Softball has been around for years and is a fun and exciting variation on America’s favorite pastime. One of the most important factors in your softball success is your ability to hit the ball, which means that your softball bat or bats are vital to your success as a softball player. Buying a bat is a personal decision, and ultimately you will have to decide what makes the perfect bat for you rather than relying solely on what other people think of different bats and even your batting style. The following buying guide is intended to introduce you to the different aspects of slow pitch bats. There is so much more to a modern bat than meets the eye. When I started researching this article I was completely amazed by the different parts, technologies, and materials involved in designing and making a slowpitch bat. There are several things to consider when buying a slow pitch softball bat:

  • Materials
  • Fit
  • Weight
  • Technology
  • Image
  • League eligibility
  • Manufacturer
  • Warranty and Guarantees
  • Price

Depending how much each of these things matters to you – and it will be a different mix for each person so do not alter your preferences just because someone else you know really thinks graphics are important but you do not really care so much – you will be able to review the hundreds of bat models and makes on the market and determine what softball bat or combination of softball bats is right for you.

Softball Bat Materials

Generally, slow pitch softball bats are made of aluminum or a graphite/titanium combination. Some softball bat manufacturers also offer “classic” or signature models made of maple, although these are less common and not as popular as the metal bats. DeMarini, which makes a maple bat in addition to its more modern batting technology offerings, also has a steel softball bat that many people find to be advantageous because it is stiffer than more conventional models. Depending on your batting style and weight preferences, you may opt for one bat made of the ideal materials combination or several to create a softball batting arsenal that will help you deal with any game situation.

If you select an aluminum softball bat, you will derive the following benefits:

  • Aluminum bats are lighter than other bats
  • They provide increased control because they are easier to manage
  • An aluminum bat is ideal for a player working on swing speed because they are lighter and can be swung at higher velocities even if you are not used to batting or have not yet built up the requisite muscles.

You should also be aware of these factors when you buy an aluminum bat:

  • The lighter the bat, generally the larger the sweet spot.
  • Aluminum bats can be single- or double-layer construction. Double-layer bats have more durability and power, but single-layer bats are lighter.

If you prefer to go with a graphite/titanium softball bat combination, then you will reap the benefits of a technological hybrid in your game. However, you need to evaluate several additional factors to determine if the graphite/titanium base is right for your game.

  • This metal combination is usually added to thin-walled aluminum bats to make the bats lighter and increase swing speed.
  • The materials can extend the sweet spot.
  • The addition of graphite or titanium dramatically increases the bat’s durability.
  • If you have trouble with vibration, sting or ball shock when you hit, then this combo can alleviate this issue.
  • If you already have a powerful swing, then you may actually find this combination to be a little too light.

Wooden softball bats have been on the decline in popularity thanks to the burgeoning popularity of bats made from more advanced, and in some cases game enhancing, material. However, manufacturers like DeMarini usually release one or two of these maple models each year, and periodically a baseball player will fix their name to a signature series that includes wooden bats.

  • Wood softball bats are very durable.
  • They provide the most classic game feel of any bat.
  • They are great for practice because if you can control a wooden bat, you can control just about anything.

Steel bats are also rare but popular among advanced players. DeMarini also offers a line of steel bats.

  • Steel bats are stiffer than the other metal bats. Some advanced players like more stiffness and less flex because it gives them more control. However, beginners may have trouble really pounding the ball with a steel bat.
  • Steel bats are also heavier, although they can be engineered to the point where the weight is not such a major factor. If you feel that you have progressed as far as you can with a conventional softball bat, then you may wish to consider a steel softball bat or a steel composite or hybrid.

Softball Batting Technology

There are three main elements to slow pitch bat technology: its barrel size, the taper and the grip. Softball bat manufacturers devote a great deal of time, energy and financial resources to finding the perfect combination of these three factors to produce the most powerful hits and consistent results.

Barrel size includes the length and the diameter of the barrel. Generally, the longer the barrel, the larger the sweet spot. Standard softball bats are 2.5 inches in diameter, while fast pitch softball bats are 2.75 inches in diameter. A smaller barrel lightens weight and increases swing speed.

Your softball bat’s taper is the diameter of the bats handle and how it compares to the diameter of the barrel. Generally, a heavier bat will have a smaller taper and be thicker in the handle. The more you like to rotate your wrists in your swing, the larger a taper you will want.

