Baseball and softball are two rotational sports that similarly need a bat to play. Finding the right bat for a softball game can be a task given all the options. Buying the best slow-pitch softball bats involves a thorough amount of research to make sure the bat meets your league or tournament rules.
In this article, you will get to know the different factors to consider when choosing the best slow pitch softball bats. You will read about its standard physical properties and unique features. Most importantly, you will get to know the best slow-pitch softballs at the present.
What Is A Slow Pitch Softball Bat?
Slowpitch softball bats have a 2-inch barrel diameter and 34-inch length in measurements. It is designed to hit a ball that travels approximately 25 mph. Although there are bats that are made greater or lesser by an inch or two, they generally weigh between 1.7 lbs and 2 lbs. They are usually made of materials such as composite, aluminum, or wood.
Slowpitch softball bats are used in both competitive or amateur leagues by players of all ages and skill sets. On average, it lasts roughly 1-4000 swings. Its counterpart, fastpitch bats, are designed for speed and fast reaction. While slowpitch bats are created for slugging the ball.
Difference Between Slowpitch And Fastpitch Softball Bats
Although fastpitch and slowpitch softball bats have similar measurements, they are still different from each other. Fastpitch bats are designed to hit balls traveling with faster speed while slowpitch softball functions to try for bigger hits. In terms of shape, slowpitch bats are narrow with little distance between barrel and neck.
They have a larger barrel which makes it easier to hit the sweet spot. Fastpitch softball bats give importance to contact, while slowpitch bats are used to assist the performance of a batter.
Although it may be more difficult to control a slowpitch bat because of its weight, it requires less bat contact attention.
What Size Bat Should I Use For Slow Pitch Softball?
Slowpitch softball bats have 2- inch barrels on average. Smaller players or those who prefer bat speed should use a bat in the 24 to 27 oz. range. Since these bats have a length of 34 inches, they are usually advised to smaller softball players.
Best Slow pitch Softball Bats
After knowing the properties of slowpitch softball bats, it is now time to know the best slowpitch softball bats at the present. There are currently five top-performing bats that are used by professionals and non-professions, and these will be featured in this section.
1. Miken Exclusive 2021 Chaos
The Miken 2021 Exclusive Chaos is the top pick and one that’s approved for play in most slowpitch softball leagues. This bat has been engineered to maximize bat speed and hitting distance. It also looks aesthetically pleasing in its starkly contrasting neon green and black colors. Its construction features thinner walls and a two-piece 100 percent alloy composition.
Its composition provides it with several flexes and a responsive barrel. A 0.5-ounce end load and 14-inch long barrel are combined to supply immense power through the zone. A player does not have to “break it in” because he/she/they will start hitting bombs right out of the wrapper.
Aside from its quality, it is also durable and feels great while holding due to its cushy grip and skinny handle.
2. Demarini Juggy Slowpitch
The 2021 Demarini Juggy is the second-best pick and winner for the “Best ASA slowpitch bat for 2021″ award. The 12-inch end-loaded barrelJuggernaut bat is the USA and ASA-approved slow that is used by batters who prefer a heavier swing.
A double wall barrel provides comfortable compression for the grip feel of the hands. Although one downside is it needs to be fully broken before experiencing its full quality. The composite barrel then pairs to an alloy handle.
This handle is stiffer and more durable, causing it to flex less and forcing the barrel to have better performance. Despite its composite barrel, the 2021 Juggy has decent pop straight out of the wrapper but becomes better with more usage.
3. 2021 Anderson Ambush
Over the last 25 years, Anderson Bat Company has gone from a personal labeling operation to form a number of the simplest well-known baseball and softball bats. In focus is the Anderson Ambush bat, a balanced, all-composite, two-piece, slowpitch bat. Its construction features a multilayered all-composite design that is consistent and sturdy. It carries USSSA, USA Softball, NSA, and ISA certifications.
The 14-inch long extended barrel gives players a huge sweet spot to work within the game. Overall, its wide barrel and balanced weight distribution while providing both speed and power on every swing make this recommendable.
4. 2021 Easton Fire Flex 240
The 2021 version of the Easton Fire Flex 240 is all-composite and two-piece. This bat features the new USSSA NTS tested logo, ISA, and NSA Certifications. It has a decent swing weight with its 13.5-inch long barrel. The barrel has a triple-wall barrel design which works best to make a wide sweet spot.
This bat offers flex barrel technology from Easton that was previously used on a number of their best slowpitch bats in the past. This technology ensures that the bat does not require an excessive amount of time to break it in. Between the composite barrel and 100 percent, the composite handle is a two-piece ConneXion that does well to scale back vibration to the hands and mishits.
