2 yrs. It's out of hand.
Sept. 12
LeeLee

86 posts
I recently purchased another grey miken 2 sepcial edition and just unwrapped it to break it in and in less than 60 cuts it cracked. This is the fourth or fifth one, I knew that they weren't very durable but to buy an new bat and to have it crack in less than 100 cuts is ridiclous. The said part is how bad miken customer service is about it. and yes I know Corky and all that bs, bottom line warranty or not, when the bat breaks like this they should replace it. I will never buy another Miken U2 the value isn't there, poor customer appreciation and service for maybe a little bit of distance not worth it. I already own combats and I will only purchase them from now. I really can't see the value in performace and durabity of the mikens over the combats at time. Bottom line they are not quality product.
Sept. 12
taits
Men's 65
4548 posts
Wasn't Miken bought out by K-2 or someone? Perhaps if complains were lodged towards the parent company something might happen.
Only other viable way is to have an honest boycott of their bats. However that more than likely will not get everyone involved because there are too many guys that couldn't break one with normal use anyway and they like the bats.
Sept. 12
Super V 10
Men's 55
72 posts
You guys kill me, like Doker says THEY ALL BREAK! if you want to hit a hot bat then get a Miken or reebok, if you need a bat to last, then get a combat, you see where I said NEED. some guys can not afford to get a bat every time they break. "then don't"

You guys are not dumb, you know what you are getting when you get a Miken, Reebok unless you live under a rock, you guys get on here and act like this is your first rodeo. lol

You can not and will not change what senior bats miken and reebok are putting out. WHY, go to a tournament and look at what the top teams are swinging. you think they care what you think, it's all about the $

Miken does not have a serial number of there seniors bats

Corky is a stand up guy, but he is a sales man not a returns guy, "he is there to sell you a MIKEN bat and tell you how far it hits"

Worth bought Miken

I'm going to tell you guys some thing a lot of you don't know, you can send you cracked Mikens back, you have to have a receipt.
Don't get on and fill out the miken online return and send it in, it will not work.

e-mail me and I'll tell you how.
superv10@msn.com

Dave Velasquez
seniorsoftballbatreviews.com

Sept. 13
Gary19
Men's 50
2609 posts
Dave is 100% correct.

You guys know what you are buying, know the conditions you are buying them under, and then whine when the bats break.

Makes NO sense at all!
Sept. 13
Webbie25
Men's 70
2414 posts
Super V and Gary--you are exactly right, we know what we are getting. I have tried other bats, but I do not get the same reaction from any other bat that I get with the U2. And the competitive side of me will not go into a tournament game with a bat that I am not comfortable with. Welcome to America where it's all about the money.
Sept. 13
Gary19
Men's 50
2609 posts
Mark, the three of us seem to understand what we are getting, but reading this thread it looks like we might be in a minority.
Sept. 13
saddlebrookrick

52 posts
I have owned many mikens and all I'm saying is they are getting worse. I'm tired of you whinning about our whinning.Get off your high horse. loa.
Sept. 13
mad dog
Men's 65
4191 posts
yep a bat breaking before 100 swings is not good business,as far as i'm concerned.they should be able to get 300-500 swings minimum.like super v says,swing a combat and you'll get just as good of performance along with life.
Sept. 13
Gary19
Men's 50
2609 posts
No, that is not good business, but it is their business.

Buyer beware, especially when you are told well in advance there is NO warranty.
Sept. 13
Pricer
Men's 50
621 posts
I've been in the sporting goods biz for many years. It's alomost a given that products hit the market and provide the customers with great results, then they find a way to make the less expensive to make and quality goes with it. BUT WE"RE HOOKED. The warranties will not change. They will address some of our concerns or discontinue the product when we stop buying them or it's no longer cost effective to make them anymore.
Sept. 13
mad dog
Men's 65
4191 posts
pricer,it is sad they do that,but most know that is the game.when the u-2 first came out,you could get close to a 1000 hits using 47-525 balls(and had a warranty for the asa version),now its more like 100 with 44-375's and no warranty.you are so right on the quality going down.

webbie you need to start swinging a combat and get used to them,once you do you'll never go back.i sold off 7 u-2's that had the asa stamp on them once i got used to my combat.
Sept. 13
Gary19
Men's 50
2609 posts
7 U2s???

