10 Best Fastpitch Softball Bats of 2023 – A Buyer's Guide

Top 10 Best Fastpitch Softball Bats of 2023 with Reviews

When it comes to selecting a fastpitch softball bat, most people are not sure where to start. The market is loaded with all different fastpitch softball bat options, each of which has its own unique merits and drawbacks. In short, no two fastpitch softball bats are exactly the same.

Fret not, our team of fastpitch softball experts is here to help you sort through the litany of options and select the perfect new bat for your son or your daughter.  Without further ado, let’s check out the top 10 best fastpitch softball bats of 2023.

Top 10 Best Fastpitch Softball Bats of the Year

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One of the top rated and best fastpitch softball bats out there, the Ombre is an excellent choice. For fastpitch softball players 8 and under, it can be difficult to find a softball bat that fulfills both your size needs and a bigger barrel. But this Rawlings Ombre fastpitch softball bat hits the sweet spot with this smaller one-piece alloy bat for young fastpitch softball players.

The bat’s sweet spot was strategically designed to give young players more pop when they make contact with the ball. It is also ultra-lightweight to help players increase their bat speed for the fast pitch game.

Additionally, this softball bat has x-tended sweet spot technology and an extended alloy barrel that helps young players make good contact.

Features:

• Approved for use by all associations including: USA/ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISF, and ISA
• -11 drop weight
• extended barrel
• one-piece alloy construction
• The Ombre can be used for slow pitch softball as well

With such a high drop weight and a lightweight construction, this is a great softball bat for a young first time fast pitch softball player.

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Louisville Slugger is synonymous with high-quality bats, and this 2020 softball bat is no exception. It is a composite one-piece softball bat that comes in four different size options: 29”, 30”, 31”, and 33”. The one-piece design offers a solid feel on contact that will help softball players make contact and swing for the fences. It also has a -12, one of the highest on our list, making it a lightweight option for sluggers. The high-quality material is not limited to the barrel, the handle is made of full performance alloy.

Features:

• Composite
• One-piece construction softball bat
• Lightweight
• Balanced swing weight

Overall, this fastpitch bat from Louisville Slugger is best for players who want to focus on making contact and are hitting for a high batting average. Its construction lends itself to this type of player from the -12 drop to the one-piece design and alloy handle.

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This fastpitch softball bat has multiple options, so you can pick out the right dimensions for you. Mizuno offers -10 and -11 drop bats with 5 different size and weight options. In addition to its function and high quality, it also has a sleek purple and white design that will really pop on the softball diamond. This composite bat’s selling point is its top-of-the line design and features.

Softball Bat Features:

• Detonator Cor design creates low barrel compression for great performance
• Speed-Helix Grip to provide comfort and durability
• Made of two different materials for vibration reduction
• Stiff Carbon Handle reduces energy loss when impacting the ball at higher ball speeds

These important design features make it a powerful fastpitch bat in the right hands. It will improve bat speed and comfort, allowing you to swing for the fences with ease.

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This softball bat is designed for youth players and is best for t-ball players aged 4-8. It is a 24-inch bat that weighs 13 ounces, and it is great for young players who want to swing for the fences. It has a large barrel for a t-ball bat with a diameter of 2 ¼ inches, so your young player will have a big sweet spot to make contact with.

Features:

• Sleek design and color scheme
• 24 inches, 13 ounces
• Suitable for players aged 4-8 (40-70 pounds)
• Big barrel and sweet spot
• Aluminum

An excellent aluminum softball bat for young softball players who are just getting started with the game. Your young softball player will be happy with this fastpitch bat as it can increase their confidence at the plate with its big barrel and sweet spot.

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This is a premium fastpitch bat that comes at a premium price, but you get what you pay for with the DeMarini FP Prism. Built with high-quality materials and exceptional design, fast pitch softball players will get a lot out of this bat.

The bat is constructed with doublewall gapped barrel technology, which means two walls are working together within the bat, resulting in a massive sweet spot. Along with this technology, DeMarini utilizes the type V connection to maximize the sweet spot and its responsiveness.

The composite barrel is made with longer strands of composite adding weight to the barrel and massively increasing overall performance. You also get choices with either a -10 or -11 drop weight and sizes ranging from 28”-34”.

