This post was most recently updated on February 7th, 2020
In today's world, softball is one of the games that draws huge masses to a stadia. It has quickly made a name for itself as one of the games with a massive following. Softball players, on the other hand, are looking for ways to make the game even more interesting.
Companies making softball bats have not been left behind in this quest to make the game more interesting, and have come up with much better bats every day. This has seen a steady increase in the creation of much better softball bats.
Below is a list of some of the best slow pitch softball bats.
List of Contents
Louisville slugger Z4 USSSA
Louisville slugger stands out as one of the best slow pitch softball bats. Most of the people who have used it rate it as a five-star softball bat. Its handle is well padded and doesn’t have any vibrations. This ensures that the user doesn’t have a sore arm or even muscles injuries after a game.
It can be used in all types of leagues. It has a nice pop with a nice rubber surface that makes it stand out. With all these qualities it still sells at a very favorable price.
Worth mayhem
Though made of bamboo, its hitting surface is made of maple. This makes it hit the ball nicely with great pop; the ball jumps off it. It also meets all the standards of the softball association. Most of the wooden softball bats don’t have a standard weight to them, but with worth mayhem, you get to know the exact weight you are dealing with plus it comes with hand grips that make it easier to handle. All these features makes it one of the best slow pitch softball bats ever.
Axe Bat AVENGE L154E
The Axe Bat L154E is one of the best slow pitch softball bats because of the numerous qualities that set it apart from the rest. It has a very comfortable and natural grip that make using it very easy. The bat also poses a very balanced swing which ensures that you don’t lose your stability while hitting the ball.
The handle of the Axe Bat L154E is made in such a way that it transfers power with every swing making it very efficient and stable to use. The hitting surface is made with advanced composite techniques that ensure it is very durable and cannot break after a few swings.
Louisville slugger genuine series 3X
One among the top rated bats from a company with a history of making some of the best slowpitch softball bats in the world. It is value for the money you pay for it. With a great sturdy handle that thins out nicely making it even comfortable for lighter people. Most of its weight is in the barrel this adds to it being more stable to the users. The ball pops out nicely from the surface of the bat, and every swing comes with extra power. The bat also has an excellent finish which makes handling it also very comfortable.
Dudley legend
The Dudley legend bat is certainly among the best low pitch softball bats today. The bat has a solid balance when in use, this balance ensures that the player is very comfortable while playing and does not lose their balance either. The handle is also creatively done in such a way that it doesn’t send any vibrations to the user's arm.
Dudley legend bat is very durable and does not break after a few short swings. The best part is that the ball lightly pops off the face giving the players some of the perfect hits that smartly goes past the outfielders. What more would a softball star ask for other than these features? It takes its spot as one of the best slow pitch softball bats.
Dudley Lightning LLESP End-Loaded Softball Bat
The Dudley Lightning LLESP Softball bat is 34 inches long and weighs 26 ounces. It has a Fusion Composite design paired with a Grip Spin Technology for topnotch performance. This is one of the Dudley’s Advanced Players series.
This is 1.21 rated and perfect for senior softball games. It has a large sweet spot and the barrel remains undented even after hundreds of hits.
Dudley Lightning also has a lot of pop. Just make sure that you break it in with at least 150 hits to prepare it for actual field games.
Pros
-Equipped with Grip Spin Technology
-1.21 rated
-Perfect for advanced and senior players
Cons
-None so far
2018 DeMarini Flipper USA
For those looking for high-end slow pitch composite bats, the 2018 DeMarini Flipper USA might be a perfect choice. It’s made from Znx alloy handle and a 12-inch divergence barrel. This delivers an excellent trampoline effect and flex on contact.
This bat is ASA approved and guaranteed to deliver excellent performance on the field. It’s 34 inches long and weighs 26 ounces. This is also available in 28 and 30-ounce models.
This DeMarini bat spots an end-loaded swing weight for more energy transfer to the ball. It has plenty of pop and a nice sweet spot.
Pros
-Delivers the trampoline effect
-ASA approved
-Provides excellent flex on contact
Cons
-Fits a specific swing style
Miken Izzy Psycho Supermax USSSA Slow Pitch Bat
This Miken Izzy Psycho bat sports the brand’s proprietary HPI technology using aerospace carbon fiber and epoxy. This Jeremy Eisenhower signature bat has an end-loaded swing weight with stiff handles made for power hitters.
