Don’t change bat types before the season starts….general advice
I work with middle school and high hitters. I see guys every year switch from a balance bat to heavier swinging bat and suddenly their swing sucks
Atlas to Combat
Meta to Power Select
The vast majority of guys will end up struggling with the transition, get on top of the ball, and create ground outs.
DONT DO IT!
Middle school kids who switch from a -5 to a -3 between school and travel; use the same style of bat.
Only switch bats at the end of the season. Give your body a full offseason of training to train the stabilizing muscles in your wrists, forearms, etc.
Lastly, if you kid is a small kid - don’t chase the hottest end loaded bat. He won’t get the value out of it.
Frankly most hitters can’t, get the best balanced bat. Build a consistent, quick swing that generates singles and doubles.
Most HS kids lack the size to get the most out a Goods, Power Select, Combat. The potential 5-15 feet, and 5-10 mph of exit velo will be sacrificed in game when the athlete turns the bat and dumps the barrel.