Mizuno Generation Big Barrel (-10) Youth Baseball Bat - Lightweight & Durable for Little League & Travel Ball Players

I'm not one to write reviews but parents should read this. I have an 11 year-old. He is a good player and loves playing, which is the most important thing for me. Last year, I purchased him the orange Mako towards the end of the season and was really surprised at how much faster the ball came off of the bat. This year, he talked me into letting him play on a travel team that allows big barrel bats. I was able to find him a 2-3/4 Mako for a good price ($159) before christmas. I then read how composite bats can crack when used in cold weather so I decided to buy him a "cheap" practice bat.After reading reviews, I decided to go with the Mizuno Generation ($59). He hit with both bats in the cages a number of times. When we took the bats outside the first couple of times, I noticed that he started wanting to use the Mizuno more and more. The ball seems to come off of the bat faster and it seems to carry farther. He seems to hit more out with the Mizuno and just seems more comfortable. He still hits with both in practice but now only wants to use the Generation in games. I believe the bat is more balanced weight than the big barrel Mako, which might make a difference at this size.Anyway, I just thought I would put this out there for all of the parents who think they need to drop $300 to get a good bat. Most kids on his team use a Mako and he still prefers his $59 Generation.One last thing I will say is that there is a big difference in the way balls come off of the orange 2-1/4 Mako and the white 2-3/4 Mao with the same size and drop.