Softball My Favorite Fastpitch Bats | Amanda Werth Softball

My Favorite Fastpitch Bat Recommendations

Whether you are a coach, parent, or player these are my favorite fastpitch bats (advanced, intermediate & beginner options) that I would buy again and again after 11 years of coaching full time.

Also see below for a size guide.

Choosing the right softball equipment is hard.

Helpful links and buying guides for coaches, parents, and players looking for a little help.

If you are going to spend your money, do it right the first time.

Let’s make sure you have all the facts and pick the right equipment before making such an important investment.

Thank you for helping me help your daughters.

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High end bats for players committed to the ball life. These bats are good investments for girls who play year round. They are on the pricier side, but what you pay for – you’ll get in extreme performance and exit speed. You’ll find these listed in order of my personal favorites. For any of the advanced options, I would recommend having a cage bat for practice, and only using these on gameday. See size guide below for details.

2024 Easton Ghost Unlimited | -8 -9 -10 -11

Ok, you may be asking yourself, what could a bat at this price point possibly do for you? Well, it's an absolute beast. If you're looking for a competitive advantage, this bat will certainly help. It's super fast but also easily controlled. The ball absolutely pops off of this bat, and the sound is surprisingly satisfying! This is a composite barrel bat with dual materials which in tandem make a bat with excellent flex but little compression. As an end-loaded bat this would typically be used by power hitters, but its composite build and rigidity allow more contact-type hitters to use this profitably as well. It performs exceptionally well, and though it’s not all that important, the white, red and black color scheme looks super awesome too. Carbon composite bats also are renowned for cracking over time, but Easton has changed the composite used in this year's bat to address the cracking issue.

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Rawlings Mantra+ Fastpitch Bat | -10 -9

The bat I am seeing more and more of lately - and for good reason. Designed with the perfect combination of power and control for high school and college fastpitch softball p;ayers. The Mantra Fastpitch Softball Bat allows players who swing it to maintain a fast, powerful, and smooth swing. The revolutionary 3-step inner barrel design that optimizes performance, strength and weight distribution across the length of the barrel for a fast, powerful connection through the swing zone. What I love about this bat for my older players is that it is BLAST MOTION SENSOR ENABLED - This is the first bat approved for game use with a new knob construction that seamlessly incorporates the Blast Motion technology sensor providing real-time feedback and analytics without disrupting swing weight or hand feel.

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2024 Louisville Slugger Meta Fastpitch Bat | -10

My personal favorite bat on the market right now. You cannot go wrong with this bat. Louisville's 2022 Meta is the brand's step above the Xeno. This bat has a balanced swing weight that is perfect for all player types. Two-piece composite design featuring the VTX Connection System, which allows for independent movement between the barrel and handle for unparalleled feel and pop. This bat is typically a crowd favorite. Most of our college team swung Louisville Sluggers. I personally love the feel and the sound of this bat. Not to brag, but this bat feels like slicing through butter with a hot knife.

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2024 Louisville Slugger Xeno Fastpitch Bat | -10

What can you say about Ms. Old Reliable? Unsure about which bat to buy in this lineup - this can be a bat for everyone. This is probably my most recommended bat. Can't say I've ever met a player who didn't love this bat. Designed to have a stiffer feel through the zone and a solid feel through contact. This bat has minimal break in time that creates a bat that's hot out of the wrapper.

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2024 Louisville Slugger LXT Fastpitch Bat | -10

This is another oldie but goodie classic bat. I personally think this bat is perfect for girls looking for a lighter feel to create more bat speed and control. A three-piece design allows more flex between the barrel and handle, reducing vibration and delivering a smooth contact point. I would recommend this bat to players who need better bat control or speed, contact hitters, or lefty slappers. Many of my girls love this bat and are repeat buyers year after year.

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2023 Demarini FP CF Fastpitch Bat | -10

I just recently swung this in the cage and was impressed by the flex on this bat. This definitely doesn't swing stiff. The sweet spot seemed to be large and responsive. This bat had a balanced weight distribution and was easy to swing and get adjusted to. This bat would be a great durable option if you were trying to avoid Easton's cracking problems. According to the website “This high-performance barrel stays hotter longer than anything else we’ve seen on the market.” A few of my teammates are loyal Demarini fans, and they all say this bat lasts for years and that they would buy this bat again and again.

