12 Best Fastpitch Softball Bat in 2021

2021 Louisville Slugger LXT

Mizuno F21 PWR CRBN

DeMarini CF

Softball is a similar game to baseball with few modifications. It requires a smaller field and a larger ball than baseball. The positions determines the kind of softball.

There are two types of softball, and they are fastpitch and slowpitch softball. The difference between these two is the pitch speed and kind of pitch. In slowpitch softball, a player throws the ball underarm causing the ball to have slow speeds in the 25 MPH range. In contrast, in a fastpitch softball, a windmill motion causes the ball to move at speeds higher than 65 MPH. Windmill motion pitch occurs when the pitcher spins the ball in a circular motion over the head and throws it underarm. There are high-performing softball pitchers and the fastest pitch thrown ever in softball is by Carolina Diamonds at 77 MPH.

You need skills to improve in softball. Drills improve skills when done consistently. Bats for slowpitch and fastpitch bats differ. Slowpitch bat designs are for bats moving at slow speeds, and they generate enough power to hit the ball through a farther distance. Fastpitch bats have designs for speed and quick reaction because they hit bats at a fast rate.

The best fastpitch softball bats of all time include Rawlings Storm, Easton Ghost, Easton FRZ, Mizuno Finch, DeMarini Vendetta, etc. These bats are fan favorites, and they suit the player’s needs. To make your bats last longer proper care is necessary.

To improve as a softball hitter, grip, hand position, swing, contact, and follow-through are vital. Consistent practice and drills improve a player’s performance. There are many bats in the market. The best fastpitch bats include Louisville Slugger LXT, Mizuno F21 Titanium, DeMarini FNX, etc.

Factors to consider when purchasing a bat include budget, bat length and weight, barrel size, and certifications. Different bats suit all budgets. There are aluminum, composite, and wood bats. There are also bats with a one-piece, two-piece, or three-piece design. Therefore, the type of bat you want determines your budget. Another factor is the bat’s length. Younger players use shorter bats. The player’s height and weight determine the suitable bat length; appropriate bat length increases with the player’s height and weight. The weight of a bat is generally known as the drop, and it is the negative difference between the bat’s length in inches and its weight in ounces. A high drop indicates a lighter bat in comparison to a low drop bat. For instance, a drop 5 bat is heavier than a drop 8 bat. To know how heavy a bat is, have the player hold the bat straight out parallel to the ground. If the player can hold the bat for 20 seconds, then the bat is the suitable weight.

Barrel size is also significant in choosing a softball bat. A bat with a small barrel diameter is lighter and easy to swing. Still, a bat with a larger barrel diameter has a large surface area which improves sweet spot and accuracy. Certifications also matter when choosing bats. There are different governing bodies for softball leagues, and they have rules for equipment legal for play. Ensure that your bat is certified for the tournament you are playing. Some governing bodies include the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), Amateur Softball Association (ASA), Independent Sports Association (ISA), International Softball Federation (ISF), and National Softball Association (NSA).

The best twelve fastpitch bats in 2021 are reviewed below with consideration to the factors above.

The Best Fastpitch Softball Bats are reviewed below

There are different bats in the market with various features, models, manufacturers, and uses. Below is a review of the top twelve fastpitch softball bats.

1

2021 Louisville Slugger LXT

The Louisville Slugger LXT is one of the best fastpitch softball bats widely in use by college players. The bat has variable lengths between 28 and 34 inches and drop weights between -8 and -11. This variation makes the bat available to all players depending on their preferences. Significant features of the Louisville Slugger LXT include a speed composite design with PBF technology for maximum pop, excellent sound, and a vast sweet spot. The bat is a three-piece with a vibration control connection system that allows independent movement between the barrel and the handle. It also controls vibration and improves feel. The bat has a balanced swing weight that combines both speed and power and makes the bat suitable for both contact and power hitters. The bat also has a COPA performance end cap that maximizes the sweet spot. The Louisville slugger is certified for USSSA, NSA, ASA, etc.