The grip of a softball bat is the covering that the bat manufacturer uses on the handles of aluminum bats and other composite bats. Generally, the grip will be leather, synthetic leather or rubber. Leather and synthetic leather provide a “tacky” feel to give you a surer grip. If you have a serious problem with ball shock, then you might want a fully cushioned handle.

Softball Batting Technology

There are three main elements to your bat’s technology: its barrel size, the taper and the grip. Softball bat manufacturers devote a great deal of time, energy and financial resources to finding the perfect combination of these three factors to produce the most powerful hits and consistent results.

Barrel size includes the length and the diameter of the barrel. Generally, the longer the barrel, the larger the sweet spot. Standard softball bats are 2.5 inches in diameter, while fast pitch softball bats are 2.75 inches in diameter. A smaller barrel lightens weight and increases swing speed.

Your softball bat’s taper is the diameter of the bats handle and how it compares to the diameter of the barrel. Generally, a heavier bat will have a smaller taper and be thicker in the handle. The more you like to rotate your wrists in your swing, the larger a taper you will want.

The grip of a softball bat is the covering that the bat manufacturer uses on the handles of aluminum bats and other composite bats. Generally, the grip will be leather, synthetic leather or rubber. Leather and synthetic leather provide a “tacky” feel to give you a surer grip. If you have a serious problem with ball shock, then you might want a fully cushioned handle.

Bat Design & Technology

When it comes to research, design and technology, softball bats lead the pack in many ways. The major manufacturers of softball bats realize that each bat is worth potentially hundreds of dollars to them if they can produce a bat that improves a swing, optimizes a swing speed or just plain hammers the ball harder than another bat in the hands of the same batter. As a result, softball bat research, design and technology is truly groundbreaking in many ways. Here are a few things to look for to help you determine what types of technology you need as a player:

  • Composite structure:
    This is popular particularly with Easton Bats, which promote Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT) which strengthens the structure of the bat while still allowing for a trampoline effect and a lengthened “sweet spot.”
  • Look for one-, two- and three-piece design:
    One piece bats are good because they are sturdy and help a player control where the ball goes while catapulting it as far as possible with good old-fashioned leverage. This is a classic bat design that is likely to remain legal forever and is a great bat for practice as well as competitive play. Two-piece design actually works kind of like a hinge in the bat to throw the ball forward. It can create a larger sweet spot and be more effective for helping batters with lower swing speeds. Three-piece designs are often referred to as “mutants” and they are intended to maximize bat control and minimize vibrations when you hit.
  • Flex:
    Softball bats are often advertised based on the amount of flex that they provide. This can be provided through design or materials. The more flex a bat has, the more comfortable it will be to bat with. However, if you are a power-hitter on your own, a bat with a lot of flex may actually overcompensate and cause you to not hit as far as you would with a stiffer bat.

Basic Softball Bat Elements

Once you know what type of technology you are interested in, then it is time to think about the softball bat basics: Grip, Length and Weight. There are a variety of grips out there, and many of them do things like minimize sweating, provide “tackiness” so that your hands do not slide around while you are batting, and add control to your swing by enhancing your grip through ‘knob” technology. While all of this sounds great, nearly all softball bats are trying to achieve the same things with their grips – keeping your hands on the bat and the bat in the right position. As a result, grip is categorized with weight and length in this guide as something that is crucial, but not sometime that is highly unique. When it comes to the length of bat that you want and the weight, you need a bat that lets you put the “sweet spot” in the right position and that is not so heavy or so light that you have trouble controlling it. Alloy bats are generally lighter than other bats, with steel and wood being heavier. A newer player generally should have a lighter bat, but this is something that you should experiment with before you buy to make sure that you are looking for the right basic weight and length.

Bringing the Intimidation Factor

Softball bats are meant for nailing softballs right out the park. Ultimately, if your softball bat accomplishes this goal, then you have achieved what you set out for when you bought the softball bat. However, there are a variety of factors involved in hitting a ball over the fence, not the least of which is confidence. As a result, many coaches, players and fans place a very high premium on the look of a softball bat.

