Softball is a top rated outdoor game which demands physical strength as well as stamina and strategy. It is considered indoor baseball by some people because the gameplay is so similar, functionally.
There are two main roles: you can either do pitching or batting. And if you have opted for batting and want to be the most performing player in the field, you need to have the right equipment.
In order to do this, you need to buy the right bat based on your build and size. The bat should be not only long enough to cover the strike zone but also light enough to swing with ease.
Along with that, it needs to be of the correct weight to generate power and also be permitted in your league.
For this, you need to choose the best softball bat which serves your needs. In this guide, you will find all the information you need regarding the best ASA softball bats.
Different Types of ASA Softball Bats
The main feature of softball is that it aligns with the fundamental rules of baseball but with a larger, softer, and heavier ball. Therefore there are differences between baseball bats and softball bats. Furthermore, there are variations within softball bats.
The two main variations in softball bats include slow pitch and fast pitch. Slowpitch bats are used by people of all ages mostly. Then, you have fastpitch bats.
The main differentiating factor between the two softball bats is the speed of the ball they are designed for. Due to the variation in pitch speed, the bats used in each are going to differ.
The bats vary in not only size but also the weight.
Hence, it is essential to use the best ASA bat depending upon the pitch speed you are likely to face.
Slowpitch Softball Bat vs Fastpitch Softball Bat
Weight
Without a doubt, the main difference between a slowpitch softball bat and a fastpitch softball bat is its weight.
In a fastpitch, the pitcher usually pitches the ball with considerable force and speed.
Thus, batters have little time to react to such a high-velocity throw barreling towards them. Due to this, the fastpitch softball bats cannot weigh more than 22 ounces.
Whereas in the slowpitch game, the players only use a windup motion which begins at the hip and winds backward, not going higher than the shoulder. In this, the player's aim is not to strikeout but instead use a strategy to reduce velocity and avoid a powerful hit in return.
As a result, the best ASA slowpitch bat tends to be heavier, weighing a maximum of 38 ounces. The science behind the heavy weight of the slowpitch softball bat is that it is best to put the power behind the swing.
ASA Slowpitch Softball Bats Sizing
Length
In order to measure the bat length in inches, calculate it from the knob to the end cap. It is essential to know that a longer bat is likely to give you the best reach. This would allow you to hit balls on the outer parts of the plate.
Do remember that longer ASA slowpitch bats have more mass towards the end of the bat and hence is going to require much higher power to swing it.
To hit the sweet spot, your slowpitch softball bat needs to be of an ideal weight and length.
All ASA slowpitch softball bats are 34 inches in length.
Weight
A rule of thumb when it comes to slowpitch ASA bats is that the higher the competition or league level, the lesser the weight drop of the bats. Bat length - Bat weight (oz.) = weight drop.
Every league has a different requirement for the weight drop, so it is better to research beforehand for your league.
Both amateur and novice players are recommended to have lighter bats in order to have more control. In contrast, an experienced player can opt for heavier bats in order to maximize power.
Different Types of Materials Used in Softball Bats
By now, you must be wondering what kind of bat would be best for a contact hitter. Or if you are a power hitter, then which bat is better for you.
This is not in black and white, but rather it all matters how the hitter feels using each bat.
One Piece Softball Bats
This softball bat has a much stiffer and sturdier feel than your two piece softball bat. If you are a strong hit player, and if you like to hit with high speed and force, then the one piece softball bat is better for you.
As the bat is made from one solid material, it offers just a bit of flex and incredible power.
Two Piece Softball Bats
These types of bats are made with a separate handle and barrel. The benefit of the two piece bat is in its design, as it offers more flexibility to the players, and it creates a bouncing effect at the barrel.
These ASA softball bats have much less variation at its handle as the barrel, and the handle is separately bonded together.
Alloy or Composite, Which One Should You Choose?
Alloy softball bats fall under the one piece category. It is made from aluminum or either a mixture of aluminum with different metals.
This is what makes this softball bat a solid product. The design is extremely thin but has exceptionally receptive barrel walls.
Whereas, the composite bat is created from different materials, including graphite and carbon fibre.
But before you buy a composite bat, do your research if your league allows a composite bat, as some do not recommend using this one.
