All-Star Baseball Cleats: Our top picks halfway through the professional season
All-Star cleats meet All-Star feet. Check out our top baseball cleats, worn by some of the best players in the game.
2.10.17
Which Fastpitch Bat Will You Take to the Plate?
Picking the right fastpitch bat can be a chore. There are so many to consider…. Do you want a one-piece or two-piece bat? End loaded or balanced? Composite or alloy barrel? It can be a lot to take in. But we’re here to help.
Let’s start by breaking down some of these distinctions:
- One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Bats: While one-piece bats are just one solid chunk of metal all the way through, two-piece bats are actually two separate materials held together by a connector. You’ll get stiffer swings out of one-piece bats which lead to consistency and reliability. But if you want more flex and less vibration, two-piece bats are the better options.
- End-Loaded vs. Balanced: Your bat’s weight distribution can make a huge difference in your swings. If your bat is balanced, its weight will be evenly distributed and you will get quicker bat speed. End loaded bats are slower, but provide more power thanks to the added weight to the end of the barrel.
- Composite vs. Alloy Barrels: Alloy, or aluminum, gives you reliable, consistent bat and ball speed at the point of contact, while composite takes time to break in, but flexes more so that you can get more power on hits. Composite bats also provide a faster bat speed than their aluminum counterparts.
- Weight Distribution: The ‘drop’ a bat has is all about giving hitters a lighter bat while still getting proper length. It is calculated by taking:
- Length- Drop= Weight
- For example, a 32-inch bat with a -9 ‘drop’ would weigh in at 23 oz. while a 32-inch bat with a -10 ‘drop’ would be 22 oz.
- -8, -9 and endloaded bats give you more power with each swing due to extra weight.
- -10 and -11 are for hitters with quicker bat speeds and looking to get on base everytime.
Louisville Slugger
$349.99
Big-time power hitters will love the unrivaled power, huge sweet spot, and minimized vibration of the Hyper 17.
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Two-Piece Composite
- Available in -8oz, -9oz, -10oz, and -11oz drops
- USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, and ISF certified
$299.99
Ideal balance, massive power, and a light weight—the Xeno Plus 17 delivers everything you need in a fastpitch bat.
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Two-Piece Composite
- Available in -8oz, -9oz, -10oz, and -11oz drops
- USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, and ISF certified
Demarini
$349.99
With premium amounts of power and comfort, the CF9 is perfect for college and high school hitters.
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Two-Piece Composite
- Available in -9oz and -10oz drops (-10oz also available in Hope “Breast Cancer Research Foundation” colorway)
- USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, and ISF certified.
$349.99
This bat is just like the great CF9, but with its end load design, it brings even more power to every swing.
- End-Loaded Swing Weight
- Two-Piece Composite
- Available in -10oz drops
- USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, and ISF certified
$349.99
The CF9 Slapper is specifically designed for the left-handed speed demons who are always looking for the perfect slap hit.
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Two Piece Composite
- Available in -10oz drops
- USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, and ISF certified
$199.99
For youth and transitional hitters, the Vendetta provides you with the feel and lightweight performance you need.
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Two-Piece Composite
- Available in -12oz drops
- USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, and ISF certified
Easton
$299.99
Get maximum performance and elite swing speed right out of the wrapper with the Stealth Flex.
- End-Loaded and Balanced Swing Weights Available
- Two-Piece Composite
- Available in -8oz and -9oz end-loaded drops, -10oz and -11oz Balanced drops
- USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, and ISF certified
$299.99
In 2008, Easton released the legendary purple Stealth bat. Well, now it’s back and better than ever.
- Balanced Swing Weight
- Two-Piece Composite
- Available in -10oz drops
- USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, and ISF certified
$199.99
An optimized sweet spot and zero vibration make this a great fastpitch bat for all types of hitters.
- End-Loaded and Balanced Swing Weights Available
- Two-Piece Composite
- Available in -12oz drops (End-Loaded or Balanced)
- USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, SSUSA, and ISF certified
Mizuno
$299.99
For a bat with elite power and feel that lasts, head to the plate with the Mizuno Nighthawk 2 bat.
- End-Loaded and Balanced Swing Weights Available
- Two-Piece Composite
- Available in -10oz and -11oz drops (End-Loaded or Balanced)
- USSSA, ASA, NSA, ISA, and ISF certified
We’re sure all of these choices will upgrade every at-bat you take, but make sure to check out our full collection of fastpitch bats.
