I am going to be playing in company softball league against other departments. I am trying to find a semi-inexpensive, yet good quality slowpitch softball bat. I am trying to spend under $100. I have heard that Worth has some good lower end bats, like their Powercell model. I am tempted to spend a lot more than I really want to and get a Miken Freak or a DeMarini, but in reality, I am just trying to find something that has good bang for my buck. Any recommendations on a brand and/or model and where it can be purchased would be appreciated. Thank you.
Softball bats were at one time made chiefly of wood, but advances in technology have introduced materials such as aluminum, graphite, and composites. Each material has its positive and unique features.
Wood: Wood softball bats are very rare but are slowly regaining favor with softball enthusiasts who would rather hear a whack and not a ping when the bat meets ball. A wood softball bat is bottle-shaped and can weigh between 32-35 ounces (around 8 ounces heavier than an aluminum bat). Traditionally, wood bats have been made from ash. However, ash is light and soft and bats made from ash tend to splinter and dent fast. Wood from maple, oak, and bamboo is also used for these bats. Maple is harder and its grain is denser as compared to ash, making it less susceptible to splintering and chafing. Bats made from Chinese bamboo are the closest wood bat equivalent of an aluminum bat. Bamboo is extremely light-weight and ha a tensile strength higher than that of steel.
Aluminum: The increased research and engineering in the science of bat making has resulted in high-tech aluminum softball bats that can cost upward of $300. Aluminum bats are lighter thereby enabling batters to generate greater bat speed and control. They are stronger and more durable than wood bats and they do not break; however, they may dent or crack over a period of time. Aluminum bats are available in different alloy and weight combinations. Light aluminum alloys that are thinner are more resilient and provide a larger hitting zone or “sweet spot”. Aluminum bats are made in single-layer and double-layer combinations; double-layer bats are used by the power-hitters.
Graphite/Titanium lined: Aluminum bats are lined with graphite or titanium. These light, durable, and strong materials are added to aluminum bats with thin walls in order to make the bats lighter. Lighter bats help batters to generate more power in their swing. Bats lined with graphite or titanium have a greater hitting zone or “sweet spot”. These materials are shock-absorbent as well and aid in reducing the shock felt when a stroke is mistimed.
Composite materials: Bats made from composite materials such as carbon, glass, or Kevlar are light weight, rigid, and sturdy. Composite materials enable bat manufacturers to incorporate varying strengths and stiffness in different parts of a bat. The result is a bat with stiff bat handles for greater control, low stiffness hitting areas for better performance and reduced shock, and differentiated swing weights. Bats made from composite materials have a large hitting surface with a more pronounced “sweet spot”. However, the extreme velocities at which the ball rebounds off the bat can pose a safety hazard to the pitcher who has to react in a very limited time.
Product Description This Easton bat bag has a separate bat compartment that will securely hold two baseball or softball bats. With a metal hanging fence clip and interior valuables pocket this is one of Easton’s most popular bat bags…. More >>
Bat Material: Black Onyx Carbon–Provides improved durability
Bat Construction: AX 4 Technology–Increased sweet spot and performance
Bat Grip: Digi-Grip Synthetic Grip–
Large Sweet Spot–Gives your at a larger area for optimal hitting performance.
Bat Shape: Bottle
Product Description Featuring AX 4 technology, the Mizuno® Frenzy 120 slow pitch softball bat offers an increased sweet spot and performance. The Black Onyx carbon provides improved durability, while the coiled end cap allows for a more balanced swing weight…. More >>
I am wondering if it will hurt my slow-pitch bats to leave them in the garage over the winter (I am in Wisconsin). Or should I find a spot for them in a closet or the basement? Will just being stored in the freezing temps hurt them or not?
I know eBay and craigslist is a hood place to find used stuff but I was wondering if anyone knew any good websites that has great deals or a great variety of slow pitch softball equipment?
Type of Bat: Slow Pitch Softball. Bat Material: Composite Offers a combination of high performance and durability.
Bat Construction: X-1 Composite Multiple layers of aerospace-grade graphite and S-glass fibers are embedded in a specially designed epoxy resin. Each layer is precisely positioned at an angle determined by an exclusive, computer designed pattern. The result is an enhanced combination of performance and durability.
Bat Grip: Synthetic Leather Provides you with a tackier grip for a better feel.
Evenly Balanced Bottle Bat Design: Yes The evenly balanced bottle design provides you with maximum swing speed.
1 year warranty
Product Description With a synthetic grip for a tackier feel, this Louisville Slugger® Nexus slow pitch softball bat features X-1 Composite technology that boasts multiple layers of aerospace-grade graphite which are embedded in a specially designed toughened epoxy resin, which results in a bat with the optimum combination of performance and durability. This bat also offers a 12″ barrel and is USSSA, NSA, ISF, and ISA approved.
My son is very small and is now playing on a team that requires “fat head” bats. The problem is the lightest ones are 19 oz and that’s 4.5oz heaiver then he swung last year. I know softball bats can be altered, I didn’t know if senior baseball bats could be lightened any. We already do away with the leather grips and go with tape.
