Success at the plate in fastpitch softball often comes down to one main thing: making consistent hard contact against live pitching. To do this, it's important to swing a certified fastpitch bat that is right for you. That means three things:
- Using a fastpitch bat that's long enough to cover the strike zone;
- Light enough to swing with ease, and;
- Heavy enough to generate power.
Weight is possibly the most important factor to consider when choosing a bat. A bat that is too heavy is harder to swing, causing a loss in momentum, reduced distance or a miss altogether. If a bat is too light for a player, the player could miss out on the extra force they could generate from a heavier bat. Most slowpitch bats weight between 26 and 30 ounces.
A factor you may not see, but will definitely feel is the swing weight of your bat. Bats can fall along the swing weight spectrum, from light to balanced to end-loaded. End-loaded bats shift extra weight toward the end of the barrel, creating more whip-like action on a player’s swing and generating more power. Balanced bats have a more even weight distribution, allowing for potentially greater swing speed for many hitters. This is preferred by contact hitters who want more control of their swing.
Good news: Baseball Outlet stocks one-piece alloy bats. One-piece bats are one complete piece of composite or alloy material and are often used by power hitters as they provide less flex on contact. Alloy is a mixture of two or more metals, and has been commonly used in slowpitch bats for years.
Pros of Alloy
- Stiffer feel through the swing zone.
- More durable material.
The bats that we stock carry the ISF Certified stamp approving them for league play.
