The popularity of the game of softball is nothing very different from that of baseball among a lot of people that include amateurs as well as professional players. Softball has been systematized by the various rules and regulation crafted by the governing league associations, the ASA or Amateur Softball Association is the primary one. The rules aren’t only for the players but for the sports bats too which drives the manufacturers to produce the best ASA softball bats.
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There are a lot of technicalities involved in softball and it becomes very crucial to make right and consistent efforts. Now, we don’t need to tell you how important it is then to possess the right bat. This perfect bat, when held by your well-trained hands, will surely make the best hit.
To answer all your queries and meet all your expectations is our aim and it’s with this focus, that we present this article to you where we will review some of the best softball bats to help you buy an amazing one. Additionally, we will also jot down the important criteria in a buyer’s guide to make you analyze better before purchasing.
Reviewing the seven best ASA softball bats
We did a careful study of the products that we have curated out on this list. All of the bats are from global brands and promise the best performance. Without any further ado, let's get started.
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The very reason why this product by the Eastons has been able to grab the position of our Editor’s pick in this review of the softball bats is that it the top choice of the power hitters. Going by the top user feedback, this bat can be rightly believed to be the top choice of the fastpitch game hitters for the year 2020. The product offers the highest gumption possible but doesn't fail in keeping the smooth experience of an elite two-piece bat intact.
This bat has got the certification to be used for play in all the matches and tournaments of all the leagues like ASA, USSSA, ISA, NSA, and ISF. The diameter of the barrel measures the classic size of two and a quarter inches. It has got an ultra-thin handle measuring 29/32 inches in size and covered by the brand unique Hyperskin grip of 1.2mm.
The TRP of this product is the heavy swing that it offers as compared to all the other double-barrel bats. This is not something bad and that is what you will love about it if you are a strong hitter or training for the same. The Eastons haven't yet got the next tech patented for themselves, yet it is out and doing so well.
The barrel is the next thing to notice about this bat which gives the player a magnificent feel of sound and pop together. It's a double-barrel where both of them serve different purposes. The barrel on the outside aims at maximizing the performance which is supported by the inner barrel that controls the function of the mid-portion of the entire barrel.
The material used to build the barrel is advertised by the brand as the XTX tech Xtra tough resin matrix. They have used this tech for realizing their aim of producing the best ASA softball bats that are highly durable, flexible, and give very low compressions. This plastic material is somewhat pliable and yet strong embellished by a composite stylish criss-cross pattern.
Another great thing is the connecting piece used between the handle and the barrel of this 2 piece hybrid composite bat. It’s called the Connection+ tech which has made the use of a light but strong Nitrocell foam piece. This material allows you to always get a super smooth feel while making any hit or mishit because it remains loose and flexible.
The Easton bat comes is a variety of sizes with a range of drops from 11 to 8 including different lengths within each drop class. The bats with drop 9/8 have loaded ends while the 11/10 drop bats are balanced evenly
Pros
Cons
This softball fast pitch bat has been included by us as our alternative pick in this review of the best ASA softball bats for it has managed to bring the CF series of the brand to high popularity among the young softball players. If you wish to upgrade your gaming level from good to that of being exceptional, then this product is made for you. The brand focuses on innovation and aims to outwork and outperform itself with constantly working upon new technologies to manufacture the best bats for their power hitters.
This bat will be apt for you even if you are the one who prefers single the one who goes for home runs. The 2019 series of DeMarini bats has reached the pinnacle of consistency with the deployment of ever-evolving technology. This softball bat is a combination of some of the very unique technologies that cannot be found anywhere else together.
Starting with the material, this Zen bat is made of the advanced composite known as the Paraflex Plus. This composite is highly advertised for the consistency it gives to the bat design. Making this required exposing the barrel to a set and particular temperature for the right duration to make it one of the most responsive and dependable barrel that any player would wish to have.
The swing weight of the barrel is a balanced one. The bat has got a lot of certification stamps that make it legally approved for all the matches and tournaments under all the important leagues like the ASA, NSA, USSSA, ISF, and ISA. The diameter of the barrel measures the standard size of two and a quarter inches.
This bat has got a drop of 10 which is the ratio of its length to the weight. The next amazing thing to note about this bat is the brand’s patented RCK knob which has been tried and trusted for the creamy smooth comfort it provides. It becomes able to do so by decreasing the impact on the bottom hand.
