As we all know, finding an excellent slowpitch softball bat can be a daunting task. Furthermore, given a market filled with various options, buyers might feel overwhelmed and confused when choosing the perfect bat. However, don’t fret because we have collected the 8 best slowpitch softball bats in the market in this article!
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Table Of Content
What is Slowpitch Softball?
Before we start listing down the best slowpitch softball bats, we must first know what slowpitch softball is in the first place. Knowing the pitching rules and game style of slowpitch softball and its difference with fastpitch softball can give buyers an insight into what type of slowpitch bats are perfect for their playstyle. Therefore, let’s look at the rules and regulations of slowpitch softball!
Pitching Rules
In slowpitch softball, the pitching style required is a half-windmill pitch. The half-windmill pitching style entails a pitcher sending the ball within an arc between 6-12 ft. in height. In addition, the distance between a pitcher and a batter is 50ft. Therefore, it is easier to hit a ball in a slowpitch softball game since it comes slower than a fastpitch softball game.
Slowpitch Playstyle
Since a pitcher in slowpitch softball lobs the ball in a 6-12ft arc, batters strike the softball at an upward angle, passing the pressure to the defensive tactics of the fielders. As a result, the slowpitch rules require the batter to hit the ball to put the ball into play. Unlike fastpitch softball, slowpitch does not rely on fast pitches that generate strikes but on the batter putting the ball into play.
Slowpitch softball encourages the defensive team to implement decisive plays to generate outs as the offensive team tries to get around the diamond. Because of the pitching speeds in slowpitch softball, we advise batters to pick a bat that will enable them to put the ball into play in every pitch.
Number of Innings
Slowpitch softball games usually last around seven innings. Batters must know their total capacity when playing slowpitch softball games. Furthermore, batters should pick a bat that they can handle on a game’s entire duration without straining. When a bat is too heavy, it causes strain on the body which can cause injuries.
Softball Leagues
Softball Leagues sanction official softball tournaments worldwide and in the United States. These softball leagues have their own set of rules and regulations, especially regarding bat models. Therefore, it is essential to know if the league you play in will allow your preferred bat.
The softball leagues that sanction different official slowpitch tournaments are Amateur Softball Association (ASA), Independent Softball Association (ISA), World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), National Softball Association (NSA), and the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA).
What to Look For When Buying a Slowpitch Softball Bat?
Before buying a bat, it is essential to know what to consider when choosing the best slowpitch softball bat. Picking a slowpitch bat that fits your preference will significantly boost your performance during games. In addition, having the best slowpitch softball bat can dramatically decrease the risk of experiencing an unwanted injury. With this said, let’s look at the things to look for when buying a slowpitch softball bat.
Slowpitch Softball Bat Barrel Size and Length Constants:
As stated, the pitching style in a slowpitch baseball game is different from its fastpitch and baseball counterpart. In addition, the slow lob in slowpitch softball encourages batters to hit the ball for a play to commence. Therefore, slowpitch league regulation provides slowpitch softball bats with a constant larger size than baseball and fastpitch bats.
For a batter to hit the ball frequently, slowpitch softball leagues require their softball bats to have a 2 ¼” barrel. In addition, softball league regulations also state that slowpitch bats should have a length of exactly 34″ long.
Brand:
It is common knowledge that big brands in softball frequently offer excellent bat quality than cheaper unbranded bats. Different brands, like the Easton softball bats, incorporate various technology and innovation in their products, providing a comparative advantage compared to lesser-known brands. Furthermore, established brands usually have tons of experience in bat making, ensuring quality for every buck you spend on their product.
Big brands like Louiseville Slugger and Easton are part of today’s leading manufacturers in the field of slowpitch softball bats.
Softball Bat Feel and Weight
Softball bats offer two kinds of bat feel— balanced and end-loaded. Depending on what type of batting style you do, it is crucial to supplement it with the right bat feel. Incorporating the right bat feel into your swing will significantly improve your overall performance on the plate; therefore, we recommend assessing the right bat feel for you.
A balanced slowpitch softball bat provides a player with a lightweight bat that is easy to lift and control. In addition, a balanced bat is generally faster, perfect for players who require a lighter softball bat. Conversely, end-loaded softball bats improve the momentum of a batter’s swing, releasing unforgiving power in every hit. Furthermore, using heavier bats require more muscle strength to support your body when unleashing powerful swings. Therefore, we only recommend end-loaded softball bats for advanced players since using heavier bats may lead to terrible swinging habits.
League Regulations
It is a player’s responsibility to make sure that their slowpitch softball bat meets the requirement set by the league they play in. Before buying a slowpitch softball bat, the bat must have a stamp that meets the certification of the softball association you play in. Reputable brands like Easton and Louiseville Slugger feature dual stamp bats you can use in any league-sanctioned games. With your convenience in mind, we have collected a list of the best slowpitch softball bats certified by all major leagues.
