Fastpitch Softball Bats - Why So Different?

Both fast and slowpitch softball have the same name so many people new to the game assume that there is little to no difference between the equipment. It is not uncommon, especially on leagues, to see “newbies” try to bring a slowpitch bat to a fastpitch game and vice versa. Although you can get away with this on the gloves and most of the other softball equipment, do not try to use a slowpitch bat in a fastpitch game unless you really didn’t want to hit the softball anyway! Fastpitch softball bats are lighter and smaller than their slowpitch cousins - and with good reason!

The fast pitch softball bat is lighter due to the velocity of the ball being thrown by the pitcher. The increased softball speed naturally means that anyone at the plate will have less time to commit to swinging than someone playing slowpitch. This is why the range of weight for fastpitch bats is 23-30 ounces while the range is 26-30 ounces for slowpitch bats. That is why people who bring a slowpitch bat to a fastpitch battle tend to swing late and strike out!

Fastpitch Bats - Smaller Sweet Spot

There is a good reason why slowpitch softball players tend to hit better than fastpitch players and it is not necessarily due to the speed of the pitch. Simply put, the sweet spot on a slowpitch bat is bigger due to a larger barrel size. The length of fastpitch bats is between 32 and 34 inches while slowpitch bats have a range of 33 to 34 inches. While it is possible to have the same overall length in both a slow and fastpitch bat, the barrel length is greater on slowpitch bats which is the reason for the increased size of the sweet spot and a big factor in why slowpitch batters fare so well. Whether you are looking for slowpitch or fastpitch softball gear, online merchants are probably the best place to find what you need due to their extensive selection and superior pricing when compared to the traditional sporting goods store and they can help you find the right equipment for you - and the style of softball you happen to be playing!

Also see; Softball Equipment

Softball Equipment