This alloy bat is ready to use straight from the wrapper. In fact, it bears the USSSA, ISA, and NSA stamp. This is a real firestick that can send the ball to the bleachers. It has a decent sweet spot and a good pop.
As a bonus, this bat has a nice black body with a very pro look. This is available in 26 and 27-ounce versions.
Pros
-Made from heavy-duty composite material
-Approved for ISA, USSSA, and NSA
-Made for pro hitters
Cons
-The pop will only get better after 100 hits
Adidas 2017 12-Inch Melee 2 Loaded Bat
This Adidas 2017 Melee softball bat has an end-loaded construction for more hitting power. Also, it has a composite construction that’s better than its predecessor model. This is also available in a balanced version as well as 26, 27, 28, and 30 ounces.
This bat bears the best strength material ratio in the market. With this, it’s approved for SPA, USSSA, and 1.21 BPF leagues.
It gives off a nice pop and added power on every hit. Even as a composite bat, this barely needs breaking in. It also has a good feel that ups the ante of its performance.
Pros
-Approved for 1.21 BPF, USSSA, and SPA leagues
-Made with advanced composite material
-Only needs a short break-in period
Cons
-None so far
EASTON Rebel Slow Pitch 2019 Softball Bat
For those on a budget but still wants a topnotch slow pitch bat, the EASTON Rebel 2019 might be the right pick for you. It’s made from ALX50 military-grade aluminum alloy with a 12-inch barrel.
This is power loaded and guaranteed to deliver excellent performance on its one-piece construction.
The EASTON Rebel is approved for NSA, ASA, ISF, ISA, and USSSA leagues. Even at a lower cost, this bat has a large sweet spot that’s excellent for power hitters.
It also has a nice grip and a pro-looking design. This is available in 26, 28, and 30-ounce models.
Pros
- Approved for NSA, ASA, ISF, ISA, and USSSA leagues
-Made from military-grade aluminum
-Large sweet spot
Cons
-Average pop
Slow Pitch Bats Buying Guide
There are many slow pitch bats in the market. To help you choose which one delivers the best performance, we’ve come up with this comprehensive guide. We will walk you through choosing the right material, weight, length, barrel diameter, grip, and so on.
Material
When it comes to softball bats, there are three main materials used: alloy, composite, and wood. Here are the characteristics of each one:
-Alloy
Alloy bats are made from a blend of different metals. This has a solid, one-piece construction which is typically used in youth leagues. As a traditional choice, alloy bats have a stiffer feel than composite types.
Also, this type of bat can be used straight from the wrapper. It doesn’t need any break-in period and will perform well in any temperature.
High-end alloy bats tend to last longer than composite bats. However, compared to the latter, it produces more sting and vibrations during mishits.
Also, alloy bats have less pop and responsiveness than composite bats. The biggest consolation here is that alloy bats are way more affordable than other materials.
-Composite
Composite bats are composed of a separate barrel and handle merged on the taper area. These two individual parts are a combination of alloy and composite material. Most of the time, the barrel is composite and the handle is alloy.
A composite bat with a composite barrel and an alloy handle provides more pop and sweet spot. It also gives a stiffer feel upon contact which transfers more energy to the ball.
On the other hand, bats with alloy barrels and composite handles are ideal for reducing vibrations. Although the barrel offers less pop, it allows a more solid contact without the excessive sting.
Take note that composite bats need a break-in period of around 150 to 200 hits. It’s also more expensive than alloy bats. Still, the performance is unbeatable.
-Wood
Wood bats are usually required on national leagues. It’s perfect for slow pitch games since it has a heavier weight and solid construction.
Also, wood bats are made from various wood species, with Maple as the top choice. It’s the hardest of all the wood types used in making softball bats. Maple wood has a tight grain structure which makes it more durable than other wood.
Wood bats also give the loudest pop upon contact. And just like composite bats, it needs a break-in period to be ready for actual field games.
Wood bats can be made from birch, ash, bamboo, or a blend of these materials.
Construction
When it comes to construction, you can choose between one-piece and two-piece models.
One-piece bats are solid and ideal for power hitters. It has more flex on contact but it may also produce more vibrations.
Meanwhile, two-piece bats are excellent in cutting off the sting in every hit. It also allows the players to enjoy the best of both alloy and composite materials.
