Different people play fastpitch softball. It is played at different levels, from beginners to professionals. There are lots of all male fastpitch leagues. Also, female athletes in college and high school basically play fastpitch softball.
No doubt, one of the most crucial things for all softball players is having their own bat. Knowing this, a lot of people are wondering what the best fastpitch softball bats look like.
There are many softball bats in the market and selecting the best for you might be a headache. Another thing that makes it more difficult is the fact that there are many different approaches and styles to hitting. So with this, the bat that works for one player might not work for the other players.
To make picking and purchasing the best fastpitch softball bats a lot easier and also to answer any question that might be bothering you about the fastpitch softball bats.
This article will show you the top 10 fastpitch softball bats that are perfect for the different approaches and hitting. Without wasting time, let’s take a ride together.
QUICK COMPARISON 10 FASTPITCH SOFTBALL BATS
OUR 10 BEST FASTPITCH SOFTBALL BATS
1. Easton MAKO CXN ZERO Fastpitch Softball Bat
Feature, Design, And Specifications
The Easton Mako features a special technology called the TCT Thermo Composite Technology. This technology provides an awesome feel, massive sweet spot and also makes it one of the fastest swinging bats in the game.
Compared to most of the bat you see in softball, this product has a barrel that is longer and able to reach the optimum flex. This is owing to the Technology it features.
Adding to its incredible technology features is the CXN Zero Technology it features. You will be surprised to see how balanced the bat is when taken out of the box. The CXN Zero Technology will give you confidence at the plate by getting rid of any form of vibration.
In the case of Easton Mako, there is nothing like slippery. It features a hyper skin performance grip which ensures the bat stay firm and glued to your palm until you decide to let go.
As a hitter, you will have the maximum confidence while holding this bat. It is forged from a composite material and comes has a two-piece construction. The Handle is ultra-thin having measuring 29/32″. Also, the drop is 10 and the barrel measures 2 1/4″.
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2. Louisville Slugger Fastpitch Xeno fastpitch softball bat
Feature, Design, And Specifications
This product is ideal for most contact hitters because it has a balanced weight and feels lighter than it looks. The lightweight ensures you easily and effectively swing the bat for better performance. The bat can be regarded as a top-notch bat because it is constructed of composite materials.
It features a double wall design having zero friction. This ensures it has a maximum durability and offers you ultimate performance. Additionally, it is the two-piece bat that features an IST technology.
Because of the technology that improves the feel of the bat and also ensures the bat forgives during the hit, it is one of the best fastpitch softball bats you can get in the market. Included to its features are 7/8″ handle and a traditional grip design. I love this feature because regardless the size of your hand and your age it is ideal for you.
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3. Mizuno Nighthawk Fastpitch Softball Bat
Features, Design, And Specifications
No matter your experience or skill level, you will enjoy and appreciate Mizuno Nighthawk. It is a two-piece bat constructed fully from composite materials.
It is full of performance-enhancing features. It features a double wall technology which offers larger sweet area and higher peak performance out of the wrapper. In short, the technology leads to an increase in the swing speed.
Its barrel has Black Onyx Carbon which provides greater durability and ensures you have a shorter break to maximum performance.
Additionally, the bat has patented two-piece link construction which ensures protection and comfort. It also features an optimized cap design. This great feature provides greater flex and reduced weight along the top of the bat.
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4. DeMarini CFX Fastpitch Softball Bats
Features, Design, And Specifications
The DeMarini 2018 CFX is a two-piece bat that features a Paraflex composite material which makes it stronger than the previous model. Also, it provides a powerful swing. The end of the bat is loaded to give it a sledgehammer effect. The power can be felt when you hit the ball.
Additionally, it features a technology that is called 3-fusion handle technology. Once the bat makes contact with the ball, the technology redirects the energy back to the barrel. This help to reduce or eliminate vibrations thereby protecting the hands of the player.
For a perfect fit to your hand, it has an RCK Knob that is anatomically designed to fit the player’s hand perfectly.
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5. Rawlings Quatro FastPitch Softball Bat
Features, Design, And Specifications
Rawlings Quatro offers a great combination of distance, balance, performance, and flex. It features a patented hinge technology which gives you the opportunity to hit the ball and generate huge pop and bat speed.
Additionally, it features a two-piece composite design.
It includes vibration dampening technology and Rawlings Quatro collar.
This ensures that the stinging vibrations are absorbed and minimized.
The bat has a drop weight of -10, and it is also balanced. Included in its amazing features is the ultimate flex barrel handle connection. It is designed to accelerate speed through contact.
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6. Axe Bats 2017 Danielle Lawrie L136E Softball Bat
Features, Design, And Specifications
If you are looking for one of the best softball bats for fastpitch under $100, the Axe Bats 2017 Danielle Lawrie L136E is one of the perfect options. It is a one-piece bat with distinct patented handle.
