Choosing Fastpitch Bats

In the event you are not personally familiar with the differences between fastpitch and slowpitch softball, then hearing terms like “slowpitch bats” and “fastpitch bats” might be a bit jarring. To some, there is only a muddy difference between softball and baseball, and none to speak of within each of these sports.

This, however, could not be further from the truth, as there exist different regulations for different styles of play within these sports. Softball, for example, can be divided further into slowpitch and fastpitch softball, each of which requires its own specialized equipment. Fastpitch bats are designed to be used in fastpitch games and are typically made from aluminum or composite materials. Some bats are even made from a combination of aluminum and composite together.

Even though there are a lot of fine details of which you might not have been aware previously, there is some good news in all of this. The rules for picking out fastpitch bats are really no different from those for picking out bats for slowpitch softball and even baseball. Besides the regulations specifying what bats you are permitted to use in competition, it all comes down to weight, balance, fit, and feel.

First, you will have to make sure you select a bat that fits you properly because if you don’t start with this everything else will fall by the wayside. While there are no hard or fast rules, and fit will vary by a player’s personal dimensions, keeping these factors in mind can go a long way.

To start, you should be able to put the knob of the bat against your chest and comfortably reach out and grip the barrel. You should also be able just to reach the tip of the bat with your arms outstretched to the side and the bat placed with the knob at the center of your chest.

These pointers should only be used as the groundwork to give you a place to search. The most important thing to consider is player preference, but that can only be determined after handling or even practicing with a bat. On that note, you should select that bat that is reasonably weighted and balanced for your preferences. To tell if a bat is weighted properly for you, hold it with an outstretched arm. You should be able to keep the bat level with the ground at the end of an outstretched arm for a minimum of 30 seconds - some would say a minute.

After that, as far as length to weight ratio, that’s something that you will need to determine on your own. Whether or not you like a more nimble, lightweight bat for precision hits or an end-loaded monster to crush a pitch and send it over the fence, well, that’s up to you.

If you’re looking for fastpitch softball bats - or slowpitch bats or baseball bats - along with any other equipment you might need on the field or for practice for fastpitch softball, don’t miss a chance to visit HB Sports at HeadbangerSports.com. Their collection of bats is immense and their prices are great, but best of all, their service is top flight. Visit their website today or give them a call at 1-888-540-BATS.

Posted June 10, 2020 09:47