Best Cleats to use metal or molded ?

[motte]

What do you guys think is the better way to go? metal or molded for travel ball 18U.
My DD is 16 and has never used metal before. I hear pros and cons both ways but would like to hear more from you guys.

[jonriv]

Daughter just started using metal spikes this season. She did not see a that much difference in hitting or even running the bases, but saw a huge increase in her speed and acceleration in the outfield

The only caveat on metal is that some fields(turf) or local rules sometimes do not allow metal

[motte]

Thougt I would have alot more feed back on this by now

[GIMNEPIWO]

One of my DD's had trouble with molded cleats not giving enough and plantar somethingorother ... She switched to a turf shoe and then metal and her sisters followed suit ... Initial BS was that womans knees could not take the additional stresss on the knee by the metal cleat ... Probably from the same people who said woman shouldn't play sports because it causes breast cancer ...

[DonnieS]

I don't think many people give it any thought. You wear molded through 14u and then go to spkies in HS an 16/18.
I don't know any kids that dont wear spikes in HS or Gold

Like Spazsdad said, the kids went to metal at gold and it went very well. To prevent being jinxed , thats all Im going to say.

[fastpitchforever]

Outfielders, yep - infielders, yep......but my kid is a pitcher and won't see metal cleats until she has her D-1 committment. No reason to risk the ACL in my view for a hypothetical gain.

[freetacos]

My favorite clete was the ones provided by her Gold team/HS team and College team...Meaning any cletes that I didn't have to pay for

Big girls wear metal just like the big boys....don't sell your girl short. End of story.

ft

[MDSoftball]

Outfielders, yep - infielders, yep......but my kid is a pitcher and won't see metal cleats until she has her D-1 committment. No reason to risk the ACL in my view for a hypothetical gain.

I would think metal cleats prevent more injuries than they cause. You're actually able to plant with a metal cleat instead of the cleat not digging in and your foot sliding/slipping.

[AlwaysImprove]

My daughter is a pitcher and she loves her metal spikes. They give much more predictable footing. Those fields with that dusty fluff on top, metal goes right through and gets real dirt. A little mud, and they still get great traction.

If you are worried about ACL, look at the Ringors. They have the spike pattern in a circular fashion which allows the cleat to release on turn of the foot. Also girls in general should learn the value of speed and agility program. They help a ton building connective tissue strength and balancing the muscles.

My daughter would never go back to her rubber sliding shoes.

[narcosis]

If she's new to wearing spikes have her wear them in practice first to get use to them. Also have her slide with the molded and make sure she is not "dragging" one of her feet. If she does not slide correctly the steel cleats will grab and could cause a problem with her ankles/knees.