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

Ron is correct in his assessment of the Reflex, but I disagree with his feelings on the TPX. My 11 y/o uses a 31" Reflex and a 30" TPX. He likes both and hits fine with either bat. For cost effectiveness, you may want to look into the new Rawlings R44 Power Forged Series. The retail for $69.95 and are -11 L/W ratio. They also offer a 10" sweet spot which they claim is double the size of the conventional bat. It seems to be a low cost option to the Redline Extended Barrel. Rawlings guarentees the bat won't crack or dent for a year.