So... what type of bat should an 11 YO get?

Since you said you read our heated debate on bats, you should know by now that Paul and I are the only people within the confines of the lower 48 that have purchased the evil stick. There's a rumor that two guys in Alabama have purchased them, but the rumor is unconfirmed at this time.

Seriously, if you need to stick to 2 1/4" barrel, the Easton Reflex is a good bat. An Easton Reflex with a 2 3/4" barrel is only 23 ounces for a 30" bat. Since Paul and I have made Easton so much money by buying the infamous Redline from them, they feel guilty about their skyrocketing profits, and have reduced last year's Reflex to around $75. Last year it cost $105. My experiences with lightweight TPX's is just that - they're lightweight.