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Bats for players who want the best of both performance and price. Unfortunately, there aren’t many good options out there that I would recommend. Most Intermediate players want to stay around -10, -11 or -12, and most of the mid range bats I found are just simply too light. I’ll update this section when I find better options out there. Another option is to try to find a lightly used option from the above section from either Ebay, Craigslist, or a friend/teammate – just know that if you do buy used – you’ll void most warranties.

Easton Topaz Bat | -10

This bat is a great starting point for girls to swing a -10. This isn't the best bat out there, but a great starter bat to get the weight and feel of swinging a -10 which is why I included this bat in the 'intermediate' section. This bat is for girls who want to work on getting stronger at a decent price point OR who are in between sizes and don't want to resort to selling a kidney on the black market to buy a bat. I highly recommend having enough weight behind your bat, so if you can swing a -10, you should! Comes in sizes 28"-33". This also would make a great cage bat option (see size guide below for more details on weight recommendations and cage/practice bats).

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Easton Amethyst Fastpitch Softball Bat | -11

I see a ton of these bats at all of my Intermediate clinics. This is a great option for those who want a great durable bat for a great price. Designed for girls who are playing house or youth travel! This bat has a balanced weight distribution! I would recommend this bat as a great starting point for players ages 8-12 years old. But perhaps what I appreciate most about this product is its affordability without compromising on quality. As a coach, I understand the importance of budget-friendly options that deliver results, and the Easton Amethyst certainly fits the bill.

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Marucci Echo DMND Alloy | -12

It's a great option for players looking to upgrade from their beginner bat to something more advanced. With sizes ranging from 27" to 31", there's a perfect fit for players of all ages and skill levels. Plus, the -12 drop weight makes it easy to generate bat speed without sacrificing power. One of the things that really sets the MARUCCI Alloy apart is its affordability. You're getting top-of-the-line performance without breaking the bank, which is great news for parents who are already shelling out for league fees and travel expenses.

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DeMarini 2022 Uprising | -12

One of the standout features of the Uprising is its balanced swing weight. This means that the bat feels light and nimble in the hands, making it easier for players to whip through the hitting zone with speed and accuracy. As a coach, I've seen firsthand how a well-balanced bat can improve a player's swing mechanics and overall performance at the plate. This is another great option for players looking to swing a -12. This bat comes in lengths 28"-32" making this the perfect bat for a taller or older intermediate player.

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Bats for players who want to try out the sport or don’t want to spend an arm and a leg! These are also great ‘cage bat’ options as well! (Under $50!) I saw a ton of options out there that were too light for me to recommend. If you don’t go with these two beginner options, make sure you buy something that’s either a -10 or -11. See bat size guide below.

Rawlings Ombre | -11

First and foremost, let's talk about performance. This bat is a game-changer on the field. The aluminum construction provides a perfect balance of power and speed, allowing hitters to generate impressive bat speed without sacrificing control. Whether your player is looking to drive the ball into the outfield gap or lay down a perfectly placed bunt, this bat delivers consistent results. One of the things I love most about the Rawlings Ombre is its versatility. It's designed for fastpitch softball, but it's suitable for players of all skill levels. From seasoned veterans to rookies just starting out, everyone can benefit from the performance and reliability this bat offers. Plus, with its -11 length-to-weight ratio, it's easy for younger players to handle and swing with confidence.

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Easton Ghost Aluminum Fastpitch Bat | -11

For those tomboys out there (like me) who didn't love all the girly pink bats, this is a great youth option. Great value for the price. This bat has a balanced weight distribution and has a sleek design. I would recommend this bat as a great starting point for youth players ages 5-10 years old. if you're just starting out in the world of softball, this product is an absolute gem. From the very first swing, I could tell it was designed with beginners in mind. The Easton Ghost provides the perfect balance of durability and performance, making it an ideal choice for those who are just getting their feet wet in the sport.

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Easton Saphire Fastpitch Bat | -10

I see a ton of these bats at all of my beginner clinics. This is another great option for those who want a great durable bat for a great price. Designed for the youth fastpitch softball player that is just starting the game. This bat swings on the lighter side. I would recommend this bat as a great starting point for players ages 5-10 years old. While it's great for beginners, more advanced players may find that they outgrow it relatively quickly. That being said, I firmly believe that this bat and the any of the beginner bats mentioned in this section are great cost effective starter options, regardless of skill level.

