With further advancement to the game of softball, adjustments are made and upgrades of equipment and gear are implemented.
Every passing year is a refinement in softball bats and these new baths help improve the game of a softball player. The best softball bats are available in the market but without the right guides, you may have trouble making a selection.
But if you are really interested in bringing your A-game, then you have to consider using the best softball bats whether it is for slow pitching or fast pitching.
Male and female softball players may have different tastes or requirements when choosing a suitable softball bat.
The main drive 2 selecting the best is to make sure that all obstacles or hindrances that will prevent a good game are left behind.
This article will serve as a guide on how to select the best softball bats. It will also include some reviews of softball bats from Easton, Louisville, DeMarini, and Mizuno. These are among reliable and trusted sports companies that ensure their gears and equipment are of great quality and constantly improve on design and production based on feedback from users. Let us examine a few softball bats.
Top 5 Best Softball Bats
OUR TOP PICK
- Handle material: composite
- Grip material: lizard skin
- Grip size: 2.2mm
- Grip type: cushioned
- Barrel: double
The 2020 Easton Ghost Advanced softball bat is ranked as one of the bestsellers. It has a long barrel that is lightweight, durable, and really strong. It is also available in different weights depending on the player and preference. It is of the two-piece style and features a composite construction for optimal performance while flexing the barrel.
The Easton 2020 series is quite affordable compared to its features and quality. This has been confirmed by users and reviews have shown its high rating. It covers quality, consistency, durability, and helps with excellent performance. The Launch composite technology explains its length, strength, and weight, highly improving the performance of a swinger.
Its barrel is a double-barrel that fuses an inner barrel of lightweight and an outer barrel that is really strong resulting in better barrel flex and better performance. Its power boost uses the soft knob technology aiding more power potential in striking or swinging and at the same time, reducing bounce backs or vibrations.
Pros
- The grip is made of lizard skin material providing the soft, strong, and cushioned feel.
- It is of the two-piece style and features a composite construction for optimal performance while flexing the barrel.
- Its power boost uses the soft knob technology aiding more power potential in striking or swinging.
Cons
- Susceptible to breakage.
- May be slightly heavier than stipulated weight.
EDITORS CHOICE
- Handle material: composite
- Grip material: synthetic leather
- Grip size: .6mm
- Grip type: non-insulated
- Barrel: Two-piece/IST tech
The Louisville Slugger Xeno X20 is specially designed and modified for professional softball players who are fast pitchers.
It is one of the best sellers on the fastpitch list. The barrel is designed with the two-piece construction using IST technology which is an improvement and is recommended for softball players who like the stiffer connection with a solid feel while gripping.
The barrel features a dual disk that is patented. It is designed with the S1ID barrel technology that explains why users get optimal performance during use.
The swing weight is balanced and suitable for all types of players. Ultra-lightweight x-cap design is applied on the end cap to aid better control and improve swing speed. It can be gotten in various weights, from -8 to -11, all depending on individual players and their preferences.
If you are looking to get a softball bat that will accommodate quality, strength, and performance, the Xeno X20 is a good bat for you. Its full potential can be explored if the right player handles it.
It is among the best fast pitching bats because of its whole composite design that aids perfect balancing, grip, and speed.
Pros
- It is a two-piece bat featuring a barrel and handles that channels energy transfer optimally.
- It is approved for use in ASA, USSSA, ISA, ISF, and NSA.
- The swing weight is balanced and suitable for all types of players.
- The ultra-lightweight x-cap design is applied to the end cap to aid better control and improve swing speed.
Cons
- It is susceptible to breakage.
BEST VALUE
- Handle material: composite
- Grip material: synthetic leather
- Grip size: .6mm
- Grip type: non-insulated
- Barrel: full composite/PBF/VCX tech
The Louisville Slugger LXT X20 is an exceptional softball bat with hardly any negative reviews. It is one of the most used bats in the Slugger series. The barrel is full composite with a sweet spot and incredible feel. It also features a VCX connection system that explains the bat's ability to move swiftly and with ease giving excellent performance reducing any vibration to the barest.
The barrel is also designed with a patented PBF barrel technology featuring a single disk. This adds to the maximum performance it aids and makes it one of the tops among the best sellers.
