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How to Choose a Fastpitch Softball Bat
A fastpitch softball bat is one of the most important pieces of equipment during a competitive game. Choosing the right bat is key to optimizing your swing both in practice and during games. With key components to consider like league regulations, drop weight, and length, selecting the best fitting fastpitch softball bat can be challenging. Whether just starting or looking to upgrade for the season, our Experts provided their knowledge on the easiest way to choose a fastpitch softball bat.
Fastpitch Softball Bat League Regulations
If your player is six years old or younger, they will start learning the skills of softball by using a tee ball bat. A tee ball bat is designed specifically to hit from a tee. As your player gets older, you’ll want to pay attention to the stamp on the softball bat. There are two safety standards a fastpitch bat needs to meet in order to be considered a USA (ASA) or USSSA fastpitch bat. You’ll notice that many fastpitch bats are dual stamped meaning that they are both ASA and USSSA approved.
Measuring for a Fastpitch Softball Bat
After understanding your league’s regulations, the next step is to determine the ideal drop weight for you or your player. Unlike baseball, softball has fewer league restrictions regarding drop weight, allowing some players to handle heavier bats.
To determine a softball bat’s drop weight, take the length minus the weight. For example, a 30-inch softball bat that weighs 20 ounces would have a drop of 10. Whether you’re shopping online or browsing in a store, you’ll see the drop weight indicated like this (-10). The higher the number, the lighter the softball bat. Different factors play into which drop weight works best for a player including the player’s height and weight as well as their strength and skills.
To find out which drop weight you’re able to control, use the following two tests:
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Multiple Swings: Swing your softball bat multiple times in a row. If your arms feel tired and the bat feels heavy, you’ll want to try the next highest drop weight.
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Extended Hold: Hold your softball bat horizontally away from your body. If you can maintain this position for 45 seconds, this could be a good drop weight for you.
Balanced vs. End Loaded Bats
Balanced and end-loaded softball bats are two of the most common types to choose between. A balanced softball bat has an even weight distribution from the knob to the end cap, making it easier to control and a great option for contact hitters. An end-loaded softball bat places more weight on the barrel, making it ideal for power hitters.
Softball Bat Length
Fastpitch softball bats vary in length from 28 to 34 inches and come down to plate coverage. When you consider your stance and swing in connection with bat length, you’ll find the best length to optimize your swing. Use the softball bat size chart below to give you a starting point in selecting your fastpitch bat length. Aside from this softball bat size chart, you can swing different length bats with your ideal drop weight to figure out which option feels best.
Softball Bat Size Chart
| WEIGHT (lbs.) | HEIGHT (in.) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 41" | 41-44" | 45-48" | 49-52" | 53-56" | 57-60" | 61-64" | 65-68" | 69-72" | + 73 | |
| UNDER 60 | 26" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 29" | |||||
| 61-70 | 27" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | ||||
| 71-80 | 28" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | ||||
| 81-90 | 28" | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 91-100 | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 101-110 | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 111-120 | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 121-130 | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 32" | ||
| 131-140 | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | ||
| 141-150 | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | |||
| 151-160 | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | ||
| 161-170 | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | 33" | |||
| 171-180 | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | 34" | |||||
| 180 and Up | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" |
Most Popular Bat Length By Age
| Age | Length (in.) |
|---|---|
| 7 and under | 24-26" |
| 8-10 | 26-29" |
| 11-12 | 30-31" |
| 13-14 | 31-32" |
| 15-17 | 32-33" |
| 18+ | 33-34" |
When stepping up to the plate, it’s important that your new fastpitch softball bat feels comfortable to get the most out of each swing. If you have any additional questions on how to choose a fastpitch softball bat, stop into your local SCHEELS and speak with one of our softball experts.