Softball manufacturers cater to this visual appeal in a variety of ways. Some prefer to keep their looks simple and classic, while others really ramp up the visual “noise” with neon graphics, major lettering and unmistakable slogans and names that let everyone on the field know exactly what type of nasty, out of this world hit you plan on unleashing in their direction. This can cause players on the opposing team to compensate for your hit before you actually even step up to the plate and can impact the success of your play if they respond incorrectly. For example, the Worth Toxic Titan 98 has a bright white barrel to showcase the words “Worth” and “Toxic” in stylized graphics so that everyone will know just what kind of equipment you are batting with. However, other manufacturers prefer more classic looks that simply say “I’ve been around and know what I’m doing.”

These bats are often the “signature” bats that have limited edition graphics such as personalized player logos or signatures, and they are often wood or famous player’s endorsed series and lines. In addition, a manufacturer may release a limited edition bat that simply has cool-looking graphics on it to try and attract collectors as well as players who love the concepts behind softball bats as much as the equipment itself.

Softball Bat Graphics

When it comes to graphics, some players could not care less while others believe that image is everything. There are a variety of factors involved in hitting a ball over the fence, not the least of which is confidence. As a result, many coaches, players and fans place a very high premium on the look of a softball bat. Softball manufacturers cater to this visual appeal in a variety of ways.

Some prefer to keep their looks simple and classic, while others really ramp up the visual “noise” with neon graphics, major lettering and unmistakable slogans and names that let everyone on the field know exactly what type of nasty, out of this world hit you plan on unleashing in their direction. This can cause players on the opposing team to compensate for your hit before you actually even step up to the plate and can impact the success of your play if they respond incorrectly. For example, the Worth Toxic Titan 98 has a bright white barrel to showcase the words “Worth” and “Toxic” in stylized graphics so that everyone will know just what kind of equipment you are batting with. However, other manufacturers prefer more classic looks that simply say “I’ve been around and know what I’m doing.”

These bats are often the “signature” bats that have limited edition graphics such as personalized player logos or signatures, and they are often wood or famous player’s endorsed series and lines. In addition, a manufacturer may release a limited edition bat that simply has cool-looking graphics on it to try and attract collectors as well as players who love the concepts behind softball bats as much as the equipment itself.

Figuring Out Softball Bat “Fit”

While the best way to figure out the measurements for your softball bat and your body is to try a number of them out and select the set of numbers that is ideal for you, you can get a rough idea of the proper bat length and weight using your own height and weight. Each manufacturer will offer a conversion chart that is customized to their bats, and it is best to use these measurements to guide your decision if you are ordering a bat. However, there are some additional issues to consider after you have figured out what the manufacturer believes will be right for you.

  • Your strength will determine whether you should go a little light or a little heavy when selecting a bat weight
  • If your hitting style is particularly powerful, then you may have enough control that you want to opt for a slightly longer or heavier bat.
  • Smaller players or players with less batting strength generally should opt for a lighter bat for a quicker swing.
  • Young players or beginners also may wish to lean to the light side a little bit to reduce the risk of injury and to increase their control over the bat.

League Eligibility

Make sure that you are aware of all your softball leagues restrictions and requirements when it comes to your batting equipment. The Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) is probably the strictest and most dynamic when it comes to regulating softball bats, but nearly every league has some requirements. Most manufacturers will label their bats according to league eligibility, but you also need to check with your league to insure that you have a bat that will be eligible for at least one season.

Warrantees and Guarantees

Most bat manufacturers provide some type of warranty for their bats. In fact, many will warranty a bat that has been resold as long as it was manufactured less than two years ago. Because softball bat performance is so subjective, guarantees are less common, but not unusual. If a bat is being marketed based on durability, then it may come with some sort of guarantee about its capabilities. Ultimately, in order to get the best softball bat for you, you need to make sure that once you know your bat fits your basic play needs, that you are covered in terms of your budget. One of the best ways to do that is to make sure that your investment in your bat is safe and that flaws and damage can and will be repaired should the unfortunate incident arise.

Budget

When it comes to buying softball bats, you can be dealing with an expense starting at about 79 dollars and going up into the hundreds of dollars Fortunately, nearly all bat manufacturers realize that not every budget can accommodate a super high-end softball player, so you should be able to get most, if not all of the factors that you want in a bat at a price that you can afford. One of the reasons we started BatsOnFire.com was to give buyers a resource where they could see pricing from several different vendors. This eliminates the You may need to shop around to find the best deal, but by investigating non-traditional softball bat vendors, such as drop-shippers, auctions and blem bat sellers, you will be able to find the perfect softball bat for you.