It is really comfortable and proper balancing is guaranteed. It has a balanced swing weight and gives the best speed while staying in good position. It is of the three-piece bat design with the VCX system.
The vibration control connection system makes this bat stand out because it makes the bat fully controllable by the hitter. There is enough flex and control between the handle and the barrel and controls bounce back and vibrations efficiently. Its X-cap is lightweight making it suitable for all types of players as there is possible and better control.
The grip is designed with the LS PRO comfort grip and gives it a balanced and relaxing feel on the hands. It is loved by all fast pitchers.
Pros
- Grip is designed with LS PRO comfort grip technology.
- The barrel is of the three-piece style featuring VCX Vibration Control Connection System.
- It has properly balanced swing weight.
- The X-cap has an ultra-lightweight design which improves speed and control.
Cons
- Susceptible to breakage.
RUNNER UP
- Handle material: aluminum
- Grip material: synthetic leather
- Grip size: rubber
- Grip type: non-insulated
- Barrel: composite
The DeMarini 2019 Bustos bat is uniquely designed. It has parts designed with rubber and aluminum.
The barrel is designed with DX1 aluminum of high quality ensuring its durability. The handle has composite material construction that gives swinging comfort while reducing or removing bounce backs and vibrations.
The Bustos barrel is a best seller among other softball bats because of its efficiency in fast pitching. Its weight drop is -13 and the good thing about its lightweight is that it improves the speed of hitters and helps achieve great performance while pitching.
Users have confirmed that it allows swinging at remarkably high speeds.
Another plus to this bat is that it is vetted and approved for use by ISA, ASA, USSSA, ISF, and NSA. The barrel is of the paradox composite design and gives off a faster, softer, and swifter play and response. The handle is off the D-lite handle design enabling proper balancing on the hands and increasing speed. The end cap is designed to control bounce backs and vibrations especially in cases of near-misses.
Pros
- It is lightweight and improves speed.
- The D-lite handle enables great balancing and feel.
- End cap is designed to control bounce backs and vibrations especially in cases of near-misses.
- The Bustos barrel is approved for use by ISA, ASA, USSSA, ISF, and NSA.
- Great for fast pitching.
Cons
- Susceptible to breakage.
RUNNER UP
- Material: aluminum alloy
- Style: single-piece
- Grip type: synthetic
- Barrel: lightweight
This Mizuno Finch Jennie softball bat is a product of collaboration between softball fast pitchers, Jennie Finch and Mizuno.
Mizuno is well-known for the expertise and exquisite designs of sports gear and equipment, so Finch Jennie is an extension of quality service and product. Being around for over a century, Mizuno is highly trusted as they continue to dish out unique designs.
It is of the single-piece design which makes it suitable for strong hitters and powerful grip. The Mizuno Finch Jennie bat is approved for use in ISA play, ISF play, USSSA play, ASA play, and NSA play. It is designed to meet a softball player’s requirements in a swing bat. It is lightweight and helps to improve and increase the speed of a hitter.
The plus side is that it comes with a one year warranty. The grip gives a cushioning effect and soft feel making it really comfortable.
The design is unique and is durable and strong aiding optimal performance. The barrel is made of alloy which adds to the strength and durability. The handle has a synthetic grip that helps to control bounce backs and vibration.
Pros
- One year warranty.
- A synthetic handle grip aids better control and balance.
- The Mizuno Finch Jennie bat is approved for use in ISA play, ISF play, USSSA play, ASA play, and NSA play.
- Made of alloy which adds to the strength and durability.
Cons
- Might bend if handled wrongly or with constant use.
Best Softball Bats Buying Guide
It is normal to get a bit confused about what softball bat will be best for you. There are countless choices in the market, but the best softball bats have similar features.
They should be strong, durable, comfortable, and not too heavy. Let us look at some factors to be considered before making a selection of the best softball bats (fastpitch and slowpitch).
The Material(s) Used
The common materials used in the design and production of softball bats are aluminum alloy, wood, composite, and the hybrid materials.
While all these materials are fair, they all have their strengths, and individuals have preferences. This is where the regulations and rules of the league you are playing for come into play.
