Best Fastpitch Softball Bats in 2023: Tried & Tested

Softball is an incredibly popular sport across the United States, with millions of players hitting the field every year.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, having the right equipment is essential to your success.

There is no denying that bats are the most anticipated equipment in softball.

They are built to knock the soul out of the ball and the pitcher. Well, not literally. But, you get the point.

But, choosing the right bat can enhance your chances even more! So, it is crucial to opt for the right softball bat.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best fastpitch softball bats on the market in 2023.

Best Fastpitch Softball Bats In 2023

I have listed some best fastpitch bats to make selecting a bat easier for you.

1. Louisville Slugger Nexus -12 Fastpitch Softball Bat

• Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4 inch
• Drop Weight: -12
• Construction: Two-Piece
• Swing Weight: Balanced
• Approved For: USSSA, USA Softball, ASA, NSA, ISA, WBSC
• Level: Youth
• Material: Composite
• Warranty: 1 Year

A young hitter who seeks a fastpitch bat made like the adult-aged bats they may use in a few years should consider this model.

The Nexus is a high-performance bat with two-piece construction, similar to most popular bats.

It is a fantastic pick for contact hitters since it has a balanced swing weight and smooth swings. Its balanced swing weight construction allows you to use it for slap striking.

The 100 percent Performance Composite Barrel design creates a huge sweet spot, allowing you to place smashes into all fields confidently.

This bat is approved for use in various softball associations, making it a versatile choice for youth players at different skill levels.

With a 1-year warranty and composite construction, the Louisville Slugger Nexus -12 is a durable and reliable choice for any young hitter looking to improve their game.

In addition, the bat is equipped with the XCT Connection piece, which is intended to reduce the amount of vibration that gets down to a hitter’s hands on an incorrectly hit ball.

2. DeMarini CF Fastpitch Softball Bat

• Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4 inch
• Drop Weight: -8, -9, -10, -11
• Construction: Two-Piece
• Swing Weight: Balanced
• Approved For: USSSA, USA Softball, ASA, NSA, ISA, WBSC
• Level: High School/College
• Material: Composite
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Year: 2023

As far as technology is concerned, the DeMarini CF 2023 gives us innovations intended to make the CF the greatest option available for softball players searching for a bat with a light swing.

The model incorporates a Type V Connection, intended to work flawlessly with the barrel and provide the player with a greater playing experience overall. 

When a batter misses a pitch, the Type V Connector should help to reduce the amount of negative input that gets their hands.

The previous year’s version had a ReAction End Cap, which has been replaced with a Tracer End Cap in the 2023 DeMarini CF, which is very lightweight and designed to offer the bat even more speed and control.

With its ultra-balanced swing weight, this is an excellent bat for players who make contact with the ball.

3. DeMarini Spryte -12 Fastpitch Softball Bat

• Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4 inch
• Drop Weight: -12
• Construction: Two-Piece
• Swing Weight: Balanced
• Approved For: USSSA, USA Softball, ASA, NSA, ISA, WBSC
• Level: Youth
• Material: Composite
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Year: 2023

The 2023 DeMarini Spryte is a bat with a lot of pop and will be an excellent alternative for anyone wishing to enhance their swing as a uniformly balanced bat.

The bat is now stronger and requires less break-in time thanks to the addition of a Paradox Composite Barrel. 

In addition, the D-lite Composite handle has been introduced for a more balanced feel and faster bat speed.

The barrel and handle create a high-performing bat that allows for smooth swings with minimal vibrations.

Its Paradox Composite Barrel requires less break-in time and offers improved durability, making it a reliable option for any young hitter.

The Big D End Cap also helps to reduce vibration, which gives the hitter even more assurance in swinging freely without fear of burning their hands.

The bat’s small weight and vibration-reducing features make it an excellent pick!

4. Axe Avenge Pro Power Gap Fastpitch Softball Bat

• Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4 inch
• Drop Weight: –9, -10, -11
• Construction: Three-Piece
• Swing Weight: Balanced
• Approved For: USSSA, USA Softball, ASA, NSA, ISA, WBSC
• Level: High School/College
• Material: Composite
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Year: 2023

The use of a charged carbon composite material increases the speed and power of the bat. The Axe handle is specially engineered for improved control, comfort, bat speed, and safety.

This bat’s revolutionary shock suspension technology, which intercepts vibration at the connector before getting to your hands, allows you to swing confidently and comfortably.

Additionally, a vibration-reducing elastomer is applied to the inside of the handle, which specifically shields the bottom hand from the sting that might result from wrongly hitting the ball.

The HyperWhip Composite End-Cap, which is a lightweight Carbon-Fiber End Cap, helps reduce the barrel’s overall weight by removing excess weight from the barrel’s end.

A power batter’s ultimate choice should be this three-piece, all-composite fastpitch bat.