Budget:
What is the best slowpitch softball bat if it breaks the bank? It is essential to find a slowpitch softball bat from respectable manufacturers, and it is also crucial to consider how much money you are willing to spend on a bat. Manufacturers have various slowpitch softball bat lines with prices that vary depending on their included features and technology. With this in hand, we have designed this list to fit all budgets— ranging from $45 up to $560.
The 5 Best Slowpitch Softball Bats for All Leagues
Miken Exclusive 2021 Chaos
If you are looking for a budget slowpitch softball bat perfect for training sessions, recreational, and official tournaments— then the Miken Exclusive 2021 Chaos is an excellent choice for you.
The Miken Chaos is ideal for batters looking for a slowpitch softball bat that increases their swing speed without compromising power and ball distance. In addition, the Miken Chaos incorporates a thin barrel wall and Eflex Technology Alloy composition to provide players with unmatched barrel flexibility and performance on the plate. Furthermore, the Miken Exclusive 2021 Chaos offers improved swing power thanks to its end-loaded feel and 14″ barrel length.
Maximize your abilities and dominate the diamond with the Miken Exclusive 2021 Chaos!
Specifications:
- Made with Eflex Technology Alloy.
- Thin barrel wall.
- 5 XL end load.
- 14″ Barrel length.
Brand: Miken
Feel and Weight: The Miken Chaos provides an end-loaded feel and comes in sizes 34inch/26oz and 34/27oz (-8 and -9 bat drop).
League Regulations: All slowpitch softball leagues approve the Miken Exclusive 2021 Chaos.
Price: £60.01 / $85
- The thin barrel wall enables the barrel to be more flexible.
- Provides more power to swings.
- All slowpitch softball leagues approve it.
- We do not recommend the Milken Chaos as a beginner’s bat.
Louisville Slugger Vapor Softball Bat
Perfect for batters looking for an excellent balance between durability and weight, the Louisville Slugger Vapor Softball bat does not fall short. Incorporating Louisville Slugger’s premium 7050 aluminum alloy, expect an outstanding lifetime from this softball bat. In addition, the Louisville Slugger Vapor includes a 7/8″ tapered handle design, perfect for comfortable grip among various hand sizes.
For complete contact with the ball, the Louisville Slugger Vapor Softball bat incorporates a one-piece design. The Vapor allows itself to transfer more energy towards the ball through the one-piece design, leading to a more responsive and powerful swing.
Armed with Louisville Slugger’s century-old quality bat craftsmanship, you can never go wrong with the Vapor slowpitch softball bat!
Specifications:
- Crafted from Louisville Slugger’s Premium 7050 Aluminum.
- 12″ barrel length.
- 7/8″ tapered handle design.
- Comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
- One-piece design.
Brand: Louisville Slugger
Feel and Weight: The Louisville Slugger Vapor Softball Bat provides an end-loaded feel and comes in sizes 34inch/26oz and 34/28oz (-8 and -6 bat drop).
League Regulations: All slowpitch major softball leagues approve the Louisville Slugger Vapor Softball Bat.
Price: £129 / $185
- Louisville Slugger quality-assured bat.
- Crafted from the 7050 aluminum alloy for unparalleled durability.
- Large sweet spot on its 12″ barrel.
- All major slowpitch softball leagues approve of this bat.
- Comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
- The colorway of the bat is prone to staining.
- No other colorway available for this bat.
Easton Salvo Composite USSSA Slow-pitch Softball Bat
Players looking for a slowpitch softball bat that offers a balance between power and control will surely love the Easton Salvo Composite Softball Bat. The Easton Salvo Composite USSSA Softball Bat features an IMX Advanced Composite Barrel to provide its user with a more prominent sweet spot for more optimized ball contact. In addition, the one-piece composite design of this softball bat enables its user to have more control despite its end-loaded feel.
The 29/32″ thin handle paired with the ultra-thin gauze grip provides unmatched comfort to all hand sizes. Even though the Easton Salvo Composite Softball Bat barrel is end-loaded, the grip compensates to provide a seamless swing and ball impact for its user’s convenience.
Possess Easton’s timeless and innovative craftsmanship with the Easton Salvo Composite USSSA Softball Bat today!
Specifications:
- Made from a one-piece IMX Advanced Composite Material.
- Features a 29/32″ thin handle.
- 12″ barrel length.
- Single system composite design.
- Ultra-thin Gauze Grip.
Brand: Easton
Feel and Weight: The Easton Salvo Composite Softball Bat provides an end-loaded feel and comes in sizes 34inch/26oz and 34/28oz (-8 and -6 bat drop).