The handle increases the swing speed and power and also ensures the player incurs no injury.
In case you need a stiffer bat than what the composite bat gives, this bat is balanced and forged with alloy, so it is perfect for you.
Additionally, it features a directional hitting face. It ensures performance and durability with one-sided hitting. The drop weight is -12 and the barrel measures 2 1/4″.
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7. Aderson Rocketech 2.0 Fastpitch Softball Bat
Features, Design, And Specifications
From the end cap to the knob, the Anderson Rocketech 2.0 is blessed with one amazing feature and the other. It is a one-piece bat that is constructed of AB-9000 aerospace alloy.
This offers it an exceptional durability. The end of the bat is loaded to ensure and more powerful and faster swing.
The drop weight is -9. This bat will last a long time because the barrel is nearly indestructible.
With the type of barrel it has, you might not need any break in period. Included, to its amazing features is the internal power arch technology which aids the multi-wall barrel by adding a curved, interior sleeve. It also helps in maximizing the effect of the bat’s trampoline.
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8. Wilson Demarini 2016 CF8 Fastpitch Bat
Features, Design, And Specifications.
If you are looking for a two-piece bat that can perform just like a wooden bat, CF8 2016 can fill the gap.
It has the strength of aluminum because it is forged with Paradox Plus+ composite material.
This gives an amazing sweet spot and durability that ensure you keep your performance at the highest level.
Adding to its feature is the D-Fusion 2.0 Handle Technology. I love this feature because it helps to eliminate any vibration while directing all the energy to the barrel. The barrel has a stack construction which improves its durability and performance. It has the length of 12″ and diameter measuring 2¼”.
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9. Easton FS3 Fastpitch Softball Bat
Features, Design, And Specifications
The Easton FS3 is a 100 percent two-piece composite bat that is durable and offers great performance. It features a balanced swing weight where the weight of the bat is evenly distributed. This makes the F3 perfect for contact hitters.
Just like most bats produced by Easton, this bat CXN Zero technology which reduces or eliminate any form of vibrations. It also ensures the energy is transferred to the barrel. Adding to its features is the Hyperskin bat grip it has. This ensures that it does not slip off your hands while playing. You can hold on to the bat as long as you want.
Furthermore, included is an IMX Advanced Composite Barrel that optimizes the sweet spot and compression. The ratio of weight to length is -12.
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10. Louisville Slugger LXT Hyper 17 Fastpitch Softball Bat
Features, Design, And Specifications
The LXT Hyper 17 looks more expensive than the others. Yes! It is worth it. This product delivers a maximum pop and ultimate balance.
It features a PBF barrel system which has one disc. It gives the barrel a larger sweet spot. This ensures the bat perform excellently
Included is also an improved patented TRU3 Dynamic Socket Connection known as the TRU3 technology.
It provides the necessary movement between the handle and the barrel. This maximizes the trampoline effect of the barrel and eliminates vibration.
Furthermore, it features a faded grip which ensures you have a comfortable feel while holding and using it.
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PICKING THE PERFECT FASTPITCH SOFTBALL BATS
Before picking the perfect bats for your unique style, there are some factors you need to consider or look for. Some the basic factors are:
1.Length
These are the two most important factors to consider. For you to determine the perfect weight and length for you or your players, you need to take some multiple variables into considerations. These variables are your personal preference, hitting mechanics, and strength.
There are few simple ways to measure if a bat is a right length for you or not.
Hold the bat and stand it up vertically beside your leg. It should be a suitable length if it reaches your mid-hip
Put the bat bottom knob on the center of your chest while facing outward. The length of the bath will be appropriate for you if you can grab the barrel of the bat.
Put the knob of the bath at the center of your chest, and then extend the barrel out towards your fingertips. You have a perfect length if you can touch the end of the bat using your fingertips.
2.Weight
The weight of the bat you would go for depends on your strength. If you can conveniently swing a heavier bat, then you can go for it. But remember that you need an efficient bat speed so be careful not to pick the one that is heavier for you. It might negatively affect your performance.
If you want to know the perfect weight for you, hold the bat and extend your hand to the side. If you are able to hold the bath like that for 30 seconds, it means you can easily swing it.
With the bat sizing chat below you will be able to answer your question, “what is the perfect softball bat length for me?”
To use the chart above, find your height across the top and find your weight on the left-hand side. Trace your height in a downward way and to the right of your weight until you meet in the middle.
3.Type
Softball bats are classified into two types. They are one piece bats and two-piece bats. The one-piece bats have the hand and barrel in one piece. They are molded or curve so that both the barrel and handle are part of the same structural body. On the contrary, two-piece bats are made up of separate parts. The handle can be from a different or similar material.
