I'm looking to get a new bat this year and have some questions. What is the difference between slowpitch and fastpitch bats beside the obvious pitch speed. Does it matter if you are using a fastpitch bat with slow pitching? Are there any advantages or disadvantages? Are fastpitch bats more durable? We have a habit of denting bats from hitting during games. Trying to avoid that as well. There isn't much information on the internet so any information or personal experiences would be helpful. Thanks.

-Mike

Mike,

As long as the bat is ASA...whoops...ISA approved, it should be allowed in league play unless it was specifically banned. Frank handed out a bat list on registration night.

The biggest differences between fast pitch and slow pitch bats are lengths and weights. Most slow pitch bats are 34" long and range from 26oz to 30oz (ISA allows bats up to 38oz). Fast pitch bats come in various lengths--from 30" to 33" typically, although you may find some longer or shorter. Fast pitch bats are labeled with a number that reflects the difference between weight and length. For example, a 23oz, 33" bat is labeled as -10oz. Another difference that I read about is energy distribution...but I think it's best to stop here.

Generally, fast pitch bats are not as durable as slow pitch bats, but there are exceptions. They are less durable because fast pitch bats use less material to make the bats lighter for a given length. Also, the same argument is given for 26oz slow pitch bats, but I haven't personally found that to be the case.

High performance metal bats are not very durable because in the case of double wall aluminum bats, the walls are very thin or in the case of certain high performance single wall steel bats, the wall is very, very thin. These bats dent very easily in the cold because the cold makes the ball harder. I have had good luck with cheaper single wall bats in the cold (Worth EST) and the Worth PST was the only bat I can recall that was warranted for usage down to 45 degrees F. Actually, with my patented rusty gate swing, I never dent bats.

Composite bats are not automatically more durable than metal bats and I have seen some shatter in the cold. Some composites like the Miken Freak 98 or some Eastons are renown for their durability. I mentioned brands and specific bats that I have experience with; there are definitely other very durable bats out there and it could be helpful if others posted bats they have found to be durable.

A decent site to check out is: http://www.softballfans.com/reviews/

Hopefully this helps.

John C
DPH Softball

John,

Thanks that is exactly the type of information I was looking for. I'll check out that website you suggested. Thanks agian.

-Mike

Mike,

You're welcome. Happy to help.

John C