You have to make sure of the bats that are allowed and the ones that are prohibited. Modern designs of softball bats seem to cover all nooks and crannies as most of them are approved by most leagues all around.
Softball bats made with patented composite material seem to pass the all-rounder test. Aluminum bats do the job too, but may not be all-rounders. Composite bats are highly recommended but are usually more expensive than softball bats made with other materials.
Type of Construction
Softball bats usually come in one-piece, two-piece or three-piece constructions. But the major constructions are the one-piece and two-piece. If you are a power hitter, you might consider getting the one-piece softball bats because the handle and barrel are not separated and can handle contact with the ball better.
The two-piece has the handle and barrel fused or joined together enabling more flex. Contact hitters usually thrive with the two-piece softball bats because it gives them more control and has modern designs.
The Drop (weight)
This refers to the weight of the softball bat. Power hitters prefer softball bats with a higher drop because it gives an extra pop while contact hitters go for lighter drops for better control and speed.
The drop can be calculated by checking the difference between the length and width of the bat. Take note that the lower the difference, the lighter the weight of the bat.
Size of the Barrel and Handle
You also have to check with your league for the recommended size of your barrel. This affects the balancing from hand to the barrel. Larger barrels make contact easier while lighter barrels are lightweight and improve the speed of swing.
The handle can be checked using its grip and thickness. Ensure that the grip is strong and firm to make sure of safety while swinging and proper hitting of the ball.
There is a tendency to vibrate or bounce back after a hit, so check that the handle of your softball bat has a good grip and cushioning to handle this.
Thinner handles allow better speed but thicker handles control vibration better.
Softball Walls and Balancing
Make sure that it feels relaxed and balanced on the hands and during hitting. Look out for the end cap. Heavier end caps aid better pop than other end caps. Lighter ones improve speed.
Softball bats are manufactured with either single-wall or multi-wall construction. Multi-walls softball bats have better durability than single-walls. Check with your league because most leagues allow only single-wall softball bats.
Basic Facts About Fastpitch and Slowpitch Softball Bats
- In terms of shape, the barrels of slowpitch softball bats are bigger increasing the sweet spots and contact spaces. The fastpitch softball bats are streamlined and narrow.
- Generally, fastpitch softball bats are usually lightweight, have more balance, and allow swift plays. Slowpitch bats are notably heavier than fastpitch bats but have larger and sweeter spots giving them more hitting power.
- Considering the weight, fastpitch bats are lightweight with better reaction time and speed. Slowpitch bats are heavier and take more effort and time to swing.
- Also, fastpitch bats are usually more expensive than slowpitch bats because they are more modern designs. Fastpitch bats are designed for greater comfort and speed while slowpitch bats aid optimal performance, especially when handled right.
Best Softball Bats - FAQ's
What is the best softball bat on the market?
- Easton Ghost Advanced 2020
- DeMarini 2019 Bustos (-13)
- Louisville Slugger Xeno X20
- Mizuno Finch Jennie
- Louisville Slugger LXT X20
Is the Easton ghost softball bat legal?
It is legal. The Bustos barrel is approved for use by ISA, ASA, USSSA, ISF, and NSA.
What bats are illegal in softball?
In order to ensure safety, bats with the composite exterior are limited or restricted. Also, bats made of titanium are illegal. The bats on the list of ASA's banned bats are not allowed in softball games.
Why are some softball bats illegal?
It dates back to a time when softball players used to design their bats to their advantage, giving it hollow edges and bases in order to give the hitter more power or pop. These acts were not entirely safe. So for premium safety, softball bats regulations have had to be followed.
Conclusion
The selection of softball bats range from softball player to softball player, there is no one perfect softball bat for all.
This is because there are fast pitchers and slow pitchers and we also have softball players that have more strength and hitting power as opposed to soccer players who are focused on contact hitting.
This article has highlighted some of the factors that should be considered before making a softball bat purchase. Leagues should be put into consideration, the comfort a bat brings, the position of play, type of player, the design, the sports companies, and your budget.
You need to remember that the materials used in the design and production of softball bats highly affect the performance of a player. The materials also determine the strength and durability of a softball bat. So read up and follow the guidelines set out in this article as you plan to make a softball bat selection.
