Updated: December 2017
Softball Bat Reviews:
How to Pick a softball bat - There's nothing soft about softball; this is a game for hardcore fans of fun. While baseball is the official national pastime, it is softball that is played on town fields, and in corporate leagues, schools, and pickup games all over the country. Softballs are bigger than baseballs, and, despite its name and others that were considered for the game (including pumpkin ball, mush ball, indoor baseball, and kitten ball), they are harder. This is why you'll need a bat that knows how to handle itself when you step up to the plate. A softball player's bat is as important as his glove; it needs to fit properly and become a natural extension of the body.


Buying Slow Pitch Softball Bats and Fast Pitch Softball Bats - Before you go and pick the shiniest bat in the store, take a minute to look up your league's rules regarding bats. If you play in a fast pitch softball league, your bat can be no more than 34 inches long and 2.24 inches in diameter. It also must have a drop of no more than 12. This means that when you take the length of the bat in inches and subtract the weight in ounces, the resulting number has to be less than 12. If you are looking for a slow pitch softball bat
, they usually run 34 inches long, and drops differ among leagues. There is no difference between slow and fast pitch softball bats; both will be legal in whatever type of game you play. Fast pitch bats are typically shorter and lighter. The main thing is that it can't have more than 1.20 BPF (Bat Performance Factor), which measures the liveliness of the ball when struck by the bat as opposed to when thrown against a solid wall.
Your softball bat will be made of metal or composite; wood is not allowed in fast pitch softball anymore. Slow pitch softball players sometimes use them, and bamboo is a commonly used wood. Aluminum is a favorite, and it is very light and durable. They cost more but they will last season after season. Lighter aluminum alloys are more durable (and yes, they tend to be more pricy). Graphite and titanium lined bats are also strong and light. They are usually added to thinner aluminum bats for extra performance. They reduce vibration, making them a top choice among players.
Before you buy, ask your coach or commissioner about the type of bat they require to make sure you are legal and game-ready.
Buying the Best Softball Bats - When you choose a softball bat, your age, weight, and height play a role. You can find a helpful guide at Dick's Sporting Goods (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/info/index.jsp?categoryId=222939), but let's do an example. Say you are 25 years old, 65 inches, and 150 pounds. Following the chart, you would see that the right length bat for you is 33 inches. Height and weight offer a more accurate guide than does age, but if you really think 34 inches is better, go with that. It is up to how you feel handling the bat. If you're not sure, test a variety of the same bats in different sizes. Handle them and see what feels most comfortable. Just don't take out a display rack at the sports store when you do a practice swing. Also look at the size of the barrel so you can be sure you are meeting league regulations, and take a look at the grip. Rubberized grips absorb some of the shock of hitting the ball, while synthetic or leather offers you a better, more sure grip. A lot of this is up to your league requirements and your own individual comfort level. You can browse the best selling softball bats online here
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Buying the Best Softball Bats - When you choose a softball bat, your age, weight, and height play a role. You can find a helpful guide at Dick's Sporting Goods (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/info/index.jsp?categoryId=222939), but let's do an example. Say you are 25 years old, 65 inches, and 150 pounds. Following the chart, you would see that the right length bat for you is 33 inches. Height and weight offer a more accurate guide than does age, but if you really think 34 inches is better, go with that. It is up to how you feel handling the bat. If you're not sure, test a variety of the same bats in different sizes. Handle them and see what feels most comfortable. Just don't take out a display rack at the sports store when you do a practice swing. Also look at the size of the barrel so you can be sure you are meeting league regulations, and take a look at the grip. Rubberized grips absorb some of the shock of hitting the ball, while synthetic or leather offers you a better, more sure grip. A lot of this is up to your league requirements and your own individual comfort level. You can browse the best selling softball bats online here
Best Softball Bats:
The best softball bat for you will depend on your height, weight, style of hitting, and preferences. If you are a power hitter, a heavier bat will be fine. If you are buying a bat for a younger child, a lighter bat will be better because it won't tire him/her and will help improve hitting. That being said, let's take a look at some of the top brands so you can get an idea of where to start. It is helpful to stick with big brands, as well as bats certified for use by the American Softball Association (ASA). These have undergone testing and are approved for play. Of course, if you have an informal league made up of your friends, you could use a wooden stick for a bat, if you wanted. If, however, you play in a league, ASA softball bats are required for championship play. Easton, Miken, Demarini, Worth, and other top companies are good bets.The Miken Freak Softball Bat for Serious Players
Easton SX70 Reflex Softball Bat
Best Budget Softball Bat - For softball players on a budget, the Worth Storm Aluminum Slowpitch Softball Bat