Playing our favorite sports requires specific skills, honing them, and using them to come out on top during competitions. But how can you use your skills to your most benefit if you are playing with subpar equipment?
This absolutely applies to softball, and even more specifically softball bats. Bats for fastpitch softball in particular have truly improved over the decades and now have a host of features that all players need to closely consider prior to purchasing. Today, there is a surprisingly large amount of features that you need to keep in mind when buying your next at-the-plate weapon!
When you are looking for a brand new bat for playing fastpitch softball, there are a good amount of points you need to consider, such as:
The Brand
You certainly don’t want to buy just any bat you find from any brand– you should only purchase a bat from the top brands in the game! Some of them include Louisville Slugger, Marucci, Miken, Worth, AXE, Rawlings, and Easton. These brands produce some of the most widely used bats in the world– even by professionals!
Make Sure It’s For Fastpitch and Not Slowpitch!
One of the key points to note is that there are two types of softball: fastpitch and slowpitch. Both of these types of softball require different kinds of bats. Using the wrong bat for the wrong type of softball is not only illegal but can also make you significantly worse at the plate even if you do manage to get them past the umpire.
Drop Weight (Length-to-Weight Ratio)
Fastpitch softball bats rely heavily on their length-to-weight ratio, also referred to as the drop weight. Drop weight is the length minus the weight of the bat. This matters a great deal in fastpitch because you need to find the right ratio in order to have the perfect amount of power and speed in your swing. Using the drop weight as a unit of measurement for that is crucial.
Construction– From Endcap to Knob
Not all bats are built the same, including their construction and various pieces of “technology” within them. For example, AXE bats are built essentially like an ax (hence the name), which can lead to increased speed in your swing (not to mention a cool aesthetic).
You should also pay attention to the endcap and the knobs of your bat, making sure that they are as aerodynamic yet stable as possible (these two play more vital roles than they are often accredited for!).
Governing Body/Bodies
There are several governing entities in fastpitch, including USSSA, ISA, NSA, ASA, and more. Be sure to check which governing body you play in and ensure your bat of choice has been approved by it. If it hasn’t been, then you can’t legally use it!
Are you ready to shop some of the best bats for softball around? Then head on over to HB Sports! They have a wide range of fastpitch softball bats and other softball gear to help you be your best on the diamond! Browse their offerings today and equip yourself with the equipment you know will make you play your best!