Key Features:

  • New Speed Composite Design Barrel
  • PBF technology
  • Three-piece design
  • Vibration Control Connection (VCX2)
  • Balanced Swing Weight
  • COPA performance end cap
  • LS Pro Comfort Grip
  • USSSA, ASA, NSA certified

Specification:

  • Brand: Louisville Slugger
  • Dimensions: 34 × 2.5 × 2.5 inches
  • Weight: 23 ounces
Pros
  • Variable-length and weight to suit player’s needs
  • A large sweet spot, maximum pop, and true sound on contact
  • VCX2 system reduces stings from vibrations on impact
  • An Elastomeric connection between barrel and handle
  • Balanced swing weight for maximum swing speed and control
  • The end cap maximizes the sweet spot
  • Cushioned and comfortable grip
  • Suitable for major softball leagues
Cons
  • It does not have as much feel as previous Louisville Slugger LXT models

2

Mizuno F21 PWR CRBN

The Mizuno F21 PWR bat is a durable bat with a two-piece composite design. The bat has varying lengths between 30 and 34 inches and drop weights between -9 and -11. The bat features the detonator cor, a patent design from Mizuno for low barrel compression that improves bat performance and sound. The bat also has cylinder seaming that improves durability and consistency. The grip of the bat is speed-helix for maximum comfort. The bat also has a dual-frequency dampener and a stiff carbon handle. The dual-frequency dampener reduces vibrations and provides less flex for higher performance. In contrast, the stiff carbon handle reduces energy loss, hits balls at higher speeds, ad maximizes energy transfer across the bat. The bat is also USSSA and ASA certified

Key Features:

  • Detonator Cor
  • Cylinder Seaming
  • Speed-Helix grip
  • Dual Frequency Dampener
  • Stiff Carbon Handle
  • USSSA and ASA certified

Specification:

  • Brand: Mizuno
  • Length: 34 inches
  • Weight: 24 ounces
Pros
  • Varying lengths and drop weights makes it suitable for all players
  • High-performance bat with excellent sound
  • Comfortable grip
  • Durable bat
  • Vibration dampening
  • Maximum energy transfer between the handle and the bat
Cons
  • High Price point

3

DeMarini CF

The DeMarini CF bat is suitable for players that want to maximize swing speeds. The bat has a colorful appearance with varying lengths between 28 and 34 inches and a drop weight of -10 and -11. The bat features a Paraflex plus composite material that gives it a massive sweet spot, maximum barrel control, and high responsiveness. The bat uses 3Fusion Connection for maximum energy transfer between the handle and the barrel. The connection also creates a streamlined design that gives the player greater weight control and reduces vibration. Another feature is the reaction end cap that is a blend of strong and light materials. This end cap improves the bat’s performance without minimizing swing speed. The bat is also suitable for all leagues because it is USSSA, ASA and NSA certified.

Key Features:

  • Two-piece composite bat
  • Varying lengths and drop weight
  • Paraflex plus composite material
  • 3Fusion connection system
  • Reaction end cap
  • USSSA, NSA, and ASA certified

Specification:

  • Brand: DeMarini
  • Dimensions: 34 × 2.5 × 2.5 inches
  • Weight: 24 ounces
Pros
  • Large sweet spot
  • Maximum energy transfer
  • Reduction in stings and vibrations
  • Lightweight bat with balanced swing weight
  • Responsive bat with amazing pop
  • Suitable for contact hitters
  • Ideal for USSSA, NSA, and ASA leagues
Cons
  • Not suitable for power hitters

4

DeMarini FP FNX

The DeMarini FP FNX bat is end-loaded and suitable for power hitters. The bat is a drop 8 and has enough weight to generate power by strong players. The bat is also available in drop 9 and drop 10, with lengths varying from 31 to 34 inches. The bat has a continuous fiber barrel that makes it light, strong, and durable. The continuous fiber is from composite rolled into itself, and it gives the bat an enormous sweet spot. The bat also features a direct connection handle that connects the two-piece bat and increases the feel and power on contact. It also allows maximum energy transfer. The end cap is seismic a d is from stiff materials. The end cap delivers a high amount of energy on impact. The bat is also ideal for different leagues because it has USSSA and ASA certifications.