Fastpitch Bat Features:

• 7 size options (28”, 29”, 30”, 31”, 32”, 33”, 34”)
• Choice of -10 or -11 drop weight
• Composite barrel construction

For serious youth fast pitch softball players, this is the cream of the crop when it comes to bats.

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This is one of Louisville Slugger’s best fastpitch softball bats, making it ideal for young and diminutive softball players. This fastpitch bat has a -13 drop weight, perfect balance and proves easy to control compared to other more heavier models. The full composite design ensures the bat has a massive sweet spot, making the batting experience all the more enjoyable for younger inexperienced players who simply want to square up the softball.

This is a low-cost, feature-laden softball bat with a lightweight design perfect for softball newbies and youngsters. However, if you are an older player or more experienced, you will likely favor a heavier softball bat.

Furthermore, the bat is sold in one drop weight of -13 while most other softball bats have multiple models with varying drop weights to pick from. Take these factors into consideration before committing to the new Louisville Slugger Proven softball bat for use in your fastpitch softball games.

• BARREL: Full Composite with an engineered sweet spot for better feel and pop on contact.
• CONSTRUCTION: One-piece design for a solid feel on contact.
• SWING WEIGHT: Ultra balanced – light & easy to swing for increased control and bat speed.
• 2 1/4 Barrel Diameter

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The Louisville Slugger RXT X20 fastpitch bat sounds similar to a cool Mazda sports car yet it is indeed a popular fastpitch softball bat. This fastpitch bat has a two-piece design that links the lower and upper end with a spring loaded connectivity system. This design ensures the bat proves, responses and feels that much more comfortable in the hands when making contact with a softball. The bat barrel is comprised of full composite with the patented Louisville Slugger technology dubbed HVR-1.

The end result of HVR-1 tech is added power that makes the bat all the more responsive upon making contact with the softball. Give this bad boy a swing for yourself and you will find it has perfect balance, ensuring you have the proper level of control over the direction of your swing as well as your swing speed and other subtle nuances that ultimately determine you success at the plate.

Of particular importance is the bat’s large sweet spot. Make contact with the softball at the sweet spot and you will find the COPA performance end cap and barrel work perfectly in unison to send the softball flying toward the outfield fence or beyond. If comfort is your primary concern, you will love this bat’s premium quality LS pro style grip designed with ergonomics in mind. You really can hold onto this fastpitch softball bat in the batting cage for hours on end, swinging at one pitch after another without developing hand soreness, blisters or callouses.

If you are on the fence as to whether this bat is worthy of your money, look no further than the maker’s name: Louisville Slugger. The company has sold more than 100 million bats.

In short, this is one of the best fastpitch softball bat brands in world history. Plunk down your hard-earned money on this softball bat and you will have complete confidence that it will prove reliable in the years ahead. In fact, your teammates will be begging you to try your new Louisville Slugger RXT X20 at the plate.

• BARREL: Full Composite with patented HVR-1 Technology™ for an extremely responsive barrel that delivers maximum pop that you can feel.
• CONSTRUCTION: Two-piece design featuring a SPRINGLOAD™ Connection System – for a more responsive bat that improves feel on contact and drives the ball through the zone.
• SWING WEIGHT: Balanced swing weight for extreme control and maximum swing speed.
• END CAP: COPA™ performance End Cap works with the barrel to maximize the sweet spot.
• GRIP: Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip™ with increased tack for better feel and more control.
• 2 1/4 Barrel Diameter

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Another premium DeMarini fastpitch bat, this fastpitch softball bat has even more size and drop weight options. Tailor your bat to your playstyle with drop weights from -8 to -11 and a wide variety of size (29”-34”) and weight (18 oz-26 oz) options.

All the while you can rest assured that you’re still getting one of the highest quality bats on the market. This one has a composite barrel designed with Paraflex Plus for a massive sweet spot and increased barrel control.

It also has a tracer end cap that is made of lightweight composite materials and is designed to increase swing speed as pitchers’ pitch speed increases.

Fastpitch Bat Features:

• 15 different bats with different heights and weights
• Drop weight from -8 to -11
• Composite construction

Whether you’re a power hitter swinging for the fences or a contact hitter looking for ultimate control, there’s a DeMarini fastpitch bat in this model right for you.

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One of the best fastpitch softball bats on the market, the 2020 Mizuno F20 Titanium softball bat is a premium bat priced for those who have a true passion for fastpitch softball. If you are short on money and looking to pick up an economical softball bat, cross this one off your list.