What was that? One for the bunkers? One for long rough? One off the tee? One for the greens?
Sept. 13
Webbie25
Men's 70
2414 posts
Come on Gary-too much thinking there--it's one for Sunday, one for Monday, one for Tuesday.........
Sept. 13
mad dog
Men's 65
4191 posts
webbie,ignore the idiot,he just posts to see himself post...........some day he might find a team that doesn't know him and he'll get to play.........
Sept. 13
Gary19
Men's 50
2609 posts
You're right Mark. Sometimes I forget who I am talking to and start to give the dolt too much credit.
Sept. 13
LeeLee

86 posts
First of all I do know what I buying when I buy a miken. I just believe that a brand new bat shouldn't break in less than 40 swings in 90 degree weather with good balls. As I already said I do own combats and their performance and durabilty is fantastic. I dont have a problem hitting bombs either. I personally don't appreciate the way they (MIKEN, WORTH, K2 sports) do business. There is a thing called quality control and customer service that most companies try to provide. My last miken snapped in half right above hands and it only had 5 games on it, so am I unhappy hell yes. And yes I agree the combat mm and centurian are better bats. I just other players should be aware of this issue.
Sept. 14
Pricer
Men's 50
621 posts
Lee, your right about the 40 swings. A bat should last more than that. But with that being said, THEY HAVE NO WARRANTY. They have a Guarantee, if it breaks in two pieces, you can keep them both. That why they are a no warranty bat. You and the manufacture assume that it can break after one swing as soon as you ring it up at the check out counter. NO WARRANTY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED! We cannot hold someone to a warranty when there is none. 1 swing or 1000. No Warranty. I say this with good conscience. I've dealt with issues like this for 20 plus years in the sporting goods biz.
Sept. 14
Webbie25
Men's 70
2414 posts
mad dog-SEVEN U2's?? That's about $1400 in bats that you carry around???? Do you have an armed guard with you?? Insurance??? At 40 swings per bat that's 280 cuts. $5.00 a cut. Think I would reduce my swings and look for walks!!
Sept. 14
curveball
Men's 65
705 posts
Bob, I bought 2 of those 7 ASA stamped UII's from you at the Rock n' Reno Tournament, they are still alive and hitting rockets! Many years of service, great bats.............
Sept. 14
Q19
Men's 65
81 posts
Just broke my Black MIKEN Ultra II this past weekend in Turlock. Almost made it through the 2011 season. Breaking out the COMBATs (Senior Gear & Centenarian) for LVSSA Masters in two weeks. Also, just ordered the 2012 WORTH 454 senior bat. Have the DEMARINI "The One" senior bat but have yet to use it in game play. Durability is an issue according to Ricky ("Barons"). He got 4 to try out not too long ago and the longest one lasted about 180 swings.
Sept. 15
Webbie25
Men's 70
2414 posts
mad dog-I may take your advice and try the combat again. The way my pocketbook is going, I may get my old Steeles bat out. That thing must have thousands of swings on it, and it only cost about 20 bucks.
Sept. 15
SCGame

2 posts
I now play in 60’s and have used the U2 for years. Over that time I have lost count how many I have had and have just accepted the fact they won’t last more than 300 swings or less. My question is for you Miken experts: I have heard that the U2 is made part made in China and finished in the USA so they can put ‘Made in USA’ on it. If this is true it might explain why they break so much. I won’t buy the Reebok because if there is a choice I will buy American and not support a China made product made by a European company. So please tell us if this deal about Miken is real or just a rumor.
Sept. 15
Mario
Men's 50
451 posts
My first year in senior ball,last year, I broke 4 Mikens all with less that 120 or so swings on them. One broke on the first swing. I learned my lesson, no more Mikens for me. I now swing the senior Reebok. Got 410 swings out of the first one and have over 250 on my second one. Miken did replace 2 of them for me, but told me that would be the last one that they would replace for me. I asked, What if the next one breaks on the first swing? They said too bad!!!!!!!
Sept. 16
17Black
Men's 60
414 posts
Webbie25: I'm from the Cleveland area where Steele's was based for the most part, and swung their bats in the late 80's and early 90's but "never" even then, found any for $20 bucks :)

I'm going to guess 95% of the guys in my league are swinging U-II's, and about 90% of those are using the black U-II. A few guys have the red end loads.

However, and looking at some of the above posts, a few Combats are making their way in now.