Key Features:

  • Continuous fiber barrel
  • Direct Connection Handle
  • Seismic End Cap
  • Two-piece composite bat
  • End-loaded bat
  • USSSA and ASA certified

Specification:

  • Brand: DeMarini
  • Dimensions: 34 × 2.5 × 2.5 inches
  • Weight: 26 ounces
Pros
  • Weight concentration at the barrel increases power generation
  • Durable bat with light, strong composite material
  • Massive sweet spot and accuracy
  • Maximum energy transfer
  • High power generation on impact
  • Improved feel and control
  • Stiff end cap with complete power transfer
  • Suitable for various leagues
Cons
  • Smaller players may not be able to swing the bat due to its weight

5

2021 Anderson RockeTech

The Anderson RockeTech is a one-piece alloy bat that is end-loaded and suits power hitters. This bat is a product of the Anderson bat company, and it is available only as a drop 9 bat. The bat has its weight concentration towards the end of the bat, creating more power with each swing. The bat is from M1 alloy, which is an aerospace-grade material that withstands pressure and time. It also has a double-wall design with 12 inches of alloy reinforcing the barrel. The bat features a double-wall design that gives the bat a large pop and increases its durability. The bat has a small diameter of 2 ¼ inches that makes the bat easy to swing. The bat is ASA, USSSA, ISA, NSA, and NCAA certified, and it is available in 31 to 34 inches in length.

Key Features:

  • One-piece alloy bat
  • End-loaded with more mass and power
  • M1 Alloy
  • Double-wall design with 12 inches alloy
  • 2¼ inches barrel diameter
  • -9 drop weight
  • USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, NCAA certified

Specification:

  • Brand: Anderson Bat Company
  • Dimensions: 34 × 3 × 3 inches
  • Weight: 23 ounces
Pros
  • Durable bat with massive pop
  • The bat generates power with every swing
  • Suitable for power hitters
  • Legal for play in various leagues
Cons
  • Not ideal for contact hitters
  • The bat is only available in drop 9

6

2021 Mizuno F21-CRBN1

The Mizuno F21-CRBN1 bat is a budget-friendly bat with a lot of high-performing features. The bat is a drop 10 bat and is available in drop 8, drop 9, and drop13. It also has lengths varying from 30 to 34 inches. The bat features an X-Zone technology that creates a massive sweet spot that improves accuracy; this technology also expands the end cap. The bat is a one-piece composite bat from black onyx carbon, which reduces the break-in period and increases its durability. The anti-shock construction that comes with the bat reduces vibrations and gives the bat a more comfortable swing. The bat also features a double wall that improves its performance and increases its durability. Another feature is the cylinder seaming that improves the bat’s consistency. The bat is also certified by USSSA, ASA, NSA, and ISA.

Key Features:

  • One-piece composite bat
  • X-zone Technology
  • Optimized end cap
  • Anti-shock
  • Double-walled bat
  • Cylinder Seaming
  • Black Onyx carbon composite material
  • USSSA, NSA, ASA, and ISA certified bat

Specification:

  • Brand: Mizuno Sports
  • Length: 30 inches
  • Weight: 20 ounces
Pros
  • The bat is a one-piece bat that generates power and is stiff on impact
  • X-Zone technology creates a massive sweet spot
  • Black Onyx carbon increases durability and makes break-in faster
  • Anti-shock reduces vibrations from the bat to provide a comfortable swing
  • Double-walled bat for better performance, more power, and accuracy
  • Optimized end cap for maximum energy transfer and gives the bat a great pop on contact
  • Good performance due to cylinder seaming
  • Suitable for various leagues
Cons
  • Despite its anti-shock, you can still feel a tiny amount of stings from the bat