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One of the most frequently asked questions I get at hitting clinics is “What size bat should my daughter be swinging?”

There are two measurements you should be looking at when choosing a bat: the length and the weight.. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all measurement on what to buy lengthwise, as every hitter has a different arm span/swing. As a rough guide I usually recommend 8/10u 28-30in, 10u/12u 30-32, 14u 32-33, and 16u+ 33-34, but remember this is an approximate estimate and every player is different.

The weight is marked by a ‘drop’ measurement. This will be the number on the barrel that has a minus sign before it. If you take the bat length and subtract the drop number, you will get the weight of the bat in oz. The average softball player typically swings a -10 bat. 95% of my travel girls swing -10’s. -11 bats are typically used by beginners or smaller players who need better bat speed or more control in their swing. -12 bats are almost always too light unless your player is bunting or slapping full time. If the bat is too light, there won’t be enough weight behind the ball to swing through the ball. If your player is complaining that her hands hurt or the bat is vibrating too much when she hits the ball, that is often a sign that the bat is too light, or it could mean that the bat is “dead” and needs to be replaced. Typically, -8 and -9 bats are only used by the elite top 10% of High School and College Athletes.

If possible, It’s always best to have the hitter try out different bat lengths and sizes to try to figure out what works best for her. Take a trip to the cages or borrow teammates bats until she figures out what feels best. The best time to buy a new size bat is in the offseason. This allows your player to grow into the bat and have ample time to get used to the change.

Ah, the trusty aluminum bat. It’s like the reliable old pickup truck of the softball world. Affordable, durable, and gets the job done. Sure, it might not have the fancy bells and whistles of its composite counterpart, but it’s a solid choice for beginners and budget-conscious players.

One thing to watch out for with aluminum bats is that sting factor. You know that feeling when you make contact and your hands feel like they’ve been stung by a swarm of bees? Yeah, not fun. But hey, it toughens you up, right? Plus, aluminum bats are great for players who are still growing and likely to outgrow their bat faster than you can say “home run.”

Now, if you’re ready to take your game to the next level, it might be time to invest in a carbon composite bat. These babies are like the Ferraris of the softball world – sleek, powerful, and oh-so-smooth. They might cost you a pretty penny, but trust me, what you pay for is what you get in performance and exit speed.

Composite bats are usually designed as either a 2-piece or 3-piece setup, which can affect the feel and performance of the bat. Personally, I’m a fan of the 2-piece design for its balance and responsiveness, but hey, to each their own.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the dreaded cracking issue. Yes, it’s true, composite bats have a tendency to crack, especially if you don’t take care of them properly. Hey Dad, remember that time I left my bat in the car overnight during a winter freeze and then broke it in half at practice? Yeah, not my finest moment. Turns out, composite bats don’t like extreme temperatures, and when they don’t flex properly, they’re more likely to snap or crack.

But don’t let that scare you off. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your composite bat in top-notch condition for seasons to come.

In conclusion, whether you’re swinging aluminum or composite, the most important thing is to find a bat that feels right for you. So go ahead, take a few practice swings, and trust your gut. After all, it’s not just about the bat – it’s about the player wielding it.

*Please see the above note about the composite bat cracking issue*

Also don’t throw your bat, or clean your muddy cleats with your $400 bat (duh). You laugh, but I see girls doing it all the time. Metal cleat wearers especially. JUST. DON’T. DO. IT.

Most players will also have “cage bats” which are bats that they will use when they are at practice or hitting off of pitching machines. The rubber balls often used in batting cages are a different density which can also cause damage to composite bats, shortening the life of the bat. I only really recommend getting a cage bat when your player stops growing height wise. When girls are young they typically outgrow their bats faster than they will overuse them. But if you do decide to purchase a cage bat it’s important that their practice bat is the same size as the bat your player will be using during the season, OR even one ounce HEAVIER.

Think of buying a bat like going to the gym. If you train lifting LIGHT weights all offseason and then go to lift the HEAVY weights during the season, your swing mechanics will most likely suffer. What you swing in the offseason also matters!

Just like making any adjustment, it will take time to get used to something new. Swinging a new bat will always feel DIFFERENT at first, but with reps and bat that’s fitted correctly, it can make all the difference.

I hope this helps! Good luck!