5. Louisville Slugger Xeno Fastpitch Softball Bat

• Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4 inch
• Drop Weight: -10, -11
• Construction: Two-Piece
• Swing Weight: Balanced
• Approved For: USSSA, USA Softball, ASA, NSA, ISA, WBSC
• Level: High School/College
• Material: Composite
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Year: 2023

The Xeno, a popular Louisville Slugger bat, has been upgraded slightly for 2023. The 2022 edition was a preferred bat for people who want a firmer feel; thus, no major adjustments were made.

Having two discs within the barrel will enable the bat to function at its maximum potential while not surpassing its limits.

The bat features Swing 1 Inner Disc (S1ID) technology, which generates a strong outer barrel wall that flexes while striking a softball until it contacts two discs within the barrel.

The bat is available in -10 and -11 drop weights, making it a versatile choice for high school and college-level players.

With a 1-year warranty and composite construction, the Xeno is a durable and reliable option for players looking to improve their game.

The 2023 Louisville Slugger Xeno may be a good alternative if you are contemplating purchasing a new bat for the next season because the price point is a touch cheaper than most new bats.

6. Louisville Slugger LXT Fastpitch Softball Bat

• Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4 inch
• Drop Weight: -8, -9, -10, -11
• Construction: Three-Piece
• Swing Weight: Balanced
• Approved For: USSSA, USA Softball, ASA, NSA, ISA, WBSC
• Level: Youth/High School/College/
• Material: Composite
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Year: 2023

The incredible feel of the LXT, as well as the enormous sweet spot, are present in the 2023 LXT. The new Louisville Slugger LXT has wonderful features seen on the 2022 Louisville Slugger LXT.

The PBF barrel’s single-disc technology helps to lengthen the sweet spot while also providing a perfect balancing spot on the bat. PBF Technology guarantees maximum pop straight out of the package.

The VCX2 connection enables distinct movement between the barrel and handle, allowing for better vibration control and a better feel when contacting the ball.

The 2023 Louisville Slugger’s COPA Performance End Cap and Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip improve the bat’s performance and feel for the person swinging it. 

The Cap also works together with the barrel in increasing the sweet spot.

The Premium LS Pro Comfort Grip adds an extra layer of comfort, allowing players to swing the bat with confidence and control.

In conclusion, the 2023 Louisville Slugger LXT is a great option for players who want a top-performing bat that delivers a balanced swing weight, an enormous sweet spot, and superior performance straight out of the package.

The Louisville Slugger LXT’s greatest asset is that both amateurs and professionals can handle it.

7. Marucci ECHO Connect Fastpitch Softball Bat

• Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4 inch
• Drop Weight: -8, -9, -10, -11
• Construction: Two-Piece
• Swing Weight: Balanced
• Approved For: USSSA, USA Softball, ASA, NSA, ISA, WBSC
• Level: Youth/ High School
• Material: Composite
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Year: 2023

It’s ready to go straight out of the box, thanks to its small requirement of break-in time.

Constructed of Multi-Directional Composite Material, the revolutionary MDX composite barrel produces an amazingly responsive barrel with a fantastic sound striking the ball.

The barrel of this bat is ring-free, providing more barrel flexibility and improved performance due to the absence of dead spots; that is, there are no interruptions in the sweet spots.

It has an enhanced feel and control because of its spongy micro-perforated handle with more grip.

The increased stiffness of the Extended Shock Dissipating (SDX EXT) Connection helps maintain energy transfer to the ball while also reducing vibration. 

Also, the nylon knob incorporated into the bat makes it sting-free and ultra-comfy, along with the reduced vibrations due to the SDX EXT Connection.

This ECHO Connect comes in various sizes ranging from 28 to 31 inches, making it ideal for players at any level of their fastpitch careers.

This is an acceptable option for young players and teenagers that want a little additional control.

8. Rawlings Mantra Fastpitch Softball Bat

• Barrel Diameter: 2 1/4 inch
• Drop Weight: -9, -10
• Construction: Two-Piece
• Swing Weight: Balanced
• Approved For: USSSA, USA Softball, ASA, NSA, ISA, WBSC
• Level: High School/ College
• Material: Composite
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Year: 2023

The Mantra bat, launched this year by Rawlings, has a three-step inner barrel that produces a fantastic sound when you make solid contact with the ball on the hit.

Its handle is designed with a 3D-printed knob, which provides excellent grip and comfort while swinging. The handle’s construction helps to reduce sting and discomfort, making it ideal for prolonged use.

The outer barrel of the bat is thin, which assists in increasing the pop of the bat.

The F2 collar, a little element that lowers vibration and allows for a more intense and quicker swing, is the most intriguing aspect of the Mantra.

The bat’s blast motion sensor allows you to monitor and evaluate your swing using your smartphone, which can be purchased separately and integrated with your bat.

Two-piece construction of the Rawlings Mantra bat allows for increased flex, generating more energy transfer to the ball. The bat’s end cap is made of composite material, reducing overall weight while maximizing performance.

The new Rawlings Mantra is a fantastic softball bat in general. It operates well, is long-lasting, and contains several innovative features that you will undoubtedly like.