How To Pick A Slow-Pitch Softball Bat?
If you are new to the world of softball, picking out the best slow-pitch softball bat can be a daunting task given the numerous brands and models out on the market. Choosing a slowpitch softball bat, it requires more bat research because there are no sizing charts or guidelines.
To begin with, the length-to-weight ratio varies from those used in baseball bats to slowpitch softball bats. Also, the bats allowed in slow-pitch baseball vary depending on the league or tournament. Some tournaments may allow certain measurements of these bats, while others might not.
Lastly, bat construction differs from our personal preference. Some players might prefer longer slowpitch bats while others may opt for standard ones.
Associations And Certifications
One of the very first belongings a batter should consider is where he/she/they plan to use the bat. There are numerous softball leagues and tournaments across the US which will involve specific bat certifications. With this in mind, you must ensure that your bat satisfies the league or tournament rules.
The following are some well-known leagues: ASA, ISA, USSSA, ISF, NSA, and Senior Softball. Some bats could also be legal to use in one league, but illegal in another. If you’re unsure about your league’s rules, speak to your coach first before buying the bat you are eyeing.
The most popular certifications you ought to look out for are ASA and USSSA.
Weight
Every player has different needs and preferences. For instance, a softball team may own different bat sizes, brands, and weights. A bat that is excessively light will not offer a batter adequate pop. Similarly, a bat that is too heavy may affect a batter’s swing speed and control in the hitting zone.
The best way to find the ideal bat weight is to canvas different bats and see what works best. 27 or 28-ounce bats are relatively used by males. However, elite players opt for bats that weigh the maximum amount of 30 ounces.
Balanced Vs. End Loaded Bats
After the ideal weight is decided, the next thing to take into consideration is the weight distribution. There are two types of bat types by weight, these are balance and end loaded bats.
Balanced
This is the foremost common bat type by weight. A balanced bat has its total weight distributed evenly throughout its length, from bottom to endcap. This even distribution keeps the bat swing weight lower.
The lower the bat’s weight, the faster the bat is often swung, and therefore the easier it is to regulate. Ideally, balanced bats are the best choice for players who want to get the maximum amount of bat speed such as contact hitters or base hitters. They provide a smoother swing and bat control.
End loaded
On the opposite, end-loaded bats are the right pick for softball players who already make intense swing movements and wish to swing for power hits. This bat type is ideal because it suffices their need for more weight towards the top cap.
Since they are more top-heavy, end-loaded bats are harder to control through the hitting zone. Although stronger players can leverage this to extend the reach of their hits on contact with the ball.
Material
This is arguably one of the most crucial considerations in buying a slowpitch bat. Most slowpitch bats are composite, while some are aluminum and wooden. Each of these materials feels different and can affect a player’s performance.
Composite Bats
Composite material bats are the most common bat type seen in most leagues and tournaments. They are composed of a combination of fiberglass, carbon fiber, and graphite. They are lighter than aluminum and wood bats, thus offering players quicker swing speeds.
Aluminum Bats
Aluminum bats have been the alternative to wood bats since the 1970s. They are ideal for beginners of the game because it is less expensive than composite and wood bats. Manufacturers make an alloy by adding specific elements to the aluminum. Some additives are more durable than others, that is why prices differ for this type.
Wood
Many leagues are switching to wood because of the safety and cost savings it comes with. The best wood softball bats are commonly made out of Maple or Bamboo due to their durability and robust materials. During training, wood bats are commonly seen as practice bats. They have a smaller sweet spot than aluminum or composite bats.
Construction
One-piece bats feature one material throughout the bat’s entire lifespan. They provide players a stiffer and more traditional feel on contact with the ball. This is on average the simplest slowpitch bat for power hitters.
A two-piece bat, also known as a half-and-half bat, features two pieces: barrel and handle joined via a connective bit. It is either a composite barrel and composite handle, alloy barrel and alloy handle, a combination of the two materials.
One significant advantage is that two-piece bats have more flex at the purpose of contact, giving the bat added work through the zone. Additionally, two-piece bats have less sting in the hands during mishits because the handle and barrel are separate. Two-piece slowpitch bats are the usually seen bats for contact hitters.
Conclusion
In seeking out the simplest slow-pitch softball bat, there are still numerous considerations to be taken into account. Choosing a bat that fits your preferences, position, and skill is essential if you want to improve your batting game. The specs of the slowpitch bat you select can make all the difference in your game.
With that being said, if slowpitch softball bats aren’t the type for your comfort, fastpitch bats are also an alternative. Regardless of the case, suggestions, and comments, for what’s best for you and what you think will give you the best in-game performance.
