This message is particularly for Mike LaCouture. When it comes to wooden bats, you need to know that they are heavier than aluminum. You said you swung a minus 3 in aluminum; many wooden bats are made with the minus 3 increment in place. They are made that way so they don't easily break. You can get minus 2 and minus 1, also. As for you, Mike, I'd suggest going to a larger sporting goods store and picking up a few sticks here and there to get a feel for them. Chances are, you will pick up a dozen or so and then decide from there. Stay away from $9.99 bats, those are crap! Grab a few $20 bats that are to your liking. Once you swing them in practice or games, you'll find a favorite. If you are serious about playing and have found a model you like (length, weight, barrel and handle width), then it's time to go to a bat maker and get some done up for you. I'm here in Maine and come to Albany for the Labor Day tourney. I also see the Albany crew up here in July, so I can place an order through RG Johnson for them! Then I bring the sticks with me in September. Start off locally and then go from there. You have some good resources there - Mike Girard, Don Dunham, Artie - ask them. They can give you more advice. I hope this helps. -Lenny