We start our season in NE Ohio at a park right on the lake, and have several games in May that are in the 40's and 50's which is a bad recipe for swinging any of the composite bats, but you hate not to use them too.

Sept. 16
mad dog
Men's 65
4191 posts
curveball yep remember that and sold the rest to the BC MARAUDERS...
webbie i started buying them just before/after ASA banned them(jan 04).i was getting them for an average of $100 a piece.....i found out that ssusa was gonna allow them so the kids were at my mercy....LOL.......
Sept. 17
olie04
Men's 50
48 posts
Defective bats? A defect is when something is wrong with a product regarding it original design. I believe the miken bats are designed to be the hottest bat available to date, thusly they are going to be subject to early breakage. This is not a defect but a planned design. I swing the darn thing because it is the best performing bat on the market. All of the other bats are very close in performance. Until a better bat comes out, I for one will continue to swing what gives me the best performance. Just my opinion. P.S. A better bat is looming on the horizon!!!!

Kim R. Oliverson, Team Demolition M+
Sept. 19
SCGame

2 posts

Do Miken U2 bats crack early because it is just the nature of the senior bat, or is it that they are poorly made?
Miken is owned by Jarden which is a monster size company with huge resources for R&D which makes me think it has little to do with both questions.
I think it has to do with this: the bats break because they can! Because we buy a U2, it breaks and then we get right back in line and buy another one. The bottom line is good old fashion greed.
I know we are only talking about bats and not the world peace but it is important to me and I believe in what I have heard that change might be in the air. If true how nice to tell Jarden to keep your bats and may we remember for a long time about this scam of the U2. It will also make me happy to tell that Euro company making senior bats in China to take a hike. I don’t know much about this change but I hope it works.
Sept. 19
Webbie25
Men's 70
2414 posts
remember planned obsolescence?
Sept. 19
17Black
Men's 60
414 posts
It's kind of like, the refrigerator in my garage that has been running since 1979, and the washer and dryer in my basement since 1980

But when I built my new house in 2003, I'm already on my 2nd NEW refrigerator and 2nd NEW washer and dryer because the other new ones already broke one year after the five year warranty were up---so the manufacturers know you have to buy new one's.

Mikens are the same---------

A guy on my team has one of the original model years U-II that he swings in hot and cold weather, batting practice, games, tournaments and hits 375-400'++ homers and it is PERFECTLY FINE--->>>> and we have some crappy spring weather in NE Ohio with temps in 40's and wet fields and balls--- and we played in Vegas SSUSA winter worlds last couple years with a couple evening games with temps in 40's in November.

As stated by other posters they "Don't make them like they used to----and there is a waiting line of people ready to buy another one when it breaks.

Kind of like Ivy League schools that cost $60,000 per year that reject 85% + of applicants and there is a waiting line of people that want to pay for it.

Money, $$$$, MONEY, $$$$$, MONEY-----and supply and demand-------simple economics!!!!
Sept. 20
Gary19
Men's 50
2609 posts
Let's be honest here, boys. We will keep buying them, though some of us to much lesser degrees than others, and they will keep making them.

Why is anyone really surprised? They are giving you what they are saying they will, including NO warranty, so where is the big surprise?

Do any of you understand economics? Free enterprise? Capitalism?
Sept. 20
doker
Men's 60
185 posts
HEY GUYS....JUST A NOTE....AS I TALKED TO CORKY THE SALESMAN THE OTHER DAY....THEY BELIEVE THEY HAVE FOUND OUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE ULTRA 2...AND HOPE THEY HAVE CRACKED IT(KIND OF A PLAY ON WORDS THERE...)A NEW MODEL WILL BE OUT ASAP....WE WERE ABLE TO HIT WITH IT THIS WEEKEND IN AUSTIN(MOST OF THE TEAM USED IT WITH NO BREAKAGE) AND IT WAS AWESOME....CORKY WILL BE IN MESQUITE AND ST GEORGE WITH IT NEXT WEEK...DON'T KNOW IF LAS VEGAS WAS ON HIS SCHEDULE...SO HANG IN THERE AS MIKEN HAS HEARD YOU'RE COMPLAINTS AND HOPEFULLY HAS FIXED THE PROBLEM...DOKER
Sept. 20
Webbie25
Men's 70
2414 posts
If they are admitting to a problem, are they offering to compensate us for the broken ones?
Sept. 20
doker
Men's 60
185 posts
I HEAR A LAWYER TALKING HERE!!!! THEY WILL ADMIT TO NOTHING!!!!!....JUST BE GLAD THEY MAY HAVE MADE A BETTER BAT.....
Sept. 20
doker
Men's 60
185 posts
I ADD TO THE CONVERSATION WITH A POSTIVE NOTE AND SOMEONES OUT TO SUE ALREADY....THE WORLD HAS TOO MANY LAWYERS IN IT ALREADY...JUST LOOK AT THOSE JERKS ON CAPITOL HILL....JUST BE GLAD THEY ARE MAKING US ANOTHER REALLY GOOD BAT TO USE!!!!!!!!!!!
Sept. 20
titanhd
Men's 60
639 posts
Doker: did Corky mention if the new model will come with a warranty or not?
Sept. 20
Gary19
Men's 50
2609 posts
People might be jumping the gun here.

