Bad news....my Miken Big Cat, end-loaded, which I purchased for $200 in March broke this past week. I hadn't had 500 batted balls. I sent the bat back to Miken explaining the situation. They called me today. "Sorry, nothing we can do for you." Sheesh. So now I'm considering switching to Dudley. I've been told they are as good as Miken Ultra's and don't break. I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks.

Jimmy, sorry to hear about the bat but there isnt 1 bat manufacturer that produces senior bats that will replace a bat that has that many swings on it. I also bought the new Bug Cat toward the end of last season and it lasted just over 300 swings. I've had quite of few Mikens and that seems about as many swings as I've seen them last. The only difference is this bat developed cracks going up and down the barrel like the Reebok where all the other Mikens cracked going across the barrel.

As far as durability goes I'd have to say Dudley would have the edge. It really comes down I would think as to which bat fits your swing better.

Good luck!

Stop swinging so hard! :-)

Jimmy, just curious was it last years Big cat or this years? I know this years version is much more durable than last years. To answer your question I hadn't gotten over 600 swings on any senior bat I have used and I have tried most until my Dudley I got last year. Had over 1500 swings on mine before it cracked. I do have almost 600 on my balanced Ultra II black still going for now will see how much longer it lasts. Just took the wrapper off of my Dudley 2.0 today and it feels great right out of the wrapper hope it lasts as long a my 1st one.

lb16 - thanks for your message. My Big Cat was a 2016. (;-(( I still haven't given up and plan to "plead my cae" again to Miken. Maybe they will replace it at no cost but shipping. We'll see. I still haven't heard much about the comparison between Dudleys and Miken Ultra II's. My coach tells me "there's nothing like a Miken Ultra II."

I have both. The performance of both is very similar. I have the smaller barrel Dudley. I do find the sweet spot is a little smaller with this model Dudley as compared with the Cat. The larger 13 Dudley could be another story. I take batting practice with the Dudley, but use the Cat in the game. Can't tell you at this time would be more durable. I went through 2 2015 " Cats" last year. Bats to me are just a cost of doing business. Some of us spend about 10 grand, or so, a year on tournaments, so $400 on 2 bats a year is a small part of the equation.