Miken Freak Slowpitch Softball Bat Review

Introduction

Softball is a game similar to baseball, but it requires a smaller field and a ball larger in circumference. Nine players on two opposing teams play a softball game. Batters take turns to hit the ball from an opposing pitcher to score points. Softball gear include bats, helmet, cleats, gloves, etc.

There are two types of softball, and they are slowpitch and fastpitch softball. The difference between these two games is the pitching technique and the ball speed. In fastpitch softball, players spin before pitching the ball underarm. This pitching technique is the windmill motion, and ball speed is about 50 to 60mph. In slowpitch softball, players throw the ball underarm without pitching, and ball speed is about 25 mph. Bats for fastpitch and slowpitch softball vary because of ball speed.

Miken Bats

Miken is a sporting goods company that has been in existence since 1998. The company produces quality bats with innovation and technology. Miken has a variety of products, including gloves, bats, uniforms, etc. Miken produces high-performance bats that suit different players and following regulating bodies’ standards. Miken bats are widely in use, and they have different types of slowpitch bats. Some of these bats include;

  1. Miken Vicious ASA/USSSA End-loaded Slowpitch Bat
  2. Miken Freak Primo 14″ Balanced USSSA Slowpitch Bat
  3. Miken Last Call 14″ Maxload USSSA Slowpitch Bat
  4. Miken Freak Primo Maxload USSSA Slowpitch Bat

There are other slowpitch bats manufacturers, and you can check out Best Slowpitch Softball Bats in 2021

When choosing a bat, players should consider the bat length, bat weight, player’s hitting techniques, regulating bodies, etc. Regulating bodies ensure free and fair play in games by putting rules in place. They also standardize equipment that is legal for play in different leagues. Regulating bodies in softball include;

  1. Amateur Softball Association, ASA
  2. United States Specialty Sports Association, USSSA
  3. Independent Softball Association, ISA
  4. National Softball Association, NSA
  5. World Baseball Softball Confederation, WBSC
  6. International Softball Federation, ISF

Miken Freak Slowpitch Softball Bat

The latest members of the Miken Freak series are the 2021 Freak Primo Balanced USSSA bat and the 2021 Freak Primo Maxload USSSA bat. The only difference between these two bats is their weight distribution. The balanced bat has an even weight distribution which makes it suitable for contact hitters. In contrast, the Maxload bat is an end-loaded bat with most of its weight concentration at the barrel. This bat is ideal for power hitters. The Miken Freak bats are durable, come with a 12-month warranty, and are legal for play in USSSA, NSA, and ISA games. Shared features between these bats include;

  • Two-piece composite bat

Two-piece bats have more flex and are not as rigid as one-piece bats. The Miken Freak bats use premium aerospace-grade fiber as a composite material. This material makes the bat durable and improves the bat’s trampoline effect.

  • 14-inch Barrel Length

The barrel length determines the size of the sweet spot in a bat. The 14-inch barrel gives the bat a sizeable sweet spot which increases the accuracy in the bat.

  • 2¼ -inch barrel diameter

A small barrel diameter aids weight distribution in a bat. Even weight distribution makes the bat lighter and faster. The Maxload bat has an extra half-ounce swing weight at the barrel, which gives the bat more power.

  • Flex 2 Power Technology

The flex 2 power (F2P) technology maximizes energy transfer from the bat’s handle to its barrel. This energy transfer increases bag speed and reduces stings from mishits. F2P also maximizes handle flex which increases the overall bat speed when passing through the strike zone.

  • Triple Matrix Core+ Technology

The triple matrix core+ technology uses an inner core tube to increase compression. This compression increases the bat’s responsiveness and optimizes bat performance.

You may be interested in Best Single Wall Softball Bats in 2021 and Best Softball Pitching machines in 2021

Conclusion

The Miken Freak has two members in its series to cater to player needs. The balanced variant is suitable for contact hitters, while the Maxload variant is suitable for power hitters. Miken Freak is a two-piece composite bat with technologies that improve its flex, energy transfer and reduces stings. The bat has a large sweet spot which gives it a high accuracy. The bat is also very durable and comes with a 12-month warranty.