Single or Double Wall
You will find many slowpitch bats in the market, which are created from more than two barrel walls. The multi wall slowpitch bat is more likely to have a higher bounce.
Multi wall slowpitch bat are much higher in durability because its barrels are much thicker and sturdier.
Whereas you can also find a single wall slowpitch bat in the market because there are many leagues that only allow their players to use a single wall slowpitch bat.
Balanced or Endload
A balanced slowpitch softball bat as the name suggests has a balanced weight from top to end.
Most players who are aiming to have a high speed are better suited for a balanced slowpitch softball bat.
Base hitters prefer the balanced softball bat due to the smooth swing and higher bat control.
Because the weight in these slowpitch softball bats is equally distributed, they have a lower MOI. A bat having low moment of inertia tends to swing more.
Whereas end load softball bats are likely to have extra weight towards the end of the barrel.
The reason for this is that this bat gives higher momentum to the player when he/she is swinging the ball. These end loaded slowpitch softball bats are more likely to have higher distance when hitting the ball. Due to this, majority of the players are more likely to choose this bat.
End load slowpitch softball bats are likely going to have 1oz to 3oz load on their barrel. Hence players who enjoy a swing are more likely to choose end load slow pitch softball bat.
A max loaded slowpitch softball bat is often same as the end load one, due to its similarity but a max loaded slow pitch softball bat has higher weight on its end.
These types of slowpitch softball bats are only recommended to be used by strong players who do not find it difficult to control their swing.
Wood
Wooden bats are less popular in softball but there are different materials in which these are available including bamboo, maple etc.
Maple wood, of course, is considered sturdier than ash wood, whereas bamboo is the strongest amongst the three.
Ash softball bats are softer, which allow more flex while the player swings and likely to hit the sweet spot.
On the other hand, maple softball bats are harder and dense, and many players tend to prefer these bats due to the sturdiness and stiffness, which provide more force to the ball.
Lastly, composite softball bats are high in the durability and performance factor but unfortunately not allowed in certain leagues.
ASA vs NSA vs USSSA vs SSUSA Slowpitch Softball Bat Standards
ASA
Since 2013, the Amateur Softball Association has introduced a new certification stamp as well as a new softball. ASA is considered the most regulated association in softball, and they tend to have the strictest guidelines for bats.
You will find two different certification stamps on ASA slowpitch softball bat. One was in a stamp in 2004, and one is in 2013.
The traditional 2004 stamp on ASA slowpitch bat has 98 MPH certification, which can be found on All Association (ASA/NSA/USSA) bats.
The ASA only bats tend to perform at 100 MPH.
NSA And USSSA
Since 2013 bats that are allowed to be used in USSSA need to carry the new United States specialty sports association stamp.
The National Softball Association (NSA) also requires the players to carry slowpitch bats with these stamps. Most bats are likely to have USSSA stamp along with the NSA stamp.
Bat performance factor (BPF) for NSA softball bats increases the liveliness of a ball hitting a bat as opposed to through the ball against a solid wall. For instance, a 20% faster round equals a bat performance factor of 1.20.
As opposed to the ASA slowpitch softball bat, the NSA and other associations like USSA are allowed to have more than 100 MPH speed as well.
It is important to remember that the old bats containing USSSA stamp before 2013 are no longer approved for USSSA sanctioned events.
SSUSA
The SSUSA league also requires that the players carrying the bat need to have a bat performance of under 1.21. Anything higher than this is not permitted in the league.
A bat that has been labeled as Official softball then it is most likely going to be approved for these leagues as well.
Mandatory to know that if the bat is cracked, shows wear and tear, then this slowpitch softball bat is not going to be permitted in official events.
Choosing The Best ASA Slowpitch Softball Bat
Below are the absolute best slowpitch softball bats available in the market, and these are going to help you in making your decision.
1. DeMarini Signature Nautalai Slowpitch Bat
This bat has a 12-inch barrel and a standard 2.5 inch diameter with high durability and exceptionally high performance. The bat has an extremely thin handle that is made from ZnX alloy handle, which improves the comfort level as well.
This bat also has mid load barrel along with a continuous fiber barrel wall design; hence it is suitable even for players who are hard hitters.
ZnX alloy handle also means there will be less flex in the handle, and it will improve barrel performance.
