Looking for youth baseball bat recommendation.?

I'm looking for the best youth bat for the money. Must be Little League approved. We purchased a Demarini Vexxum 31'' 17 oz., but I'm not sure if this model is a quality, reliable stick. I really liked the smaller handle on that particualr model and I needd to stay at the 17 oz. level.

But, I am concerned with the lif eof the bat. We have gone through an Easton Convert (half and half) as well as a Demarini Distance (cheap all aluminum) in the past year. these bats just come up "dead" after a few months use.

Any true recommendations or reviews are appreciated.