However, if you are willing to spend for a top-quality softball bat and do not mind paying more for a truly elite product, you should give serious consideration to this elite fastpitch softball bat.

This is an end-loaded bat with considerable pop. The hot metal titanium barrel is responsible for the bat’s ample power. Furthermore, the stiff carbon handle also helps the bat rattle off one blast after another. The stiff carbon handle minimizes energy loss at the point of impact, ultimately boosting the softball after contact all the more.

There is no need to worry about a potential stinging sensation when swinging the 2020 Mizuno F20 Titanium. The handle is somewhat stiff yet the engineers of this bad boy prudently added dynamic damper technology to reduce vibrations that move along the hands after the point of contact. The handle is enhanced all the more with a speed-helix grip. Furthermore, the bat is approved for use in ASA, ISF, ISA, USSSA and NSA.

In terms of negatives, some players complain the bat is only available as a -10 drop weight. As noted above, the bat is comparably expensive so be sure to conduct some research to determine if there is a similar model on the market that might suit your fancy at a slightly cheaper price. However, just about everyone who swings this bat agrees it is smooth, well-balanced and most importantly, quite powerful.

Features

• Hot Metal Titanium: Maximum performance from your first swing combined with great sound at impact.
• Black Onyx Carbon™: Increased durability with a shorter break-in period.
• Stiff Carbon Handle: Reduces energy loss when impacting the ball at higher ball speeds to put more energy where it belongs (the ball) and less where it doesn't (the handle and your hands).
• Spiral Wrap: Creates uniform performance and improves durability for best possible feel.
• 3-PC Construction: Multi-Piece construction used to create maximum performance and feel.
• Dynamic Damper: Significantly reduces vibrations to the hands for a more comfortable swing.
• Speed-Helix™ Grip: Designed to provide comfort and durability.
• 2 1/4 Barrel Diameter
• Free shipping with purchase!

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If you are a power hitter or plan on becoming one, you will love this fastpitch softball bat. The bat features an end loaded swing style which is quite rare compared to other fastpitch softball bats. There is also a Seismic style end cap that enhances the end load all the more, bolstering the force created when the bat’s barrel strikes the softball. This fully composite bat is made with comparably stiff Parastack material. The barrel is highly responsive, making it perfect for power hitters. This stiff feel ensures you know when you have made solid contact with the softball.

The bat is made all the more powerful thanks to its Direct Connection style handle. This design sends energy right back into the barrel of the bat when contact is made with the softball. In short, this design ensures all the effort you put into your swing makes the intended impact on the softball.

The bat makers at DeMarini deserve credit for making the FNX Rising in length to width ratios of -10, -9 and -8. Furthermore, the bat is approved for use in every type of fastpitch softball league. Swing the bat for yourself and you will find the end loaded swing really does empower you to launch moonshots near or even beyond the center field fence. However, if you find it difficult to control your swing, you will find the end loaded weight makes it somewhat challenging to make solid contact with regularity. Some power hitters have also complained that this bat is not of the one-piece variety.

One of the best fastpitch softball bats on the market, let's take a look at the key features here:

• Parastack Composite Barrel
• Direct Connection Handle
• Seismic End Cap
• 2 1/4 Barrel Diameter

 

What Are the Different Types of Fastpitch Bats?

Now that we covered the top 10 best fastpitch softball bats on the market, let's talk about the different type of fastpitch softball bats so you can make the best buying decision possible.

The fastpitch softball bat ideal for you or your youngster might not be optimal for your neighbor’s daughter or another fastpitch softball player. In short, there are several different types of fastpitch softball bats to choose from.

The type of bat that suits you or your little softball player is ultimately based on a wide array of factors ranging from the feel of the bat to its weight, balance, aesthetics and other factors.

Balanced Fastpitch Softball Bats

Balanced fastpitch bats are those in which weight is evenly distributed. Though some such fastpitch bats labeled as balanced fastpitch softball bats are not completely evenly balanced, most are fairly close to a truly even balance.The merit of a balanced fastpitch softball bat is it allows for a comparably light and natural feeling swing. Such light and comfy swinging motions really are that much easier to control while in the batter’s box. The bottom line is those who hit for contact and average should give serious consideration to balanced fastpitch softball bats. The only type of player who should not consider a balanced bat is a power hitter.