The bat has got a half-half 2-piece built. This separated handle and barrel are connected with a piece that is made up of the 3 Fusion tech. Along with an end cap at the bottom, this system is meant to streamline the feel and weight that results in better bat control and additional pop to the barrel.
The overall energy injected into the barrel is very high due to the reduction of the vibration on the contact. The three fusion system also increases the sweet spot. With a year’s warranty, the product comes with round the clock customer service for any kind of assistance.
Pros
Cons
The inexpensive nature of this product against the unique set of features that it possesses has made us include it on our review of the best ASA softball bats as the Budget pick. Within the super affordable price of $100, it promises to give the best performance with its composition when held by the right hands. It can be well asserted that if you want an ASA at for any red league or an even more competitive tournament, then you don’t need to go looking for any other bat but the Easton Rival.
The single-piece construction of the bat is not to be confused with low power performance. It is a result of the brand using its SST technology aimed at increasing the balance and control of the players while he holds the bat. The one-piece built of the bat also gives it a huge sweet spot with the highest trampoline effect.
The length of the barrel is 12 inches with a diameter of 2 and a quarter inches for the power pact performance it gives that reaches beyond 98 MPH. It also features greater control, swifter swing speed, and lighter weight, all thanks to the low M.O.I. The bat has got a very stiff flex rating but very high impact feedback with its ultra-thin tapered handle of 29/32 inches.
The material used in the bat is the unique THT 100 Alloy of Aluminum. This ALX50 alloy is of the Military grade which gives the bat strength of 100ksi and an outstanding toughness. This makes the product very efficient at resistance from any crack or dent.
Another outstanding thing to be noted about the bat is that the brand has re-invented its O-Zone tech with this product that gives it the best in the class hitting zone. This tech should be credited for imparting it, in fact, the biggest sweet spot in the category of Aluminum bats in the softball game world. The product also has got a huge bunch of playing clearance certificates by the competent authorities for tournaments of the 1.20 BPF USSSA, ASA, ISA, ISF, and the NSA as well.
This product also comes with a warranty that covers 400 days of any wear and tears from the manufacturer. The bat will also reach your doorstep without any shipping charges.
Pros
Cons
The upgrade picks are the ones who possess outstanding features to give close competition to the established brands in the market. Here we have another fastpitch bat by the brand DeMarini that belongs to its CF series in our review featuring the best ASA softball bats. The design on the bat is very eye-catching with popping graphics and clever use of colors.
Starting with the material, this CFX bat is made of the advanced composite known as the Paraflex Plus. This composite is highly advertised for the maddening pop and precise weight distribution it gives to the bat design. Making this required exposing the barrel to a set and particular temperature for the right duration to make it one of the massively flexing bats that any player would wish to have.
The durability that the bat gives is 22% higher than any product of the series. This product has got a drop of 11 which is the ratio of its length to the weight. The diameter of the barrel measures the standard size of two and a quarter inches along with a very balanced and light swing weight.
The construct of the bat has been made based on the half-half 2-piece design where the barrel and the handle are connected by a piece for a better flex. This increases the sweet spot of the bat too for massive performance as the ball will fly with every hit. It also dampens the shock on the hands that might happen with the off-center hits.
Now a very exclusive feature that has been recently added to the bat tech is the very unique 3 Fusion technology. The components of this system include a handle, an end cap and a knob that work together to give the best of performance. The handle decreases the impact on contact, thereby saving the hands from the stingy vibrations and transfers the energy to the barrel that generates more power.
The next amazing thing to note about this bat is the brand’s patented RCK knob which has been tried and trusted for its amazing grip. It becomes able to do so by fitting rightly into the hands of any players which is the result of its anatomic design. The end cap acts to add durability to the dish as well as optimizing control of the weight of the bat.
The bat has got a lot of certification stamps that make it legally approved for all the matches and tournaments under all the important leagues like the ASA, NSA, 1.20 BPF USSSA, ISF, and ISA. No matter how many times you play with the bat, they give hot out of the box performance every single time. These bats are made for beating all sorts of tough competitions every season.
Pros
Cons
This product has been chosen by us for our review of these best ASA softball bats because it performs as great as our other contenders in the softball accessories world. The brand Louisville has been consistently performing well in the softball bat manufacturing industry. It is a favorite of a lot of young fastpitch players at the college and even the professional level games.