7

2021 Anderson RockeTech Flash

The Anderson RockeTech Flash is a balanced bat with a one-piece design. The bat is from AB-9000 aerospace alloy, which improves its durability. The bat is lightweight with a drop weight of -12. The weight distribution in the bat is even, and this makes the bat easy to swing. The bat is legal for play in ASA, USSSA, ISA, and NSA leagues.

Key Features:

  • 2¼ inches barrel
  • Drop 12 bat
  • Balanced swing weight
  • One-piece alloy bat
  • AB-9000 Alloy
  • ASA, USSSA, ISA, and NSA certified

Specification:

  • Brand: Anderson Bat Company
  • Product dimensions: 31× 3 × 3 inches
  • Drop weight: -12
Pros
  • Low-price bat
  • Extremely durable bat from AB-9000 alloy
  • Effortless swing
  • Suitable for various leagues
Cons
  • No new technologies to boost bet’s performance
  • There are stings from mishits
  • Not suitable for power hitters

8

2021 Mizuno F21-Titanium

The Mizuno F21 Titanium is a drop 10 fastpitch bat with a three-piece titanium composite design. The bat is available in 33 and 34 inches lengths. This bat is an upgrade to the Mizuno F20 Titanium. The F21 bat is from hot metal titanium that improves performance and gives the bat a massive pop on impact. Titanium is a solid metal that weighs less, and little material is necessary for making the bat sturdy. Titanium makes the bat strong and lightweight. The handle is from stiff carbon, and it maximizes energy transfer on impact with the ball. The bat features a spiral wrap that creates consistent performance and improves the bat’s durability. The bat is a three-piece hybrid bat with a titanium barrel and composite handle. This design maximizes performance, improves swing speed and feel. The bat’s handle also has black onyx carbon, increasing durability and giving the bat a short break-in period. The vibration-reducing technology for these bats is the Dynamic Dampener which reduces stings from vibrations on impact. The bat is legal for USSSA, ASA, NSA, and ISA leagues

Key Features:

  • Hot Metal Titanium
  • Stiff Carbon Composite Handle
  • Spiral Wrap
  • Three-piece hybrid bat

Specification:

  • Brand: Mizuno
  • Length: 33 inches
  • Weight: 23 ounces
Pros
  • Lightweight, strong bat from hot metal titanium
  • Three-piece hybrid bat improves the bat’s performance and feel
  • Carbon composite handle maximizes energy transfer between the handle and the barrel
  • The bat is durable because of its spiral wrap
  • Dynamic dampener reduces vibrations from stings
  • Easy to swing
  • Suitable for contact hitters
  • Applicable in various leagues
Cons
  • Extremely expensive bat
  • Only available in -10 drop weight

9

Easton Ghost Double Barrel

The Easton ghost double barrel bat is a drop 10, two-piece composite bat with a balanced swing weight and different trademarked technologies that boost its performance. The technologies include the 2-piece Connexion+ technology that connects the handle and the barrel. The 2-piece connexion+ plus improves the pop and feels alongside the trademarked Nitrocell foam. The bat is from Xtra Tough Resin Matrix (XTX), enhancing durability and flex in the bat. The handle is ultra-thin with a 29/32 inches handle and a 1.2mm hyperskin grip. The grip is cushioned and comfortable. The bat has ASA, NSA, USSSA, ISA, and ISF certifications, making it suitable for all leagues. It also comes with a 1-year warranty. To suit player’s preferences, this bat is also available in drop 8, drop 9 and drop 11.