The only source of informtion on this new "wonder" bat is second-hand from a salesman.
Sept. 20
Webbie25
Men's 70
2414 posts
Doker-I didn't say anything about suing, and I do not like lawyers and what they have done, on the whole, to this country. I just made the comment that if they are admitting that there has been a production problem, will they take care of the loyal bat buyers here that have bought a lot of bats.(7 for me in the last 2 years) Are we being so conditioned by poor quality products that being 'glad' they are making a better bat is enough? The old U2's used to last a long time. If I had a successful company that had a production problem, and I found out what it was, I would at least make an effort to say 'sorry' to my customers. If I didn't I would be pretty certain that they would abandon my product if a comparable one came along.
Sept. 20
hitman
Men's 70
339 posts
I do know that REEBOK had an early failure rate on certain weights and they owned up to it and replaced all of my customers bats that failed. I believe that a lot of the other reps could claim the same.

The Hitman
Sept. 20
Gary19
Men's 50
2609 posts
How would "failure" be defined?

50 hits in 40 degree weather?

200 hits in 80 degree weather?

400 hits regardless of weather?

Just a whole lot of variables to assign fault.

Sept. 20
Pricer
Men's 50
621 posts
Almost any bat made for senior ball only will last minimum 1/2 as long as the bats that are approve for association play. There's a season they break. Thats why they are senior bats!
Sept. 20
mad dog
Men's 65
4191 posts
hitman passes out cookies with his reeboks,oh wait a second,that is when he pitches....DOH,LOL.......

yes reebok did rectify their problem,i don't see why miken doesn't,it would make for good business for them.they had to know their bat had a prol with all the complaints of breaking early.

i think a senior bat should at least last for a min of 500 swings,maybe they could give a 6 month warranty on them or even 90 days,that would take of the ones breaking early.

Sept. 20
Omar Khayyam

1357 posts
I like mad dog's idea of a 90 day warranty. No one is going to deliberately try to break a Miken just to go through the hassle of returning a bat and waiting for a replacement. If the bat breaks during the first three months (winter ball excepted) then Miken would win a lot of customer loyalty by replacing an obviously little-used bat.

I do see more and more Reeboks in the bat racks, and a few Combats have returned. Even spotted the Orange Crush recently. Miken had better be careful or it might lose its edge, especially when people start to realistically count the money cost.

I'm not a dissatisfied Miken man. I have a U2 that was bought in 2003 and I have used it ever since, including batting practice (California winters aren't that cold so I even use it in league in December and January). It is lasting like iron! Certainly more than 4000 hits on it thus far (about 10 home runs a season—not a power hitter but not a punch and judy guy either). How can I complain when I get that kind of 8-year performance from a bat! But I do admit my last bat bought was a Combat, just in case the durability of current Mikens has deteriorated.
Sept. 20
hitman
Men's 70
339 posts
Hey Mad Dog,
That was two raisan and oatmeals, you ate one and I got the other.
You won the battle but I won the war.
We both won by hitting REEBOK's!!!!!!!!!!!
Good games to play and come out with only one run difference espically the 10 inning deal.
Hope you had a safe trip back as mine was just a I wanted, uneventful.

The Hitman
Sept. 20
mad dog
Men's 65
4191 posts
and i was looking for chocolate chip....LOL....

yeah they were great games,just wish we could of won a couple more for ourselves.who won our div do you know.
Sept. 20
hitman
Men's 70
339 posts
1st Roman's
2nd Indy/Campbells
3rd Windsor
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