The material used to make the barrel has deployed the use of the PBF technology which has been patented by the brand for being its exclusive invention. The bat is fully composite whereby it has got a big sweet spot and also dampens the vibration upon hit. This tech also allows the bat to have an extremely enhanced pop along with making a majestic sound as the bat hits the ball.
This Louisville bat follows the three-piece designing when it comes to the construction. The barrel and the hand are connected with a connecting piece that works according to a highly innovative system known as the VCX or Vibration Control Connection. This tech has yet again is a patent of the brand which is advertised as an elastomeric connection.
The VCX allows the handle and the barrel of the bat to move independently and also gives the player an ultimate feel of comfort even during the hits. The same kind of comfort is there when it comes to the grip which is called the Premium LS Pro. It aims at giving a very comfortable feel to the players and improved control.
The overall performance of the bat includes better control to the player over the plate along with enhanced swing speed. The swing weight of the bat is a very balanced one for that note. This quality is further complimented by the X-cap which is very light in weight and put at the plate.
The diameter of the barrel measures the classic size of two and a quarter inches. The bat comes in a variety of drops ranging from 12 to 8 with a lot of sizes in each of the drop class. The bat has got a lot of certification stamps that make it legally approved for all the matches and tournaments under all the important leagues like the ASA, NSA, USSSA, ISF, and ISA.
The feel of the bat doesn’t grow old as its performance remains fresh all the time when you take the bat out to play.
Pros
Cons
The brand Miken is a very popular name among the lead manufacturers in the world of softball accessories because they always deploy the latest technologies in their products and focus on meeting the needs of all players. This bat has made it to our review of the best ASA softball bats as it is the premium standard model belonging to the Highlighter series by the house of Miken. The design of the bat is very stylish and popping which is complemented by the outstanding advanced technologies to give it the most power-returning performance.
The model is exclusive and a limited edition as there are only 1500 of them that have been manufactured by the brand for sale online. The bat has been approved by the competent authorities and has got a lot of certification stamps for all the plays in the USSSA, ISA, and NSA tournaments and leagues. It has been designed to meet the demands of the competitive players of slowpitch softball and recreational gaming needs of the adults.
The exceptional performance of this Miken bat owes to the advanced technologies that have been deployed in its making. The Triple Matrix core tech compliments the function of the material by injecting a carbonized process to break through the wall seams. The F2P tech improves the barrel loading and gives the bat a better flex.
The bat is made up of premium quality carbon fiber of the 100 COMP aerospace-grade to give it endless durability. The volume of this material is amplified by 15% by the core tech to give it a wider hitting zone. The two-piece built of the bat has a barrel made of carbon fiber and an alloy handle.
The blend of the Flex 50 and CF100 makes the product high on comfort for all the slowpitch players. The overall result of these techs also leads to the enlarging of the sweet spot of the bat. The bat flaunts a popping highlighter green color which makes its appearance very stylish and cutting edge.
The barrel has the standard measurements of 14 inches length and a diameter of two and a quarter inches. The product also features Vulcan grips to give it ultimate control. It would not be an overstatement if we say that this particular product is a perfect option for the power hitters who like to swing with a faster speed and hit all across the zone.
Pros
Cons
We found this gem and decided to include it too while reviewing the best ASA softball bats. This softball bat belongs to, yet again, the house of Louisville and its promising nature will do the job perfectly if you are a power player or one in training who wants to put his maximum potential while making hits in the match. If you still have any doubts about this product, then let us clear the air- this model belongs to the signature series of Jeff Hall.
Starting with the best technology deployed by the brand in this bat which is the Ist X-Stiff technology, aims at providing an even stiffer feel and enhanced energy return. This energy transfer is also complemented by the weighty end load of half ounces that gives a swifter swing and amplifies the power contact. The overall result of this combination is that the player becomes able to hit harder with even more ease.
The design of the product boasts the best game-ready performance, all thanks to its quick Break-in built with a composite Ls-2x material made barrel. The designing of the product has used the two-piece construct for a more composite strength and durability. With maximum control, the player gets the ultimate confidence.
The barrel measures standard 2 and a quarter inches in size which are attached to a tapered handle of 7/8 inches. These precise measurements allow the player to have a better grip over the bat which is complemented by a thin synthetic leather cover. A unique pyramid grip tapper is also added to the barrel which can be removed too for getting the best suitable comfort.
The bat has been approved to be legally used for the tournaments of the leagues including USSSA, ISA, and NSA.