Alloy Fastpitch Softball Bats

Comprised of rigid alloy metal (typically aluminum), this type of bat is a one-piece commonly favored by those who swing for the fences.  The truly elite alloy fastpitch softball bats are highly responsive and have comparably more weight and mass than regular composite fastpitch bats.

Hybrid Fastpitch Softball Bats

Hybrid bats were once characterized by their alloy barrel and composite handle.  This design ensured the bat pleased all softball players.  Nowadays, hybrid fastpitch softball bats are typically made of full alloy along with a composite cap at the end.  Though this is not a true hybrid design, it still technically qualifies as a hybrid.  However, the bat-makers behind these hybrids are willing to admit the two-piece design of yesteryear has given way to contemporary one-piece designs.

Composite Fastpitch Softball Bats

Comprised of composite materials such as metal matrix composites and carbon fiber, this variety of fast pitch bat is typically quite light in weight.  Though composite softball bats are light, they are built to last.  The composite fastpitch softball bats of considerable quality flex for improved bat whip.  Furthermore, this variety of bat is crafted to minimize the sting of contact with the softball.  If you have a fast swing and strive for a high average as opposed to power, you will likely be quite happy with your composite fast pitch softball bat.

End Loaded Fastpitch Softball Bats

The end loading of a bat means there is additional mass and weight placed toward the barrel’s end part.  Those who try to “go yard” as frequently as possible are on the prowl for truly elite end loaded fastpitch softball bats.  The additional weight really does help power hitters launch softballs with additional carry.  The only downside to an end loaded bat is it is comparably heavy toward the end so you’ll have to give it your all at the plate unless you are particularly muscular.

 

How to Choose Bat size, Diameter, Mass and Drop

The size, diameter, mass and drop of your bat should be completely unique to your idiosyncratic preferences.  Bat length is important as an elongated bat makes it easier to hit softballs toward the outside part of the strike zone.  The downside to a long bat is the extra mass toward its end. Check out the softball length to weight chart below to help you find the right fastpitch bat for your kid. 

 

 

Fastpitch softball bat weight is measured in ounces.  The weight of the bat is typically linked to its weight drop, meaning the length in inches compared to the weight in ounces.  Swing several different bats with varying weights, lengths and weight drops in the batting cage to determine which is ideal for you.

 

 

Bat Materials

The material your bat is made of is a large determinant of your success on the diamond.  The material you prefer might not be exactly the same as the preferred material of one of your teammates or another player.  Each unique material has its own feel, vibration, durability and other features. 

 

Aluminum Fastpitch Bats

Aluminum bats are often made of aluminum combined with additional alloys.  This popular material for softball and baseball bats varies in price in accordance with the quality of aluminum.  The benefit of an aluminum bat is its fast swing speed thanks to its comparably lower inertia.  Add in the fact that aluminum bats have a lower swing weight and it is that much easier to crush the softball.

Furthermore, aluminum bats have a comparably wide sweet spot.  Plenty of batters favor aluminum as there is no break-in period required and these bats do not crack or break.  Another bonus is the fact that aluminum bats are affordable.  In terms of flaws, aluminum bats have a comparably high vibration and have the potential to cause painful stings.  Furthermore, if you don’t like a particularly stiff bat, you probably won’t favor aluminum.

 

Composite Fastpitch Bats

Composite bats are made of composite material or carbon fiber polymer.  In short, plastic resin combines kevlan fibers, glass and carbon to make this unique bat.  Composite bats are made in either a three-piece, two-piece or single design.  If the temperatures dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, composite bats have the potential to prove unusable.  However, composite bats provide a light swing, allow for the trampoline effect (the collision between the ball and bat) to be adjusted with a softer barrel or stiffer handle, cause minimal sting and have quite the wide sweet spot. 

If you enjoy the “popping” sound made upon contact with the softball, you will love your composite fastpitch softball bat.  As long as you are willing to break in your bat, you should be well-served by the composite variety.

 

Wood Fastpitch Bats

There are all different types of wood bats ranging from ash to bamboo, birch and maple.  The professionals use maple bats as they are made to take a pounding and not break.  Maple also boosts the hitter’s power, creates a loud popping sound and stands the test of time.  The only downside to maple bats is their lack of flexibility and considerable heft.  Furthermore, some players don’t like the comparably small sweet spot on maple bats.