League Regulations: All slowpitch major softball leagues approve the Easton Salvo Composite Softball Bat.
Price: 34”/28 oz— £336 / $475 || 34”/28oz— £397 / $560
- Composite construction makes the bat light despite its end-loaded feel.
- Comfortable to grip even under an extended period.
- Excellent balance between power and control.
- Barrel construction provides a more prominent sweet spot.
- Expensive price range.
EASTON HAMMER Power Loaded Slowpitch Softball Bat
The Easton HAMMER is an excellent choice for players looking for a softball bat that provides a powerful swing on the plate. The ALX50 military-grade aluminium alloy paired with a one-piece construction makes the Easton HAMMER a perfect choice for powerful hitters that can handle a heavy bat. Furthermore, the Easton HAMMER’s one-piece construction gives its user an excellent pop in every hit. Moreover, the Easton Hammer Slowpitch Softball Bat features Easton’s high-quality and innovative craftsmanship.
Unleash devastating swings that will surely shock your opponents with the Easton HAMMER Slowpitch Softball Bat today!
Specifications:
- One-piece construction.
- Crafted from ALX50 military-grade aluminum alloy.
- All-sports bat grip.
- 29/32″ ultra-thin handle.
- Long 12″ barrel length.
Brand: Easton
Feel and Weight: The Easton HAMMER Slowpitch Softball Bat provides an end-loaded feel and comes in 33″/26oz (-7 bat drop).
League Regulations: All slowpitch major softball leagues approve the Easton HAMMER Slowpitch Softball Bat.
Price: £33 / $47
- Crafted from Easton’s ALX50 military-grade aluminum alloy.
- Includes a comfortable all-sports bat grip.
- Features a 12″-long barrel.
- The ultra-thin handle makes the Easton HAMMER ideal for most hand sizes.
- Budget-friendly.
- Features a significantly heavier end-loaded -7 bat drop.
EASTON REBEL Power Loaded Slowpitch Softball Bat
If you require a durable aluminum bat, then the Easton Rebel will surely impress you! Featuring an ALX50 military-grade aluminum alloy construction, the Easton Rebel provides its user with a bat that offers a striking balance between speed and power. With the Easton Rebel’s end-loaded feel, unleash mighty swings that produce tons of pops. In addition, its 12″ barrel design makes the Easton Rebel perfect for players that require a robust bat that produces game-changing swings.
The Easton Rebel comes with an all-sports grip that provides maximum comfort and control even under an extended period of use. Easton’s decades of experience assure quality in every purchase of Easton Softball Bats!
Possess excellent control and power within the palm of your hands with the Easton Rebel now!
Specifications:
- Crafted from ALX50 military-grade aluminum alloy material.
- Features a one-piece construction.
- All-sports bat grip.
- 29/32″ ultra-thin handle.
- 12″ barrel.
Brand: Easton
Feel and Weight: The Easton Rebel Slowpitch Softball Bat provides an end-loaded feel and comes in sizes 34″/26oz, 34″/28oz, 34″/30oz (-8, -6, and -4).
League Regulations: All slowpitch major softball leagues approve the Easton Rebel Slowpitch Softball Bat.
Price: £44 / $62
- Features a long 12″ barrel.
- Offers various bat drops.
- Allowed for use in all slowpitch softball leagues.
- ALX50 military-grade aluminum alloy offers increased swing speed and power.
- The Easton Rebel is not beginner-friendly.
Our Top Pick for Senior Slowpitch Softball Games
Easton Empire Ronni Salcedo Slowpitch Softball Bat
The Easton Empire Ronnie Salcedo Softball Bat is an excellent bat explicitly made for senior slowpitch softball players in mind. Featuring a triple wall design, the Ronnie Salcedo Softball bat ensures that experienced players get explosive pop in every swing. In addition, users of this bat will find themselves delivering Herculean swings with its 12.75″ end-weighted barrel. To address the bat stings, Easton has incorporated a Carbon Zero handle that significantly reduces excessive vibrations. Moreover, Easton has used a composite design to minimize the weight its extra-loaded barrel brings.
Unleash your youthful strength with the Easton Empire Ronnie Salcedo Slowpitch Softball Bat today!
Specifications:
- Features a 100% composite design.
- 2-piece slowpitch softball bat.
- 75” barrel length.
- Carbon Zero handle.
- 2 ¼” barrel diameter.
Brand: Easton
Feel and Weight: The Easton Ronnie Salcedo Slowpitch Softball Bat provides an end-loaded feel and comes in sizes 34″/26oz, 34″/28oz, 34″/30oz (-8, -6, and -4).
League Regulations: The ISA and SSUSA approve of the Easton Ronnie Salcedo Slowpitch Softball Bat.