Key Features:

  • Two-piece composite bat
  • Double barrel
  • Xtra Tough Resin Matrix (XTX)
  • 2-piece connexion+ technology
  • Nitrocell foam
  • Balanced swing weight
  • Ultrathin 29/32 inches handle
  • ASA, USSSA, ISA, ISF, and NSA certifications

Specification:

  • Brand: Easton
  • Dimensions: 32 × 1 × 2.25 inches
  • Weight: 22 ounces
Pros
  • Varying length between 30 and 33 inches
  • Ultimate flex and pop on contact with the ball
  • Durable bat with low barrel compression
  • Light bat with maximum energy transfer between handle and barrel
  • Comfortable grip and handle
  • Reduction in vibrations on impact
  • Easy to swing
  • Suitable for players across all skill levels
  • Ideal for various leagues
  • 1-year warranty
Cons
  • Bat cracks after regular use

10

Louisville Slugger Xeno X20

The Louisville Slugger Xeno X20 bat is a fully composite bat with a two-piece design. The bat has a balanced swing weight and a drop weight of -10. The bat is easy to swing, and it has an Ultra-lightweight X-Cap design for improved speed. Features of the bat include a dual disk S1ID barrel technology that makes the bat a high-performance bat. The bat does not require break-in, an IST Xstiff Technology that makes the bat stiff and solid. The bat’s grip is a standard FP grip that has a cushion and is comfortable. The bat also has a huge sweet spot, balance and is available in drop 8, drop 9 and drop 11 variants.

Key Features:

  • S1ID barrel technology with dual disk
  • IST Xstiff technology
  • Balanced swing weight
  • Two-piece composite bat
  • Ultra-lightweight X-Cap end cap
  • Standard FP grip
  • USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA and ISF certifications.

Specification:

  • Brand: Louisville Slugger
  • Dimensions: 30 × 2.94 × 2.94 inches
  • Weight: 20 ounces
Pros
  • Hot out of the wrapper
  • High-performance bat
  • Two-piece composite bat
  • The stiff connection between barrel and handle
  • Balanced swing weight
  • It combines both power and speed, making it suitable for both contact hitters and power hitters
  • Lightweight end cap for improved speed and control
  • Cushioned grip and very comfortable
Cons
  • The bat is not durable

11

Rawlings 2021 Mantra Fastpitch Bat

Rawlings is a leading bat manufacturer, and the Rawlings 2021 Mantra is one of their products. This bat is a high-end drop 10 bats with varying lengths between 30 and 34 inches to suit the player’s preferences. The bat has notable features that make it a high-performance bat. The bat has a multi-step barrel technology that is 15% of the outer barrel, increasing the bat’s pop and sound. The bat also has an inner tube design that improves the bat’s performance, strength and weight distribution. Another feature of the Rawlings mantra is a vibration dampening collar that reduces stings from the bats giving the bat a smooth, comfortable feel. The bat also has a trademarked lizard skin grip that provides the bat with tack and improves comfort. The bat has a new technology where you can attach a Blast Motion sensor to the knob and get real-time feedback data and analytics to improve swings. The bat is USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, and ISF certified. It is suitable for high school players and comes with a one-year warranty. For player preferences, the bat is also available in drop 9

Key Features:

  • Drop 10 bat
  • The blast motion sensor on the knob
  • Lizard skin grip
  • Vibration dampening collar
  • Multi-step barrel technology
  • Inner tube design
  • Suitable for high school and college play
  • USSSA NSA, ISA, ISF, and ASA certified

Specification:

  • Brand: Rawlings
  • Dimensions: 30 × 2 × 2 inches
  • Weight: 20 ounces
Pros
  • Real-time feedback and analytics
  • Incredible pop, feel, and sound
  • Improved comfort and tack
  • Comfortable grip while the reduction in vibration and stings
  • High-performance bat with strength and even weight distribution
  • Suitable for high school and college players
  • Legal for play in various leagues
Cons
  • The blast sensor is sold separately from the bat
  • The bat sells out quickly