Pros
Cons
This is a two piece ASA bat in a 14 inch barrel length. It has a full composite composition. It has a composite handle as well as a composite barrel.
This bat comes in two variants one is ASA approved, and the other is USSSA approved.
In this bat, the Flex to power technology is utilized, which not only optimizes the flex but also provides the best speed through the zone.
This ASA bat is available in two sizes ranging from 26 to 28 ounces, and it also comes with a warranty of 1 year.
The ASA slowpitch bat also has a full ounce end load weight; this provides the players with higher power needed while they swing.
Pros
Cons
This Easton Power loaded slowpitch softball bat is designed for everyone, professional players as well as recreational players.
If you're looking for a softball bat that is best for fast swing speeds, then you'll want to get your hands on this bat which is ALX aluminum alloy with a military grade feature.
The handle on this is ultra-thin available in 29inch and 32-inch barrel. It is best for all kinds of weather due to its high durability. This bat has a power-loaded design that delivers premium power.
It is certified by all major leagues, including ASA, USA, USSSA, and NSA.
Pros
Cons
This is a four piece 2021 Miken Freak Primo 14" barrel not only has amazing technology right from its handle to the barrel. But it is also the most popular ASA slowpitch bat available in the market.
This bat is an all-composite bat having half ounce end load.
It is a four piece bat where the first piece of this ASA slowpitch bat is made from Tetra Core technology which is the best out there.
What's best about this ASA slowpitch bat is that both the outer as well as the inner barrels work together to create compression between the tubes, and this leads to its explosive power. Not only does it expand the sweet spot, but it also is highly durable.
The barrel on this bat is also exceptional as it is made of C-4 carbon fiber. The design and angle of these fibers are such that they maximize the performance throughout the surface.
Not to forget, it also has E-FLEX 360 Technology which increases the power of the barrel even more. This feature offers the bat extraordinary flex, and the higher flexibility means an added whip through the zone during your swing.
Lastly, this bat also has an A1 knob. An interesting fact about this knob is the smaller design which feels highly comfortable to the player.
Pros
Cons
This has to be the best value slowpitch bat available in the market today! The price of this ASA slowpitch bat might be at a higher-end but the features totally justify the price.
This slowpitch ASA bat is a two piece design and is made from Black Onyx Carbon Composite material. This is the best bat to break in as it doesn't require a lot of time and has high durability.
The barrel length, even though it is only 12 inches long but it features a triple wall barrel which creates a massive sweet spot.
The composite barrel goes through a seaming process, and this ensures that it does have any imperfections.
With this end loaded bat, you can be confident of having a consistent performance all across the barrel.
This is considered one of the best ASA slowpitch bats as inside this end loaded bat is a Detonator car technology. This makes sure to control the compression for your best performance.
The end cap on this two piece ASA softball bat is also optimized. This is what adds to the impressive sweet spot.
Lastly, the grip on these end loaded ASA slowpitch softball bats is also made from the Micro- whip grip feature. This is to reduce vibrations that are caused by contact. This grip, despite being thinner than the traditional, doesn't absorb much of this feedback.
Pros
Cons
One of the most versatile ASA slowpitch softball bats have to be this one. It is a two piece design not only having a composite barrel but an entire composite design.
This is considered the best ASA slowpitch bat for all players out there, be it women, men, ASA, or even USSSA players.
If you are a player who plays for both ASA and USSSA leagues, this has to be your best bet as this bat is certified for both.
This ASA bat has an overall balanced swing weight which is rare to find in a slowpitch game. But if you are a contact hitter of a woman, then this is the best ASA slowpitch bat for you.
The barrel length is 14", with a standard 2 1/4 inch diameter. This bat also has the best durability due to its multi layered composite design.
In order to produce the best performance, each part of the Barrel has ideal thickness.
The best part about this ASA bat is that it comes with a 30-day return policy, and if you are unhappy with the bat, you can return it.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Hence when it comes to choosing the best ASA softball bats, the choices are many, and it is certainly a tough decision. The likelihood of choosing one ASA slowpitch bat over another can be a personal choice, but we think the best ASA slowpitch bat has to be the Mizuno Crush End Load.
Why do we say this is the best ASA slowpitch bat? Firstly, because it is ASA approved. Secondly, due to its high performance, end loaded barrel, durability, composite design, and the best grip, it cannot get better than this.