If you are a batter looking for minimum flex, one piece is a solid part and perfect for you. But if you want to get maximum trampoline effect from your bat, a two-piece bat would suit you well.
4.Drop
When playing the beautiful game of Fastpitch and shopping for the best fastpitch softball bats, the drop is the one of the most talked about. If you are a beginner or new player, it might seem difficult, but it is simply the difference between the weight measured in ounces and length measured in inches.
When the drop is lesser, then the bat will be heavier causing it to be too much to handle at the plate. As dictated by ASA rules, the drop should be between 8 and 12. So you should make sure the drop of the bat you are going for falls within the allowed parameter.
5.Material
The performance, weight, and durability of the bat are determined by the material it is made from. Manufacturers build different bats with different material, and they have both advantages and disadvantages.
Hybrid bats feature two-piece bats with an alloy barrel and a composite handle.
Composite bats are one of the most commonly used. They are forged with fiber, fiberglass, and graphite. They are very durable compared to other bats, but the only disadvantage they have is that you cannot use them in lots of leagues.
Alloy bats are forged from the mixture of other metals and aluminum. They are very durable, and most of them come in one piece. They are light and attractive compared to bats made from other materials.
6. Budget
There are various brands of fastpitch softball bats, such as Worth, Miken, Easton, Louise Slugger, DeMarini and other brands. No doubt, their prices vary. Bats from high-end manufacturers would probably cost more than those from the manufacturer’s people rarely know. But this does not always mean they are of a better quality.
Consider the amount you can spare for a bat. Remember, it would not be good to purchase a bat you cannot afford. It could have a negative impact on your financial status. Since you can get a bat as cheap with some few bucks, when your budget is tight, you should look for cheap bats.
7.Approval To Use In League
If you are going to play in a league, it is important you pick your bat wisely. The rules of leagues vary when it comes to gear that you can use. Whether you are playing in the national, state, professional, school or college league, you need to be aware of the rule and regulations that guide the gears before buying the bats.
It would be disappointing and frustrating to buy a bat worth thousands of dollars only to realize that you can use them in your league
8. Check Reviews Of Other Users
No doubt, you will not be the first person to buy a softball bat, and you are not going to be the last. One of the best sources of information about the bat you want to purchase is by reading reviews of other users of players that have used the bat. When you see a bat with a high percentage of positive reviews, then it is probably the perfect one to go for.
Common Mistakes Buyer Make When Buying The Best Fastpitch Softball Bats
As we all know, the bat is the basic tool needed to play the game of Fastpitch. Purchasing the best bat will ensure you enjoy the game the more. All in the name of buying the best, most coaches and players make some mistakes which are very common. Some of the most common ones are:
1.Picking The Wrong Length And Weight
As I have earlier said, length and weight is one of the basic factors you need to consider when picking a bat. Do you know many people make the mistake of choosing the wrong length?
They choose a bat with long or short length. The same thing applies to the weight. Most people choose larger bats and even excessively lighter bat. You should avoid making these mistakes.
2. Relying On The Color, You Love Most
No doubt, you have your favorite color, and this applies to other people or players. But you should not allow how attractive and beautiful a bat is to determine your purchase. Remember the saying “not everything that shines is gold.” If you like the appearance of a bat, you should take time to inspect it and see if it has the criteria that will make it perfect for you.
3.Considering The Swing Of Other Players
Most people think because their teammate is using a bat and performing well, then that is the right bat for them too.
No! It might not be. There are several factors you need to consider before you can conclude that it is the perfect bat for you too. Pick one that will perform best when you have it in your hands. If you use other player’s or people’s criteria to select the bat to use, you might not be able to perform well as they do.
4.Purchasing Without Enough Information
With the lots of information and reviews about the best fastpitch softball bats on the internet, a lot of people still make the mistake of going for the wrong one.
Normally, do you think it is the best idea to go to a store to purchase a product you don’t know a thing about? You might be risking a lot of things by doing this. You risk wasting your money, time, and even your game as a player.
Don’t be too excited that you will make the mistake of buying a bat you don’t know anything about. If you don’t have the proper knowledge about the bat or its brand, then don’t buy it. If you do, it could be the worst mistake you can ever make.
THE TAKE AWAY
Now that you have the review of the review of the 10 best fastpitch softball bats, I believe you would not have any problem selecting the perfect one for you. No matter your level of play or league, none of the bats discussed above is a waste of money.
However, if you wish to explore some other bats apart from the one I mentioned make sure you read the buyers guide for you to have a better understanding of how to pick the best for you. Remember, the mistake shouldn’t be an option when purchasing a bat. The buyer’s guide is ready to help you out.
In case, you have something to say, don’t hesitate to use the comment box.