12

Wilson DeMarini FP Prism+

DeMarini bats are high-end bats with technologies and consistent upgrades to improve player’s performance. They produce bats in different styles and designs to create several options from which players can choose. The Wilson DeMarini FP Prism+ is an upgrade to the DeMarini prism. It is a drop 10 bat with varying lengths between 31 and 34 inches. The bat has a double-wall-gapped barrel that consists of two separate walls, working together to create a large sweet spot. The double-wall also delivers a good performance and gives the bat the best sound and feel. The bat also has a continuous fiber carbon barrel with strands of composite material that add weight to the barrel and improve its performance. Another feature of the bat is a refract end cap that generates significant bat speeds. The type V connection in the bat maximizes the feel and responsiveness of the double-wall barrel. This bat is suitable for contact players of all skill levels because it improves swings due to its lightweight design. The bat is also available in drop 11 to suit players’ preferences.

Key Features:

  • Drop 10 bat
  • Double-wall gapped barrel technology
  • Continuous fiber composite barrel
  • Refract end cap
  • Type V connection
  • Two-piece composite bat
  • Lightweight bat
  • Balanced swing

Specification:

  • Brand: DeMarini
  • Dimensions: 34 × 2.5 × 2.5 inches
  • Weight: 24 ounces
Pros
  • Double barrel walls work together for maximum performance
  • Massive sweet spot and accuracy
  • Unique sound and feel on contact
  • Composite material adds weight to the bat and improves performance
  • Maximum energy transfer between the barrel and handle
  • The end cap generates high bat speed
  • Type V connection maximizes the feel and responsiveness of the bat
  • Easy to swing
  • Suitable for contact hitters
Cons
  • Not suitable for power hitters

Buying Guide Questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions on fastpitch softball bats.

What is the best fastpitch softball bat?

There is a lot of good fastpitch softball bat in the market. The best five fastpitch bats include the Louisville Slugger LXT, DeMarini CF Zen, Anderson RockeTech Carbon Bat, Mizuno PWR CRBN, DeMarini FNX bats.

What is the hottest fastpitch bat ever made?

The Easton Ghost 2020 is the hottest fastpitch bat ever. It is a double barrel bat with a 2¼ inch diameter and composite material. The bat also comes with a one-year warranty

What size bat should I use for fastpitch softball?

The size of the bat depends on your height and weight. You can use a softball batting guide to check the best bat for your height and weight.

Are Easton Ghost softball bats illegal?

Easton Ghost has different members in its series, but only a member of the Easton Ghost X is illegal. The 30 inches and 20 ounces option of the Easton Ghost X is the only illegal Easton Ghost softball bat

Which Easton ghost softball bat is illegal?

Easton ghost softball bats have varying lengths from 28 to 32 inches, and only the 30 inches option is illegal

What bat is most used in college softball?

College players widely use the Louisville Slugger because the bat is hot and also has a high performance

Is the Xeno or LXT better?

The bats are similar in many ways. They both have the same end cap, material, and internal energy. The Xeno is slightly end-loaded, while the LXT is well balanced. Choosing between Xeno and LXT depends on the player’s preference. A player looking for a bat that generates power should go for the Xeno, while a player looking for faster swings should go for the LXT.

What size bat should my 12-year-old daughter use?

A drop 8 bat is suitable for a 12-year old. So, the ideal bat will be a drop 8 bat with a 31-inch length

[QUESTIN](Does a heavier softball bat hit farther?)

Heavy bats are more end-loaded, which means most of their weight concentration is at the barrel. A heavy bat can generate a lot of power and, in combination with a player’s swing speed, can hit a ball through a farther distance

Conclusion

Different factors affect the choice of bats, including price, bat length, bat size, bat weight, etc. This article makes a provision for the review of the best fastpitch softball bats examining these factors. These bats have innovative technologies that make them stand out and improve the player’s skills. Do well to check through to select the bat that suits your needs.