Price: £303 / $427
- Approved for Senior league play.
- The Carbon Zero handle minimizes the occurrence of bat stings.
- Produces powerful swing due to its end-loaded feel.
- 100% lightweight composite design.
- Not approved for play on all leagues.
- Expensive price point.
Great Beginner Slowpitch Softball Bats from Louisville Slugger
Louisville Slugger Armor Softball Bat
Another entry-level beginner bat from Louisville Slugger, the Armor Softball Bat combines power, performance, and durability in a budget-friendly bat. The Louisville Slugger Armor Softball Bat is similar to the Louisville Slugger Reaction Softball bat. The only difference is that the former consists of a 7080 aluminum alloy construction for an increased comfort upon ball contact. In addition, the one-piece construction of the Armor Softball bat ensures its significantly longer lifetime. To provide its user with a comfortable swing, the Louisville Slugger Armor Softball Bat incorporates a handle wrapped in a synthetic grip that minimizes painful vibrations upon ball contact.
Perfect for both training sessions and official games, the Louisville Slugger Armor Softball Bat is an excellent starting bat for beginners.
Specifications:
- Crafted from 7080 aluminum alloy.
- One-piece construction.
- Standard handle.
- Synthetic grip.
- Features a protective end cap.
Brand: Louisville Slugger
Feel and Weight: The Louisville Slugger Armor Slowpitch Softball Bat provides an end-loaded feel and comes in sizes 34″/26oz and 34″/28oz (-8 and -6).
League Regulations: The Louisville Slugger Amor Softball Bat is approved only for ASA, ISF, and USSSA sanctioned games.
Price: £65 / $76
- Excellent choice for beginners.
- Capable of handling intense training sessions and games.
- Synthetic grip dampens excessive vibration.
- Features a high-quality 7080 aluminum alloy.
- Not all leagues allow using this bat for play.
Louisville Slugger Reaction Softball Bat
Perfect for players only getting started playing slowpitch softball, the Louisville Slugger Reaction Softball Bat is the ultimate entry-level bat for the job. The 7050 aluminum alloy material of the Louisville Slugger Reaction ensures durability and overall increased performance of its user.
The Slugger Reaction’s one-piece 7050 aluminum construction paired with its 2 ¼” barrel provides its user with a balanced swing weight. This feature combination makes the Louisville Slugger Reaction Softball Bat a hard-to-beat entry-level competitor. Featuring a 7/8″ standard handle and a synthetic grip, the Louisville Slugger Reaction provides beginners with an excellent grip for learning how to swing.
Take the first step, get the Louisville Slugger Reaction Softball Bat now!
Specifications:
- Crafted from 7050 aluminum alloy material.
- 2 ¼” barrel.
- Features a 7/8″ standard handle.
- Synthetic grip.
- One-piece aluminum construction.
- Features a rolled end with protective end cap.
Brand: Louisville Slugger
Feel and Weight: The Louisville Slugger Reaction Softball Bat provides a balanced feel and comes in sizes 34inch/26oz and 34/28oz (-8 and -6 bat drop).
League Regulations: The Louisville Slugger Reaction Softball Bat is only approved by USSSA, ISF, and ASA.
Price: £45 / $64 (for -8 bat drop) || £52 / $75 (for -6 bat drop)
- Excellent starting bat.
- The balanced feel is perfect for players learning how to swing.
- Overall beginner-friendly.
- Budget-friendly bat.
- Not approved for play on all major leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Slowpitch Softball Bats
Q: What size slow pitch softball bat do I need?
A: According to league regulations, all slowpitch softball bats should have a 2 ¼” barrel diameter and a length of 34”. The only difference would boil down to a player’s personal preference if they want an end-loaded bat or a balanced bat.
Q: Does a heavier softball bat hit farther?
A: An end-loaded bat will transfer more energy to a ball upon contact; however, heavier doesn’t mean better. Using a heavier bat also means that it will be harder to control, reducing a player’s swing speed and reaction time.
Q: Is a balanced or end-loaded bat better?
A: Having a balanced or end-loaded bat boils down to preference. Stronger players will mostly prefer an end-loaded bat because their bodies can efficiently control their added weight, resulting in powerful swings. Conversely, players who prefer faster swings will likely choose a balanced bat because of its lightweight feel, providing players with a higher swing speed.
Q: What should I look for when buying a softball bat?
A: Before you buy a softball bat, you should consider its brand, feel, weight, league certifications, and price range.
Q: Can a softball bat go dead?
A: Softball bats are prone to wear and tear during use, decreasing their overall usability over time. Usually, a softball bat has a lifespan of 4000 ball hits at its maximum. However, this number will vary upon external factors like how hard you swing, materials of the bat, frequency of use, and ball material.