Weight
Slow pitch bats are way heavier than fast pitch types. Models will weigh between 26 to 30 ounces. For bigger players, they should look for a heavier bat to match their swing power.
Most leagues will require a slow pitch bat to weigh at least 26 ounces but no more than 30 ounces. Take note that the specific bat weight will depend on the player’s preference.
The rule of thumb is holding the bat on the handle and pointing it in front of you. If you can hold this position for at least 25 seconds without too much strain, you have the right weight.
Also, make sure that you meet the specific requirements of the league you’re playing for.
Weight distribution
Slow pitch bats can either be balanced or end-loaded. Both have its advantages depending on the swing style of the player.
Balanced bats have equally distributed weight from the endcap down to the knob. This gives a larger sweet spot which allows a greater swing for hitters. It’s also easier to control than end-loaded types.
End-loaded bats have more weight on the barrel, allowing more energy transfer to the ball upon contact. This creates a whipping effect that allows the hitter to generate more swing power.
Just take note that end-loaded bats take a lot of practice to control. Also, there are specially balanced bats made to suit a player’s swing style.
Bat length and barrel diameter
The length of the bat depends on the player’s height, weight, and league. For slow pitch bats, it usually comes in equal lengths. Usually, it is 34 inches long with a barrel diameter of 2 ¼”. This is measured from the end cap to the knob.
Also, it’s rare for slow pitch bats to be categorized based on its drop weight since it has a fixed weight range.
Bat grip
Most bats come with textured grips for better traction while hitting. It’s best to purchase one with a replaceable grip should it become worn out after a few games.
Typically, high-quality bats are paired with a synthetic leather grip that offers more shock absorption levels. Just make sure that the bat grip won’t chafe your skin or limit your swing. Anyway, you can always use a batting aid if the grip rubs too much on your thumb.
Softball league rules
Each softball leagues has its own rules when it comes to bat specifications. Below are some of the regulations of main softball leagues:
-USSSA and NSA
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) requires all slow pitch bats to be used in the league to have their signature “thumbprint” mark. This stamp is recently created in line with the league’s revised testing standards. The same goes for the National Softball Association.
Usually, a USSSA-stamped bat will have an NSA stamped as well. Here are some of the specific rules of the two organizations:
*Altering the softball bat is prohibited. Doing so will result in a 2-5 year ban from the game.
*Softball bats with a pre-2013 USSSA stamp is no longer approved for USSSA leagues.
*Worn out and heavily dented bats are not allowed to be used in actual games.
*Wood slow pitch bats are allowed to be used as long as it bears the right stamps for the tournament.
-ASA
For Amateur Softball Association leagues, the 2013 stamp should be seen on the bat. Bats with this stamp are approved to hit the latest .52 COR 300 compression softballs. It’s made to increase player safety. Here are some of their rules:
*Old ASA marks from the year 2000 to 2004 are no longer valid
*Heavily damaged bats, even with the right stamp, won’t be allowed for game use.
*Altered bats are prohibited and will result in up to 5 years of suspension.
-SSUSA
The Senior Softball USA requires all slow pitch bats to have the BPF or Bat Performance Factor stamp from 1.21 and under. Typically, a bat that meets the NSA, USSSA, and ASA standards qualify for SSUSA. Here are some of the specific rules:
*Altering a bat will result in a five-year to a lifetime ban from softball.
*Heavily damaged bats are not allowed even if it has the right stamp.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Slow pitch bats are heavier than fast pitch bats. This is so the batter can achieve a slower pitch but with more inertia to drive the ball.
A: Technically, a fast pitch bat won’t perform ideally under slow pitch rules. Aside from that, leagues have specific rules about a slow pitch bat’s weight, length, and certification.
A: Since wood bats are heavier than other materials, it gives off more mass behind the ball. It’s ideal for slow pitch games, more so for high school and college-level games.
A: It’s ideal to focus on the bat’s weight as well as the size. The best slow pitch bats will weigh between 26 to 30 ounces. Take note that all slow pitch softball bats will have a 34-inch length. This is a fixed length across all leagues.
Conclusion
The correct weight, durability, efficiency in hitting the ball and balance are some of the qualities that will set a bat apart from the rest. Some bats have one quality but lack of another, therefore, making it hard for them to be classified as one among the best slow pitch softball bats.
The bats listed above, have all the qualities that any player can want in a bat. From durability to efficiency they cover it all making them top the list of the best slow pitch softball bats in the world today.