How to Choose Fastpitch Softball Bats

It can be pretty confusing when choosing a fastpitch softball bat with so many questions running through your mind like how can you choose the right fastpitch softball bat or what length is best for me and many more.

Likewise, the market has loads of options available for all levels of players that create major chaos while purchasing your fastpitch softball bat.

That’s why we have tried to assemble all the necessary details and prepared a resource guide for you that would ease your way through the process of selection and purchase of your very own best fastpitch softball bat.

While purchasing a fastpitch softball bat, the two most important factors that you always need to consider are the weight and length of the bat. The best length and weight of your bat are determined on the basis of multiple aspects that are taken into consideration.

These multiple aspects consist of strength, hitting mechanics, as well as your own preferences.

Length

The right size of the softball bat is an essential factor to shine in all nine innings of the game as it gives you stability and also offers you the comfort to swing easily and quickly. The three ways to measure the right size of the bat for you are listed below.

1. Firstly, the bat knob is placed at the center of your chest and the barrel is extended towards your fingertips. If you are able to touch the end of the bat with your fingertips then it is the perfect size for you otherwise it is not.
2. Another technique, to measure the right size of the bat is to place the bottom of the knob of the bat in the center of your chest facing outwards. Now, try to reach out to grab the barrel of the bat, if you can then it is a perfect size.
3. The last way to measure is to place the bat up vertically against your leg and if the bat reaches your mid-hip region then it is an appropriate size.

Weight

The weight of the fastpitch softball bats totally depends upon the preferences of a player and also the physique as well as strength of the player. The weight also differs among different models of the fastpitch softball bat.

If you are a stronger player then you can opt for a heavier bat as you can easily swing it. However, if you are a player with a lean physique then you should go for a lighter version of the bat to comfortably hold and swing the bat.

Furthermore, it is suggested to always choose a lighter fastpitch softball bat as a heavier bat can hinder your performance in the field by reducing your swing speed. Consequently, you can easily test if you are able to handle the weight of the bat by holding the bat with one hand extending your arm, and holding that position for 30 seconds.

If you can hold the bat for that long then the weight of the bat is perfect for you otherwise you can go up or down the weight according to your preference.

Drop

The length of the weight ratio of the fastpitch softball bat is known as the drop of a bat. The bat with a lesser drop would probably lie on the heavier side while the more the drop the lighter bat would be.

You can also take down your length and weight numbers from your previous models to help you to find the same measurements in the market.

The drop model of the fastpitch softball bats determines the swing weight of the bat. On the other hand, the swing weight of the bat helps us to determine how the weight of the bat is distributed along the length of the bat. For example, two bats have a weight of 30 ounces but the swing weight differs variably due to the distribution of the weight along the length.

Therefore, different models of fastpitch softball bats fall under the swing weight spectrum from balanced to end-loaded bats.

Additionally, the end-loaded softball fastpitch bats have the extra weight shifted towards the end of the barrel that creating a whip-like action and generating more power while the balanced bats have an even distribution of weight all along the length of the bat enhancing the swing speed.

Balanced bats are also preferred by contact hitters to build stability and control over the bat while swinging.

Barrel Diameter

The barrel is the hitting part of the bat and is also the thickest as well as the widest part of the bat. The barrel comes in many different sizes and is measured by its diameter which is measured in inches. Likewise, there are many leagues that restrict the size of a bat’s barrel. Therefore, it is always suggested to talk to your coach before purchasing a certain bat.

Material

There are mainly two options available in the market when choosing the material of the fastpitch softball bat and they are composite and aluminum. Composite softball bats are the most used and preferred material in the market over aluminum ones as they tend to deliver superior pop, performance, and durability.

However, the material of the bat depends upon the player’s preferences and also according to the rules of the league that mentions the particular use of the material in the fastpitch softball bats.

Construction

The market consisted of two different types of fastpitch softball bats with two different construction styles and techniques. These two are the one-piece bats and the multi-piece bats that vary in the level of their construction.

The one-piece models are a complete piece of composite or alloy and are often preferred by the power hitter to create more flex upon contact.

Conversely, the multi-piece models have two parts separated from each other; the barrel and the handle. These two parts are then connected to each other by a transition piece in the tapered area of the bat. These bats are preferred by contact hitters as it reduces the vibrations of the bat due to the hitting of the ball. It also optimizes the swing speed of the player and prevents sting on contact.

Final Thoughts

To generate more power at the bat, youth fastpitch players require a lighter swing weight, and a balanced bat may be the best option for them. 

Lastly, you should remember that selecting the best quick-pitch bat is a highly personal decision depending on your comfort and ease. 

However, the bats listed above are top-notch, and I am confident that you will feel comfortable and at ease in one of them if not all of them.

Choosing one of these bats will ensure that you have complete control over your game, and the bat will be a genuine partner during the battle! I hope the list was helpful, and you won’t have to look for anything else anymore.