Pros
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How to choose one from the best ASA softball bats? - The Buyer’s guide
The role that any right sports equipment plays in supporting and magnifying the deep efforts that you put in learning and performing any game cannot be underestimated at all. So to help you get the perfect bat, we devote this section to let you know all the necessary information about the bat that is used to play softball matches.
What is the different type of bats used to play softball?
The idea of softball emerged in 1887 and was the brainchild of George Hancock. The first ball was that of a glove wrapped together and to hit it, the first bat was made out of wood which continued to be used till the 1970s when they started being made of aluminum. Just like we have two different types of softball games- Fastpitch and Slowpitch, it is also to remember that the equipment for both the games is different too.
The bats for both the type of softball games have some similarities as well as certain stark differences. The basic idea of both games is similar. The major factor that helps to differentiate between the two is the ball’s speed.
To meet this speed, the best ASA softball bats are configured differently with various sizes and weights. Let's understand them better.
Specifications of the Fastpitch bats
Used to hit the balls that come into contact with very high speed
Made for quick reaction and speedy hit
Lighter in weight between 23-28 ounces
Usually measured with the help of their drop weight
Specifications of the Slowpitch bats
Used to hit the balls that come into contact with a speed of approx. 25mph
Made for hitting the ball hard
Usually heavy weighing between 25-30 ounces
What are the regulations of ASA over softball bats?
The ASA or Amateur Softball Association is one of the governing bodies that make their own rules and regulations regarding the game. It was founded in 1933, currently located in Oklahoma City, UK. This is the first organization to have set rules for the game which stabilized softball.
It aimed at promoting fair, consistent, and safe competition among the softball players. It became the National governing body of softball in 1978. Today, it covers up 87 local softball associations that organize leagues, matches, and register players.
The matches held under this league can be divided into- youth and adult programs. They have certain criteria and the bats that can meet those rules are the only ones allowed to be used by the players for the ASA matches. Such bats are certified with stamps and the ones disapproved by them cannot be used for their matches.
The best ASA softball bats to be approved are tested for performance up to a certain limit so to give a level playfield to all the players irrespective of any bat that they use. The intention of limiting the highest performance of the bats is to ensure the safety of players. They approve bats for both slowpitch and fastpitch softball.
The ASA fastpitch bats have a speed limit of 98mph and do not need to match the BPF 1.20 while the slowpitch ASA bats are set to perform between 98-100mph. Watch this video to understand better.
What are the important features of the best ASA softball bats?
The below-mentioned features are the basic factors that can be used by you to examine your selection of bat:
Rules of the governing leagues
This is the primary factor as every league has its own set of rules for the bat’s performance. The manufacturers design the bats as per these standards and embellish them with the logo of the leagues to whose standards they match. There are six such bodies namely ASA, USSSA, ISF, ISA, SSUSA, and NSA.
Built
Softball bats are constructed in two ways-
The single-piece bats are a complete piece made of a single material and give a stronger and stiffer feel.
The two-piece or multi-piece bat is built by joining two parts, handle and the barrel connected by a transition piece and they give higher swing speed along with the trampoline effect.
Material
The best ASA softball bats are generally made of three types of materials- wood, alloy, or composite. The material is primarily responsible for the durability and strength of the bat.
Weight
The right term to be used weight drop that has an inversely proportionate relation to weight, as in lesser the drop, weightier is the bat. The thumb rule says that the weight drop falls as the level of the league goes up. Beginners should start with light bats to get better control while the experienced players go for the heavy ones to optimize power.
Swing
It explains the distribution of the bat’s weight across the length of the bat. The bats have two types of swings- The balanced bats have the weight evenly distributed across the length of the bat while the end-loaded bats have a skewed weight distribution where the barrel is more weighted.
Length
The general length of any softball bat is measured to be 34 inches from the knob towards the end cap. You choose among the best ASA softball bats that will suit your power input.
Barrel walls
There are generally two types of layering in the bats:
Softball bats with double or multi walls produce more springing action and are more durable.
The single-wall bats are mostly mandated by the leagues and have a great pop too.
Barrel diameter
They come in different diameters and sizes but the general one is 2 1/4 inches. It is important to check the league rules for them.
Final verdict
We hope that you liked our efforts at familiarizing you with these best ASA softball bats. You need to be aware of the rules of the ASA to analyze better and pick the right bat for yourself. The Buyer’s guide is going to add to your knowledge about the important features of the bat which help you make the right balance and make a great pick.
Keep playing!
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