Birch wood bats are strong, flexible and ideal for beginning players.  The downside to birch wood bats is they require a break-in period prior to use in an actual game.  Ash wood bats are comparably light, provide considerable flex and have a large sweet spot.  This is a forgiving bat that ensures fast swing speed and features a lovely all-natural look. 

Composite wood bats are a combination of composite material and wood.  These are durable bats yet they must adhere to specific requirements for use in certain leagues.  If you are on the prowl for an especially durable wood bat, look no further than bamboo.  Bamboo bats have a comparably light swing weight and function similar to regular wood bats.

 

What’s the Difference Between ASA and USSSA Certifications for Fastpitch?

If you are unsure as to what league stamps really mean and which fastpitch softball bats are allowed for use in certain leagues, you are not alone.  Our team is here to provide you with the information you need to understand certifications and ensure you have the optimal bat.  In short, there is not a significant difference between USSA and ASA certifications and rules pertaining to bat use.  Each league requires that a bat must be 34 inches in length or shorter.  Both leagues also require that the barrel diameter be 2.25 inches.  Both leagues permit the use of wood bats.  However, wood bats are not commonplace in either league. 

Be sure to check the taper of the fastpitch softball bat you have in mind to see the certification stamps.  The majority of the top league associations use their own unique stamp that reveals whether it is allowed for use.  However, leagues have the right to set new standards and stamps will change as time progresses.  This reality creates the potential for problems with aged softball bats that have outdated stamps. 

Which Brands Make the Best Fastpitch Bats?

A multitude of businesses make fastpitch softball bats.  However, some names are particularly common while others are relatively unknown.  Take the time to consider the merits of each company’s fastpitch softball bats and you will be able to make a well-educated decision when selecting your bat.

 

Mizuno

If you follow baseball closely, you likely know the Japanese love the game.  Their top bat-maker, Mizuno, has been around for more than a century.  Mizuno’s fastpitch softball bats are built with a focus on quality and elite craftsmanship.  The company’s softball bats are available at all different prices so you are sure to find one that fits your budget.

 

Rawlings

Rawlings is one of the premier baseball companies in the world.  Check out Rawlings fastpitch softball bats and you will agree they are elite.  In fact, some college championship squads have used Rawlings bats in recent years.  Rawlings’ fastpitch softball bats are quite affordable compared to those sold by the competition yet they are still top-notch in terms of design.  The icing on the cake is the fact that Rawlings softball bats are made right here in the good old USA.

 

Louisville Slugger

Louisville Slugger is one of the top bat makers in the world.  The company has been making high-quality softball bats for more than a century.  Check out Louisville Slugger’s fastpitch softball bats for yourself and you will agree they are solidly built, reliable and feel comfortable in the hands.

 

Easton

Easton bats are ubiquitous.  Head on out to a softball or baseball diamond anywhere in the country and you are sure to find an Easton in use.  Easton bat designers are responsible for crafting some of the industry’s top composite and alloy softball bats.  Furthermore, the company’s engineers push the envelope with the use of cutting-edge bat-making technologies that set the standard for excellence.

 

Axe Bat

Axe Bat is a relatively new entrant into the bat business.  The company’s re-design of the conventional bat handle is garnering considerable attention.  The company’s bat handles are shaped similar to an axe used by a woodcutter to facilitate comfort, minimize injury risk and help hitters make contact with pitches toward the inner part of the plate.  Axe Bats are so unique that they are sold with a 30-day trial period so users can test out the product and determine if it is to their liking.

 

DeMarini

Though DeMarini is not the most popular bat manufacturer, the company’s creations certainly prove reliable on the field of play.  Swing a DeMarini and you will agree it has ample pop.  In fact, DeMarini’s bat designers have gone as far as empowering customers to customize their bat color.

Conclusion

Swing at least a couple fastpitch softball bats before committing to one. Keep in mind, the bat you select will largely dictate your success at the dish in the years to come.  Try out your teammates’ fastpitch bats in the batting cage, get a feel for each bat-maker’s product and you will be able to make a well-informed decision. 

When in doubt, opt for quality over affordability. Spending $50 to $100 more on a high-quality bat really does have the potential to make the difference between hitting .300 and hitting .275 or being well-served by a bat that lasts a decade as opposed to a couple years.

We hope this article was helpful to you, and we hope that you have found the best fastpitch softball bat for you or your kid!